It is that time of year again. In South Dakota, March isn't just about the weather finally turning; it's about the "State" atmosphere. People call it "March Madness" elsewhere, but here, it’s just the tournament. Honestly, if you grew up in a town with a population under 500, you know the feeling of a completely empty Main Street because everyone drove three hours to watch the girls play.
The sd girls state basketball tournament is basically a holiday.
We aren’t just talking about a couple of games. It’s a cultural ritual. From the "SoDak 16" heartbreaks to the late-night sessions at the Huron Arena or the Monument in Rapid City, the stakes are always higher than they seem on a stat sheet. This year, the 2026 tournaments are slated for March 12-14.
Where the Magic Happens: 2026 Locations
The SDHSAA doesn’t keep things in one spot, which is part of the charm (and the headache if you’re trying to follow three different classes). For the 2026 run, the geography is spread out across the state.
- Class AA: They are heading back to Rapid City at The Monument.
- Class A: This group is taking over Watertown.
- Class B: The "B's" are scheduled for Brookings.
If you've ever tried to book a hotel room in Brookings or Rapid City during tournament weekend, you know you basically have to do it a year in advance. Or you end up staying forty miles away and driving in through a surprise prairie blizzard. That's just part of the experience.
Why the "B's" Still Own the Heart of the State
There is something about Class B basketball that just hits different. You have schools like Centerville, Bennett County, and Sanborn Central/Woonsocket that bring the entire county with them.
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Last year, in 2025, Bennett County pulled off a wild run to grab the title over Sanborn Central/Woonsocket with a 71-61 finish. It wasn't just a win; it was a statement. This year, the target is on their back. Currently, teams like Mahpiya Luta and Sioux Valley are looking like absolute juggernauts.
Mahpiya Luta, in particular, has been playing a brand of basketball that’s hard to keep up with. They play fast. They press. They don't give you a second to breathe. Watching them in the sd girls state basketball tournament is probably going to be the highlight of the weekend for anyone who likes transition offense.
The Powerhouses in Class AA and A
Class AA is usually the Sioux Falls show, but the Rapid City schools and Brandon Valley always have something to say about it. O’Gorman is the defending champ, having edged out Brandon Valley 47-46 in a game that literally came down to the final possession. That kind of drama is why people sit in those hard plastic seats for twelve hours straight.
In Class A, Sioux Falls Christian has been the gold standard. They took down Mahpiya Luta last year in a 57-56 nail-biter. Think about that for a second. One point. One free throw or one tipped pass changes the entire history of a school’s trophy case.
Players to Watch Right Now
- Ashlan Carlow-Blount (Mahpiya Luta): She is a stat-sheet stuffer. Steals, assists, boards—she does it all.
- Alyvia Padgett (Brandon Valley): A scoring machine who can create her own shot when the shot clock is winding down.
- Addison Neuendorf (Hamlin): One of those players who just seems to have a higher basketball IQ than everyone else on the floor.
- Lennix Dupris (Pierre): A senior who has been through the wars and knows how to lead a team in the fourth quarter.
The 50-Year Milestone
We just hit a massive milestone. 2025 marked 50 years of sanctioned girls' basketball in South Dakota. It’s wild to think that back in 1975, the state was just starting to recognize these athletes officially.
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Before Title IX really kicked in, girls were playing in the 1920s, but then it sort of faded away or was "discouraged" by the powers that be. We owe a lot to the 1975 pioneers from Jefferson and Yankton who proved that the crowds would show up if the game was on the line. Today, the sd girls state basketball tournament often draws crowds that rival or even exceed the boys' sessions in certain classes.
How to Actually Watch the Games
If you can’t make the trek to Brookings, Watertown, or Rapid City, you aren't totally out of luck. SDPB (South Dakota Public Broadcasting) is the goat here. They broadcast everything.
- TV: SDPB1, SDPB2, and SDPB3 usually split the classes.
- Online: You can stream for free at sdpb.org/basketball or on SD.net.
- YouTube: They’ve been getting better at putting live streams on YouTube, which is great if you’re trying to watch on a smart TV without a browser.
One thing to keep in mind: the "SoDak 16" is the round that determines who actually makes the state tournament. It's played at neutral sites about a week before the big dance. If you want to see the rawest emotions in sports, go to a SoDak 16 game. It’s "win and you’re in, lose and you’re out." The losers go home, and the winners get to order their "State" t-shirts.
Common Misconceptions
People often think the biggest schools (AA) play the "best" basketball. That’s a mistake. While the AA schools have more depth and height, the pure shooting and grit you see in Class B is legendary. You’ll see a girl from a town of 200 people hit six three-pointers in a row like it's nothing.
Another misconception is that the tournament is just about the games. It's also about the halftime performances, the cheer competitions, and the Spirit of Six award. It’s a full-blown production.
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Actionable Steps for Fans
If you are planning to follow or attend the sd girls state basketball tournament, here is how to handle it like a pro:
- Download the SDHSAA Golf/Basketball App: It’s the fastest way to get live score updates if you aren't at the arena.
- Check the Seed Points: Don't just look at wins and losses. South Dakota uses a seed point system that accounts for the strength of schedule. A 15-5 team might be ranked higher than an 18-2 team if they played a harder schedule.
- Book Your Rooms Now: If you're reading this in January and haven't booked for the March 12-14 weekend, do it today.
- Bring Layers: Rapid City in March can be 60 degrees or -10 with a blizzard. The arenas are usually hot, but the walk from the parking lot is a gamble.
- Follow SDPB on Socials: They post the best highlights and "player of the game" interviews almost instantly.
The tournament is more than just a bracket. It's a snapshot of South Dakota's identity. Whether it’s a tiny school from the West River or a powerhouse from Sioux Falls, for three days in March, nothing else matters but the round orange ball and a 10-foot rim.
Get your tickets early. Wear your school colors. And definitely get some popcorn from the concession stand—everyone knows tournament popcorn hits differently.
Key Information for the 2026 Season
Class AA Location: The Monument, Rapid City
Class A Location: Watertown Civic Arena
Class B Location: Frost Arena/Brookings
Dates: March 12, 13, and 14, 2026
Defending Champions (2025): - AA: O’Gorman
- A: Sioux Falls Christian
- B: Bennett County
Next Steps for Followers: 1. Monitor the SDHSAA "SoDak 16" pairings which will be finalized in early March after the region playoffs.
2. Verify your SDPB streaming access via the SD.net portal to ensure your local bandwidth can handle the live high-definition feeds.
3. Review the final seed point standings on the SDHSAA website to predict potential bracket upsets before the official brackets are released.