South Dakota Boys Basketball State Tourney Previews - Roosevelt, White River and Clark/Willow Lake Favorites

The culmination of the second season – postseason play – is about to commence for South Dakota boys basketball prep teams. With White River in Class B the only defending champion still alive, at least two new champions will be crowned in the other classes on Saturday.

This blog features game notes on each of the teams in the three tournaments which begin on Thursday afternoon in Sioux Falls (AA), Rapid City (A) and Aberdeen (B). Before, getting into the who, what and how of the various squads, I better throw my picks your way. No surprise that I like SF Roosevelt in Class AA. They have been dominate all season with a team that moves the ball at a quick pace and presses teams in the likeness of former Arkansas Nolan Richardson’s “40 minutes of hell.” Roosevelt hasn’t lost a game to a South Dakota prep squad. Look for that to continue.

In Class A, Clark-Willow Lake comes into the tourney as one of two unbeaten teams left in South Dakota (Potter County in Class B). With one of the state’s top players in Skyler Flatten, who proved his worth with 35 points in an overtime regional final win, the Cyclones seem to be a team on a mission. Keep your eye on Madison and Tea Area. Both teams have the horses to capture a title. I will go with Clark-Willow Lake but they will be challenged, maybe in all three games.

As for Class B, my choice is an obvious one. I like the defending champions White River, who rank as one of the state’s most explosive teams in history. White River average 89 points per game and win by a margin of 41 points. Still, James Valley Christian, Viborg-Hurley and Dupree all have teams that could cause the Tigers a few headaches. Unbeaten Potter County will try and complete the school’s first unbeaten season but will be significantly tested.

So tune in to the South Dakota Public Broadcasting for the games this week or get out to the sites in Sioux Falls, Rapid City and Aberdeen.

AA -- Roosevelt Team to Beat

@ Sioux Falls Arena

#1 Sioux Falls Roosevelt (21-1) vs. #8 Rapid City Stevens (10-13)

#4 Huron (16-7) vs. #5 Brandon Valley (16-6)

#2 Pierre (17-5) vs. #7 Rapid City Central (10-11)

#3 Brookings (16-6) vs. #6 Sioux Falls Lincoln (12-11)

Game 1 -- #1 Sioux Falls Roosevelt (21-1) vs. #8 Rapid City Stevens (10-13)

Sioux Falls Roosevelt Notes:  Lee Taylor's Rough Riders squad (21-1) will be making its 10th state tournament appearance, as they look for a first title since 2000 (55-54, Rapid City Central). Clearly the favorite going in, Roosevelt has not lost to a South Dakota opponent this season. A year ago the Rough Riders finished sixth.  A balanced, athletic bunch, Roosevelt has four players that score in double figures, led by senior forward Tyler Howard, who has 987 career points. Howard (70 assists, 41 steals) averages 12.6 ppg with 2.9 rpg, hitting 51% from the field. Guard Nate Cole scores 11.4 ppg and has team-highs in assists (89) and steals (54) while making 81% from the foul stripe. Brandon Boggs is scoring 10.4 ppg and grabbing 5.5 rpg while making 47% from the field. Also scoring in double digits is guard Jeremiah Clark at 10.4 ppg. Clark, who has 55 assists, hits 53% from the field and 77% at the charity stripe. The Rough Riders also start Lucas Wilber, a standout wide receiver on the Roosevelt playoff football team last fall. He averages 7.5 ppg, 4.5 rpg and hits a team-high 57% from the floor. Others contributing for Roosevelt include Trevon Moody (2.8 ppg), Chris Phillips (4.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Josh Kirkwold (4.9 ppg, 2.3 rpg) and Colton Kooima (3.9 ppg). Roosevelt, which outrebounds opponents 29.3 to 25.3, rolled through Districts by defeating O'Gorman, 67-52, as Cole had 24 points. They defeated #2 Brookings, 62-38, in a District title game called by Taylor as his team's top defensive effort of the year. For the season, the Rough Riders have made 49% (582-1,197) from the floor and 69% (286-412) at the foul stripe, as well as 37.5% (132-352) from 3-point range. Clark is one of three Roosevelt players with at least 20 3’s on the season. He is 26-of-62 (41.9%) while Cole is 24-66 (36.4%) and Kooima, 23-of-55 (41.8%). Howard has hit 17-of-48 (35.4%) and Boggs, 15-of-44 (34.1%).  Roosevelt, which was ranked #1 for the final 10 weeks of regular season in the KSFY/KWSN poll (Dec. 17, 2012), has scored at least 70 points in 14-of-22 games. The Rough Riders own a 1,591-to-1,160 scoring edge, which breaks out to 72.32-to-52.73 ppg and a 19.59 per game victory margin.  Roosevelt, which has only lost to an out-of-state foe in ranked Marshall, Minn., has won by double digits 17 times with 10 wins by at least 20 points. They have also scored 80 or more points seven times.

Rapid City Stevens Notes:  Rapid City Stevens (10-13) is making its 17^th AA tournament appearance and the first since 2007. Stevens won the 1989 title and was second in 1977, and 1995. Directed by head coach Derris Buus, Stevens advanced to the AA tourney with a 51-40 win in a region 2 play-in game. In District 4AA, they were involved in two 1-point decision, defeating Sturgis, 43-42, before falling to city-rival Rapid City Central, 48-47. Stevens, which has won 6-of-7 games, has totaled 1,248 points while allowing 1,259 to opponents. They average 54.26 ppg but allow 54.74 for a -.48 victory margin. This team is led by Steve Schaeffer, who averaged 19.1 ppg, 3.7 rebounds and hits 44.2% from the field. Before district play, he had hit 30-of-94 (31.9%) 3-point field goals. Brett Bennett added 12.3 ppg and a team-high 6.8 rebounds. He has made 25-of-58 from 3-point range for 43.1% (before districts) Stevens also features Kevin Blackett (6.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Jacob Vifquain (6.7 ppg, 2.0 rpg), Matt Wilson (3.8 ppg, 2.3 rpg), Sam McCloud (3.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg). As a team, Stevens makes 42.7% from the field and 31% from the 3-point stripe. They are converting 70.1% from the foul line. Defensively, they give up 44.2% on field goals, 33.2% from 3-point range and 64.3% from the free throw line.

#4 Huron (16-7) vs. #5 Brandon Valley (16-6)

Brandon Valley Notes: The Lynx (16-6), which has seven straight wins, are a team on a roll. The Lynx defeated SF Washington, 56-43, and SF Lincoln, 71-43 for its seventh straight win, a district crown and a state tourney berth. The Lynx, which has nine wins by double figures, own a 1,225-to-1,080 scoring differential, which breaks out to 55.68-to-49.09 or a 6.59 victory margin. Directed by 12th-year coach Brent Deckert, BV, which will make its 11th tourney appearance, last won a state title in 1998 with a 63-58 decision over O'Gorman. The Lynx are hitting 41% from the field on 444-of-1,070 shooting, including 31% (212-of-348) on 3-point shooting. They have hit 61% (212-of-348) from the charity stripe. Chase Marso leads the team in scoring with 17.5 ppg (385 points) and 4.2 rpg. He has hit 43% (140-of-326) from the field, including 54-of-152 for 36% from 3-point range. Marso has seven games over 20 points, including two with 30 points or more. His high is 36 points vs. Rapid City Central when he knocked home 9-of-14 from 3-point range. Five times, he has hit four or more 3’s in a game. Junior Jacob Adams, who has 15 double digit scoring games and a high of 27 vs. Lincoln on Jan. 25, averages 12.5 ppg (275 points) with 5.7 rpg. Nic Peterson, who has 13 double figure scoring games and a high of 26 vs. Lincoln on March 1, averages 11.5 ppg (252 points) with 3.7 rebounds per game. He has made 38-of-115 for 33% from 3-point range. Senior Adam Bauer has averaged 5.9 ppg, 3.4 apg and 3.1 rpg while Jacob Bruget provides 3.3 ppg and 4.3 rpg for the Lynx.

Huron Notes:  The Tigers (16-7), which have won 6-of-9, advanced to the State AA Tourney with a 64-45 win over Sturgis Brown. In districts, they defeated Mitchell, 63-53, and lost to Pierre Riggs, 49-48. Huron has built a 1,227-to-1,116 scoring differential, or an edge of 53.35-to-48.52 ppg and a victory margin of 4.83. Huron is led by USD recruit Justin Decker, a junior 6-6 center, who averages 15.3 ppg (337 points) and 6.2 rebounds. Senior Adam Zwanziger provides 9.6 ppg, and a team-high 8.2 rebounds. In addition, 6-6 junior Caleb Carr (6.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg), 5-10 junior JP Noonan (5.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg), 6-0 junior Lucas Morrison (4.8 ppg, 1.5 rpg), 5-11 junior Will Carr (4.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and 6-2 sophomore Hayden Busch (3.9 ppg) make contributions. Huron, directed by 26^th-year head coach Tim Buddenhagen (12 seasons as boys coach, 14 season as girls coach, 2 state titles – 2004 with boys and 1989 with girls), has 11 state titles with 2004 the most recent championship. In all, they have made 48 state tournament appearances with 22 top-three finishes. The state titles include 1917 (23-22, Aberdeen); 1927 (18-17, Aberdeen); 1930 17-13, Yankton); 1936, 22-20, SF Washington); 1937 (29-16, Mitchell); 1945 (36-29, Aberdeen); 1958 (54-45, SF Washington); 1973 (50-48, Yankton); 1981 (70-41, Yankton); 1993 (76-65. Watertown) and 2004 (75-69, SF O'Gorman).

Game 3 - #2 Pierre (17-5) vs. #7 Rapid City Central (10-11)

Zach Hansen of Pierre Riggs

Pierre Riggs Notes:  The Governors (17-5), the preseason #1, has advanced to the State AA Tournament for the 38^th time. To get to the Sioux Falls Arena, Pierre defeated Aberdeen Central, 61-38, and Huron, 49-48, to win Districts. The Governors, which last won a state crown in 1982 (Rapid City Central, 56-43) and also have titles in 1979 (Rapid City Central, 68-57) and 1944 (Huron, 29-28), has lost five games by a combined 11 points this year. The Governors, directed by head coach Terry Becker, may feel that they are also a team with a great title shot. They have 15 wins in 16 games with 13 by double figure totals.  Pierre has a 1,421-to-1,145 scoring differential, which breaks out to 64.59-to-52.05 ppg or a per game victory margin of 12.54. Pierre, which will make its 38th state tourney appearance, has the dangerous duo of Lane Severyn and Zach Hansen, who are headed to SDSU and Creighton, respectively, to play basketball. Severyn has 1,428 career points (Pierre school record), 633 rebounds (Pierre school record) and 190 3-point field goals. He has 461 points (21.3 ppg) and 183 rebounds (8.7 rpg) this season. Hansen has 1,300 points (2nd all-time at Pierre) with 631 rebounds.  Severyn and Hansen rank #1 and #2 all-time in scoring and rebounding at Pierre Riggs HS. 

Rapid City Central Notes: Central (10-11) has advanced to its fourth straight state tournament.  They moved to State AA with a 66-49 win over Douglas and a 48-47 District 4AA win over in-city rival Rapid City Stevens. The Cobblers, directed by head coach Mike Purcell, finished 8^th a year ago, falling in double overtime to Huron 61-58. This is the 58^th state tourney appearance for Rapid City Central, including titles in 1942, 1960, and 1980. They have finished second 11 times dating back to 1922 (1916 first state appearance). This season, they have scored 1,176 points and allowed 1,236 or a 56.0 ppg to 58.86 scoring differential, which is a -2.86 victory margin.

Game 4 - #3 Brookings (16-6) vs. #6 Sioux Falls Lincoln (12-11)

Brookings Notes: The Bobcats (16-6) has advanced to its second straight state tournament appearance, after finishing fifth a year ago (56-47 over SF Roosevelt). Brookings defeated Yankton, 64-47 in a regional play-in game, was 1-1 in the Districts with a 50-45 win over Watertown and a 62-37 loss to #1 Roosevelt. The Bobcats, led by head coach Travis Engebretson (sixth season, 80-79, Huron College graduate) has made 33 state tournament appearances with 13 top-3 finishes, including five state titles. They defeated Aberdeen Central, 48-47, in 1987 for their most recent title. They also had championships in 1968 (69-57, Sioux Falls Lincoln), 1962 (42-39, Sioux Falls Washington), 1952 (50-49, Huron) and 1946 (30-27, Huron).  The Bobcats own a 1,201-to-1111 points differential, or 52.22-48.30 ppg edge and a 3.921 victory margin. Brookings fares well in tight games; going 8-0 in three-point decisions and 3-0 in one-point verdicts. They are 11-1 in games decided by six points or fewer. In addition, they have a pair of wins over Pierre by a combined three points. Tyler Nagy (5-10, Jr.), the son of SDSU men’s basketball coach Scott Nagy, leads the team with 13.6 points per game, hitting 38% from the field, 70% at the foul line while averaging 2.8 rpg, 2.4 apg and 1.4 spg.  Braxton Carlson, the brother of SDSU guard Brayden Carlson, is 6-4 senior putting up 11.1 ppg, grabbing 8.2 rebounds while hitting 41% from the floor and 65% from the charity stripe.  Kaleb Vig, 6-1 senior guard, scores 10.1 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.7 apg and 1.6 spg. In addition, Zach Page, a 6-3 senior center, scores 5.1 ppg and grabs 4.4 rpg. Zach Kress, a 6-1 senior guard, averages 3.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 1.0 apg. Konner Beste averages 6.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 1.1 spg. Sophomores Mikey Daniel (1.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg) and Seth Moret (1.1 ppg, 1.6 rpg) also contribute. As a team, Brookings hits 42% from the field, 65% from the foul line and pull down 31.2 rebounds per game.

Sioux Falls Lincoln Notes: The Patriots, which will make its 30^th state tournament appearance since finishing second in the 1968 State A, will open with second-ranked Brookings. Lincoln, which is making their eighth tournament appearance in nine years, won titles in 1970 (58-51 over Yankton), 1976 (89-63 over Yankton), 1995 (79-51 over Rapid City Stevens) and 2009 (59-31 over Huron). The Patriots were second four other times as they have made eight finals appearances. Led by head coach fourth-year head coach Jeff Halseth (55-37), the Patriots advanced to the state tournament with a 73-59 win over Watertown in a region play-in game. In District 2AA, they defeated SF Washington, 53-50, and then lost to Brandon Valley, 71-43. The Patriots, which average 61.2 ppg and give up 57.1 for a 3.9 ppg victory margin, are led by four double digit scorers. Guard Nermin Krdzalic averages 11.7 ppg, 3.2 rebounds, 4.2 apg and 2.4 spg. He is hitting 71.9% from the foul line. Center Addison Park is scoring 11.6 ppg with 6.0 rebounds while hitting 52.4% from the floor. Guard Adam Jaros provides 10.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 3.04 apg and 2.4 spg. Jaros is hitting 43.2% from the field and 72.2% at the foul stripe. In addition forward Luke Meyers (3.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg) and Mlik Dunn (5.2 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and Vince Walker (4.1 ppg) provide key contributions off the bench. Lincoln outrebounds opponents, 32.3-to-31.7. They hit 44.8% from the field to their opponents 39.7%. At the foul line, they own a 66.9% to 62% edge. Lincoln also averages 9.3 steals per game and nearly 14 assists.

Class A -- Clark/Willow Lake Looks Like A's Top Squad

@ Rapid City Rushmore Plaza Civic Center

#1 Clark/Willow Lake (21-0) vs. #8 Platte-Geddes (15-6)

#2 Aberdeen Roncalli (16-4) vs. #7 Mobridge-Pollock (18-5)

#3 Madison (21-2) vs. #6 Pine Ridge (14-8)

#4 Spearfish (18-5) vs. #5 Tea Area (20-3)

Game 1 – #1 Clark-Willow Lake vs. #8 Platte Geddes

#8 Platte-Geddes Notes: The Black Panthers (15-8), directed by head coach Frank Cutler, will try and win its first state crown since 2008, when they defeated Madison 55-42. Platte-Geddes, which also finished runner-up in 2009, made 14 other state appearances as Platte for 16 in total. They won the district tournament with a 62-27 win over Bon Homme followed by a 60-29 decision of Parkston. In the Region 5B final, they defeated McCook Lake-Montrose, 51-47. Platte-Geddes, which is averaging 56 ppg and allowing 48 ppg, is led by 6-4 sophomore Coby Johnson (13.2 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and three seniors averaging nine per game. They include 6-0 guard Richard Sternberg (9.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg), 5-11 senior guard Tate Van Zee (9.1 ppg, 3.0 rpg) and 6-1 senior guard Matthew Randall (9.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg). Platte-Geddes outrebounds opponents by a 32-to-29 margin while hitting 47% from the field, 35% from three-point range and 65% at the foul line.

Skyler Flatten of Clark/Willow Lake

#1 Clark/Willow Lake Notes: C/WL (21-0) has returned to the State A Tournament for the second consecutive season after surviving with a 69-68 2OT win over Deuel. Clark/Willow Lake advanced to the region with a 60-30 win over Redfield/Doland in District 3A. The Cyclones have not won a state title in its current coop although Clark made 16 state appearances and Willow Lake, one, with a combined five top-3 finishes but no state titles. A year ago, C/WL finished sixth (70-63 loss to Tri-Valley) at the State A Tournament. The Cyclones, under the leadership of coach Jerome Nesheim, own a 1,330-to-1,005 scoring differential, which breaks out to 63.3-to-47.9 ppg or a 15.4 per game victory margin. C/WL, which has won 13 games by double-digits, is led by 6-5 senior guard and SDSU recruit Skyler Flatten, who averages 22.4 (425 points), 5.8 rpg, and has hit 58-of-136 shots from three-point range. Flatten, who had 35 points to rally the Cyclones past Deuel, now has 1,628 career points. Flatten has hit 50.5% (143-of-283) from the floor and 73.6% (81-of-110) from the charity stripe.  In addition, he has 27 blocks, 45 steals and 48 assists.  Tyson Jenkins is scoring 10.7 ppg with 5.1 rpg, hitting on 64.1% (100-of-156) from the field. Torrey Kolden averages 11 points, 6.0 rebounds and is 50% (89-of-178) from the floor.  Forward Mitch Prouty, who has hit 36.2% (34-of-94) from the 3-point line, is averaging 8.7 points and 3.2 rebounds with 64 assists. Lane Hovde, who averages 6.3 ppg and 2.2 rpg, made 31-of-105 three-point shots for 29.5%.  As a team, C/WL hit 48.6% from the floor, 34.2% (126-of-368) from 3-point range and 63.6% from the charity stripe. They averaged 11.6 steals and force 11.2 turnovers per game.

Game 2 – Aberdeen Roncalli (16-4) vs. Mobridge-Pollock (18-5)

Aberdeen Roncalli Notes: The Cavaliers (16-4), which finished fourth a year ago, has won 9-of-10 as it moves to the State A. The Cavaliers, directed by seventh-year head coach Todd Neuendorf, are led by double figure scorers in Kory Schwann and Kendal Deutsch, a solid guard tandem. Schwann is averaging 13.3 points per game and 3.8 rebounds, while hitting 40.3% from the field. Deutsch, the team’s floor general, averages 4.9 ppg and 4.6 apg. Inside, center Dominic King scores 10.6 ppg with 6.5 rpg and a shooting percentage of 55%. At forward, Braydan McNeary scores 6.6 ppg with 4.0 rebounds while Zach Andera puts in 8.1 ppg and grabs 5.7 rebounds. Off the bench, The Cavaliers feature Zach Schaefbauer (5.7 ppg, 1.4 rpg) and Lucas Lorenz (4.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg).  Roncalli will try and go to state for the 13th time and add a second title to the A title they claimed in 1975. Roncalli advanced to the tournament with a 56-54 2OT win over Sisseton. In the districts final, the Cavaliers defeated Groton Area, 60-36.

Mobridge-Pollock (18-5)

Mobridge-Pollock Notes: Despite the four of four seniors off last year’s squad, Mobridge-Pollock will make their first-ever appearance at the State A in its current co-op. However, Pollock went to the B tourney in 1993 and 1994 while Mobridge has made 18 appearances with its last one in 2004. So, combined, this will be the program’s 21^st appearance. As Mobridge, the Tigers claimed championships in 1943 (27-26 over Dell Rapids) and 1944 (29-26 over Madison). They made their first-ever appearance in 1922 and finished second in 1951. Led by head coach Tim Frederick, the Tigers were just 10-12 a year ago but put together a solid season, which included a 15-game winning streak after opening the season with three straight losses. After closing the season with two losses, they won District 11A with a 60-53 win over Stanley County and an 87-77 shootout in the championship with Cheyenne-Eagle Butte. The Tigers defeated Miller, 55-45, to win the Region 8A title. The squad averages 65.47 ppg (1,506 total points) and allow 49.08 ppg (1,129 total points) for a 16.39 victory margin. Mobridge-Pollock is led by seniors Zach Dockter, Daniel Roberts, Cody Schaefbauer and junior Mitchel Heumiller, Jason Hill and sophomore Preston Frederick.

Game 3 – Madison (21-2) vs. Pine Ridge (14-8)

Madison Notes: The Bulldogs (21-2), which will make their 23^rd state tournament appearance, has been ranked nearly all-season. Madison has won four championships in 1921 (29-21 over Mitchell), 1945 (30-28 over Webster), 2009 (48-40 over Platte-Geddes) and 2010 (58-47 over St. Thomas More) and finished runner-up five times for nine total championship game appearances. They advanced to the State A with a 69-52 win over Dell Rapids in Region 3A. They claimed District 5B with a 101-42 win over Flandreau Indian School and then hammered Elkton-Lake Benton, 84-62. Madison, directed 8th-year head coach Michael Ricke (175-39, .818), the Bulldogs will put a 264-to-156 margin in postseason play. The Bulldogs own a 1,574 ppg-to-1,065 scoring differential or 68.4-to-46.3 ppg, which breaks out to a Class A-best 22.1 points per game victory margin. Madison has eight straight wins, all by margins of 13 points or more. In addition, they have won 20 games by double figure totals with 13 by 20 points or more. Madison is led by a duo of double digit scorers including Trae Vandeberg at 11.6 ppg and 5.2 rpg. He is one of six Madison players with at least 14 3’s on the season. Vandeberg is shooting 50.5% (96-of-190) from the floor, including 20-of-51 for 39.2% from long distance. He is also a 72.9% shooter from the foul line on 43-of-59 shooting. Jesse Brown puts in 11.0 ppg while hauling in 6.7 rebounds. He has hit 50% from the floor (105-of-210). Tyler Wiebe averages 9.3 ppg and 8.6 rpg (team-high). Jacob Giles (7.4 ppg, 3.4 rpg), Mason Sullivan (8.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and Braxton Olson (8.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and Preston Nordling (5.3 ppg) are all major contributors on a deep and balanced team.  Aside from Vandeberg, Nordling (11-of-42), Olson (19-of-50), Eli Roemen (17-of-52), Giles (14-of-41) and Sullivan (18-of-40) have double digit 3-point conversions. Madison is shooting 46.2% (610-of-1,319) from the field, They outrebound opponents, 36.7-to-22.0.

 Pine Ridge Notes: Pine Ridge, which will be seeking a fourth title, will make their 20^th appearance at the state tournament. The Thorpes won titles in 1936 (as Oglala Indian, 24-22 over Bridgewater), 1962  (70-68 over McIntosh), and 1987 (60-53 over Lennox) and was second in 1963. Pine Ridge advanced to its first state appearance since 2004, by defeating St. Francis, 6-49 in the 7A Region final. They won District 14A with a 67-54 verdict against Little Wound. Directed by long-time head coach Lyle “Dusty” LeBeaux (11 seasons), Pine Ridge has three double figure scorers led by Jeff LeBeaux at 17.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, and 4.2 apg. He hits 54% from the field and 52% at the foul line. Jake Brown averages 12.3 ppg and 3.2 rpg while Jacob Dreamer scores 10.2 ppg with 6.5 rpg. Also Jesse Brow (3.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.8 apg) and Derek Tyon (5.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 5.4 apg) start for the Thorpes. Off the bench, Mike Brings Plenty scores 5.0 ppg with 5.0 rpg and Ki-Jana Gray Grass (2.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and Jeramy Bettelyoun (1.1 ppg, 2.3 rpg) also contribute. As a squad, Pine Ridge averages 48.62% from the field and 53% at the charity stripe.

Game 4 - #4 Spearfish (18-5) vs. #5 Tea Area (20-3)

Spearfish Notes: The Spartans (18-5), directed by head coach Erik Skoglund, pulled off a big surprise in the districts by taking down the two-time defending champions in St. Thomas More, 41-36. That win followed a 68-42 win over Lead-Deadwood in the opening round. Spearfish advanced to the State AA Tournament for the 16^th time, with a 65-43 win over Red Cloud. Overall, Spearfish, which has 13 wins by double digits, own a 12.41 victory margin because of a 1,407 (61.17) – to – 1,112 (48.35) scoring differential. Spearfish claimed its only state title (AA) in the 2002 season when they upended SF Lincoln, 65-61. Spearfish, which made its first-ever tournament appearance in 1946, is making their 17^th overall state tournament appearance, including one in Class B, eight in A and eight in AA. A year ago, Spearfish was 14-8 and now are 32-13 over two seasons. They feature senior guard Blaine Bacon, guard Ryan Couch, Payne Davis, as well as Michael Deichert, Devin Diede, Mason Kaitfors, Brandon Kemp and Ryan and Zach Olson as well as Dillon Orth, a 3-point artist.

Tea Area Notes: The Titans (20-3), which are led by head coach Chris Fechner (2^nd season at Tea; 12^th overall, 110-81), features a trio of standouts in Riley Knutson, Mitchell Nissen and Connor Shaull. This is the school’s first-ever tournament appearance. They rallied to defeat Dakota Valley, 57-55, in the Region 4A final. Tea Area advanced to the region final with a 57-38 win over Lennox. The Titans nearly went out in the first round, needing a last-second shot to slide by Harrisburg, 45-43. Tea Area owns a 1,389-to-1,055 scoring differential, which breaks out to a 60.39-to.45.87 edge and a victory margin of 14.52. The Titans have won 12 games by double figure totals and seven by 20 points or more. 

White River Huge Favorite to Repeat

Class B

@ Barnett Center in Aberdeen

#1 White River (22-1) vs. Langford Area (19-4)

#4 Potter County (22-0) vs. #5 South Central (21-2)

#2 James Valley Christian (21-2) vs. #7 Viborg-Hurley (21-2)

#3 Dupree (22-1) vs. #6 Arlington (17-4)

Game 1 – White River (22-1) vs. #8 Langford Area (19-4)

White River Notes: The Tigers (22-1), the preseason choice and #1 for all 13 regular season rankings, ranks as one of the highest scoring teams in South Dakota prep basketball history. As they seek their second consecutive “B” crown, White River brings in an 89.3 points per game average. They have totaled 2,054 points on the season, while allowing 1,112, or 48.4 per game.  White River won state titles in 1955 (56-55 over Hayti), 2008 (66-50 over Langford), 2010 (66-63 over Hitchcock-Tulare), and 2012 (52-43 over Viborg-Hurley) and is looking for a fifth this year. They also made tournament appearances in 1949, 1956, 1993, 2006 (4^th), 2007 (3rd), 2009 (2nd) and 2011 (2nd). In fact, they have finished fourth or better in each of the last seven state tourneys. The Tigers defeated Oelrichs (20-2), 83-55, to win the Region 7B title for the eighth straight season. Earlier, they defeated Kadoka area, 120-21, and Jones County, 102-55, in the districts. A huge favorite to repeat, White River has scored 86 points or more 13 times, 90 points 10 times with six games over 100. The defending champs, who will be looking to win their fourth title in six years, have an incredible 41.46 points per game victory margin. White River has won 21-of-23 games by at least 12 points and 19 by 20 or more. They have scored 96 or more points four straight games and has 88 or more in seven of the last 10 games with four over 109 points (109, 112, 120). White River, led by head coach Eldon Marshall (225-58, 12 seasons; 205-38 at White River, 10 seasons), features all-state guard Wyatt Krogman, a magician on the floor, who is headed to Black Hills State. He averages 17.8 ppg (409 points) with 2.3 rpg and 7.2 apg. He has totaled 1,881 career points (14.8 ppg career average) with 465 rebounds, and an incredible 762 assists. He has had at least 157 assists in four straight seasons and 77 or more in five straight (2008-09, 77; 2009-10, 157; 2010-11, 190; 20-11-12, 172; 2012-13, 166). Krogman also has 373 steals, including 79 this season, and 15 blocks. In terms of his points per year, Krogman scored 213 in 2008-09; 314 in 2009-10; 480 in 2010-11; 465 in 2011-12; and 409 in 2012-13. That is three straight seasons of at least 409 points or more for the standout guard. He has hit 49% from the field on 673-of-1,365 shooting. On three-pointers, he has totaled 96-of-313 for 31% and has hit 439-of-636 for 69% from the foul line. Nic Waln, a second-team all-state selection a year ago, averages 17.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.0 spg and 1.6 apg, and now has 1,253 career points. He has scored 368 or better in three straight years (395, 2010-11; 448, 2011-12; and 368 in 2012-13). Waln is one of the team’s three-point guns. In his career, he has made 181-of-442 for 42%. In fact over the past three years, he has made 54 3’s or more, including 68-189 in 2010-11; 54-of-109 in 2011-12 and 54-of-129 in 2012-13. Guard Joe Cameron, who had a season-high 34 points in a win over James Valley Christian in Ft. Pierre, averaged 16.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.2 apg, 3.2 spg. Center Tavis Burbank averages 10.2 ppg and 7.4 rebounds while forward Matt Gillen puts up 8.7 ppg, 7.8 rpg and 1.7 spg. Burbank is hitting 68% from the floor with all four starters with 50 percent or better from the field. On the bench, Gilbert Morrison hits 9.1 ppg while grabbing 2.7 rpg. Tre Iyotte provides 4.9 ppg while Cory Rogers scores 2.7 ppg.  

Langford Area Notes: Langford Area (19-4), which will make its fifth overall state tournament appearance and third since 2007, finished third a year ago with a 55-52 win over Sully Buttes. Langford Area is, directed by seventh-year head coach Paul Raasch (27^th overall), who is 141-28 at Langford and 405-185 overall. Langford Area, which opens with the top-seed and defending champs White River, advanced to the State B with a 63-47 Region 1B win. In the District 2B tourney, Langford Area defeated Hitchcock-Tulare, 47-44, and Warner, 51-41. Langford Area, which averages 56.9 ppg and allowed 42.7 ppg, is making 45% from the field and 61% from free throw line. They allow opponents to make just 36% from the field. Individually, 6-3 sophomore Bo Fries leads the attack with 18.2 ppg along with 4.0 rpg, 7.3 apg and 2.3 spg. He has hit 160-of-325 (49.2%) from the field, including 30-of-79 (37.9%) from 3-point range. He has made 73-of-111 (65.8%) from the foul line.  Forward Michael Erickson (6-2, Sr.) averages 11.2 ppg, 5.7 rpg and 1.8 spg. In the post Drew Planteen (6-3, Jr.) puts in 12.0 ppg, grabs 8.9 rpg and has blocked 2.9 shots per game. He has connected on 57% (98-of-172) from the field. Chase Larson (6-1, Jr.) averages 3.1 ppg and 2.7 rpg while forward Zach Punt (6-2, Jr.) puts up 6.1 ppg with 2.4 rpg. He has made 31-of-93 (33%) from three-point range. Off the bench junior guard Brian Anderson (5-9) has added 3.2 ppg while Donte Blanchard (5-7, Jr.) puts in 1.7 ppg.

Game 2 -- #4 Potter County (22-0) vs. #5 South Central (21-2)

#5 Potter County (22-0) came into the season unheralded but have made a case as a team to watch. At 22-0, the Battlers are the only unbeaten team in the class. Potter County, which defeated Sully Buttes, 50-43, in a 3B region final in Aberdeen. The Battlers, cruised to a championship in District 6B with wins over Eureka/Bowdle, 58-39, and Herreid Selby, 60-49. The Battlers have a 1,433-to-951 (65.14-to-41.23) scoring differential for a 23.91 victory margin. Potter County is in its first year as a co-op with Gettysburg and Hoven. Neither of the schools has captured a state basketball title. Hoven made one appearance at state in 1989 while Gettysburg was second in 1950, sixth in 1970, eighth in 1975, consolation champs in 2002 with other appearances in 2004 and 2005. The Battlers are led by sophomore Chayce Hall, who is averaging 14.4 ppg (124-257, 48%), 4.5 rebounds and 4.2 steals per game, and junior Kole Hawkinson, who scores 12.3 ppg and is the Battlers' best 3-point artist, hitting 43-of-114 (38.4%) from deep. The Battlers also received 8.1 ppg and 2.8 spg from Tanner Heuer, 8.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg and 2.2 spg from Tate Nafziger. Dave Vander Vorst (4.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Eric Worth (4.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg), Mitch Hinckley (4.5 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.0 spg) and Caleb Meinke (3.1 ppg) provide additional scoring and rebounding support. The Battlers have knocked down 546-of-1,175 field goals for 46%, including 78-of-262 for 30% from 3-point range. They are 257-of-496 for 52% from the foul stripe.

South Central (21-2) advanced to the State B Tournaments, for the first time in the current co-op of Bonesteel, Fairfax and Burke. Bonnesteel qualified for the B in 1941 and 1959  while Burke made it in 1957 and Fairfax advanced to the tourney in 1952 and 1958. So, in reality, this will be the school’s combined first state appearance since 1959 or some 54 years. South Central advanced to State with a 63-62 win over Ethan in a 6B regional final. They rolled to a District 12B crown after wins over Tripp-Delmont/Armour, 58-32, and Dakota Christian, 60-41.  South Central has outscored opponents, 1,246-to-953 or a points per game margin of 54.17-to-41.43 (11.03 victory margin). Clearly head coach Clayton Steele's team plays tight defense as South Central has held 14 teams under 44 points and has 13 wins by double digits, including six by 20 points or more. They are 4-0 in games decided by no more than four points, including a 2-0 mark in overtime games. Leading the way for South Central is forward Tyler Frank, who averages 17.7 ppg with 7.3 rpg while hitting 55% from the field. He also doles out 3.8 apg and averages 1.4 spg. Two other players average double figures including center Sam Hazen at 11.0 ppg and 8.2 rpg and point guard Dakota Totaco, who scores at 11.4 ppg clip while dishing out 5.8 dimes and hauling in 3.0 rebounds. Also in the mix is Garrett Bruns (3.8 ppg) and Josh Tuttle (8.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg). Zach Sebern (3.3 ppg) is a solid contributor off the bench. South Central averages 28.6 rebounds per game and hits 46% from the field, 57% from the foul line and 11.6 steals.

Game 3 - #2 James Valley Christian (21-2) vs. #7 Viborg-Hurley (21-2)

#4 James Valley Christian Notes: JVC (21-2), which is seeking its first state title, advanced to the State B for the fourth time with a 72-63 win over Kimball/White Lake. Directed by head coach Darwin Hofer (38-7 in two seasons at JVC and 248-133 overall record), JVC won districts with a 63-58 win over #3 Wolsey-Wessington, 63-58. It was sweet revenge for James Valley Christian, who lost to Wolsey-Wessington in the District finals in 2011-12. Earlier this season JVC defeated Wolsey-Wessington, 66-58.before the Warbirds returned the favor in the season finale with a 62-57 win. Also in districts JVC recorded a 92-35 win over Wessington Springs. JVC is led by two-time all-state performer Adam Hofer, who has 1,765 career points. He is headed to play basketball at Dakota State. Hofer, who is playing in his third state tourney, averages 22.2 ppg with 4.2 rpg and 4.7 assists per game. He hits 51.4% (201-of-391) from the field, including 41.8% from 3-point range, connecting on a team-high 46-of-110 long distance shots. Junior Andrew Ulvestad, a 6-4 center who was All-State Tournament two years ago, averages 11.8 ppg with 6.2 rpg and hits 50.6% (91-180) from the field. Nathan Wedel adds 17.6 points and 7.9 rpg while connecting on 67.6% from the field. Wudel, who has 946 career points, has hit 163-of-241 field goal attempts. He is a sizzling 17-of-32 from 3-point range. In addition for JVC, Alex Walder averages 6.9 ppg and Leon Brondsema, whose dad Dave was a sixth man on the 1986 Dakota Christian State B championship squad, has scored at a 6.1 ppg clip while gathering in 4.0 rpg. He has hit 65.9% (54-of-82) from the field. As a team, JVC makes 56.2% (673-of-1,198) from the field, including 40.5% (117-of-289) from 3-point range. Overall, JVC has a 1,720-to-1,157 scoring differential, which breaks out to 74.91-to-50.3 ppg and a 24.6 victory margin. Darwin Hofer's squad has won 17-of-22 games by at least 19 points. Keep in mind that JVC nearly upended White River earlier this season on a neutral floor in Fort Pierre. In a back-and-forth affair, White River took a 77-74 victory despite 25 points from Hofer.

#5 Viborg-Hurley (21-2), led by 6-6 forward Andrew Hora (13.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 bpg), forward Tyler Gerdes (10.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.7 apg) and guards Jack Huether  (10.8 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.7 apg) and Trevor Jacobsen (10.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 1.5 spg), has made consecutive state title games in two different classes and now go for their second straight in Class B. A year ago, they fell to White River, 52-43, in a B final (finished 23-3) and was runner-up to St. Thomas More, 63-47, in Class A two years ago. V-H, which defeated Canistota, 50-44, in the Region 4B final and will make a 10th state tournament appearance. While Viborg-Hurley doesn't have a championship in its current co-op, it can claim one with Hurley, which won a title in 2007 over Mitchell Christian, 44-42. Otherwise, the schools have had a combined four top-3 finishes. V-H is led by head coach Galen Schoenefeld, who is in his 10^th season (14^th overall) and has a 203-126 record, including 193-59 with the Cougars. V-H won District 8B with a 59-35 win over Alcester-Hudson and a 43-40 decision over Centerville in the championship. Overall, Viborg-Hurley has a 1,446-to-989 overall scoring edge against opponents, which breaks out to 62.9-to-43.0 ppg or a victory margin of 19.9 ppg. This squad has made 546-of-1,185 field goals for 46.1%, including 136-of-398 for 25.5% from 3-point range as well as 218-of-330 for 66.1% from the foul stripe. Aside from the four double digit scorers, others contributing include Seth Anderson (5.4 ppg, 3.0 rpg), Austin Bjerkaas (4.1 ppg, 3.9 rpg) and Dylan Kludt (2.1 ppg). Jacobsen is the leading 3-point shooter at 42.4% on 42-of-99 conversions. Four players have at least 20 three-pointers on the season. Huether has 26 (70 att.), Hora, 22 (66 att.) and Gerdes, 20 (59 att.).

Game 4 – #3  Dupree (22-1) vs. #6 Arlington (17-4)

Dupree Notes: Dupree (22-1), which has won 19-straight games, has advanced to the State B for the second straight season after taking 7^th a year ago. Dupree advanced to the tourney with a 66-51 win over Faith in Region 8B. Dupree is led by head coach Jim Hood, who has guided the team for 10 seasons and coached for 27 years. Hood, originally of Irene, placed in the State B Tourney in 1963 when Irene was fifth. An all-state player for three years and all-state football player twice, he was once ranked in the nation’s top 500 players before going onto Yankton College and Southern State. This year, he has built a dangerous team that can score at will and has left a lot of teams in its wake. Dupree, which has not lost to a South Dakota opponent this season, features one of the best players in Class B in Nate Widow, who has scored 1,085 career points, and rugged 6-1 forward Kash Deal, whose brother Kaden is an assistant coach on the team. Widow, who averages 25.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg and 3.0 spg and 2.1 apg., has scored over 30 points eight times this year, twice scoring 37 points. Widow, who hits 52% from the field, has made 62-of-165 shots from three-point range for 38 percent. Deal, who is a saddle bronc rider during summers, averages 12.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.0 apg and 2.0 steals has made 54% of his field goal attempts. He has 970 career points. Led by the senior duo, Dupree rolled to a District 15B crown with a 70-37 win over McIntosh and a 70-36 decision against Timber Lake as Widow scored a combined 48 points. Dupree has scored over 90 points in 4-of-7 games. The Tigers own a 1,741-1,037 point differential or a margin of 75.69 -to-45.09 ppg and a per game victory margin of 30.06. Dupree has scored 90 points or more eight times with 20 victories in double digits. Dupree is making a  fourth tourney appearance (1982, 1984, 2012). 

Arlington Notes: Arlington (17-4), led by head coach Mike Parry (16 years), has advanced to the State Tournament for the first time since 2008. Arlington will make its 11^th tourney appearance. They won titles in 1938 (32-17 over Doland), 1968 (69-64 over Parker) and 2006 (64-57 over Faith). They won Districts with a 62-40 win over DeSmet and a 63-51 decision against Castlewood. Arlington won Region 2B over Colman-Egan, 60-50. Guard Tage Hargens leads the team in scoring at 18.3 per game along with 6.7 rebounds per contest. He hits 47.5% from the field and has 55 assists and 31 steals. Guard Andrew King is scoring 15 points per game with 4.7 rebounds, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. Also contributing is center Zach Warnke (9.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), and forwards Cole VanBockern (6.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg) and Lane Weber (8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg). Reserves included Alex Heuer (3.0 ppg, 1.6 rpg), Tanner Lemme (3.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg) and Logan Kangas (2.0 ppg). Arlington averages 65 points per game and pulls down 34 rebounds while hitting 41% from the field, 70% from the foul line. They record 10 steals per game.