The 2026 SDHSAA State Girls’ Basketball Tournaments kicked off with a thrilling opening on Thursday across the vibrant landscapes of South Dakota, hosting matches in the storied towns of Rapid City, Watertown, and Brookings. With an electric atmosphere and regional pride at stake, the tournaments are more than just games—they are a celebration of community, skill, and youthful ambition that characterize the spirit of South Dakotans.
Class AA Quarterfinals: A Showcase of Talent
In Class AA action, No. 1 Brandon Valley made a commanding statement with a decisive 78-53 victory over Tea Area. The spotlight was on Alyvia Padgett, whose scintillating performance included 36 points and six assists, proving instrumental to the Lynx’s triumph. The local favorite stormed the court in Rapid City, reinforcing Brandon Valley’s reputation as a powerhouse.
Meanwhile, No. 5 Aberdeen Central, the pride of Aberdeen, overcame No. 4 Rapid City Stevens with a final score of 53-42. At the heart of the Golden Eagles’ victory was Taryn Hermansen, delivering a double-double performance with 16 points and 16 rebounds, showcasing her skill and determination.
In a compelling match, No. 2 O’Gorman built on its solid reputation with a 55-44 win over No. 7 Mitchell. Sydney Terveen and Ruby Moore, both scoring 18 points, helped secure the Knights’ berth in the semifinals, much to the delight of the Sioux Falls crowd.
Sioux Falls Washington, a team revered for its strategic play, defeated rival Sioux Falls Jefferson 66-44, led by Dana Harpe’s double-double efforts with 27 points and 10 rebounds, marking yet another chapter in their storied rivalry.
Class A Quarterfinals: Upsetting the Balance
In the Class A matches, the top-seeded Hamlin met a formidable opponent in Lakota Tech, ultimately prevailing 61-52. Addelyn Jensen’s double-double performance with 22 points and 13 rebounds was crucial in securing their victory, much to the excitement of Hamlin’s loyal supporters.
No. 5 Lennox secured an upset over No. 4 Sioux Valley with a meticulous 42-28 win. The Orioles attacked with a balanced offensive strategy, led by Bergan Musser who contributed 13 points in the game.
The vibrant team of No. 2 Mahpíya Lúta showcased their prowess with a 65-42 win over West Central, highlighted by Ashlan Carlow-Blount’s multi-faceted performance, which included 24 points, eight rebounds, and a stunning six steals, drawing admiration from fans in Watertown.
Class B Quarterfinals: Triumphs and Heartbreaks
In a classic display of underdog spirit, No. 8 Corsica-Stickney emerged victoriously against the top-seeded Lyman, with a final score of 65-56. The heart and soul of the Jaguars’ success was Braylee Bordewyk, whose 26 points and five assists catapulted them into the semifinals.
Harding County, the No. 6 seed, delivered a stunning performance by defeating defending champions Bennett County 58-50, a game punctuated by Kaylen Padden’s 15 points.
South Dakota’s Enthusiasm for Youth Sports
South Dakota is renowned not just for its scenic landscapes but also for its deep-rooted passion for sports at the grassroots level. These tournaments are testament to the dedication of countless coaches, parents, and communities who rally behind these young athletes, encouraging them as they strive for excellence.
Upcoming Matches and Continued Excitement
As the tournaments advance, excitement builds for the upcoming semifinals scheduled for Friday. In Class AA, Brandon Valley will face Aberdeen Central, while O’Gorman takes on Sioux Falls Washington, promising thrilling encounters.
Class A sees Hamlin going up against Lennox and Mahpíya Lúta facing Sioux Falls Christian, a testament to the fierce competition amongst South Dakota’s promising young athletes.
In Class B, the notable clash between Corsica-Stickney and Ethan adds another layer of anticipation, while Harding County aims to continue its impressive run against Parkston.
Stay tuned for more exhilarating action and support these rising stars as they forge new memories and legacies in South Dakota sports history.