The Rapid City Christian varsity basketball team (Rapid City, SD) will play a neutral non-conference game against Hamlin (Hayti, SD) today at 8:30 PM.

Game Details:

• Matchup: Hamlin vs. RCCHS
• Date & Time: Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 8:30 PM
• Event: 43rd Annual Hanson Classic at the Corn Palace
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Hamlin vs. Rapid City Christian: A Competitive Breakdown

As the 2024-2025 basketball season rolls on, two standout teams from South Dakota—Hamlin and Rapid City Christian—have proven themselves to be formidable contenders. Both teams have impressive records and are heading into their matchups with high expectations. Let’s take a deeper dive into their performances this season, breaking down the key statistics, records, and their head-to-head rivalry.

Hamlin: A Strong, Steady Force

Hamlin’s basketball program has demonstrated resilience this season with a 9-2 overall record. They remain undefeated at home with a perfect 5-0 record and boast a solid away record of 3-1. Their overall winning percentage of .818 speaks volumes about their consistency and ability to perform under pressure. Hamlin’s offense has averaged 69.8 points per game, showcasing their strong attacking game, with their scoring breakdown per quarter being 9.0 points in the first, 10.0 in the second, 23.0 in the third, and 11.0 in the final quarter.

Despite a few challenges, including a loss to Sioux Falls Christian on January 11th, Hamlin’s performance against in-state competition remains impressive. Their region record is flawless at 1-0, suggesting they are well-prepared for regional play. The team’s offensive capabilities have been highlighted by their strong finish in the third quarter, where they average 23 points—a key indicator of their ability to close out games effectively.

Rapid City Christian: Dominating the Court

Rapid City Christian is currently one of the top-performing teams in South Dakota, with a remarkable 12-1 overall record. Their dominance in the region is underscored by a perfect 3-0 region record, and they have posted an outstanding 7-0 mark in neutral games. Their overall win percentage of .923 is a testament to their exceptional season so far.

Rapid City Christian’s average points per game stand at 68.0, with their scoring breakdown of 19.0 points in the first quarter, 15.5 in the second, 17.5 in the third, and 18.5 in the fourth. Their ability to maintain consistent scoring throughout the game has allowed them to maintain a strong position in the standings. Furthermore, Rapid City Christian’s performance against common opponents—such as St. Thomas More and Sioux Falls Christian—has been exemplary, with a 2-1 record against teams they share with Hamlin.

Record Breakdown

When comparing the two teams, it’s clear that Rapid City Christian has had the edge in terms of overall performance this season. With a 12-1 record compared to Hamlin’s 9-2, Rapid City Christian has been dominant in both league and non-league matchups. They have been particularly effective in neutral-site games, posting a 7-0 record in those situations, further underscoring their ability to perform away from home.

Hamlin, however, has managed to perform well in its home games, with a perfect 5-0 record. Despite their excellent home court performance, they’ve had some challenges in their away games, with a 3-1 record, compared to Rapid City Christian’s impressive 4-1 away performance.

Head-to-Head and Common Opponents

The two teams haven’t faced off directly this season, but they have shared common opponents. Both teams have faced off against Sioux Falls Christian, with Hamlin losing 75-60 in an away game on January 11th, while Rapid City Christian also faced Sioux Falls Christian at home on January 18th, coming away with a 71-62 victory. When it comes to their meetings with St. Thomas More, Rapid City Christian has had better success, securing two wins, one on January 13th (38-27) and another on January 14th (51-30), whereas Hamlin will meet St. Thomas More on February 15th.

Conclusion

Both Hamlin and Rapid City Christian have showcased incredible talent and resilience this season. While Rapid City Christian’s stellar 12-1 record stands out, Hamlin’s unblemished home performance and strong regional presence make them a formidable force in their own right. Their upcoming matchups, particularly their head-to-head battle later in the season, will undoubtedly be highly anticipated. With both teams poised for success in their respective regions, basketball fans can expect thrilling games as these two teams continue their pursuit of excellence.