NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D. (KELO) — A trip to the SoDak 16 will be up for grabs Thursday when Dakota Valley and Vermillion cross paths in a ranked battle.
That game will air as the KELOLAND Sports Game of the Week. You can watch the contest on KELOXTRA (TV) or on KELOLAND.com. The video player at the top of the story will update with the game near tip-off at 7 p.m.
KELOXTRA Information
Only two teams can reach the SoDak 16 from each region and Region 4A is loaded, especially on the girls side.
Three of the top five ranked teams in this week’s prep media poll are in Region 4A.
Six of the seven teams in the region won at least 14 games and yet somehow, there are no losing records in the region.
Dakota Valley was ranked fourth, while Vermillion sits third in the final rankings for class ‘A’ girls basketball.
REGION 4A BRACKET
Vermillion advanced to the second round of the region playoffs following a 71-36 win over Canton.
Dakota Valley showed off their scoring ability as they powered past Beresford, 92-68.
Now, the two teams who are both ranked and have a combined record of 37-5 have to square off in region play.
#3 VERMILLION TANAGERS
Vermillion Tanagers – 2025
Vermillion is one of ten teams in class ‘A’ girls basketball that is averaging more than 55 points per game.
The Tanagers average 55.8 points per game offensively (9th) and 43.6 points a game defensively (25th).
Vermillion has several players to keep an eye on and that includes senior guard Brooke Jensen and freshman guard Taylor Reuvers.
The Tanagers three losses came to Centerville (#1 in class ‘B’), Mahpiya Luta (#1 in class ‘A’) and Elk Point-Jefferson.
#4 DAKOTA VALLEY PANTHERS
Dakota Valley battles Lennox – December, 2024
Dakota Valley has been one of the best offensive teams in class ‘A’ girls basketball. They own the third best scoring offense in the class, averaging 65.8 points per game. They’re just one of three teams to score at least 65 points a contest.
However, the Panthers down fall has been their defense. They are allowing opponents to score 52.1 points per contest, which is 44th best in the class, just above the bottom ten.
Dakota Valley has lost just two games this season. They started the season by winning their first 12 games, before suffering their first loss to Sioux Falls Christian, who is currently the second-ranked team in the state.
The Panthers responded by winning each of their next four games to improve to 16-1, but then they fell to Vermillion 71-63.
The two teams are quite familiar with each other, making Thursday’s game one of the best in the state.
THE GAME
Tip-off between the Panthers and Tanagers is set for 7 p.m. in North Sioux City. KELOLAND’s Grant Sweeter and Ian Sacks will provide play-by-play and commentary.
You can watch the game on KELOXTRA (TV) and on KELOLAND.com.
