Class A State: Thursday Preview
No. 1 Sioux Falls Christian vs. No. 8 Red Cloud, 12:00 MT
Analysis: Sioux Falls Christian is the favorite to win the whole tournament and cap off their undefeated season. Red Cloud shocked everyone by blowing out Miller in the Round of 16 by 20 plus. They played tough full-court defense to force several turnovers and cash in on layups. The Chargers have a very balanced starting five, so it’s tough to key on one guy. Both teams average over 70 points a game, so it will be interesting to see how much points each team scores.
Players to Watch
Red Cloud: Alejandro Rama 22.4 points a game on 49 percent shooting, Russell Leader Charge 16 points per game.
Sioux Falls Christian: Koln Oppold, Mitchell Goodbary, Lincoln Unruh
Our pick: Sioux Falls Christian
No. 4 Crow Creek vs. No. 5 Tea Area, 1:45 p.m.
Analysis: Tea Area is the defending champs, but have a tough road ahead to repeat. They dominated the stats in their Round of 16 win of Sisseton, while Crow Creek defeated Parker 53-50. Both teams look to run and gun, with quick players on their teams. Crow Creek is led by Joey Sazue III with 23.7 points a game. He will have to be on and have help from teammates. Tea Area has Noah Friedel, who has been dealing with an injured knee most of the season. He still averages about 25 points and is electric from inside and outside. When Tea needs a basket they look towards him and most times he doesn’t disappoint.
Players to Watch:
Crow Creek: Joey Sazue III, Josiah Blue Arm
Tea Area: Noah Friedel, Justin Hohn, Kade Stearns
Our pick: Tea Area
No. 2 Madison vs. No. 7 Pine Ridge, 6 p.m.
Analysis: Madison has been just as tough to beat as Sioux Falls Christian this year. The Thorpes are a pretty balanced team but doesn’t have a whole lot of scoring coming off the bench. The key will be how fast paced the game is and if the Thorpes will have an answer for the Janke brothers and Aaron Fiegen.
Players to Watch:
Madison: Aaron Fiegen and the Janke brothers.
Pine Ridge: Corey Brown, Halin Bad Bear
Our pick: Madison
No. 3 Sioux Valley (20-2) vs. No. 6 Dakota Valley (17-6), 7:45 p.m.
Analysis: Sioux Valley almost gave the Chargers their first loss of the season earlier at the Pentagon, but a late surge by Lincoln Unruh secured the victory for the Chargers. The Panthers, on the other hand, have had a successful season under the radar. They could give Sioux Valley a run for their money and upset them just like last year in the Round of 16.
Players to Watch:
Sioux Valley: Trevor Hanson, Max Nielson
Dakota Valley: Jack McCabe, Paul Bruns
Our pick: Dakota Valley