The Aberdeen Central (Aberdeen, SD) varsity volleyball team is set to play a neutral-site playoff match against Watertown (SD) today. This game is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets for the Class AA State Tournament in South Dakota.

Aberdeen Central vs Watertown Volleyball Game Info:

What: South Dakota High School Volleyball
Who: Aberdeen Central vs Watertown
When: Friday, November 22, 2024
Time: TBD
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – 2024 Class AA State Tournament
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Game preview: Aberdeen Central vs Watertown

The volleyball teams of Watertown and Aberdeen Central, both representing strong programs in South Dakota, are set to meet once again in what promises to be a thrilling showdown. This matchup has drawn attention due to their impressive records, skillful rosters, and recent performances.

Team Overview

Watertown has had a standout season, boasting an impressive overall record of 25-7. Their performance has been consistent across multiple regions, with a region record of 13-3 and a solid 7-3 record at home. Their success on the road, with a 7-1 away record, showcases their ability to compete under pressure. Watertown’s dominant play is underscored by their ability to win big, with an overall win percentage of .781, alongside a region win percentage of .812.

Aberdeen Central, with an overall record of 13-9, has had a more challenging season but has demonstrated resilience. With a region record of 10-7, they’ve managed to secure key victories to stay competitive. Their away record of 7-6 highlights their ability to compete, even when faced with tough opponents in hostile environments. Despite these challenges, their win percentage stands at a solid .591, with a region win percentage of .588.

Recent Head-to-Head

The most recent meeting between these two teams was on October 29, where Watertown delivered a dominant performance, sweeping Aberdeen Central 3-0 in straight sets. The scores were decisive, with Watertown winning 25-16, 25-15, and 25-16. This result gives Watertown a mental edge heading into their next encounter.

Key Stats and Team Comparisons

When it comes to offensive firepower, Watertown has been particularly dominant. They’ve amassed a total of 1,182 kills, far outpacing Aberdeen Central, which has 726. Their team is led by standout player Emery Thury, who has tallied 462 kills this season, making her a significant threat on the court. Meanwhile, Lauryn Burckhard of Aberdeen Central leads her team with 271 kills.

In terms of blocking and serving, Watertown continues to excel. Their defense has been stellar, with 158 total blocks and 222 serving aces. Aberdeen Central has also been effective, though with 83 blocks and 145 aces. Watertown’s ability to shut down opponents at the net and their serving prowess are key reasons for their impressive record.

Watertown also leads in total assists, with Grace Corey contributing 940 assists to the team’s success. On the defensive side, Natalie Pearson has been instrumental, recording 415 digs and 481 receptions, keeping the team organized both in defense and in transitioning to offense.

For Aberdeen Central, Amelia Rife has shown her skill in blocking, and Taylin Kleffman has been a dual threat, leading the team in digs and assists with 305 digs and 414 receptions. While Aberdeen Central’s stats don’t quite match Watertown’s in terms of volume, they remain competitive in many areas, making them a formidable opponent.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several of the same opponents, and the results offer some insight into how they might match up in their next meeting. Notably, Watertown secured wins against teams like Pierre T.F. Riggs, Brandon Valley, and Brookings, all of which Aberdeen Central also played. However, Watertown posted stronger results in most cases, including their 3-0 win over Brandon Valley, compared to Aberdeen Central’s 3-0 loss.

Another key comparison comes from their matches against O’Gorman, where both teams struggled, with Watertown losing 3-0 and Aberdeen Central falling 3-0 as well.

Looking Ahead

The stage is set for another exciting battle between these two high school volleyball teams. While Watertown has the upper hand in terms of recent form and head-to-head dominance, Aberdeen Central is no slouch and will look to make a statement in their upcoming match. With the potential to surprise and a solid core of experienced players, Aberdeen Central will look to rebound from their recent loss to Watertown and use their strengths to close the gap.

As the teams prepare for their next matchup, one thing is clear: it’s sure to be a competitive and entertaining game, with both teams playing for pride and the chance to advance in the tournament.