The Jefferson (Sioux Falls, SD) varsity volleyball team will play a neutral-site playoff match against Brandon Valley (Brandon, SD) today at 5:00 PM. This game is part of the 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets for the 2024 Class AA State Tournament in South Dakota.
Jefferson vs Brandon Valley Volleyball Game Info:
What: South Dakota High School Volleyball
Who: Jefferson vs Brandon Valley
When: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 5 PM
Bracket: 2024 SDHSAA High School Volleyball Playoff Brackets (South Dakota) – 2024 Class AA State Tournament
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Game preview: Jefferson vs Brandon Valley
As the 2024-2025 volleyball season progresses, the rivalry between Brandon Valley (17-11) and Jefferson (20-4) continues to captivate fans. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but their paths to success have been marked by differences in playstyles and performance against common opponents. The head-to-head matchups this season have showcased the intensity of the competition, and both schools have demonstrated their resilience in high-stakes moments.
Team Records and Overview
Brandon Valley, with a solid overall record of 17-11, has performed well in their region with a 9-8 mark. Their home court advantage has been key, boasting a 7-2 record at home, although they’ve faced challenges on the road (5-6) and in neutral-site games (5-3). Their win percentage stands at .607, with a region win percentage of .529.
On the other hand, Jefferson has been a dominant force, with a 20-4 record overall and an outstanding region performance of 14-3. They have been nearly unbeatable at home (9-1) and on neutral ground (3-0), while their away record stands at 8-3. Their win percentage of .833 and region win percentage of .824 place them among the top contenders this season.
Team Scoring Averages
Brandon Valley and Jefferson have similar scoring averages, with both teams averaging over 22 points per set in most matches. Brandon Valley’s average is 22.6 points in the first set, 22.8 in the second, and 21.8 in the third, while Jefferson consistently posts strong scores across sets, averaging 22.9, 22.3, and 23.4 points in the first three sets. However, Jefferson has managed to keep a more consistent output, with a slight edge in scoring late in matches.
Key Players
Brandon Valley’s standout players include Jayaunna Stroh, who leads the team with 280 kills, Ashley Ertelt with 69 total blocks, and Mya Vanwesten, who contributes significantly with 357 digs and 524 receptions. Their strong all-around play will be essential as they look to compete with the top-tier teams like Jefferson.
Jefferson, meanwhile, is led by a well-rounded roster. While the stats for Jefferson’s leading players weren’t detailed, their overall performance on the court, including their win percentage, suggests a balanced team with contributions from across the board.
Recent Head-to-Head: Jefferson Prevails
The most recent matchup between these two teams took place on September 26, 2024, when Jefferson won 3-1 in a decisive victory. The match, which saw Jefferson dominate with consistent scoring in all four sets, highlighted their offensive power and defensive consistency. Brandon Valley, despite a solid effort, struggled to match Jefferson’s intensity in the key moments, which ultimately led to their defeat.
Common Opponents Breakdown
When looking at common opponents, both teams have faced several challenges, but Jefferson’s record against these teams is more impressive. Brandon Valley holds a 12-9 record against their common opponents, while Jefferson boasts a 16-3 mark. Both teams have faced tough losses, including losses to Harrisburg, Watertown, and O’Gorman, but Jefferson has fared better overall in these matchups.
Playoff Implications
Looking ahead, both teams are headed for playoff action. Brandon Valley will need to continue their strong play at home and make improvements in their away performances to compete at the highest level. Jefferson’s more dominant season record and consistent performances in neutral-site games give them an edge heading into the postseason.
As both teams prepare for the upcoming neutral-site playoff match, scheduled for later today at 5 p.m., it’s clear that Jefferson enters the match as the favorite. However, with the talent and potential Brandon Valley has shown throughout the season, the match promises to be a thrilling contest.
Whether Brandon Valley can spring an upset or Jefferson will continue their dominance remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the matchup between these two teams is one of the most exciting of the season.
