The St. Thomas More (Rapid City, SD) varsity basketball team will play a home conference game against Rapid City Christian (Rapid City, SD) today at 7:30 p.m.

Matchup Details:

• Teams: RCCHS vs. STMHS
• Date: Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Rapid City Christian vs. St. Thomas More: A Battle for Dominance in South Dakota Basketball

As the 2024-2025 basketball season heats up, two local powerhouse teams, Rapid City Christian and St. Thomas More, have been dominating the South Dakota scene. Both teams have impressive records, with Rapid City Christian boasting a 14-2 overall record and St. Thomas More sitting at 13-4. With strong regional performances and outstanding individual statistics, these two teams are creating a buzz in the state. Let’s break down the rankings, head-to-head matchups, and team statistics to get a better sense of what makes each of these teams formidable opponents.

Team Records & Rankings

Rapid City Christian enters the game with a stellar 14-2 overall record. Their undefeated 4-0 record in the region has placed them in a commanding position, and with an impressive win percentage of .875, they are one of the most feared teams in the area. They’ve outscored opponents 1,082 to 742, a clear indication of their dominance on both ends of the court.

On the other hand, St. Thomas More, with a solid 13-4 record, has proven to be a tough competitor. Their regional record stands at 3-2, and while they’re not undefeated like their counterparts, their .765 win percentage and a solid point differential of 911 points scored to 761 allowed make them a force to be reckoned with.

Team Scoring Averages

The offensive approach for both teams is an essential factor in understanding their playing styles.

• Rapid City Christian has been consistent, averaging 67.6 points per game across all quarters. Their scoring is well-balanced with 19.0 points in the first quarter, 15.5 in the second, 17.5 in the third, and a strong 18.5 in the final quarter.
• St. Thomas More has a slightly lower scoring average of 53.6 points per game, with their highest point tally occurring in the second quarter (16.3). They tend to struggle more in the final quarter, where they average just 11.0 points per game.

Head-to-Head Showdowns

When these two teams face off, the results have been clear. In their two most recent matchups, Rapid City Christian walked away with dominant victories:

• January 13, 2025: Rapid City Christian defeated St. Thomas More 38-27 in a neutral conference game.
• January 14, 2025: Rapid City Christian once again triumphed, winning 51-30 in another neutral conference game.

These victories demonstrate Rapid City Christian’s ability to control the game and come out on top in high-pressure situations.

Common Opponents

Both teams have shared several common opponents this season. Let’s take a look at their results against these teams:

• Douglas: Rapid City Christian won 72-51 on December 14, 2024, while St. Thomas More won 58-40 on February 7, 2025.
• Hill City: Rapid City Christian won 77-54 on January 7, 2025, while St. Thomas More faces Hill City on February 22, 2025.
• Sturgis Brown: Rapid City Christian defeated Sturgis Brown 59-33 on January 10, 2025, while St. Thomas More won 59-37 on January 3, 2025.

Rapid City Christian holds a 5-1 record against common opponents, while St. Thomas More boasts an impressive 7-0 record. This shows that, while Rapid City Christian has had a couple of slip-ups against non-league competition, St. Thomas More has yet to falter.

Game Breakdown: Home, Away, and Neutral

• Rapid City Christian: The team has been especially dominant at home with a 7-1 record. Their away performance also stands strong at 4-1, and they are perfect on neutral courts with a 3-0 record.
• St. Thomas More: St. Thomas More has proven to be nearly unbeatable on the road, with a 5-0 record. However, their home record sits at 3-1, and they struggle slightly on neutral courts with a 5-3 record.

Key Takeaways

1. Rapid City Christian’s Offensive Depth: With an impressive scoring average of 67.6 points per game, Rapid City Christian has consistently shown their offensive firepower. Their scoring depth across all four quarters, especially in the first and third quarters, makes them a difficult team to shut down.
2. St. Thomas More’s Resilience: Though their scoring average is lower, St. Thomas More’s ability to compete and win against common opponents shows their potential. Their undefeated record against common opponents sets them apart as a team that doesn’t back down easily.
3. Rapid City Christian’s Recent Dominance: Having defeated St. Thomas More twice already in the season by significant margins (38-27 and 51-30), Rapid City Christian enters their next game with momentum. Their solid defense and high scoring output will be key as they look to continue their dominance over their rival.

Looking Ahead

The rivalry between Rapid City Christian and St. Thomas More is far from over. With games still to be played, including the upcoming February 4th matchup, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance and claim the top spot in their region. Rapid City Christian, with their high-powered offense and nearly flawless regional record, will look to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, St. Thomas More will be hungry to bounce back and prove they can rise to the challenge.

It’s clear that these two teams are among the best in South Dakota, and their rivalry promises to deliver plenty of excitement throughout the remainder of the season.