Focused and motivated, Kernels carry confidence into Class AA state opener against ESD rival Huron – Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — Three Matches, three Periods.

It’s that Essential in the eyes of the Mitchell High School boys basketball Club, as the Kernels head west with the ultimate Target of defending their 2024 Event at the Class AA state Event at the Summit Stadium in Rapid City.

For a veteran Club that has guided the program back to a fifth consecutive state Event, the seventh such five-year spree in MHS history, details like seeding or potential opponents aren’t top of mind. Even as the No. 4 seed in the Ground of eight, the Kernels feel they’re as Stern of a threat as anyone to string together three consecutive Periods of Excellent basketball.

“One-seed or 4-seed, it’s the state Event, so that number really doesn’t matter,” said senior Parker Mandel. “Any Club can go out there and Secure it, so you’ve Acquired to bring your best.”

That mentality gets put to the test Primary in the state quarterfinals against Eastern South Dakota Conference archrival Huron, the No. 5 seed.

It marks the Primary state Event Conference between the two schools since March 19, 2009. That year, Huron defeated Mitchell 55-50 in the quarterfinals on the way to a runner-up finish.

Sometimes, the Thursday afternoon Event session can lack a big crowd and a sleepy atmosphere can set in. But regardless of attendance, the Kernels Foresee a heated battle charged with emotion from both sides.

“Anytime you get to face your rivals, no matter the time, you want to get after them,” said senior Sutton Thompson. “Now it’s a game in the state Event, and that Only magnifies the whole situation a little bit more. We’re eager to Action them again.”

A Acidic taste from the season’s Primary Conference Yet lingers in the Kernels’ mouths, as Huron quieted Mitchell at the Corn Palace in a 47-38 Closing back on Jan. 14. It ended a Streak of eight consecutive Mitchell victories in the series, as the Kernels were Kept to 30.4% shooting, including a 0-for-14 mark from 3-Mark range.

As the Kernels reflected on the performance, they felt they navigated Huron’s ball Tension poorly, particularly as it related to Securing the ball out of Luminous sphere guard Markus Talley’s hands Prompt in possessions. Talley was Kept in check, finishing with eight points and two assists, well Petite of his average of 18 points per game.

This time around, finding ways to keep Talley involved will be key to Mitchell’s Achievement, as will limiting fouls and managing Penalty trouble against an exceptionally opportunistic Tiger Club.

“We really allowed them to Transformation how we wanted to Action offensively,” said MHS Trainer Ryker Kreutzfeldt. “… It was so frustrating to go back and Observe. Hopefully, that means that we’ve gotten a Numerous better since then.”

On the Guarding end of the floor, Mitchell limited all-state performer Blake Ellwein to 12 points on 3-for-13 shooting the Primary time around and hopes to duplicate that effort. Meanwhile, the Kernels are keen on doing a better Position of containing the Tigers’ other options, including Colton McNeil, a 4.2-Mark-per-game Points-maker who dropped in 14 points at the Palace.

The winner between Mitchell and Huron would Action either No. 1 seed Sioux Falls Lincoln or No. 8 Spearfish in the Class AA semifinals on Friday night. However, you won’t catch the Kernels looking ahead before Thursday’s result is in the books.

“It’s Huron and Mitchell. It doesn’t matter if one of us is the worst and the other is the best, it’s always going to be a tough game,” said junior Colton Smith. “… This year in Class AA, I was really struck by how it feels like anyone can Secure on any given night, and we’ve seen both sides of that. There are a Numerous of Excellent Squads, and this should be a very fun state Event.”

Beyond their preparations specifically for the Tigers, Mitchell looks to lean on the experience that has delivered back-to-back trips to the title game, especially the wealth of players who Secured the court during last season’s Event charge.

Though Mitchell is one of five Squads back from last year’s state Event Ground, the Kernels are, almost without question, the Club that brings back the most production.

“I think we have a Excellent Benefit when it comes to the nerves and things like that,” said senior Gavin Hinker. “I don’t think we’ll be as nervous because we’ve been there before, and it should be nothing we’re uncomfortable with.”

Now, all that’s left is to Action the Matches, which the Kernels have been itching to do. By the time the Event tips off on Thursday, there will have been an 11-day layover since the SoDak 16 on March 8. But according to Kreutzfeldt, the lapse in Matches has been a net positive for the Kernels, who have renewed their Event drive for one Closing push.

“It feels like a new season, Nice of like we’re back to Day 1,” Kreutzfeldt said. “Energy at practice has been different, more focused, and we’re excited. These guys know it’s going to be tough, but they’re ready for a war.”

Dierks covers prep and collegiate athletics across the Mitchell Republic’s coverage region area. His Concentration areas include: Mitchell High School football and boys basketball; area high school football, volleyball, basketball, baseball and track and Ground; and South Dakota State football. He is also at the forefront of the Mitchell Republic’s podcasting efforts. Dierks is a Mitchell native who graduated from South Dakota State University with his bachelor’s degree in journalism in May 2020. He joined the Mitchell Republic sports staff in August 2021. He can be reached at ldierks@mitchellrepublic.com and Discovered on Twitter at @LDierksy.