Its mid January and we are starting to see some separation in high school basketball. But shockingly, there are 3-AA schools still left undefeated, 5-A schools and 6-B schools. That’s a lot of teams trying to run the table and 4 of them will play each other here shortly so that will take a few more out. This week is like most weeks, a lot of matchups and a few teams finding their way yet. We will have a writeup on all matchups for Hanson Classic later week.
Redfield vs Miller: This game will be a back and forth battle between a couple of good teams. Addy Rozell will play well here and battle Gatorade player of the year (Volleyball) Kayde Fernholz. Both are 6ft plus caliber athletes and both are very athletic. This game is back and forth but I think the difference is playing in Miller. Miller with a nail biter.
Faulkton vs Aberdeen Roncalli- This will be a big game for the Faulkton Trojans as they host the Cavaliers. We have talked in past articles who is leading Faulkton and they will have their hands full with Mariah Winegar. She is a strong post and the offense runs through her. Roncalli has played in some tough games and their young guards are coming along. Faulkton has the length to compete here and it will be close, but the Cavaliers are just a little bit more seasoned. Aberdeen Roncalli
Colman-Egan vs Desmet: I have kept Desmet at the one spot in my poll because I do think they have a lot of talent, but I also believe when you have that talent and are the returning champs, you get that nod. Autumn Wilkinson has been having a great senior year. Reyna Beck and the young sophomore Kennedi Buchholz are also having good seasons. CE is a young talented team but Desmet keeps on rolling by beating a good CE team. Desmet
O’gorman vs SF Washington: Finally, an AA game that has some bite. We all know about all everything Emma Ronsiek for OG. She is a star and the best basketball player in the state this year. But Washington has a couple stars themselves and Sydni Schetnan and Ndjakalenga Mwenentanda will be handfuls for OG. This game comes down to matchups. Hannah Ronsiek and Izzy Moore will defend Mwenentanda and hold her back to a point. Both are tremendous defenders. But who stops Schetnan in the post as Emma Ronsiek may draw that card? Does that wear her down offensively? Doesn’t matter, OG has more weapons and more athletes. Emma Ronsiek big night, O’gorman win
West Central vs STM: This is going to be another great game. STM is playing well and has created some depth with some injuries. Haleigh Timmer keeps on keeping on and other players like Kaci Cooper and Jenna Jacobsen have stepped up their games to help secure wins. WC looked a little out of sorts vs Crow Creek and then had a big win’s vs Watertown and Tea area. WC is sneaky good as they have good guards and some injuries are starting to get back. Cassidy Siemonsma in the middle could be the difference as STM really has no post presence. Back and forth this one goes with a coin toss to decide. I think its time for the upset, STM gets nipped in this one as WC gets the win. WC
Other notable games this week: Brandon Valley vs SF Roosevelt; Dakota valley vs West Central; Garretson vs Flandreau; Todd County vs White River; Florence/Henry vs Hamlin; Sioux Valley vs Mccook Central; Lennox vs Vermillion. Until Thurs/Fri have a great week of SD girls basketball and good luck and good health to all teams!!!!
