Sioux Falls Christian Tops Class A Girls Rankings
The latest South Dakota Prep Media basketball polls have ushered in a significant shift in Class A girl’s rankings, with Sioux Falls Christian (SFC) taking the No. 1 spot for the first time this season. After a strong 4-0 start, the Chargers dethroned preseason leader Vermillion, who dropped to No. 2 following a narrow 48-45 loss to Class B’s top-ranked Centerville at the Vermillion Classic.
SFC’s ascent was backed by eight of the 15 first-place votes, while Vermillion secured four. The rest of the top five saw Hamlin in third with one first-place vote and Mahpiya Luta, formerly known as Red Cloud, rounding out the rankings with two top votes in fifth place. Last year, SFC finished fourth in the state tournament and reached as high as No. 3. Their current dominance also extends to the boys’ rankings, where their program holds the No. 1 spot in Class A—marking the first time both programs simultaneously topped their respective polls since February 2023.
Shifts in Boys’ Rankings Across Classes
In the boys’ Class AA rankings, Mitchell continues to dominate, retaining the No. 1 position with 14 first-place votes after a 3-0 start. Sioux Falls Lincoln holds firm at No. 2, but Tea Area emerged as a surprise contender, leaping from unranked to third following a 2-0 start. Sioux Falls Jefferson and Brandon Valley complete the top five, with Jefferson climbing to fourth despite a mixed week and Brandon Valley sliding to fifth. Five additional teams, led by Huron, are eyeing a spot in the rankings.
In Class A boys, Sioux Falls Christian strengthened its No. 1 ranking with dominant performances, including an 81-60 victory over Class AA O’Gorman. SFC claimed 12 of the 15 first-place votes, solidifying its lead over Hamlin, which holds the second spot with three top votes. The rankings remained stable, with Rapid City Christian at No. 4 and a tie between Lennox and St. Thomas More for fifth.
Class B boys saw significant reshuffling, particularly at the fifth spot, where three teams—Leola/Frederick Area, Howard, and Freeman—are now tied. All three made their first appearance in the rankings, replacing last week’s No. 3 Wessington Springs, which lost to Howard. Castlewood remains the unanimous No. 1 with 14 first-place votes, followed by Dell Rapids St. Mary at No. 2.
Girls’ Rankings: Stability and Upward Movement
In Class AA girls, O’Gorman remains unbeaten and atop the rankings, earning all 15 first-place votes. Sioux Falls Washington follows in second, with Brandon Valley, Rapid City Stevens, and Spearfish completing the top five. While the top positions held steady, Mitchell made waves just outside the rankings after a 3-0 week, including a win over No. 4 Stevens.
Class A saw Sioux Falls Christian claim the No. 1 position, unseating Vermillion after the Tanagers’ first loss. Hamlin, Wagner, and Mahpiya Luta rounded out the top five in a relatively stable poll. Meanwhile, in Class B, Centerville retained its unanimous No. 1 spot. A reshuffle behind them saw Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, Parkston, and Lyman each move up one position. Andes Central/Dakota Christian cracked the rankings at fifth, pushing Ethan out after a decisive head-to-head win.
The dynamic shifts in rankings across both boys’ and girls’ basketball signal an exciting season ahead for South Dakota high school hoops. With powerhouse performances and new contenders emerging, all eyes are on the upcoming holiday tournaments.
