The Elk Point-Jefferson boys are working their way toward learning the court, new plays and putting all the components together. “We’re young and have a lot of new and moving parts to our team,” Head Coach Jake Otkin said.

The first full week of December meant the commencement of Esports competitions for Dakota Valley. The Panther squad had matches throughout the entire week, except on Wednesday and the weekend.

The Panther girls opened up their season at home on Tuesday, Dec. 5 versus Lennox. It was a close game with senior Sophie Tuttle, juniors Cameryn Sommervold and Emersen Mead, and 8th graders Ella Otten and Aubree Worden as the starters.

The Yankton Bucks and Vermillion Tanagers were at Dakota Valley on Thursday, Dec. 7 for a wrestling triangular hosted by the Panthers. Team scoring had opponents winning both duals versus DV, however good things were observed by the Panthers on the mat.

The Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies held their own on the mats to begin the 2023-24 wrestling season in Flandreau, SD at their annual Booster Club Invite Dec. 2.

Elk Point-Jefferson graduates and sisters Kenna and Josie Curry both were able to meet once again on the field, but not as teammates. Both Currys were able to secure track and field scholarships and competed against one another in the SDSU Holiday Open & Multi on Dec. 1 and 2.

Volleyball honors for the 2023 season have been announced. For Elk Point-Jefferson Junior outside hitter Bentlee Kollbaum was named to the DAK-12 Conference Volleyball second team and Class A All-State Honorable Mention.

Esports will debut in South Dakota for the winter 2023-24 season and the Panthers will be a part of history as they participate and look to be strong competitors. Dakota Valley will field teams for the following esport games: ● Rocket League ● Smash ● League of Legends ● Chess Rocket League is a video game that mixes soccer and arcade style driving. Smash is a popular game from Nintendo and League of Legends is a well-known multiplayer battle competition with a focus on team strategy and communication. The online game of chess will be played with an anticipated 10 minute allotment for each match. Players will have a time limit on how quickly they must make a move on the chess board.

Dakota Valley wrestlers began practice on Nov. 13 and the squad looks ready for action as the season starts to unfold. Over 20 Panthers will take to the mat for 2023-24 in the hopes of earning pins, wins and accolades.

November 18 kicked off practice sessions for the Panther girls basketball team. There are currently 17 Dakota Valley players out for high school ball with it anticipated that some 8th graders will join once their middle school season wraps up in mid-December. Familiar faces can be seen this year as Head Coach Tammy Lilly returns for her 16th season of leading the Panthers.