When we have multiple teams in our state that play AAU/summer basketball, how do these teams match up with each other? Which program’s style is different and which team has sleeping giants? It’s our opinion its time to have a state AAU championship. I’ll give some ideas of how and what this would entail, and comments are welcome.
So, the state of Minnesota converges yearly into numerous gyms. The best teams AAU/club teams from all over the state get together and play each other in a seeded/bracket tourney. From here it is played down until champions are crowned. The age groups I believe are from 7th grade into coming seniors. Yes, Minnesota has more teams that can play in this tourney than SD, but that does not mean it should not happen.
Let us take a look at how and where this tourney could be played. I am not just talking girls’ basketball here; boys’ basketball should also have their own. Possibly in the same places as the girls are played.
Where? Oh, come on I know the Pentagon has the facilities and could easily host this tourney. That very well could be possible but let us make the distance traveled at least equal enough everyone travels. The DWU sports complex in Mitchell are the ideal place. We also have the corn palace and other gyms available for losing side brackets and younger age groups. Center of the state, great facility, basketball town, sounds great to me!!!
How? This tourney could be rotated on who the sponsor program is. That way money can be shared. Maybe its equally split between teams. That would need to be decided. In Minnesota, winning teams receive state champ rings. Yes, those rings that you see state champs win. How cool is that? How much fun are those kids going to have chasing that carrot. It also could be used to help train new referees and referee schooling for the state. We cannot play if referees are managed and more are needed. This gives them real time and real speed games.
When? Of course, the end of the year is the best time as all teams should be in prime shape. But also, we need to find a time or livestream service that can be provided so not only NAIA and D2 are available, but yes D1 also. SD is starting to get rich in D1 level players and its time that those kids get shown in their home state. Early august before fall sports seems to be the timeline.
What? That has been discussed. It is time for all programs to come show off their talent and how their style is different or the same. If Kaycee Groves from Faith has not watched Sydni Schetnan from SF Washington, here is that chance.
Who? Its this simple. We have Pentagon Schoolers, SD Network, SD Attack, Sacred Hoops, SD Venom, SD NorthStar’s, SD Ambush, KFD Swish, BBA SD Heat and probably a couple I forgot that all have great programs. It is time they all come together and celebrate SD basketball. Each age group battles it out for a one-year bragging right and bling.
Who is in? Who is fired up to get this ball rolling? ND, I believe just held their first year of AAU state championships, so they have also followed suit. Who does not want see Steve Fallis play against Olivia Ritter? Bella Swedlund against Olivia Kieffer? Halle Heinz against Lexi Plitzuweit. This happens by providing this tourney. Give us some feedback and let us know what you are thinking. Let us Go SD Basketball!!!!!!!
