The Pierre T.F. Riggs varsity basketball team (Pierre, SD) will host Washington (Sioux Falls, SD) for a home conference game today at 2 p.m.

Game Details
Washington vs Pierre T.F. Riggs Basketball
Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, at 2 p.m.

• Live stream: Watch Here

Comparing Washington and Pierre T.F. Riggs: A Tale of Two Basketball Teams

As the 2024-2025 South Dakota high school basketball season unfolds, fans and analysts are keeping a close eye on the performance of two competitive teams: Washington and Pierre T.F. Riggs. Both teams have had their share of success, yet their overall records and team dynamics tell different stories. Let’s break down the rankings, records, and performances of these two teams, as they navigate their seasons toward potential playoff berths.

Team Rankings and Records

Washington (24-25) has established itself as a formidable force this season. With an impressive 5-2 record overall and a solid 4-2 performance in regional play, the Warriors are positioned well within their conference. Their offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging 58.1 points per game, reflecting a balanced and consistent scoring attack across the four quarters.

In contrast, Pierre T.F. Riggs (24-25) has encountered a more challenging start. With a 2-3 overall record and a 2-2 regional performance, the Governors have struggled at times but remain competitive. Their average points per game sits slightly below Washington’s at 55.2, and they have shown resilience, especially in the latter stages of games, where they score 16 points on average in the fourth quarter.

Head-to-Head: A Closer Look

The common opponents between the two teams provide a closer look at their comparative performances. Washington holds a 3-2 record against their shared opponents, while Pierre T.F. Riggs has fared slightly better, going 2-0 in their matchups. Here’s a breakdown of their recent head-to-head contests and future matchups:

• Washington’s Performance Against Common Opponents:
  • On December 13, 2024, Washington fell to Lincoln, 65-55, in an away game. They later rebounded with a win over Yankton (51-47) on December 17.
  • Washington also picked up victories against Jefferson (72-64) on December 30 and Roosevelt (57-48) on December 31.
• Pierre T.F. Riggs’ Performance Against Common Opponents:
  • Pierre T.F. Riggs has found success against teams like Stevens, defeating them 52-41 on December 13.
  • They also recorded a win against Rapid City Central, winning 62-56 the next day.

Scoring Breakdown: Who Has the Edge?

When comparing the scoring averages for each team, Washington’s higher offensive output (58.1 points per game) offers them an edge. However, Pierre T.F. Riggs has shown consistency in their late-game performances, with their highest scoring quarter coming in the fourth (16.0 points), which could be indicative of their resilience and ability to close out tight games. This difference in scoring style may become significant as the teams head into the latter part of their seasons.

Home vs. Away: Strengths and Weaknesses

• Washington has a strong home record of 2-0 and an impressive 1-2 mark on the road. This trend suggests that while they are solid at home, they might need to improve their performance in away games if they want to be truly dominant.
• Pierre T.F. Riggs, on the other hand, has an equally strong home record of 2-1 but has struggled significantly on the road, with a 0-2 record. The team will need to find ways to perform better in away games to bolster their chances of making a postseason push.

Upcoming Matchups

As the season progresses, both teams will face key matchups that could shape their standings:

• Washington has a critical game on January 14, 2025, against O’Gorman at home, followed by an away game against Aberdeen Central on January 30. Their matchups with top-tier teams like Roosevelt, Brandon Valley, and Stevens will also provide insight into their championship potential.
• Pierre T.F. Riggs faces a busy February, including games against Lincoln, Yankton, and Harrisburg—all pivotal contests that could help define their playoff position.

Conclusion

While Washington enjoys a stronger record and an efficient offense, Pierre T.F. Riggs’ ability to close games in the fourth quarter and their solid home record make them a dangerous team. The future meetings between these two squads will be crucial in determining which team will advance with momentum toward the postseason.

As both teams continue their pursuit of regional glory and potential state championships, their head-to-head performance against common opponents will likely be a key factor in deciding who prevails. Fans of both teams should brace themselves for an exciting remainder of the season