Class A Predictions
**Photo via twitter @jhoeck**
As we close in on one of the greatest months in the basketball season, we take a look at some of the potential Sweet 16 qualifiers.
Once again Sioux Falls Christian is atop the polls in Class A along with Madison, Sioux Valley, and Tea Area. There have been a couple sleepers this season in Class A as Dell Rapids and Dakota Valley have had sneaky good seasons. Flandreau has also had a sneaky good season as their own senior Dylan LeBrun just put up his 2000th point for the Fliers.
Bon Homme still has been one of the only teams in the state to shut down Vermillion’s A.J. Plitzuweit who is averaging around 33 points a game. Their stifling defense along with the scoring threats of senior Bryce Scieszinski and junior Joey Slama make them a dangerous team to play in March. They could make a run at a Sweet 16 spot, being the No. 1 seed in region 5A. They just have to get passed either the Mt. Vernon/Plankinton and Parkston winner if the current seeding holds up.
The Parker Pheasants are the two seed in that region (5A) and will potentially have to play a good Platte-Geddes team if neither team gets beat in the first round. The Pheasants have been led by a couple of juniors in Camden Bialas and Trey Christensen. This will be a good game to watch.
Sisseton and Aberdeen Roncalli could be the favorites to make it out of Region 1A, with both having successful seasons. The Redmen were on our list of “Don’t Sleep” teams, so don’t expect them go out without a fight.
READ: CLASS AA/A: “DON’T SLEEP” TEAMS (SD)
St. Thomas More also made an appearance in the “Don’t Sleep” teams article, having a relatively young team. But don’t count them out to be one of the two teams out of Region 8A.
Over in Region 4A are the defending State A Champs, Tea Area. They should have a relatively easy time getting into the Sweet 16. They’ve played both Elk Point-Jefferson and Lennox and didn’t have too much trouble putting them away at the end, but they call it March Madness for a reason so you never know. As far as the other potential qualifier, this could be a really good game to go to. Dakota Valley has the No. 2 seed and Vermillion is sitting at the No. 3 seed if the current seeds hold up. If neither team gets beat in the first round they would play for a spot in the Sweet 16. Plitzuweit sat out a good portion of the 2nd half of their last game with a leg injury. The big question will be is he going to be at 100 percent because without him they will have a tough time against the Panthers.
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