The Dakota Valley varsity basketball team (North Sioux City, SD) will host a non-conference game against St. Thomas More (Rapid City, SD) today at 2:30 PM.

Matchup Information:

• Teams: St. Thomas More vs. Dakota Valley
• Date: Saturday, January 25, 2025
• Time: 2:30 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Event: 43rd Annual Hanson Classic at the Corn Palace
• Location: Dakota Valley (North Sioux City, SD)

St. Thomas More vs. Dakota Valley: A Breakdown of Their Basketball Seasons

As the high school basketball season continues to heat up, two teams from South Dakota are gaining attention for their impressive performances: St. Thomas More and Dakota Valley. Both teams have been competitive throughout the 2024-2025 season, showcasing solid records, impressive individual performances, and strong team dynamics. Here’s a detailed comparison of both teams’ performances, including scoring averages, statistical leaders, and records across various categories.

Team Records and Standings

St. Thomas More (24-25)

• Overall Record: 9-4
• Region Record: 3-2
• Home Record: 3-1
• Away Record: 2-0
• Neutral Record: 4-3
• Win Percentage: .692
• Region Win Percentage: .600
• Points Scored (PF): 705
• Points Allowed (PA): 586

Dakota Valley (24-25)

• Overall Record: 9-2
• Region Record: 2-0
• Home Record: 6-1
• Away Record: 2-1
• Neutral Record: 1-0
• Win Percentage: .818
• Region Win Percentage: 1.000
• Points Scored (PF): 774
• Points Allowed (PA): 571

Dakota Valley has an overall better win percentage (.818) compared to St. Thomas More (.692), but both teams are performing strongly in their respective regions. Dakota Valley has yet to lose a region game, making them a dominant force in their conference.

Team Scoring Averages

When it comes to offensive production, Dakota Valley leads the way with a higher average of 68.6 points per game compared to St. Thomas More’s 54.2. Both teams show solid performances, but the difference in scoring averages is notable.

• St. Thomas More
  • Q1: 16.5
  • Q2: 17.5
  • Q3: 18.0
  • Q4: 10.0
  • Final: 54.2
• Dakota Valley
  • Q1: 14.6
  • Q2: 17.0
  • Q3: 20.1
  • Q4: 16.6
  • Final: 68.6

Dakota Valley’s fourth-quarter scoring (16.6 points) is a key factor in their high point total, compared to St. Thomas More’s final-quarter drop-off, where they score only 10.0 points on average.

Statistical Comparison

Here’s how both teams stack up across various key statistics:

• Points Per Game:
  • St. Thomas More: 54.2
  • Dakota Valley: 68.6
• Rebounds Per Game:
  • St. Thomas More: 31.6
  • Dakota Valley: 31.6
• Assists Per Game:
  • St. Thomas More: 13.9
  • Dakota Valley: 13.9
• Steals Per Game:
  • St. Thomas More: 7.3
  • Dakota Valley: 7.3
• Blocks Per Game:
  • St. Thomas More: 2.0
  • Dakota Valley: 2.0

Both teams are nearly identical when it comes to rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks per game. However, Dakota Valley’s stronger scoring average gives them a slight edge overall.

Team Leaders

Both teams have standout players who contribute significantly to their team’s success.

• St. Thomas More
  • Points Per Game: Luke Bruns (24.4)
  • Rebounds Per Game: Luke Bruns (6.8)
  • Assists Per Game: Logan Collette (4.0)
  • Steals Per Game: Luke Bruns (2.2)
  • Blocks Per Game: Tatum Sorensen (0.9)
• Dakota Valley
  • Points Per Game: Luke Bruns (24.4)
  • Rebounds Per Game: Luke Bruns (6.8)
  • Assists Per Game: Logan Collette (4.0)
  • Steals Per Game: Luke Bruns (2.2)
  • Blocks Per Game: Tatum Sorensen (0.9)

It’s clear that St. Thomas More’s Luke Bruns is a key player for the team, leading in points, rebounds, and steals. Dakota Valley also features Bruns as a leader in several categories, making him a significant presence for both teams.

Record Breakdown

• St. Thomas More:
  • Overall: 9-4
  • Region: 3-2
  • Home: 3-1
  • Away: 2-0
  • Neutral: 4-3
• Dakota Valley:
  • Overall: 9-2
  • Region: 2-0
  • Home: 6-1
  • Away: 2-1
  • Neutral: 1-0

Both teams have had success in their region, with Dakota Valley boasting an undefeated region record (2-0). On the other hand, St. Thomas More has proven to be strong on the road, with a 2-0 away record.

Conclusion

As the season progresses, both St. Thomas More and Dakota Valley are positioning themselves as top teams in their respective regions. Dakota Valley’s impressive record and scoring prowess make them a team to watch, while St. Thomas More’s solid all-around play and strong defense will keep them competitive. Fans can expect these two teams to be in the mix for postseason success as the season heads toward its final stretch.