In a surprising turn of events, the girls' basketball team from Lyman, classified as a Class B team, managed to secure a victory against Mitchell, a Class AA team, with a score of 60 to 52. This outcome is considered unusual and has sparked interest among basketball enthusiasts.
Lyman's head coach, Cody Volmer, remarked on Tuesday that contests between Class B and Class AA teams are quite infrequent, recalling that such matchups might have been more common back in the early 1990s, particularly during the era of then-coach Becky Flynn (now known as Jensen) at Wakonda. In fact, a story published by South Dakota Public Broadcasting in 2019 highlighted the remarkable 101-game winning streak achieved by the Wakonda Warriors girls' team during the 1980s to early 1990s, which included games against A and AA teams.
According to sports historian George Kiner from Volga, it's not unheard for Class B teams boasting impressive winning streaks to face off against some A teams, though he pointed out that matchups like Lyman versus Mitchell are quite rare. The classification of schools in South Dakota for girls' basketball is divided into three tiers: Class AA includes schools with the largest student populations, such as Jefferson and Washington in Sioux Falls, while Class B encompasses the smallest schools, like Lyman.
To clarify, the South Dakota High School Activities Association (SDHSAA) categorizes schools based on their average daily enrollment figures. Lyman has an enrollment figure of just 63, whereas Mitchell boasts a significantly larger population of 463 students. Specifically, Class AA schools have enrollments of 450 or more, Class A schools range from 90 to 449, and Class B schools cater to institutions with up to 89 students.
This particular game took place during a holiday classic event, where schools typically compete against opponents of similar classifications. Kiner noted that these classics sometimes create opportunities for teams from different classes to go head-to-head. Dan Swartos, the executive director of the SDHSAA, confirmed in an email to KELOLAND News that games between Class B and Class AA teams are rare, usually occurring during such basketball classics.
Interestingly, Volmer shared that he did not actively pursue this matchup; rather, officials from Mitchell approached him with the idea of having Lyman play against the Kernels. "This opportunity just kind of fell into our laps," Volmer explained. "We don’t typically look for higher-class opponents; we focus on finding competitive games."
Some observers have labeled Lyman’s win over Mitchell as an upset, but Volmer takes a more measured approach. "I wouldn’t say we’re overly thrilled about defeating Mitchell given the differences in our classifications. Our team simply put forth their best effort to secure a win. If we faced Mitchell again today, I wouldn’t be surprised if we lost."
Nonetheless, Volmer recognizes the strength of his current team, noting that they are dedicated to basketball and do not split their time with other sports. However, it’s worth mentioning that the Class B team consists of only 11 players, with two seventh-graders practicing alongside them. “Depth tends to be a challenge for Class B teams,” Volmer admitted, explaining why there are not many matchups between Class A and B teams.
In contrast, larger public high schools in Sioux Falls or Brandon might see up to 35 players turning out for the basketball team, allowing for greater participation in games. Historically, games involving Class B and Class A teams were more prevalent before the introduction of a three-class system, which began after the last two-class state tournament for B and A teams in 1984. According to a historical account published by the SDHSAA, it was common for top-tier Class A and Class B teams to schedule games against one another during the regular season from 1975 to 1984. Kiner recalled how the Jefferson teams, under coach Fred Tibbetts, would regularly compete against A teams.
One notable game cited in the SDHSAA article occurred on November 7, 1980, when Jefferson faced off against Sioux Falls Washington, who triumphed with a score of 88 to 78.
Looking ahead, Volmer expressed optimism that future basketball classics could lead to more matchups between Class B schools and either A or even AA schools. Lyman is slated to participate in additional classics, including at least two games in Mitchell at the iconic Corn Palace. Volmer affectionately described the venue as feeling almost like a home court for his team.
The recent game drew a significant crowd to the Corn Palace, reflecting Lyman's strong fan base and reputation within Class B. The potential for increased classics and more encounters between B and A or B and AA teams adds an exciting dynamic to girls' basketball.
As Swartos pointed out in his comments to KELOLAND News, "There are exceptional athletes, outstanding teams, skilled coaches, and robust support systems across schools of all sizes. Anything can happen in any game, which is one of the most appealing aspects of sports overall."
In the late 80s and early 90s, Flynn led the Wakonda Warriors to an unforgettable era, culminating in an incredible 101 consecutive victories. This achievement included three consecutive state championships in Class B basketball and victories over both A and AA teams during their regular season campaigns.
