Dakota Valley wins back-to-back Class A basketball state championships

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KTIV) - The Dakota Valley Panthers have won the Class A Boys Basketball Championship.

The final score between the Sioux Falls Christian Chargers and the Panthers was 54-48.

The Panthers came into the championship game with a flawless season of 25-0 and were the 1-seed in the tournament. Their first tournament game was against Hot Springs where they came away with a 80-47 victory. Then in the semifinals, the Lions went up against the Hamlin, beating them 77-63.

The Chargers had a 21-4 overall record going into the championship game, with the 3-seeded team beating Mount Vernon and Elk Point-Jefferson to get to the finals.

The state championship win gives Dakota Valley back-to-back Class A state titles. They finish two full seasons undefeated with a 53-game win streak.

“We’re winners. We’ve been competing with each other backyard, driveway, on the court since day one. We know what it feels like to lose, we know what it feels like to win. So just the heart that this team has in unbelievable, unmatchable. A great team to be a part of,” said Randy Rosenquist, Dakota Valley senior guard.

“Randy hurt his wrist last night in the game and we didn’t want to tell anyone about it. He didn’t shoot at all in shootaround, it was bothering him. We were nervous he wasn’t going to be able to shoot. It’s Randy Rosenquist. He’s going to make the shot when you need him to,” said Jason Kleis, Dakota Valley head coach.

Rosenquist went on to finish with 18 points and seven rebounds.

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