The South Dakota Tuesday Night Match-Up!

What are South Dakota’s top games and who are the top players/prospects to know in this games? PHD gives you are a rundown before tip off. #5 Howard at #1 De Smet (7:30c).  The gauntlet of a schedule that De Smet has put together continues with 5th ranked Howard coming to town for a top five showdown.  Both teams are battle tested with Howard having beaten White River and Chester Area, and De Smet knocking off St. Mary, Viborg-Hurley, and more.  Last year Howard and De Smet played a two score nail-bitter with the Bulldogs earning a 52-48 win.  Kalen GarryKalenGarry6'2" | SGDeSmet | 2022StateSD was the difference in the game scoring 23.  De Smet also can use Damon WilkinsonDamonWilkinson6'5" | CDe Smet | 2023StateSD’s size up front to put length on Jace Sifore and maybe Sam AslesenSamAslesen6'5" | SFHoward | 2021StateSD as well. Not many teams can do that.   Featured Prospect Match-Up: Tisyn SpaderTisynSpader6'3" | SGHoward | 2021StateSD (6’4 Sr C of Howard) vs Kalen GarryKalenGarry6'2" | SGDeSmet | 2022StateSD (6’3 Jr Guard of De Smet). #5 Dell Rapids at #4 Sioux Falls Christian (7:30c).  One spot ahead.  We have had the Chargers a spot ahead all year starting with the Dak XII Preview and now continuing with that in the Class A rankings.  It’s a tiny margin and both teams are on a great path having beaten all of their Class A opponents so far.  We thought the Chargers had a slight edge in terms of depth and experience entering the season and we will hold to that, although this should be a close game.  Both squads have three impressive wins and a loss to a bigger school team.   Featured Prospect Match-Up: Colin RentzColinRentz5'11" | PGDell Rapids | 2021StateSD (6’0 Sr Guard of DR) vs Xavier Van BeekXavierVan Beek6'0" | SGSioux Falls Christian | 2021StateSD (6’0 Sr Guard of SFC). #6 Del Rapids-St. Mary at #7 Elkton-Lake Benton (6:00c).   The ranked team battles continue!  Love the guard match-up between Marcus Haming and Connor LibisConnorLibis5'9" | PGDell Rapids-St. Mary | 2021StateSD as playmakers for their teams.  Also, Matthew NibbeMatthewNibbe6'4" | PFElkton-Lake Benton | 2021StateSD has led the Elks with his high percentage finishing but the Cards will send Max HerberMaxHerber6'4" | PFDell Rapids-St. Mary | 2021StateSD and Ashaun Roach-ValandraAshaunRoach-Valandra6'2" | PFTodd County | 2021StateSD to him meaning that high percentage double figure scoring will be tougher.  St. Mary won the game last year by a dozen and we think they earn the win again tonight.  Featured Prospect Match-Up: Marcus HarmingMarcusHarming6'0" | SGElkton-Lake Benton | 2021StateSD (6’0 Sr Guard of ELB) vs Connor LibisConnorLibis5'9" | PGDell Rapids-St. Mary | 2021StateSD (5’9 Sr Guard of DR-SM). #1 Dakota Valley at #9 West Central (7:45c).  West Central hasn’t played a close game yet.  Their 3-2 schedule shows the Trojans beating teams up, or getting bruised themselves.  Last year Paul BrunsPaulBruns6'4" | SGDakota Valley | 2021StateSD went for 35 on 15 of 21 shooting in this game and based on the run the Panthers are on now - beating South Dakota teams by an average of 30 points a game - this should be another big night for Bruns.  That said, West Central has a hard work, tough player in Derek EidsnessDerekEidsness6'2" | SFWest Central | 2021StateSD who could keep this game interesting.  Featured Prospect Match-Up: Paul BrunsPaulBruns6'4" | SGDakota Valley | 2021StateSD (6’4 Sr Guard of DV) vs Derek EidsnessDerekEidsness6'2" | SFWest Central | 2021StateSD (6’2 Sr Guard of DV). Lower Brule at #8 White River (5:00m).  The Tigers and Sioux have put together a fairly tough schedule to start their seasons.  Challenging themselves is big, respected, and needed.  They are challenging themselves again tonight and both squads could really use a victory.  With five losses combined a win tonight would be big for either squad.  This could be the most explosive offensive scoring game of the night.  Featured Prospect Match-Up: Keshaume ThighKeshaumeThigh6'2" | SGChamberlain | 2022StateSD (6’3 Jr Forward of LB) vs Joe SaylerJoeSayler6'1" | SGWhite River | 2023StateSD (6’3 Soph Guard of WR).