The Spearfish Spartans return to Class AA action Friday night for one of their toughest home tests of the season as they host the Huron Tigers, a matchup featuring two of the state’s most dynamic frontcourt players.
Spearfish enters at 10–1, riding a dominant stretch that includes a 76–33 win over Lead‑Deadwood earlier this week. The Spartans continue to lean on their depth, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring — traits that have defined their rise near the top of the Class AA standings. Spearfish has consistently forced turnovers, pushed the pace, and used its bench to overwhelm opponents in transition.
The trio of Kade Vavruska, Kamren Davis, and Bennett Kortan has all led the way for the Spartans, with Vavruska averaging over 15 points a contest, and Davis over 12. Kortan is one of the state’s best defenders as well, and these three will have their work cut out for them as they face the size of the Tigers.
Cooper Gibbs and Ashar Hodgs have also been dominant in the frontcourt this season, and they will be key to defending two tall and athletic posts in this game.
Huron arrives with one of the most imposing duos in South Dakota. Senior Blake Ellwein, a 6’10” South Dakota State commit, is averaging 22.7 points per game, along with 111 rebounds, 48 assists, 21 steals, and 11 blocks. He shoots 25% from three and 78.9% at the free‑throw line, making him a versatile threat who can score at all three levels.
Alongside him is 6’8″ junior forward Davis Chase, adding 14.5 points per game, 70 rebounds, and strong interior finishing. Chase has also shown the ability to stretch the floor, hitting four threes this season.
Huron Head Coach Tim Buddenhagen has expressed strong respect for Spearfish’s program, noting that he once faced Spartan head coach Ben Schultz when he was a player at Brandon Valley.
Huron went 2-0 vs Spearfish last season, including a 67-54 win in the Huron Arena, and a 49-35 win during the Class AA State Tournament in Rapid City. The Spartans look to return the favor, this time with a home-court advantage, with what is expected to be a rowdy Spartan crowd.
For Spearfish, containing Huron’s size will be the central challenge. The Spartans’ ability to rebound, limit second‑chance points, and speed up the game will be key. Offensively, Spearfish will look to continue its balanced approach, with multiple players capable of scoring in double figures and a consistently productive bench.
With SoDak 16 positioning tightening, Friday’s matchup carries significant weight for both teams.
Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Friday 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/0lNNUdJvnX0?si=A8RiKgmgAa3wNgLo
