The Road to State Runs Through South Dakota’s Best

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;<strong>digdakotas30</strong>&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The South Dakota Class B SoDak 16 is here—and with it, sixteen teams fighting for just eight coveted spots at the State Tournament. Every serve, swing, and dig on November 11 will decide who survives and advances. The stakes couldn't be higher, and the energy across the state is building as programs prepare for one of the biggest nights of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From perennial powerhouses like Chester and Warner to hungry challengers such as Kadoka Area and Burke, each matchup has a story to tell. Let's take a look at what's ahead in Class B volleyball's most intense weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#1 Chester (29-1) vs. #16 Corsica-Stickney (19-12) — Canistota</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top-seeded Chester Flyers enter the SoDak 16 as the clear favorite after an incredible 29-1 campaign. Few teams in the state have been able to match Chester's offensive speed and efficiency. Led by a powerful front line and strong serving game, the Flyers have been nearly untouchable throughout the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Corsica-Stickney, however, comes in with nothing to lose and everything to prove. The Jaguars have battled through a tough regional draw and have the kind of grit that could make this matchup closer than it looks on paper.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#2 Northwestern (34-2) vs. #15 Castlewood (20-10) — Redfield</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northwestern continues to prove why it's one of the most respected Class B programs in the state. At 34-2, the Wildcats combine elite defense, consistent first contact, and a balanced attack. Their ability to adapt to any opponent makes them a nightmare matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Castlewood, though, is a tough draw for anyone. The Warriors have the athleticism and blocking needed to challenge Northwestern's rhythm, and they'll look to make early runs to stay within striking distance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#3 Warner (30-6) vs. #14 Colman-Egan (22-6) — Huron Arena</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Warner Monarchs are postseason regulars, and that experience always matters when the lights get bright. Warner's disciplined system, confident serving, and fast offense make them a top contender once again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colman-Egan will bring energy and determination into this one, with a scrappy back row and an ability to frustrate opponents in long rallies. Execution on serve receive will be key if the Hawks want to push Warner deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#4 Parkston (29-6) vs. #13 Ipswich (23-6) — Huron Arena</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This matchup is as balanced as they come. Parkston enters with a strong 29-6 record and one of the deepest rosters in Class B. Their offensive rhythm and ability to finish points in transition set them apart.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ipswich, though, is battle-tested and confident after an impressive regional showing. They're physical at the net and play with relentless defensive intensity. Expect plenty of long rallies and a charged-up atmosphere for this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#5 Bennett County (35-5) vs. #12 Lemmon — Philip</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bennett County has dominated most of the season, using their size, experience, and blocking to control matches. Their hitters can score from anywhere on the floor, and when their serve receive is on, they're hard to stop.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lemmon's path forward will rely on pace and pressure. They'll need to serve aggressively and capitalize on transition swings to stay close to one of the state's most explosive lineups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#6 Burke (29-6) vs. #11 Herreid/Selby Area (25-6) — Stanley County</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burke has the physicality and postseason experience to make another deep run. The Cougars thrive at the net, with dominant middle play and a strong service game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herreid/Selby Area has been quietly building momentum all year and will not shy away from the challenge. Their scrappy defense and efficient setters give them a chance to hang tough against anyone.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#7 Harding County (27-3) vs. #10 Wolsey-Wessington (26-5) — Timber Lake</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A matchup loaded with talent, Harding County and Wolsey-Wessington both bring plenty of firepower. Harding County's balance and ball control have been consistent strengths, while Wolsey-Wessington's tempo and blocking make them a dangerous opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Expect a match filled with energy swings, long rallies, and two teams unwilling to back down.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>#8 Kadoka Area (27-7) vs. #9 Gayville-Volin (29-4) — Chamberlain</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This 8 vs. 9 pairing could be one of the most thrilling contests of the SoDak 16. Kadoka Area's consistent offense and back-row defense have carried them all season, while Gayville-Volin boasts one of the most explosive hitting corps in Class B.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one could easily go the distance—whichever team handles the pressure and serves toughest may be the one advancing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":4} --> <h4 class="wp-block-heading">Among those ready to make an impact are hitters and playmakers like [player_tooltip player_id='832417' first='Gracie' last='Huntimer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='839963' first='Jacy' last='Wolf'], whose offensive rhythm and leadership set the tone for their teams. [player_tooltip player_id='874923' first='Emmerson' last='Eppard'], [player_tooltip player_id='736615' first='Emilie' last='Bleeker'], and [player_tooltip player_id='725176' first='Sophie' last='DeLange'] bring balance and consistency, while [player_tooltip player_id='832497' first='Hadynn' last='Johnson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='811139' first='Ashley' last='Haven'] continue to shine in clutch moments.</h4> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look for defenders and setters like [player_tooltip player_id='725181' first='Lily' last='Van Hal'], [player_tooltip player_id='797472' first='Nora' last='Solberg'], [player_tooltip player_id='737263' first='Finley' last='Luze'], [player_tooltip player_id='748041' first='Mya' last='Glines'], [player_tooltip player_id='792723' first='Cali' last='Vanden Hoek'], and Emery Larson to control tempo and serve receive, while Remi Nelson, [player_tooltip player_id='578407' first='Lila' last='Johnson'], Tatum Hanson, [player_tooltip player_id='725209' first='Braylee' last='Bordewyk'] and Ella Boekelheide provide the steady all-around play every state-bound team needs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the middle and at the pins, names like Taylor Vetter, [player_tooltip player_id='811431' first='Ava' last='Ruml'], [player_tooltip player_id='812010' first='Brynlee' last='Landis'], [player_tooltip player_id='753592' first='Caelee' last='LeBrun'], [player_tooltip player_id='758363' first='Jaycee' last='Jung'], and Reagan Wood have the potential to shift momentum in key moments. And don't overlook the rising stars such as [player_tooltip player_id='835826' first='Marley' last='Guthmiller'], Josie Knutson, [player_tooltip player_id='830445' first='Brianna' last='Geditz'], Kamry Padden, and [player_tooltip player_id='835179' first='Macey' last='Wendt'], who have proven they can deliver when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the brackets tighten and the spotlight grows brighter, players like Lexy Rolph, [player_tooltip player_id='835542' first='Maia' last='Achen'], Kendra Beeck, [player_tooltip player_id='803157' first='Paisley' last='Dimmer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='803888' first='Taylor' last='Hoxeng'] will be ones to watch—athletes whose grit and confidence could lift their teams into the final eight.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From powerhouse programs to underdog contenders, the Class B SoDak 16 is packed with storylines and star power. Every team taking the court Saturday night has the same goal: a ticket to the State Tournament. With so much depth, energy, and championship-level talent on display, South Dakota volleyball fans are in for a night to remember.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at&nbsp;<a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a>&nbsp;With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</em></strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Follow on Instagram@prepdigdakotas</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->