SD Matchups To Watch This Week

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The schedule is heating up across South Dakota as the week ahead brings several matchups that carry intrigue, implications, and quality competition. From conference battles to non-league tests, these games provide an opportunity for teams to make a statement and for players to shine under the spotlight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">In <em>SD Matchups To Watch This Week</em>, Prep Hoops highlights the games that stand out on the calendar. Whether it's rivalries, rankings, or contrasting styles, these matchups are worth circling as the season continues to build momentum.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">*This week is loaded with a ton of high-profile games! If we tried to highlight all of the games this article would take multiple days to write! PHD has highlighted 7 games below. Best of luck to all the players, coaches, and fans this week. Best swishes!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"width":"309px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1399487" style="width:309px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">SD Matchups To Watch This Week</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE</span>:</strong> 12/29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME</span>:</strong> #1 Sioux Falls Lincoln vs. #3 Sioux Falls Roosevelt </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE</span>:</strong> Sanford Pentagon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Both squads are undefeated and are two of the top teams in AA</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Rivalry game at the Presidents Bowl at a great venue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can the Riders contain [player_tooltip player_id='1949563' first='Sam' last='DeGroot']? Does [player_tooltip player_id='1950332' first='Justin' last='Bilal'] defend him? What type of impact does Bilal have on offense?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who wins the battle in the backcourt? [player_tooltip player_id='2250311' first='Brody' last='Schafer'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1641205' first='Sam' last='Ericsson'] vs. [player_tooltip player_id='2137320' first='Deondre' last='Painter'] vs. [player_tooltip player_id='1986901' first='Bryson' last='Skogsberg']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE</span>:</strong> 12/29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME</span>:</strong> #1 Sioux Falls Washington vs. #3 Sioux Falls Jefferson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE</span>:</strong> Sanford Pentagon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Bragging rights, impressive athletes all over the court</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Rivalry game at the Presidents Bowl at a great venue</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Which squad will get back to .500 on the season? Do the Cavaliers dynamic ([player_tooltip player_id='2250240' first='Colby' last='Nuttbrock'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2860517' first='Jase' last='Unzen']) juniors take over? What role does [player_tooltip player_id='2958986' first='Easton' last='Riley'] play, does he do any work in the paint?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Does [player_tooltip player_id='1641566' first='Jhace' last='Woods'] get plenty of touches? What type of impact does the young skilled PG [player_tooltip player_id='2416561' first='David' last='Kutey'] have on the game? Does frosh [player_tooltip player_id='2480721' first='Noah' last='Woods'] get any burn today?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE:</span></strong> 12/29</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME:</span></strong> Pine Ridge vs. #3 Viborg-Hurley</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE:</span></strong> Corn Palace (Hoop City Classic)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Two intriguing squads, A vs. B matchups</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shane Warwick's squad will run effective action/sets &amp; be disciplined vs. Pine Ridge, who will play fast &amp; get up a ton of shots</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How do the Cougars defend [player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard III']? Does he go for 30+ points?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does [player_tooltip player_id='1832812' first='Brady' last='Schroedermeier'] take over with his athleticism? Does [player_tooltip player_id='2258435' first='Braydyn' last='Morrison'] impact the game with his 3pt shooting? [player_tooltip player_id='1961428' first='Nolan' last='Kolthoff'] is a long athlete, is he a difference maker for the Cougs?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE:</span></strong> 12/30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME:</span></strong> #1 Sioux Falls Christian vs. #2 Huron</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE:</span></strong> Corn Palace in Mitchell (Hoop City Classic)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Two of the best in SD, regardless of class and both are undefeated </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The court will be loaded with next-level basketball players</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Can the Chargers handle the Tigers size? [player_tooltip player_id='1467166' first='Blake' last='Ellwein'] (6'10"), [player_tooltip player_id='2348517' first='Davis' last='Chase'] (6'8"), [player_tooltip player_id='2427892' first='Carter' last='Porisch'] (6'5"), and [player_tooltip player_id='2128932' first='Anderson' last='Porisch'] (6'6"). SFC will counter with [player_tooltip player_id='2442383' first='Ryan' last='Dieleman'] (6'9"), [player_tooltip player_id='2128940' first='Brant' last='Wassenaar'] (6'5"), and [player_tooltip player_id='1545638' first='Cooper' last='Goodbary'] (6'4")</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Which #1 ranked player is the best on Tuesday? [player_tooltip player_id='1467166' first='Blake' last='Ellwein'], [player_tooltip player_id='2128940' first='Brant' last='Wassenaar'], or [player_tooltip player_id='2442383' first='Ryan' last='Dieleman']?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE:</span></strong> 12/31</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME:</span></strong> #4 De Smet vs. Baltic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE:</span></strong> Brookings High School (Entringer Classic)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-B vs. A matchup and both teams are undefeated</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Neutral court at a great event, the crowd should be packed, it will be an awesome atmosphere </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Who wins the battle of the BIGs? [player_tooltip player_id='2286030' first='Grant' last='Wilkinson'] vs. [player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2410633' first='Trevor' last='Cuperus'], this will be a fun one to watch!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The De Smet Bulldogs have an emerging star with [player_tooltip player_id='3274239' first='Noah' last='Luthemers']. The other Bulldogs have a solid backcourt with [player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad'], [player_tooltip player_id='1641266' first='Ben' last='Erickson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2637594' first='Cooper' last='Garry']. Can the Class A guards take care of business?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE:</span></strong> 12/31</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME:</span></strong> #5 Lennox vs. Jonesboro (GA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE:</span></strong> Corn Palace in Mitchell (Hoop City Classic)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Lennox is loaded with talent. They lost big in the first game of the season, but bounced back with two convincing wins</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Both squads are flush with high-octane athletes; it will be fun to see how the SoDak kids handle the ballers from the south</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Can the Orioles hang with the Jonesboro talent? [player_tooltip player_id='2767956' first='Symeon' last='Watson'] (2029 ranked #9), [player_tooltip player_id='2194638' first='Calvin' last='Goss'] (2028 ranked #15), [player_tooltip player_id='2624488' first='Tenaje' last='Freeman'] (2028 ranked #16), [player_tooltip player_id='1696177' first='Cortez' last='Redding'] (2026 ranked #36), [player_tooltip player_id='1543541' first='Frank' last='Jackson'] (2026 ranked #80)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Who shines for Lennox? they are also stacked. [player_tooltip player_id='1467165' first='Tate' last='Gerdes'], [player_tooltip player_id='2054983' first='Drake' last='Mikkelsen'], [player_tooltip player_id='2078157' first='Aiden' last='Hanssen'], [player_tooltip player_id='1641163' first='Teegan' last='Musser'], [player_tooltip player_id='2442367' first='Cohen' last='Soukup'], [player_tooltip player_id='2429967' first='Brennen' last='Juffer'], [player_tooltip player_id='1641165' first='Cole' last='Spieler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1641164' first='Talen' last='Eich'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2250490' first='Eli' last='Plank']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE:</span></strong> 1/1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">GAME:</span></strong> Shiloh Christian vs. Rapid City Christian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHERE:</span></strong> Shiloh Christian (Bismarck, ND)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Battle of the private schools! The Comets have had their number the past few years</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Border battle, both squads have the potential to make some noise this season in their respective states </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">QUESTIONS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The Skyhawks have a new head coach, what style of ball do they play? Before Christmas, they got a nice win at Dickinson Trinity, but then lost to Kindred by 13. Are [player_tooltip player_id='2132774' first='Dawson' last='Davis'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1510913' first='Carson' last='Quam'] the top players for Shiloh?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-The Comets are typically tough on D, does that continue? [player_tooltip player_id='2387867' first='Peyton' last='Glenn'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2132570' first='Sully' last='Kieffer'] are playing well to start the season, does that continue?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2278202,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/PH-GamestoWatch.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/PH-GamestoWatch.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2278202" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->