One year ago, the Spearfish Spartans punched their ticket to the SoDak 16 with a thrilling 54–48 overtime win over the Tea Area Titans. Now, a full season later, the matchup returns to the same venue, with the same seeds, and the same high stakes as Spearfish once again hosts Tea Area in a win‑or‑go‑home showdown.
The Spartans enter at 15–5, having dropped four of their last five games, but they regained momentum by defeating Brookings in the regular‑season finale. That victory kept Spearfish inside the top eight of the power‑point standings, securing a second straight home SoDak 16 game.
Spearfish has featured a balanced offensive attack all season. Kade Vavruska leads the way with just under 14 points per game, while Kamren Davis adds 11 per contest. Senior guard Bennett Kortan has surged late in the year, scoring 17 or more points in three of the final four games. His defensive presence has also been crucial—Kortan ranks among the state’s leaders in steals and will be key in generating extra possessions and slowing down Tea Area’s top scorers.
Mason Southern has been the team’s primary facilitator, averaging 5.5 assists per game—second‑most in Class AA.
Defensively, the Spartans boast the best scoring defense in the class, allowing just under 44 points per game. While their strength of schedule ranks as the weakest in Class AA, Spearfish has still held several strong offenses in check, including Mahpiya Luta (38 points), Huron (46), and Mitchell (44). They’ll need another strong defensive effort to contain Tea Area’s balanced scoring.
Tea Area enters its second season in Class AA with a 12–8 record, though the Titans have dropped three straight to close the regular season. Two weeks ago, they were firmly inside the top five, but losses to Brandon Valley, Yankton (who also beat Spearfish), and Marshall, Minnesota, pushed them down the standings. Despite the late skid, the Titans are battle‑tested, owning a win over top‑five Watertown and narrow two‑point losses to both No. 3 Huron (59–61) and undefeated No. 1 Sioux Falls Lincoln (60–62).
The Titans feature multiple scoring threats. Junior guard Gavin Shaud leads the team with 22 points per game while shooting around 40% from three. Griffin Wiebenga adds 17 points, six rebounds, and four assists per contest. Mitch Grant—also the Titans’ starting quarterback—chips in 10 points per game and provides strong rim protection at 6’3″, averaging one block per game.
Tea Area also recently regained sophomore forward Blake Lundin, who missed more than half the season due to injury. The 6’8″ forward brings size, shot‑blocking, and rebounding to an already long and athletic roster. Lundin averages six rebounds and two blocks per game and can stretch the floor with perimeter shooting.
Last year’s meeting required overtime, with Spearfish outlasting Tea Area in front of a packed home crowd. Another tight finish wouldn’t be surprising, especially with the Titans now familiar with the environment they’re walking into.
This matchup may come down to paint touches and physicality. Spearfish excels at scoring around the rim, while Tea Area has consistently challenged opponents at the basket. With both teams showcasing balanced offenses and multiple players capable of taking over, rebounding and turnovers could ultimately determine who earns extra possessions—and who extends their season.
Tipoff from Spearfish is set for 3:00 p.m. The game will air on KDSJ 980 AM, 103.5 FM, and online at KDSJ980.com. Fans can also watch on KDSJ‑TV via YouTube and Facebook Live, with coverage beginning at 2:30 p.m. on all platforms.
Watch LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/eROhrxjx77w?si=uMo0kp_9DaaccgmA
Listen LIVE: https://www.kdsj980.com/player/?playerID=3032
