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The Panther boys basketball team ended their incredible season with a 3rd place title from the state tournament in Rapid City on March 14-16, 2024. They faced the Pine Ridge Thorpes in their 1st round of play, followed by a semifinal versus Sioux Falls Christian. Their last game was against Rapid City Christian. All contests showed the grit and athleticism of Dakota Valley.

Members of the Dakota Valley Girls and Boys Basketball teams were named to the DAKXII All-Conference teams. From the girls basketball team, eighth grader Ellan Otten was named to the first team and junior Cameryn Sommervold to the third team.

Members of the Elk Point-Jefferson Girls and Boys Basketball teams were named to the DAK-XII All-Conference teams. From the girls basketball team, sophomore Cera Schmitz was named to the 2nd team and juniors Bentlee Kollbaum and Kaitlyn Van Roekel were named to 3rd team.

The Panthers battled McLaughlin in SODAK 16 region play at the Corn Palace on Tuesday, March 5. There are over 400 miles between Dakota Valley and the Mustangs of McLaughlin, who are not far from the North Dakota border. Both teams traveled to Mitchell for the chance to advance to the state tournament at a neutral location.

Once again the Panther boys basketball team has qualified for the state tournament after an incredible year and strong performance in the postseason. The 2024 Class A State Boys Basketball Tournament takes place on March 14-16 in Rapid City at the Monument’s Summit Arena.

The EPJ Youth Husky wrestling team wrestled in West Central for the region 5 state qualifier March 9. Ten Wrestlers will represent EPJ for state out in Rapid City March 15 and 16. Qualifiers were Leo Eriksen, Elena Hutcheson, Kaylin Dice, Karoline Kluender, Addison Milbrodt, Reece Chicoine, Josie Hutcheson, Korbyn Vogt, Audyn Otkin and Ryker Johnson.

The Dakota Valley boys basketball team hosted the Parker Pheasants for the first game of regionals on Tuesday, Feb. 27. The pep band was present and loud, as were the fans and cheerleaders who were ready to see DV in action on the court.

Esports has taken the state of South Dakota by storm and leading the charge is Dakota Valley with a program that sees many Panthers making an appearance in the postseason. Fenworks, a North Dakota based company that specializes in Esports and drone racing programs, will host the 2024 South Dakota Esports State Tournament. The event is to be held at Club 71, Dana J. Dykhouse Stadium at South Dakota State University in Brookings on March 22-23.