The Spearfish (SD) varsity basketball team will host Harrisburg (SD) for a conference game today at 3:30 p.m.

Game Details:

• Opponent: Harrisburg vs Spearfish
• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Time: 3:30 p.m.
• Location: Spearfish High School
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Comparing Harrisburg and Spearfish High School Basketball Teams: A Breakdown of Records, Scoring, and Key Players

As the 2024-2025 South Dakota high school basketball season continues to unfold, two teams stand out in their respective regions: Harrisburg and Spearfish. Both teams have had strong performances thus far, boasting impressive win percentages and competitive statistics. Let’s take a deeper dive into their records, performances, and key players to understand how they compare.

Team Records: Harrisburg vs. Spearfish

Harrisburg has posted a solid overall record of 6-2 so far this season, with a regional record of 5-2. Their home performance has been strong, securing a 3-0 record, while their away record is 1-2. Despite a couple of losses on the road, Harrisburg has shown resilience and strong performances when it matters most, especially on home turf.

Spearfish, with an impressive overall record of 6-1, has excelled in the region, holding a 3-1 regional record and maintaining a perfect 3-0 mark in away games. Their ability to win on the road has been one of their standout features this season.

In terms of performance, Spearfish has had the advantage in terms of overall wins, with a higher win percentage at .857 compared to Harrisburg’s .750. Harrisburg’s scoring has also been notably competitive, averaging 53.3 points per game, while Spearfish holds a slightly higher average at 57.7 points per game.

Scoring Trends: Harrisburg and Spearfish

When looking at team scoring averages, Spearfish comes out on top, with a higher overall points-per-game average (57.7). Their scoring is fairly consistent across all four quarters, with the team averaging 15.2 points in the first quarter, 16.0 in the second, 13.7 in the third, and 14.0 in the fourth. This balanced approach allows Spearfish to sustain pressure on their opponents throughout the game.

On the other hand, Harrisburg has shown a more gradual increase in scoring as the game progresses, averaging 14 points in the first quarter, 10 points in the second, 11 in the third, and 12 in the fourth. While Harrisburg’s points per game are slightly lower, their strong defense and steady scoring have earned them a respectable 6-2 record.

Team Stat Comparison

Both teams show impressive statistics, but there are some notable differences:

• Points Per Game: Spearfish leads with 60.2 points per game compared to Harrisburg’s 53.3.
• Rebounds: Harrisburg averages 29.7 rebounds per game, a critical stat for controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Spearfish, while effective, averages fewer rebounds at 29.7.
• Assists: Harrisburg also leads in assists per game, averaging 12.8, compared to Spearfish’s 12.2.
• Steals: Harrisburg’s defensive prowess is highlighted by their average of 7.8 steals per game, led by Dylon Doren, compared to Spearfish’s 6.9 steals per game.
• Blocks: Harrisburg also shows a significant edge in blocks, with 2.3 per game, compared to Spearfish’s 1.7.

Key Players to Watch

The standout player for Harrisburg has been Dylon Doren, who leads the team in points, rebounds, steals, and blocks, with averages of 12.6 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.0 block per game. His all-around contribution has been crucial to the team’s success and ability to stay competitive in games. His leadership on both ends of the court makes him an undeniable force in the lineup.

For Spearfish, key players include Bennett Kortan, who leads in assists with 3.2 per game, and Brandon Valley, a major scoring contributor. Spearfish has a deep roster that spreads the wealth offensively, but Kortan’s playmaking ability stands out as a vital asset to their success.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced some of the same opponents, which allows for direct comparison of performances. Harrisburg holds a 4-1 record against common opponents, while Spearfish has a 3-1 record. Both teams have shown resilience in their victories, although Harrisburg’s slight edge in head-to-head matchups suggests their ability to handle tough competition.

Notable games include victories over Yankton, Mitchell, and Douglas, with Harrisburg sweeping Douglas in both of their recent contests. Spearfish, on the other hand, secured strong wins against teams like Pierre T.F. Riggs and Stevens, although they were recently defeated by Brandon Valley.

Looking Ahead

As the season continues, both Harrisburg and Spearfish will look to build on their strong starts. Harrisburg will need to improve their road record if they are to remain competitive in the highly competitive South Dakota basketball landscape. Spearfish, with their solid away game record, will look to maintain their high level of play, especially as they approach the final stretch of the season.

The race for postseason success is heating up, and with both teams boasting impressive stats and standout players, we can expect thrilling matchups in the coming weeks. Whether it’s Dylon Doren’s all-around dominance for Harrisburg or Bennett Kortan’s playmaking for Spearfish, these teams are primed for exciting finishes this season.