Sioux Falls Lincoln remains the team to beat in South Dakota Class AA boys basketball, maintaining its undefeated record and holding the top spot in the latest South Dakota Power 5 Poll released Monday, February 23, 2026. Even as the top team stayed consistent, there was notable movement among the contenders as the regular season nears its conclusion. The poll reflects the competitive landscape of high school basketball across the state, with several teams making significant strides.
The Patriots received a unanimous selection for the No. 1 position, demonstrating their dominance throughout the season. However, Huron and Watertown are quickly rising in the rankings, each jumping two spots to claim the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, respectively. This shift indicates the increasing strength of these teams as they prepare for the postseason. Sioux Falls Roosevelt experienced a setback, falling to No. 4 after three consecutive losses, while Harrisburg re-entered the top five, signaling a resurgence in their performance.
The boys’ Class A rankings remained stable, with West Central continuing its reign at No. 1, securing all 13 first-place votes. Sioux Falls Christian held steady at No. 2, while Clark/Willow Lake, Hamlin, and Lennox maintained their positions at No. 3, No. 4, and No. 5, respectively. In Class B, Castlewood retained the top spot, though they didn’t receive a unanimous vote, garnering six first-place votes. The remaining top five teams – De Smet, Freeman, Viborg-Hurley, and Aberdeen Christian – held their positions from the previous week.
The most significant changes occurred in the Class B girls’ rankings. Lyman continues to lead the pack with six first-place votes, while Ethan and Bennett County both moved up two spots to claim the No. 2 and No. 3 positions. Parkston and Colman-Egan experienced a drop in the rankings, falling two spots each to No. 4 and No. 5. The Class AA and A girls’ rankings remained unchanged, with Brandon Valley and Maĥpíya Lúta continuing to dominate their respective classes.
Class AA Boys Basketball: Top Five
Sioux Falls Lincoln’s continued success is a testament to their strong defense and senior leadership, according to reports. The team’s ability to consistently perform at a high level has solidified their position as the frontrunner in Class AA. Huron and Watertown’s rise in the rankings suggests they are serious contenders, posing a challenge to Lincoln’s dominance. The full rankings are as follows:
- 1. Sioux Falls Lincoln (13)
- 2. Huron
- 3. Watertown
- 4. Sioux Falls Roosevelt
- 5. Harrisburg
Tea Area and O’Gorman also received votes.
Class A and B Rankings Remain Stable
In Class A, West Central’s unanimous first-place votes underscore their consistent performance throughout the season. The stability in the rankings suggests a clear hierarchy among the top teams in this class. Similarly, the Class B boys’ rankings remained largely unchanged, indicating a consistent level of competition among the top contenders. Castlewood’s position at No. 1, despite not receiving a unanimous vote, highlights their strong performance and competitive edge.
Girls’ Basketball: Class B Sees the Most Movement
The Class B girls’ rankings experienced the most significant changes, with Lyman maintaining its top position and Ethan and Bennett County making notable gains. This movement suggests a dynamic and competitive landscape in Class B girls’ basketball. Brandon Valley continues to dominate Class AA girls’ basketball, receiving all 13 first-place votes, while Maĥpíya Lúta remains unchallenged in Class A.
Looking Ahead
With the regular season winding down, these rankings provide a snapshot of the current state of South Dakota high school basketball. This week marks the final poll of the season for Classes A and B, setting the stage for the upcoming state tournaments. The coming weeks will be crucial as teams battle for positioning and momentum heading into the postseason. Fans can expect intense competition and exciting matchups as teams vie for the state championship titles.
What do you think of the current rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
