The Midweek Dakota Beat
Where are things at with South Dakota entering the second half of the week? PHD runs through the key factors and some top performances including the Watertown victory over top ranked Aberdeen Central.
The Upset. Heading into the Class AA rankings 24 hours ago the question was, “has Watertown earned it yet?” We weren’t sure but now after a four point win over Aberdeen Central the answer is a definite yes. A balanced offensive attack that led to nearly 55 percent shooting was performed and it was an effort from everyone in the line-up. Parker Johnston, Max Sonne, Solomon Back, and Cade Cummings all did their part where as Central got 17 from top 2018 prospect Cole Bergan, but little from others. This win likely pushes SF Lincoln right into the Class AA top spot, as long as they can defeat SF O’Gorman this weekend, who is also undefeated.
The West. Douglas and Sturgis Brown are talented teams that are off to great starts. Douglas has 11 seniors and the experienced group beat St. Thomas More by 20 led by Dylan Pourier’s 17 and contributions from several seniors including Dan Hand and Cetan Big Crow. Sturgis played their first game beating Belle Fourche led by Dawson Geuke’s 17 points last night and this week they played Douglas in a game that will say a lot. Rapid City Central went to Wyoming and won three games and in the next week they will get their chance at times from the other side of the state (Huron and Mitchell). RC Stevens has been left for dead by predictors now that Mason Archambault is gone but they nearly beat O’Gorman and did defeated Roosevelt.
Harrisburg. What does your gut tell you about the Tigers? With so much experience in their line-up and so much of their talent spending nearly full years of playing together (fall leagues, AAU, summer hoops, etc) this Harrisburg team has the feel of a strong contender. Ask Pierre! Last night the Governors took a 74-30 hit in Harrisburg and then had to spend several hours driving home thinking about it. Chase Altenburg scored 17 and several of his teammates went for double figures while Pierre was helpless to stop them. Is this the year of the Tiger?
A Strong Bark. Madison is in it for a title and nobody knows that more than Tri-Valley right now. The Bulldogs put together a 21 point victory. Tri-Valley was coming off a tough loss but they had Noah Jewett back who was solid. But the difference in the 21 point win was the 23 points and dozen boards from Aaron Fiegen which made every Jacks fan in the area smile. When you look at the Madison schedule the month of December will have some quizzes but the actual test comes on January 5th when they host Tea Area.
The Bounce Back. Poor Flandreau Indian. They had to be the unfortunate team that played Vermilion after the Tanagers bounced back from victory. And what did they run into? Mr AJ Plitzuweit. AJ, the favorite of many to be named player of the year, had a ridiculous 37 points, 13 rebounds, six assists, and five steals. Sometimes there is nothing worse than being the team that another wants to take their anger out on.
Rough Riders Riding High. Last season was long for Roosevelt, extremely long. Going to practice day after day knowing that you had just lost yet another game. What exactly were those players continuing to fight for? Moments like Tuesday night. After getting crushed by so many teams a year before Roosevelt left their postgame locker room talk with giant grins. Grins the size of the Grinch you might say. They defeated highly ranked Washington 63-62 led by a huge effort from Peyton Riggs scoring 21 points with six boards. Victory likely never tasted any sweeter.