When volleyball came to an end almost a week and a half ago, it closed the door on another fall season of high school sports and activities in South Dakota. A lot happened this fall, so it's important to look back at all the action.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting told a lot of stories that surrounded the championship events, and we thank YOU for joining us along the way. Be sure to also check out all of our photo albums via FLICKR. Cheer and Dance, and the 2023 All State Chorus and Orchestra concert are available to watch by clicking here. Our coverage of soccer, football, and volleyball is available on our YouTube channel.
Golf Boys AA and A
Watertown’s Jake Olson won the ‘AA’ individual title, his second of his prep career, while the Watertown boys team claimed their first boys state golf championship in 52 years.
Jake Olson and Watertown Story – Click Here
Vermillion went back-to-back in ‘A’ boys golf as all four of the scoring individuals placed within the Top-27. Cooper Girard finished in 4th, Karson Preister tied for 14th, Rylan Moran tied for 16th, and Carter Hansen tied for 27th.
Tennis Girls AA and A
Sioux Falls Christian’s girls tennis program won its first state championship in a tight finish against St. Thomas More. Two years ago, the Sioux Falls Christian boys tennis program won its first state title, and now the girls have also joined the club.
Sioux Falls Christian Story – Click Here
After coming up short the past two years, Sioux Falls Lincoln returned to the championship podium this fall to win their 16th state girls tennis championship.
Lincoln Story – Click Here
Soccer AA and A (Boys and Girls)
Tea Area defeated Groton Area for the ‘A’ girls state soccer championship. This was the Titans sixth time playing in a state title match, and their third championship as a program.
Tea Area Story – Click Here
Sioux Falls Christian won their fourth straight state ‘A’ boys soccer championship with a victory over Tea Area.
Sioux Falls Christian Story – Click Here
Harrisburg went back-to-back in state ‘AA’ girls soccer with a victory over Mitchell in this year’s title match. This was also Tigers head coach Eric Christensen’s final game – a perfect ending.
Harrisburg Story – Click Here
After finishing runner-up a year ago, Sioux Falls Lincoln completed the perfect season to complete the redemption tour on their way to the ‘AA’ boys title.
Lincoln Story – Click Here
Cheer and Dance AA and A
Sioux Valley won their 17th straight state ‘A’ cheer championship at this year’s event, while Dakota Valley won their 14th straight ‘A’ dance title.
A Results – Click Here
Sioux Falls Jefferson won their first ever state cheer championship at this year’s ‘AA’ competition, while Brandon Valley once again took home the title in dance.
AA Results – Click Here
Cross Country AA, A, and B (Boys and Girls)
Sioux Falls Lincoln, Hill City, and Philip won boys state cross country championships at Yankton Trails in Sioux Falls this year, while Brandon Valley, Sioux Falls Christian, and Potter County claimed titles on the girls side.
For Results – Click Here
Chester’s Emery Larson successfully went back-to-back in ‘B’ girls cross country with an impressive time of 18:21.47, nearly 36-seconds faster than the second place finisher in the meet.
Emery Larson Story – Click Here
All-State Chorus and Orchestra
This year’s all-state chorus and orchestra concert took place at Summit Arena at The Monument in Rapid City. Over 900 singers and 150 musicians filled the venue with a fantastic musical performance. This truly is one of the best SDHSAA events of the year.
Watch Concert – Click Here
Football 11AAA, 11AA, 11A, 11B, 9AA, 9A, and 9B
Avon, Warner, Parkston, Hot Springs, Dell Rapids, Pierre, and Sioux Falls Lincoln won state football championships this year.
For Avon, this was their first state football championship in 10-years.
Avon Story – Click Here
Warner finally got their first football title in what was the highest combined scoring football game in state championship history. The Monarchs matchup against Deubrook Area will go down as one of the more memorable games in memory.
Warner Story – Click Here
Parkston and Howard combined for one of the best defensive bouts of the football championships this year, which saw the Trojans victorious.
Parkston Story – Click Here
Late game defensive heroics led Hot Springs to their first state football title in program history as the Bison dethroned the defending champs in 11B, Elk Point-Jefferson.
Hot Springs Story – Click Here
Dell Rapids went back-to-back in Class 11A as they powered past West Central in a title game rematch.
Dell Rapids Story – Click Here
Pierre captured their SEVENTH STRAIGHT state football crown in a matchup against Yankton. For the Governors, this year’s win felt even more impressive with new players in key roles.
Pierre Story – Click Here
Sioux Falls Lincoln completed the perfect season in 11AAA with a championship win over O’Gorman. It was the Patriots first state football title since 2014.
Lincoln Story – Click Here
Volleyball AA, A, and B
Harrisburg went back-to-back in AA, Sioux Falls Christian won their seventh straight in A, and Chester Area upset Warner in Class B at state volleyball this year.
Full Results – Click Here
For Chester Area, they entered the ‘B’ title match as the clear underdogs to Warner, who was riding a win streak that extended into September of the previous year. It turned out to be a five-set thriller that should go down as one of the more exciting state volleyball matches in state history.
Full Results – Click Here
