Season Preview: South Dakota Class B Snapshot
Class B in South Dakota boasts the most teams in their respective class and also boasts one of the most fun state playoff atmospheres. This year the state playoffs will start in a sweet 16 format like the other classes which should make it exciting. Also introduced into Class B this year is the 35 second shot clock. This addition will no doubt impact games and create a game flow where the more talented teams should win out.
Contenders: BRIDGEWATER-EMERY… The defending champs should be the odds on favorite heading into the season. Juniors Sawyer Schultz and Jamin Arend helped lead the Huskies to a state championship as sophomores last year and hope to do the same this season. The road won’t be easy though as state qualifiers from last year should be able to build on that success. Langford returns Mason Larson who can really impact the game at his size in Class B. Sully Buttes lost to Bridgewater-Emery in the final four last year, but Lincoln Jordre will have something to say about that this year as a senior. Lastly, Clark/Willow Lake moves to Class B this year and should have some firepower with Jacob Prouty and Micah Burke.
Teams to watch: There are plenty of teams to watch as there are a few tough regions with lots of competitive teams. Irene-Wakonda should be able to make some noise behind Trey King and Tate Gale but will have to contend with Canistota and Bridgewater-Emery. Castlewood and Arlington will battle it out in their region. White River out west is always a tough out and they will have a team that can compete at the state tournament by season’s end. Coleman-Egan has a chance to continue their improvement in a a tough region that features a few good teams.
Other teams: Corsica-Stickney and Gregory will battle it out in their region. Highmore-Harrold has a nice big in Jarrett Bloomenrader who has shown some sparks of being an impact guy. Chester Area has solid guard, Devin Eppard, and he can help them win some games. Faith and Harding County will also compete to get a chance at the state tourney.