The South Dakota State University (SDSU) Jackrabbits wrapped up their non-conference basketball schedule with a notable 7-8 record, a season marked by challenges and growth under Coach Bryan Petersen’s leadership. The highlight of this period was a formidable face-off against the No. 1 ranked Arizona team, resulting in a 99-71 loss. Despite the setback, the experience gleaned has equipped the Jackrabbits with a renewed sense of confidence as they gear up for the Summit League—a competitive landscape that holds promise and opportunities for this team.
Bryan Petersen
Coach Petersen has keenly observed both the strengths and shortcomings within his team during this pivotal phase. “What is available for you after Christmas break is usually non Division I teams or this kind of level of a game,” Petersen remarked regarding their challenging schedule. “When you get back from Christmas and it’s ‘hey, we’re playing a very good and tough opponent,’ I think those practices and the urgency within such sessions offer great learning experiences,” he added. Indeed, the game against Arizona was not merely about the final score but about testing the mettle of the Jackrabbits, and according to Petersen, it was a galvanizing moment for the team.
This season’s narrative for SDSU brings forth the compelling spirit of the Jackrabbits as they attempt to carve a niche in the Summit League, renowned for its competitive play. Currently, the Jackrabbits stand in the middle of the league rankings, and with Omaha and a trip to North Dakota on the horizon, Coach Petersen is eager to see his team evolve into a formidable defense force. “I want [defense] to be our identity. We want to be the best defensive and rebounding team in the Summit League,” emphasized Petersen.
After completing the non-conference stint, it’s clear that the Jackrabbits have shown traces of brilliance interspersed with bouts of inconsistency. On offense, SDSU sits sixth in the Summit League, averaging 74.7 points per game—a figure tempered by a field goal percentage of 45.3%. Despite these statistics, the team has demonstrated potential triumphs by scoring over 70 points in seven out of the twelve games against other Division I opponents.
One can’t overlook the spirited performance of junior guard Kalen Garry, a native of De Smet, South Dakota—a factor that deeply resonates with local fans. His recent performance, averaging 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over the last five games, signals a promising uptick in his season, which had a slow start due to lingering injuries. “[Garry’s] scoring has really come along, especially the last three weeks,” Petersen noted, affirming his belief in Garry’s capability to impact games profoundly, beyond just scoring.
As SDSU prepares to throw their hat into the ring of the Summit League, the encounter against Arizona serves as a keystone, with Coach Petersen’s adept analysis and strategies playing crucial roles in fortifying this team’s defense and rebounding capabilities. Leveraging their defensive prowess, ranked third in the conference by allowing an average of 71 points per game, the Jackrabbits are determined to fine-tune their gameplay to manifest as one of the most physically imposing teams.
The Summit League is a perennial battlefield where unpredictability makes it one of the most intriguing conferences. St. Thomas currently holds sway with an 11-4 record, but as the season unfolds, the Jackrabbits could seize the moment, driven by their defensive ideology and the passion of players like Garry. In light of the evenly matched talent pool, Coach Petersen’s vision for a defensive dynasty could indeed be the X-factor that propels SDSU into the upper echelons of the league.
Ahead of the conference opener against Omaha, Coach Petersen’s focus remains unwavering on refining both offensive output and defensive tenacity. As SDSU takes on North Dakota shortly thereafter, the people of South Dakota keenly watch and support their team, embodying the pride of the region and capturing the essence of what it means to be a Jackrabbit—resilient, determined, and ever-optimistic. For the people of South Dakota, this basketball season is more than just stats and standings; it’s a testament to community spirit and the verve of local talent striving for excellence on the national stage.