Girls Class A playoffs underway

Next year the Class A format changes, giving teams a better chance to get out of their region, but this year the old format has already claimed some notable victims. The number following each team’s record are the seeding points they have received based upon results and strength of schedule.

Region 1A: Webster Area, 18-2, 45.60, is in the final against surprising Aberdeen Roncalli, 11-9, 40.95, who upset Groton Area, 54-45 in the semis.

Region 2A: Sioux Valley v Clark/Willow Lake in one semi, Redfield/ Doland v Hamlin in the other. Should be a real barn burner between Sioux Valley, 19-1, 46.30, and Hamlin, 16-4, 44.05, in the final. Hamlin lost both games to Sioux Valley this year.

Region 3A: Dell Rapids, 12-8, 42.45, is in the final against Flandreau, 14-6, 42.35, as expected. They did not play in regular season.

Region 4A: Elk Point/Jefferson, 15-5, 44.25, is in the final against Lennox, 14-6, 43-10. Lennox beat Elk Point/Jefferson this year, 48-44.

Region 5A: Mt Vernon/Plankinton, 19-1, 45.70, is in the final against West Central, 15-5, 44.55. This is the toughest region in the state this year. Mt Vernon/Plankinton beat West Central, 40-29, earlier in the season.

Region 6A: Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, 16-4, 43.15, is in the final against McLaughlin, 13-6, 42.74. This is the only region with two Lakota teams squaring off for a chance at state. CEB beat McLaughlin in the first game of the season, 76-68. The Lady Braves have beaten some good teams this year, they may be a serious sleeper if they go to state.

Region 7A: Little Wound, the LNI champ, 18-2, 44.94, is in the final against upstart Winner, 16-4, 43.60. In the opening round of Region 7A, Red Cloud beat Todd County 67-60; Winner beat St Francis 63-59; Pine Ridge beat Bennett County, 103-38.

In the next round, Little Wound avenged an earlier season loss and turned back Red Cloud, 59-45. Red Cloud had been unbeaten in Region 7A play. Winner stunned Laura Big Crow’s highly talented Pine Ridge squad, 50-47. Pine Ridge had won during the regular season, 71-60. Winner and Little Wound did not meet during the regular season.

Region 8A: St Thomas More, the top rated team in Class A Girls, 18- 2, 46.60, is in the final against a fired up Belle Fourche team, 43.20, 14.6. Belle has lost twice to STM this season, and by wide margins. They did survive a tough semi against Lead/Deadwood, but taking on the Lady Cavaliers will require their best effort, plus a lot of luck.

The 2015-16 State Girls Class A Tournament will take place March 10-12 at the Watertown Civic Arena in Watertown.

(James Giago Davies can be reached at skindiesel@msn.com)