Palace hosts Hanson Classic

The Corn Palace once again plays host to a basketball classic.

This time, however, things will be a little different than last month’s Mike Miller Classic. Girls will be gracing the court in a one-day event — the Hanson Classic.

“There are a lot of classics, but we feel this is one of the better ones just because it feels like a tournament atmosphere,” Hanson coach Jim Bridge said. “For some teams, this is their state tournament.”

This year the classic has its fair share of top-tier matchups.

Five teams that are ranked in the South Dakota Sportswriter’s high school basketball poll and two that received votes will compete in the classic, which begins at 11:30 a.m. today. There is a total of 14 teams in the classic.

“We are real excited about the lineup we have this year with all of the quality teams,” Bridge said. “The classic itself just has a great reputation, and after 30 years of doing it, there are just a lot of teams and schools that want to play in it.”

Bridge’s undefeated Hanson squad is one of those teams that will battle with another unbeaten team.

The Beavers, who are 10-0 and ranked fourth in the Class B state rankings, take on St. Thomas More.

The Cavaliers have won 18 straight games and are the state’s No. 1-ranked Class A girls’ basketball team.

“They are the defending state A champions, and they have experience playing in big games,” Bridge said. “They are a very good basketball team, but I think we are up for the challenge.

“I think our kids believe they have earned the chance to play in one of the marquee matchups of the day.”

The Beavers, who are averaging 59 points per game, have faced five opponents this season that have winning records.

The final game of the day is a Class B clash between Warner and Sanborn Central/Woonsocket. Warner is the second-ranked team in Class B, while SC/W is the third best team in the class.

“We really haven’t talked too much about it,” SC/W co-head coach Tim McCain said. “They are No. 2 in the state, and they have been talked about very highly.

“We are excited to get our opportunity to see if we are up there at the top of the class.”

Both teams have an average margin of victory of 31 points.

Today’s Hanson Classic Schedule

11:30 a.m.: Lennox vs. Wagner

1 p.m.: Parkston vs. Clark-Willow Lake

2:30 p.m.: Deuel vs. Sully Buttes

4 p.m.: De Smet vs. Highmore-Harrold

5:30 p.m.: Centerville vs. Herried-Selby Area

7 p.m.: St. Thomas More vs. Hanson

8:30 p.m.: Warner vs. Sanborn Central/Woonsocket

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