Friday Night Predictions
South Dakota has some big games tonight with some outstanding match-ups. Here is our Friday Night Predictions and included is match-ups to watch.
Dakota Valley at Elk Point-Jefferson. Dakota Valley is trying to get back closer to .500 this evening while EPJ is trying to end a five game skid. This is close to a “must win” as it comes for this time of year. These teams need this win to get on the run they want. Dakota Valley keeps the EPJ struggles going with a four point win. Top Match-Up: John Prochello vs Alex Grashoff.
Dell Rapids at Tri-Valley. The Quarriers may be the hottest team in the state coming off wins against Madison, EPJ, Vermillion, Glandreau, and Tea Area, all in a row. Tri Valley is pretty hot too winners of six in a row. And they are the home team. Dell Rapids is too good together right now, they win by 11. Top Match-Up: Jayden Burggraff vs Jeffrey Schuch. One of the state’s best on D against one of the hottest scoring threats.
Harding County at Timber Lake. Timber Lake is a top District 15 team, Harding County is the top District 16 squad. Timber Lake is 7-4, Harding County 8-3. Timber Lake the home squad. Timber Lake has won five in a row while Harding County just wants to play a good team again after crushing some poor squads. Home team gets the W buy five.
Pine Ridge at Little Wound. Region 7 is a tight race between Little Wound, Pine Ridge, and Red Cloud. They all have three losses and are right on each other. The Thorpes have won five of six and have beaten Lower Brule, White River, and some others. Mustangs have won six of seven with wins over Red Cloud, Warner, and MVP among others. These teams come in hot, home team wins by two. Top Match-Up: Ethan Jealous/Mills vs Joe O’Rourke.
RC Central at RC Stevens. The area rivalry shouldn’t be close but rivalry games can be close. The Cobblers did just beat Roosevelt and gave Pierre and Spearfish a run. Stevens has also lost two of five but they are a 9-3 team thinking state title. Doubt that Central can come back after getting down double figures early. Top Match-Up: Jacob Martin vs Nehemiah Baustian.
Sioux Falls Lincoln at Wayzata. The Trojans were undefeated heading into last Tuesday before dropping their first game of the season. The Trojans are ranked second in big school Minnesota basketball and play some of the best defense in the state. Now they will be mad. Minnesota team wins by 26. Top Match-Up: Diang Gatlauk vs Gavin Baumgartner.
Sioux Falls Washington at Hopkins. Hopkins is the elite team in Minnesota over the last 20 years with seven state titles since the turn of the century. They are having their worst season in 20 years though having lost five games already. Can Washington get the win? Hopkins has Ishmael El-Amin headed to Ball State and Simon Wright headed to Elon plus three other D1 potential talents and one of Minnesota’s best coaches. Hopkins still wins. Top Match-Up. Simon Wright vs Jack Talley.
Sisseton at Aberdeen Roncalli. Huge game for the Redmen. They sit at 10-3 ready for a huge game on the road. They have beaten Groton but now they want to defeat one of the name school schools on their schedule. Hasn’t happened but tonight is their chance, and we think Roncalli by eight. Top Match-Up: Junior guards Dion Iyarpeya vs Gus Reede.
Yankton at Aberdeen Central. Yankton has been playing better, Central needs a win. Yankton has won three in a row, Central has lost five of six. Central is at home, we think they get things turned around tonight. Top Match-Up: Matthew Mors vs Cole Bergan.