The No. 4 Spearfish Spartans will face their toughest test of the season Thursday night when they travel to the Sader Dome to take on No. 4 (Class A) Mahpiya Luta. Both teams enter unbeaten, with Spearfish at 6–0 and the Crusaders at 10–0, creating one of the most anticipated matchups of the winter.
Spearfish continues its strong start under fourth‑year head coach Ben Schultz, averaging 64 points per game while allowing just 38.5. The Spartans are shooting 45 percent from the field, blocking more than four shots per contest, and pulling down nearly 37 rebounds per game. Schultz praised his team’s defensive performance in their most recent win over Hot Springs and said the group is prepared for the pace and atmosphere they’ll face in Pine Ridge.
Junior forward Kade Vavruska leads Spearfish with 15 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, ranking top‑10 in Class AA in both categories. Senior guard Kamren Davis adds 12.4 points and 5.8 rebounds, while senior guard Bennett Kortan contributes nearly 10 points per game and sits sixth in Class AA in steals. Junior point guard Mason Southern remains the team’s facilitator, averaging 6.6 assists per game—best in Class AA—along with 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds.
Schultz said the Spartans are treating this matchup like a Black Hills Conference championship game. He expects a fast pace, heavy pressure, and a crowd that will test his team’s composure. He noted that Mahpiya Luta “doesn’t wait for the shot clock,” and emphasized the importance of rebounding, intensity, and hunting for quality shots.
Mahpiya Luta enters the contest averaging 77.5 points per game while allowing 53.6. The Crusaders shoot 51 percent from the field and 32 percent from three, and they average more than 11 steals per game. Head coach Christian McGee has a deep rotation with multiple scoring threats, highlighted by freshman guard Riley Brave, who leads the team with 13.3 points per game.
Senior guard Braylon Little adds 10.2 points per game, while sophomore forward Okte Spotted Eagle and junior forward Christian Jack provide size and versatility. Junior guard Tokeya Big Crow remains a key perimeter option, and freshman guard Braiden Lunderman along with senior guard Julian Tonche round out a balanced offensive attack.
The series history between the programs has swung back and forth. Mahpiya Luta leads 9–5 since 2011, but Spearfish has won the last three meetings, including a 70–40 victory last season. Before that, the Crusaders won eight straight. Friday’s matchup marks Mahpiya Luta’s first game this season against a Class AA opponent.
For Spearfish, the keys will be handling pressure, limiting turnovers, and controlling the boards. Schultz said his team must be ready for multiple defensive looks, including full‑court pressure, half‑court traps, and quick transition pushes off rebounds. Mahpiya Luta, meanwhile, will look to force turnovers, protect the paint, and feed off its home crowd.
With both teams unbeaten and ranked inside the top four of their respective classes, Friday’s contest promises to be a high‑energy, high‑stakes matchup that could serve as a measuring stick for both programs as they move deeper into the season.
Fans can watch the game on KDSJ‑TV on YouTube and on Facebook Live, with Claysen Davis on the call.
Watch LIVE: https://www.youtube.com/live/uMROyCN_2o8?si=As0TKenbHAweoMm_
