The 2026 South Dakota High School Girls State Basketball Tournament is set to be a riveting showcase of talent and community spirit, taking place from March 12-14. South Dakota, renowned for its passionate support for basketball, will host the tournament across three key locations to accommodate the fierce competition among the best teams in the state.
The tournament venues are as follows:
- Class AA will compete at Summit Arena at The Monument in Rapid City.
- Class A battles it out at Watertown Civic Arena in Watertown.
- Class B will take place at First Bank & Trust Arena in Brookings.
With quarterfinal games scheduled to commence on Thursday, March 12, the excitement is palpable throughout the state. South Dakota’s communities prepare to rally behind their teams, celebrating the athleticism and dedication of their young athletes.
Brandon Valley
The Class AA quarterfinals present thrilling matchups: No. 1 Brandon Valley faces off against No. 8 Tea Area, while No. 2 O’Gorman squares up against No. 7 Mitchell. The rivalry between Sioux Falls Washington (No. 3) and Sioux Falls Jefferson (No. 6) promises intense competition, and the encounter between No. 4 Rapid City Stevens and No. 5 Aberdeen Central rounds out the schedule.
Tea Area
Class A promises equally exhilarating matches, with No. 1 Hamlin taking on No. 8 Lakota Tech and No. 2 Mahpíya Lúta facing No. 7 West Central. Sioux Valley (No. 4) vs. Lennox (No. 5) and Wagner (No. 3) vs. Sioux Falls Christian (No. 6) are anticipated to deliver memorable performances.
In Class B, top-seeded Lyman will go up against No. 8 Corsica-Stickney. Meanwhile, No. 4 Ethan and No. 5 Colman-Egan prepare for a hard-fought battle. The contests continue with Parkston (No. 2) vs. Centerville (No. 7) and Bennett County (No. 3) vs. Harding County (No. 6).
The semifinals for Classes AA, A, and B will all take place on Friday, March 13, with games scheduled at 5 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. The state championship games are set for Saturday, March 14, at 6:45 p.m., promising a weekend chock-full of high-energy basketball and vibrant community engagement.
This tournament not only spotlights the talents of South Dakota’s girls but also highlights the spirited community engagement that characterizes the state. The teams’ supporters reflect South Dakota’s deeply rooted love for basketball and its collective enthusiasm for nurturing young talent.
For up-to-date scores, schedules, and to follow your favorite teams in real time, visit the official webpage of the South Dakota High School Activities Association here.
As the tournament progresses, it serves as a reflection of South Dakota’s dedication to fostering community through sport. A generator of pride, the tournament connects towns and cities across the plains, creating bonds that transcend the court.
With three champions soon to be crowned, this prestigious event promises to reaffirm the commitment of South Dakota’s communities to support and celebrate their future leaders, both on and off the court.