The Burke (SD) varsity basketball team will host a non-conference game against Tripp-Delmont/Armour (Armour, SD) on Friday, January 31, 2025, at 8:00 PM.
Matchup Details:
- Teams: Tripp-Delmont/Armour (CO-OP) vs. Burke
- Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
- Time: 8:00 PM
- Live stream: Watch Here
- Live stream: Watch Here
Tripp-Delmont/Armour and Burke Basketball: A Mid-Season Snapshot
As we approach the midpoint of the 2024-2025 South Dakota basketball season, two teams have stood out in the rankings: Tripp-Delmont/Armour and Burke. Both teams have had their share of challenges, but their journeys so far provide a clear contrast in performance, with Tripp-Delmont/Armour showing a more competitive edge. Let’s break down the current state of both teams in terms of their records, team averages, and head-to-head comparison.
Tripp-Delmont/Armour: A Competitive Force
With a current overall record of 5-6, Tripp-Delmont/Armour has shown resilience throughout the season. Their region record, however, sits at 0-2, underscoring the challenges they face within their league. But their performance away from home has been solid, with a 4-1 record on the road, showcasing their ability to rise to the occasion in unfamiliar environments.
Key players like Isaac Wunder, who leads the team with 18.5 points per game, and Riley Spaans, who contributes 8.0 rebounds per game, have been crucial to the team’s success. The team’s scoring averages are impressive as well, with 54.7 points per game and strong performances in the first half (17.5 points in the first quarter) indicating their aggressive start to games.
With a solid 51.5 rebounds per game, Tripp-Delmont/Armour has been dominant on the boards, giving them an edge in possessions. Their average of 10 assists per game shows a well-rounded team effort, and 6 steals per game speaks to their defensive abilities.
Burke: Struggling to Find Momentum
On the other side, Burke has had a rough go of it this season. With a record of 0-11, they are still looking for their first win. Their struggles are evident in all areas: a 0-3 record in the region and an overall 0-5 record on the road. Burke’s performance at home hasn’t been much better, with 0-5 in their home games. Their scoring average of 30.5 points per game indicates a lack of offensive production, and their defense has been similarly challenged, allowing an average of 64.8 points per game.
Burke’s key player, Quinten Bull, has contributed 8.8 points per game, but their overall statistics, including 7.3 assists per game and 8.3 steals per game, suggest a team that is still trying to build cohesion. The team’s highest-scoring quarter on average is the third, with 15 points, but they have struggled to sustain offensive pressure throughout the game, particularly in the fourth quarter, where they average only 6.0 points.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Tripp-Delmont/Armour vs. Burke
When comparing both teams’ head-to-head performance in common matchups, the disparity becomes even clearer. Tripp-Delmont/Armour holds a 3-4 record against common opponents, while Burke has struggled, posting an 0-6 record.
In their matchups with teams like Wagner, Kimball/White Lake, and Platte/Geddes, Tripp-Delmont/Armour has managed to secure victories, including an impressive 64-39 win over Kimball/White Lake. Conversely, Burke has faced heavy losses, such as their 59-15 defeat to Wagner and a 67-37 loss to Andes Central/Dakota Christian.
Key Team Stats Comparison
| Stat Category | Tripp-Delmont/Armour | Burke |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 51.5 | 32.0 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 27.0 | 23.1 |
| Assists Per Game | 10.0 | 7.3 |
| Steals Per Game | 6.0 | 8.3 |
| Blocks Per Game | – | 1.0 |
As shown, Tripp-Delmont/Armour has a strong advantage in scoring and rebounding, whereas Burke excels slightly in steals, although this has not translated into more victories.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities
For Tripp-Delmont/Armour, their next games, including matchups against Gayville-Volin and Irene/Wakonda, will be crucial to building momentum for the rest of the season. With a more balanced and potent offense, they remain optimistic about improving their regional record and competing at a higher level.
For Burke, the road ahead is challenging, but there are still opportunities to grow. Players like Quinten Bull and Hudson Fuhrer will need to step up, and the team must find ways to increase their offensive efficiency and reduce turnovers to break their losing streak.
While Tripp-Delmont/Armour continues to show promise, Burke’s rebuilding process will require time, and both teams will need to adjust their strategies as the season progresses. Only time will tell if Burke can turn things around or if Tripp-Delmont/Armour can capitalize on their strong performance to secure a playoff spot.
