Season Preview: South Dakota Class AA Predictions
A few weeks back we gave you a quick look at Class AA in the state of South Dakota. Now here are my preseason Top 10 and predictions for all-state and state playoffs:
PRESEASON TOP 10:
1.) Aberdeen Central – return tons of talent from a runner-up finish
2.) SF Lincoln – maybe most talented trio (Barrow, Gatluak, Bwanye)
3.) SF Washington – Tough, big, strong tough and a great leader in Uttecht
4.) Harrisburg – Good guard play and experience
5.) O’Gorman – Young and talented, defending champs
6.) Brandon Valley – Big, athletic, and talented players
7.) RC Central – tough competitive guards and athletic
8.) Sturgis – solid pieces at multiple positions
9.) Pierre – always are there at the end and… Peyton Zabel helps!
10.) Huron – Return experience from state qualifier; plus Kobe Busch.
Class AA All-State Predictions:
1st team:
Cole Bergan – Aberdeen Central
Nate Rook – Aberdeen Central
Logan Uttecht – SF Washington
Dillon Barrow – SF Lincoln
Kobe Busch – Huron
2nd Team:
Diang Gatluak – SF Lincoln
Matthew Mors – Yankton
Peyton Zabel – Pierre
Kailleb Walton-Blanden – RC Central
Zach Heins – SF Washington
3rd Team:
Connor Crane – Sturgis
Nick Hoyt – Harrisburg
Drew Cole – Brookings
Evan Talcott – Brandon Valley
Akoi Akoi – O’Gorman
State Championship Prediction:
Sweet 16 format will allow for some great match-ups and create some amazing first round games. I think there will be upsets in that first round based upon the match-up alone. Some teams are just better against certain teams – that’s how it goes. That being said, I’m not going to go too far out on a limb on this pick, but I’m picking Aberdeen Central to return to the championship game where they will face Sioux Falls Lincoln. In the end, I think SF Lincoln will be dynamic but Aberdeen gets the job done and is your 2018 South Dakota Class AA Champion.