First Look: The Class B State Tournament (SD)
This Thursday in Aberdeen the Class B State Tournament kicks off with the high noon tip of the David vs Goliath match-up and works its way into the night. Here is our preview.
#1 Bridgewater-Emery vs #8 Platte-Geddes. The state’s lone unbeaten and heavy favorite vs the Cinderella. It is the definition of David vs Goliath. Can a miracle story be told? Platte-Geddes is the team that took out Corsica-Stickney so they have experience in pulling big upsets. The Huskies are a bit bigger dog in the fight though.
Prospect Watch. Sam Arend is the likely pick for Class B Player of the Year right now after leading this team all year with some outstanding games. Sam is a 6-foot-1 guard that can attack and complete on the go.
#4 White River vs #5 Sully Buttes. As 4/5 games usually go this is the even match-up of day one. White River is 19-4, Sully Buttes is 18-5. The one game difference between the teams? White River beat Sully Buttes 50-47 a month ago in Mitchell. Camren Folkers had 15 points and 11 rebounds while Jadice Morrison scored 14 for White River. Lincoln Jordre had a double-double of 24 and 12 for the team that lost game one.
Prospect Watch. The Midwest needs to get to know 6-foot-9 Lincoln Jordre and they need to do it fast. The junior Charger is getting massive numbers and playing an active game that few players his size often do. This is a player you will see moving up prospect lists quickly.
#2 Langford Area vs #7 Parker. Langford is considered by many to be the state’s second best team while Parker is a 15-7 squad that’s battled tested against a tough schedule. At 21-2 Langford has a couple wins over Warner which is their main claim to success although they lost games to the best teams they’ve played (Corsica-Stickney and Chamberlin). Parker had a lot of ugly losses to the best teams they’ve played.
Prospect Watch. The Lions are a talented team but the most talented player is Mason Larson, a 6-foot-6 forward who can play multiple positions. Comfortable facing the cup and playing on the arc, but experienced enough around the basket to put up numbers as needed.
#3 Wolsey-Wessington vs #6 Harding County. The Warbirds are 12-2 against teams with winning records and they want that game with Langford. Many want to see Wolsey-Wessington/Langford but for that to happen the Ranchers have to go quietly which they haven’t been. The Ranchers had early struggles but have since won 17 of their last 18 games and what’s more interesting is that Harding County hasn’t lost a game to a South Dakota Class B team all year.
Prospect Watch. With 18.5 points and 11.3 rebounds a game Bennett White is a versatile talent that can play nearly every possession on the floor. White is also a hard working talent that is picking up nearly four steals a night.