South Dakota’s vibrant basketball scene is the talk of the Summit League, as the state’s teams and players make significant strides in the current season. With the North Dakota State (NDSU) men’s basketball team posting their best start since the 2012-13 season, South Dakota’s own Cameron Fens has been a standout, leading the league with six double-doubles.
Basketball aficionados in Sioux Falls, S.D., are particularly excited as NDSU remains undefeated with a 6-0 record. The team has also moved into the CollegeInsider.com Mid-Major Top 25 at No. 20, sharing the poll highlights with St. Thomas, ranked at No. 23. This development marks a historic moment for the Summit League, as it’s the first time two teams have been simultaneously ranked this season.
While NDSU leverages new talent, including Damari Wheeler-Thomas, Trevian Carson, and Markhi Strickland, South Dakota’s Cameron Fens continues to dominate on the court. As the Coyotes prepare for their upcoming matches, Fens remains a crucial player, having achieved back-to-back double-doubles in recent games.
Upcoming Eyes on South Dakota in Summit Showdowns
This week features an exciting matchup on Wednesday, January 21, as South Dakota travels to Omaha for a face-off against the Mavericks. The game will be streamed on SLN, starting at 7 p.m. CT.
South Dakota’s schedule is packed with action, including a home game against St. Thomas on Saturday, January 24. This clash will be an opportunity for the Coyotes to leverage home-court advantage. Fans can catch these events live on Midco Sports.
- Thursday, January 22: St. Thomas vs. South Dakota State at 8 p.m. CT on SLN/FOX9+
- Saturday, January 24: St. Thomas at South Dakota, broadcast on SLN/MS starting at 1 p.m. CT
South Dakota Coyotes
Key Players and Metrics
Cameron Fens is crucial to South Dakota’s ambitions this season. Leading the league in double-doubles, Fens posted career-highs with 31 points and 15 rebounds in a pivotal home win over Kansas City. His performance is a testament to his athletic prowess and determination, striving to maintain the Coyotes’ competitive edge across the Summit League.
Another South Dakota player making headlines is Isaac Bruns, who is ranked 18th nationally in scoring, averaging 20.8 points per game. His consistency is instrumental for the Coyotes as they venture deeper into the season. Simultaneously, the team is observing advancements with Omaha’s Paul Djobet, who contributed significantly to Omaha’s first Summit road win, setting a personal best with 25 points.
The North Dakota game was a stark reminder of the competition within the league, as Greyson Uelmen of North Dakota recorded a career-high 26 points against South Dakota, securing a 96-80 win. However, the Coyotes remain undeterred, focusing on the forthcoming challenges with optimism.
Summit League Dynamics and Opportunistics
The Summit League basketball ranks are heated with competition, with Denver breaking a losing streak recently by defeating Oral Roberts. A notable mention goes to Denver’s Carson Johnson, whose 33-point achievement in a single game remains the highest in the league this season.
While Oral Roberts is still seeking its first league victory, the unfolding schedule offers ample opportunities for teams like South Dakota to escalate their standings and enhance their gameplay. Moreover, amidst the tension of maintaining rankings, the league’s upcoming matches are poised to draw significant attention from basketball fans and analysts alike.
South Dakota, along with its star athletes and dynamic games, continues to uphold its reputation within the Summit League. With aligned talent and strategic planning, they embark on each game with renewed vigor and commitment to excellence. Basketball enthusiasts are encouraged to stay abreast of the latest developments by tuning into featured matchups and supporting their teams from the stands or through broadcasts.
For a detailed schedule and updates, visit the Summit League Network. Curious fans and new viewers interested in South Dakota basketball can stay informed and register at Midco Sports Plus.