Even though the Elk Point-Jefferson Huskies scored an imposing 68 points on Thursday, the Dakota Valley Panthers still came out on top. Dakota Valley took down Elk Point-Jefferson 87-68. Given Dakota Valley's advantage in MaxPreps' South Dakota basketball rankings (they are ranked third, while Elk Point-Jefferson is ranked 78th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Dakota Valley to victory, but perhaps none more so than Jaxson Wingert, who almost dropped a double-double on 25 points and nine rebounds. Wingert is crushing the point category: he's posted at least 21 every time he's taken the court this season. Luke Bruns was another key contributor, scoring 24 points.
Dakota Valley pushed their record up to 11-2 with that victory, which was their 15th straight at home dating back to last season. As for Elk Point-Jefferson, they have traveled a rocky road recently having lost seven of their last eight matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 5-11 record this season.
Dakota Valley will be playing in front of their home fans against Vermillion at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday. One thing working in Dakota Valley's favor is that they have posted big point totals every time they've taken the court this season. As for Elk Point-Jefferson, they will head out on the road to challenge Beresford at 8:00 p.m. on Friday. Beresford will roll in looking for their fourth straight victory, something Elk Point-Jefferson surely won't give up without a fight.
