Throw the seeds out the window in Class A

SIOUX FALLS — Every coach says that seeds don’t matter when it comes to the state tournament.

The Class A state tournament may very well be proof of that being true.

In the first round of the Class A tournament on Thursday at Sioux Falls Arena, three of the four matchups were decided by one possession.

The only game that didn’t come down to the end was the No. 4 and No. 5 seed matchup. The game ended with No. 4 seed Dell Rapids defeating fifth-seeded Winner 74-30.

St. Thomas More, the No. 1 seed, was taken to double overtime before finally coming out on top over No. 8 seeded Tri-Valley.

Dakota Valley held serve as the No. 3 seed defeated sixth-seeded Clark/Willow.

Based on the seeds, Chamberlain was the lone favorite to fall in the first round.

The Cubs came in to the tournament with the No. 2 seed and missed a final-second shot to tie the game as No. 7 Aberdeen Roncalli won 57-54.

“Nobody really gave us a chance,” Roncalli coach Todd Neuendorf said.

Chamberlain’s head coach Allan Bertram knew the matchup would be tough regardless of seeding. After the loss, he was not disappointed by the play of his team.

“Both teams played hard, you just have to tip your hat,” Bertram said. “A game like this is what high school athletics is all about.”

Traxton Priebe, a senior for Chamberlain, said after the game that the close games are what players want to be a part of. Even after the loss, Priebe was able to talk about how fun the game was.

“That’s definitely the type of game you want to play,” he added.

“The fans spend a lot of money to come watch these games,” Bertram said. “Both teams can walk away tonight with their heads held high, knowing they gave their best effort.”

Tags: boys state tournament, class a, sports, updates, winner, chamberlain, basketball