The Spearfish Spartans (9–1) open a four‑game homestand Tuesday night when they welcome the Lead‑Deadwood Golddiggers (10–5) in a Black Hills Conference matchup between two teams coming off strong weekend wins.
Although the schools sit just nine miles apart, the series has been one‑sided for nearly two decades. Spearfish holds an 18–3 advantage since 2005, including 16 straight victories over the Golddiggers. Lead‑Deadwood, however, has shown steady improvement under third‑year head coach Dan Janssen and enters with one of its best records in recent seasons.
Spearfish returns home after a 60–49 win at Douglas, highlighted by a breakout performance from senior Cooper Gibbs, who finished with 21 points and six rebounds. Head coach Ben Schultz said the Spartans are placing greater emphasis on post play, noting that involving Gibbs and Ashar Hodgs inside “opens up the offense” and creates better looks for shooters on the perimeter.
Lead‑Deadwood arrives following a 57–41 victory over Hot Springs. The Golddiggers are led by senior guard Blake Janssen, who averages 17.5 points and more than seven rebounds per game. Their offense thrives on pressure defense, averaging more than 10 steals per contest and generating transition scoring opportunities.
Both teams prefer an up‑tempo style and rely on forcing turnovers to create offense. Controlling the paint, limiting mistakes, and dictating the pace are expected to be the deciding factors.
Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Spearfish. The game will air on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, and stream on KDSJ980.com, the KDSJ Mobile App, KDSJ‑TV on YouTube, and KDSJ Radio on Facebook Live.
Listen LIVE: https://www.kdsj980.com/player/?playerID=3032
Watch LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/qkgh1PhgWrA?si=02v3Vqg5tu-XVkNv
