Fifty years ago, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, became the epicenter of high school basketball as the city played host to the 1976 State B Basketball Tournament. This event has been etched in the annals of South Dakota history, not just for its thrilling basketball action but also for the cultural impact it had on communities statewide. KELO broadcasted all four games on the opening Thursday, giving die-hard fans the unique chance to watch live sports on a weekday afternoon, sparking excitement in homes across the state.
Back then, “The Big B” was not just another sports tournament; it was an iconic event that galvanized towns and garnered sky-high TV ratings, with the state turning its collective eye towards the unfolding drama. The State B Tournament was more significant than even the State A Tournament, drawing attention from eight qualifying schools and fans from every corner of South Dakota.
In these communities, basketball was more than just a game; it was a way of life. Small-town gyms were packed to the rafters every Tuesday and Friday night. Games were not just contests but social events where rivalries ignited and victories were celebrated for days. A hard-fought loss would linger in conversations for years.
The 1976 championship game was the crown jewel of the event, with Dell Rapids ultimately defeating Custer 73-55. For many, attending this tournament was a rite of passage. Schools excused seniors from classes for two days to attend the State B Tournament, a testament to the event’s cultural significance. This allowed students to immerse themselves in the whirlwind of games, parties, and performances in Sioux Falls.
South Dakota’s love for basketball is often compared to Indiana’s, as captured in the film “Hoosiers.” When a school had the perfect mix of talent, teamwork, and leadership, it could take center stage, becoming the heartbeat of their community. The tournament represented the pinnacle of high school sports in the state before the introduction of three classes (AA, A, and B), which affected its popularity.
Legendary sports anchor Jim Burt, renowned for his powerful game broadcasts, brought the tournament to life for those who couldn’t be there. It was a time when fewer televised sports meant that these games were the focus of attention, with seniors, students, and basketball enthusiasts descending upon Sioux Falls for the weekend, often adopting teams to root for along the way.
My own experience of the 1976 tournament is a blend of basketball fever and personal escapades. While basketball was the main attraction, my memories also include hosting an unforgettable party at my brother Vern’s house near the Sioux Falls College campus. Around 30 of my friends attended, and the tales of that night remain as vivid as the game itself. Thankfully, nothing was broken, and no one was arrested, but the mountain of empty beer cans in the aftermath was testimony to a memorable evening.
Fast forward to today, as a fourth-generation South Dakotan and a veteran journalist, I continue to reminisce about those exciting days. The basketball tournaments have evolved, now including the three-class system, AA, A, and B. Recent events like the 2026 girls’ state basketball championships saw O’Gorman, Lennox, and Ethan take the titles in their respective categories.
Despite these changes, the core spirit of South Dakota basketball remains unaltered. Watching games today, whether on television, YouTube, or a smartphone, still brings the same thrill. The innocence and purity of high school basketball, where kids hustle and play for the love of the game, continue to enchant us. It is an experience that bridges generations, a tapestry of memories woven into the cultural fabric of South Dakota.
As we look forward to future tournaments, I hope for the same exhilaration that once gripped South Dakota. May new generations of students and fans create their own unforgettable memories, just as we did in those storied days of the State B Basketball Tournament.
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