Focused and motivated, Kernels carry confidence into Class AA state opener against ESD rival Huron
Mar. 18—MITCHELL — Three games, three days.
It's that simple in the eyes of the Mitchell High School boys basketball team, as the Kernels head west with the ultimate goal of defending their 2024 championship at the Class AA state tournament at the Summit Arena in Rapid City.
For a veteran squad that has guided the program back to a fifth consecutive state tournament, 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 field of eight, the Kernels feel they're as serious of a threat as anyone to string together three consecutive days of good basketball.
"One-seed or 4-seed, it's the state tournament, so that number really doesn't matter," said senior Parker Mandel. "Any team can go out there and win it, so you've got to bring your best."
That mentality gets put to the test first in the state quarterfinals against Eastern South Dakota Conference archrival Huron, the No. 5 seed.
It marks the first state tournament meeting 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 tournament session can lack a big crowd and a sleepy atmosphere can set in. But regardless of attendance, the Kernels expect 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 tournament, and that just magnifies the whole situation a little bit more. We're eager to play them again."
A sour taste from the season's first meeting still lingers in the Kernels' mouths, as Huron quieted Mitchell at the Corn Palace in a 47-38 final back on Jan. 14. It ended a run of eight consecutive Mitchell victories in the series, as the Kernels were held to 30.4% shooting, including a 0-for-14 mark from 3-point range.
As the Kernels reflected on the performance, they felt they navigated Huron's ball pressure poorly, particularly as it related to taking the ball out of star guard Markus Talley's hands early in possessions. Talley was held in check, finishing with eight points and two assists, well short of his average of 18 points per game.
This time around, finding ways to keep Talley involved will be key to Mitchell's success, as will limiting fouls and managing foul trouble against an exceptionally opportunistic Tiger squad.
"We really allowed them to change how we wanted to play offensively," said MHS coach Ryker Kreutzfeldt. "... It was so frustrating to go back and watch. Hopefully, that means that we've gotten a lot better since then."
On the defensive end of the floor, Mitchell limited all-state performer Blake Ellwein to 12 points on 3-for-13 shooting the first time around and hopes to duplicate that effort. Meanwhile, the Kernels are keen on doing a better job of containing the Tigers' other options, including Colton McNeil, a 4.2-point-per-game scorer who dropped in 14 points at the Palace.
The winner between Mitchell and Huron would play 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 win on any given night, and we've seen both sides of that. There are a lot of good teams, and this should be a very fun state tournament."
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 took the court during last season's championship charge.
Though Mitchell is one of five teams back from last year's state tournament field, the Kernels are, almost without question, the team that brings back the most production.
"I think we have a good advantage 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 play the games, which the Kernels have been itching to do. By the time the tournament 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 games has been a net positive for the Kernels, who have renewed their championship drive for one final push.
"It feels like a new season, kind 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."
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