Northern State athletic director Josh Moon announced Wednesday the University has decided to part ways with head football coach Tom Dosch.  Dosch has been in charge of the Northern football program for the past 10 seasons, accumulating a record of 53-57 during that time and once being named NSIC coach of the year in 2014.

According to Moon, Dosch did a lot of good things for the football program and was a great leader in the community.  However, on the competitive side of the coin the Wolves did not meet expectations…

Under Dosch 83 Wolves were named to NSIC All-Conference teams, five were named All-Americans and two CoSIDA Academic All-Americans.  Football players also earned an average 3.0 grade point average the past 13 semesters. 

The future is exciting for Northern sports as the school is set to unveil a brand new sports complex including a new on-campus football field in the coming years.  Moon said that investment, along with years of review, helped make this difficult decision…

Before being named the head coach at Northern State in 2010, Dosch served a linebacker and special teams coach at Division I FCS Southern Illinois from 2008 to 2009 and the head coach at NAIA Jamestown from 2004 to 2007.

Now with Dosch out Moon says a nationwide search has already begun to find his replacement.  Moon gave his outline for what he is looking at in the next head Wolves football coach…  

Northern State University head coach Brent Aldridge announced today the addition of seven student-athletes via National Letter of Intent. Jaeda Davis-Golliher (Centennial, Colo.), Kennedy Gravelle (Wadena, Minn.), Havyn Heinz (Huron, S.D.), Avery Kroll (Waterloo, Iowa), Morgan Kruger (Belle Plaine, Minn.), Madison Langlie (Fargo, N.D.), and Makayla Snow (Olivia, Minn.) will join the Wolves for the 2020 season. 

“We have some VERY BIG shoes to fill with the departure of the 4 seniors we graduate,” explained Aldridge. “This class fills some need areas that we are looking for. What I think sticks out in this class, is the fact that they are competitive and have started and played a prominent role with the programs that they are coming from. There is a great opportunity for them to impact our program early on in their careers if they come in next fall and win their position. The key is catching up to speed to our practice routines and then getting them ready for the grind of the NSIC season. During the recruiting process, we look for players that can fit into our current systems and help create a competitive environment daily in practice.”

Aldridge added, “What also sticks out is the fact that this class has been highly successful in the classroom.  We are always looking for players that are highly intelligent and have a work ethic on the court and in the classroom. The last thing we look for is players that are good people and teammates. We feel like we have found players that are team oriented and have a passion for the game and becoming a part of the Wolves volleyball culture. I look forward to monitoring their progress during the spring club season.”

Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli has been named the American League Manager of the year by the Baseball Writers Association of America.  Baldelli is just 39 years old and in his first season with the Twins led the club to a 101-61 record, an American League Central division title, their first since 2010 and a playoff appearance.  Baldelli is the fourth manager in Twins history to win the award and is the winningest first year manager in Twins franchise history. 

Minnesota Wild star Russian prospect Kirill Kaprizov says he wants to join Minnesota next season.  According to Wild General Manager Bill Guerin he has relayed this message through his agent. Kaprizov is 22-years-old and was selected by the Wild 135^th overall in 2015.  Since then, he has lit up the international scene and is one of the top players in the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia.  Guerin plans to meet with Kaprizov while visiting Russia in early December.  The news is significant as the Russian Hockey Federation has put pressure on Kaprizov to remain in Russia and sign another deal with CSKA Moscow where he currently 13 goals and 25 points. 

Warner 5-0

Ben Fischbach (12)

Spencer Ketterling (12)
Landon Leidholt (11)
Ty Cramer
Alex Braun (11)
Tanner Evans (11)

HM:  Devin Fipps (12)

Langford 4-1

Colin Frey (11)

Hayden Reints (11)
Zander Widener (11)
Benton West (11)
Connor Smith (11)

HM:  Tim Wika (12)

Faulkton 2-3
Gage Carter (12)
Derek Heitmann (12)

Gage Martinmaas (12)

HM: Leighton Weber (11)
 

Ipswich/Edmunds Central 2-3
Carter Heinz (12)
Ethan Gilbert (12)
Josh McQuarie (11)

HM: Carson Gohl (10)

North Border 2-3
Isaac Sumption (11)
Wil Nordine (10)
Chance Mehlhaff (10)

HM:  Cheyloh Brockel (12)

Northwestern 0-5
Zeke Duncan (12)

HM:  Jace Haven (11)

Team Champion Warner 5-0
MVP Offense: Ty Cramer 
MVP Defense:  Landon Leidholt & Hayden Reints

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen is expected to miss Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys.  According to CBS Sports, the wide out is still recovering from a pulled hamstring he suffered catching a touchdown against the Detroit Lions week seven. 

Follow the links to see the region "A" volleyball brackets:
Region 1A
Region 2A
Region 3A
Region 4A

Region 5A 

Region 6A
Region 7A
Region 8A
Follow the links to see the region "B" volleyball brackets:
Region 1B
Region 2B
Region 3B
Region 4B
Region 5B
Region 6B
Region 7B
Region 8B
 

Class A Results 

Class AA

The South Dakota High School Activities Association has released the playoff brackets for Class 11AAA through 11A.

To see the brackets follow these links:
11AAA
11AA
11A

The South Dakota High School Activities Association has released the schedule for the South Dakota high school football playoffs classes 11B through 9B.

To see each class follow the link:
11B
9AA
9A
9B

 Minnesota State was selected by the league coaches as the preseason favorite in the NSIC for the 2019-20 season. The Mavericks received 214 points, garnering seven first places votes to sit six points ahead of second place Augustana. The Vikings had 208 points and six first place votes. Minnesota Duluth was third with 196 points and the other three first place votes.
In the divisional rankings, Minnesota Duluth was the unanimous choice in the north, picking up all seven first place votes for 49 points. Northern State was second with 40 points and the other first place vote (coaches cannot vote for their own team). In the south, Minnesota State held the top spot with 47 points and five first place votes. Augustana was second with 44 points and the other three first place votes.

NSIC coaches rank each team from 1 to 15 with a first place vote receiving 15 points, second place 14, third place 13, etc. Coaches do not rank their own team or vote for their own players in the preseason poll.

The NSIC regular season championship will be based on the 22-game schedule. Each team will play teams in their division twice (14) and teams in the other division once (8). An NSIC North and South Division Champion will also be awarded. Divisional standings will also be based on all 22 NSIC contests played. In the case of a tie, co-champions will be awarded. The 16-team NSIC / Sanford Health Men’s Basketball Tournament Quarterfinals, Semifinals and Championships are set to take place Sat.-Tues., February 29 to March 3 at the Sanford Health Pentagon in Sioux Falls, S.D. First round games will be played on the campus of the top eight seeds on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

The 2019-20 men’s basketball season gets underway on Friday, November 1 with Wayne State at the D2CCA Division II Tip Off Classic with the rest of the league starting up on Friday, November 8. Conference action beginning for the majority of teams on Saturday, November 30.

NSIC Players to Watch - 2019-20
Preseason Players of the Year in Italics (More info at link above)  
 

The North Border vs. Northwestern football game scheduled for Friday at 7:00 p.m. in Leola has been postponed.  The game will be played Saturday at 5:00 p.m. 

Class 11AAA
1. SF Roosevelt (22) 5-1 114 2
2. SF Lincoln (1) 5-1 90 3
3. Harrisburg 5-1 59 4
4. Brandon Valley 4-2 57 1
5. SF O’Gorman 4-2 25 5
Class 11AA
1. Pierre (23) 6-0 115 1
2. Brookings 6-0 92 2
3. Mitchell 3-3 63 3
4. Huron 3-3 47 4
5. Sturgis 2-4 23 NR
Receiving votes: Yankton 5.
Class 11A
1. Tea Area (17) 5-1 109 1
2. Dell Rapids (6) 6-0 98 2
3. Dakota Valley 4-2 55 3
4. Madison 3-3 37 5
5. Canton 4-2 24 RV
Receiving votes: Tri-Valley 20, West Central 2.
Class 11B
1. Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (19) 6-0 111 1
2. Winner (4) 7-0 96 2
3. Webster Area 6-0 65 3
4. St. Thomas More 5-1 45 4
5. Mount Vernon/Plankinton 4-2 22 5
Receiving votes: McCook Central/Montrose 6.
Class 9AA
1. Bon Homme (22) 7-0 114 1
2. Viborg-Hurley (1) 6-0 93 2
3. Deuel 5-1 68 4
4. Parker 5-1 46 5
5. Hamlin 5-2 9 RV
Receiving votes: Arlington/Lake Preston 6, Baltic 5, Lemmon-McIntosh 4.
Class 9A
1. Sully Buttes (16) 6-0 105 1
2. Canistota/Freeman (6) 6-0 98 2
3. Britton-Hecla (1) 6-0 71 3
4. Howard 5-1 41 5
5. Gregory 5-1 26 4
Receiving votes: Warner 4.
Class 9B
1. Colman-Egan (21) 6-0 113 1
2. Dell Rapids St. Mary (2) 6-0 94 2
3. Wolsey-Wessington 4-2 62 3
4. Harding County 5-1 49 4
5. Herreid/Selby Area 5-1 24 5
Receiving votes: Alcester-Hudson 3.

Tackle football remains one of the most popular sports in America, but participation in high school football in South Dakota and across the United States is falling steadily as the risk of brain injuries from the sport becomes clearer.

Participation in 11-player boys football in South Dakota fell by 5.2% over the past three years, and dropped by 16.6% over the past decade, according to national survey data. Enrollment in high school grades stayed the same during that period.

Recent studies have shown that from 5% to 10% of youth football players will suffer a concussion — defined as a “mild traumatic brain injury” — at some point during a full season. With about 1 million athletes playing high school football in the U.S. annually, that means between 50,000 and 100,000 teens will suffer a concussion each year, not including those at the youth and junior high levels.

Supporters of football — including players, parents, coaches and association officials — see the sport as one that builds character, focuses on teamwork and is outright fun to play and watch. They also note that fear of injury is only one element of a complex decision that high school athletes make in terms of whether to play football or any sport.

t.
 

Class AA
Rank-School FPV Rcd TP Pvs
1. Watertown (19) 14-1 99 1
2. S.F. O'Gorman (1) 13-1 81 2
3. Huron - 10-4 44 RV
4. S.F. Roosevelt - 11-4 42 RV
5. Brandon Valley - 8-5 20 5
Others receiving votes: : S.F. Washington (10-5) 8, Aberdeen Central (8-4) 6.

Class A
Rank-School FPV Rcd TP Pvs
1. Dakota Valley (15) 17-1 95 1
2. Miller (2) 15-1 73 2
3. S.F. Christian - 15-8 72 3
4. McCook Central-Montrose - 15-3 37 4
5. Hill City - 21-0 18 5
Others receiving votes: Parker (16-6) 4, Groton Area (16-4) 1.

Class B
Rank-School FPV Rcd TP Pvs
1. Northwestern (20) 26-0 100 1
2. Faulkton Area - 15-3 76 2
3. Chester Area - 15-6 59 3
4. Faith - 15-2 33 5
5. Ethan - 15-3 15 RV
Others receiving votes: Burke (18-4) 11, Kadoka Area (19-2) 4, Gayville-Volin (17-4) 2.

The 2019-20 Summit League men's basketball season is expected to be a highly-contested journey all the way to the first week of March and a strong indicator of that is nearly half of the programs received first-place votes in the preseason poll.

And, after all the votes were tabulated, it was 2019 Tournament Champion North Dakota State that found itself on top of that poll after receiving 23 of 34 first-place votes from a panel of the league's nine head coaches, sports information directors and select media members. NDSU's ascension to the top of the preseason poll is the program's first since the 2013-14 season.

The Bison, who topped the poll with 526 points, captured the postseason event as the No. 4 seed with Tournament MVP Vinnie Shahid leading the way. Shahid was one of six players selected to the preseason all-league first team. Classmate Tyson Ward (12.4 ppg) was a second-team honoree.

South Dakota followed NDSU in second place with six first-place votes and 457 total points. The Coyotes are led by second-year head coach Todd Lee, who has Preseason Player of the Year Stanley Umude back to anchor a squad that went 7-9 in league play a year ago. Umude is the first Coyote to earn that distinction since USD joined the league prior to the 2011-12 season.

Lee also has two more preseason all-league team selections in Triston Simpson (first team) and Tyler Hagedorn (second team) back to aid in a potential championship run. Hagedorn was a preseason all-league selection a year ago as well, but missed the entire campaign due to injury.

With a pair of front-line starters back that landed on the preseason all-league first team, Oral Roberts was pegged to finish third in the poll with a trio of first-place votes and a 404-point total. Forwards Emmanuel Nzekwesi, a second team all-league performer last year, and 2019 Newcomer and Freshman of the Year Kevin Obanor both return to provide a potent inside threat.

Following its runner-up finish from a year ago, Omaha was picked to finish fourth with 369 points. Reigning Coach of the Year Derrin Hansen has a veteran squad back with three double-figure scorers returning to his lineup. Two members of the that trio, JT Gibson (12.9 ppg) and Matt Pile (11.2 ppg), were preseason all-second team selections.

South Dakota State's Eric Henderson inherits a Jackrabbits' squad that has won the last four regular-season titles. The former Jackrabbit assistant is one of two first-year coaches in the league and his team was picked to finish fifth with 300 points, while receiving the final two first-place votes.

Purdue Fort Wayne, who enters its final season as a league member, was picked to finish sixth with 224 points. Senior Matt Holba is the Mastodons top-returning scorer after averaging 11.7 ppg a year ago. He was picked as a preseason all-second team honoree.

Western Illinois, who became the first No. 8 seed in tournament history to knock off the top seed a year ago, was picked to finish seventh after totaling 188 points. The Leathernecks return the league's top returning scorer in Kobe Webster. The junior was a preseason first-team selection after averaging 17.0 ppg.

Like Henderson, North Dakota's Paul Sather is a first-year coach as he took over for the Fighting Hawks after a successful run in Division II at Northern State. His first UND squad was picked to finish eighth with 164 points after winning six league contests in its debut season as a league member last season.

Denver rounded out the poll in ninth place with 113 total points. Head coach Rodney Billups has a young core back that will look to bounce back from a three-win season in league play.

Points for the preseason poll were compiled on a 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis, while all-league teams were compiled on an 11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. The top six vote-getters earned first-team honors and the next five were selected to the second team. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own student-athletes or team.

The 2020 Summit League Tournament will be March 7-10 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

2019-20 Preseason Summit League Player of the Year
Stanley Umude – South Dakota

Preseason All-Summit League First Team
Emmanuel Nzekwesi, Oral Roberts, Sr., F (14.8 ppg/8.5 rpg/1.2 apg)
Kevin Obanor, Oral Roberts, So., F (14.4 ppg/7.2 rpg/0.5 apg)
Vinnie Shahid, North Dakota State, Sr., G (13.1 ppg/3.0 rpg/2.6 apg)
Triston Simpson, South Dakota, Sr., G (14.0 ppg/3.7 rpg/3.6 apg)
Stanley Umude, South Dakota, Jr., F (14.4 ppg/5.5 rpg/1.4 apg)*
Kobe Webster, Western Illinois, Jr., G (17.0 ppg/4.4 rpg/3.1 apg)

Preseason All-Summit League Second Team
Tyler Hagedorn, South Dakota, Sr., F (13.0 ppg/5.9 rpg/1.1 apg)#
JT Gibson, Omaha, Sr., G (12.9 ppg/2.8 rpg/2.1 apg)
Matt Holba, Purdue Fort Wayne, Sr., F (11.7 ppg/4.2 rpg/1.2 apg)
Matt Pile, Omaha, Jr., F (11.2 ppg/7.9 rpg/1.2 apg)
Tyson Ward, North Dakota State, Sr., F (12.4 ppg/6.2 rpg/2.3 apg)
*Preseason Player of the Year automatically earns a spot on first team
#Hagedorn's stats are from 2017-18 season

Preseason Poll

South Dakota and Coyote senior guard Ciara Duffy were named The Summit League preseason favorite and Preseason Player of the Year, respectively, for the upcoming 2019-20 women's basketball season.

The Coyotes, who topped the preseason poll with 527 points, were selected as preseason favorites for the first time since joining the league in 2011. South Dakota received 20 of the 34 first-place votes in the preseason poll, while the remaining 14 went to reigning Summit League Tournament Champion South Dakota State (2^nd; 496 points; 13 first-place votes) and Denver (3^rd; 394 points; 1 first-place vote).

Duffy was voted The Summit League Women's Basketball Player of the Year after receiving 28 of the 34 first-place votes.  Joining Duffy on the Preseason All-Summit League First Team is teammate Hannah Sjerven, South Dakota State forwards Myah Selland and Tagyn Larson along with Denver forward Madison Nelson and guard Lauren Loven.

The Preseason All-Summit League Second Team is made up of the South Dakota duo of guards Chloe Lamb and Madison McKeever and accompanied by South Dakota State guard Tylee Irwin, Western Illinois guard Olivia Kaufmann and Oral Roberts guard Keni Jo Lippe.

Points for the preseason poll were compiled on a 9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis, while all-league teams were compiled on an 11-10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis. The top six vote-getters earned first-team honors and the next five were selected to the second team. Coaches were not permitted to vote for their own student-athletes or team.

The 2019-20 campaign begins in just under a month as South Dakota (at Northeastern), Oral Roberts (vs. Central Christian), Denver (at Kansas City), Purdue Fort Wayne (vs. Purdue Northwest) and Omaha (vs. Creighton) all play on opening night (Nov. 5). The Summit League regular season begins on Dec. 29 with three conference matchups.

The 2020 Summit League Tournament will be March 7-10 at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center in Sioux Falls, S.D.

2019-20 Preseason Summit League Player of the Year
Ciara Duffy – South Dakota

Preseason All-Summit League First Team
Ciara Duffy, South Dakota, Sr., G (14.6 ppg/4.7 rpg/2.9 apg)
Tagyn Larson, South Dakota State, Sr., F (10.5 ppg/6.4 rpg/1.7 apg)
Lauren Loven, Denver, Sr., G (14.3 ppg/1.9 rpg/1.6 apg)
Madison Nelson, Denver, Sr., F (16.5 ppg/8.9 rpg/1.0 bpg)
Myah Selland, South Dakota State, Jr., F (12.5 ppg/5.4 rpg/3.3 apg)
Hannah Sjerven, South Dakota, Jr., C (11.8 ppg/5.9 rpg/1.9 bpg) 

Preseason All-Summit League Second Team
Tylee Irwin, South Dakota State, Jr., G (7.5 ppg/3.7 rpg/1.7 apg)
Olivia Kaufmann, Western Illinois, Sr., G (16.0 ppg/5.4 rpg/3.8 apg)
Chloe Lamb, South Dakota, Jr., G (9.6 ppg/2.7 rpg/1.6 apg)
Keni Jo Lippe, Oral Roberts, Jr., G (13.3 ppg/5.2 rpg/1.9 apg)
Madison McKeever, South Dakota, Sr., G (7.8 ppg/2.9 rpg/1.9 apg) 

*Preseason player of the year automatically earns a spot on the first team

Preseason Poll

Class 11AAA
1. Brandon Valley (20) 4-1 112 1

2. SF Roosevelt (3) 4-1 95 2

3. SF Lincoln 4-1 58 4

4. Harrisburg 4-1 54 3

5. SF O'Gorman 3-2 26 5

Class 11AA

1. Pierre (23) 5-0 115 1

2. Brookings 5-0 92 2

3. Mitchell 3-2 68 3

4. Huron 3-2 43 5

5. Yankton 2-3 27 4

Class 11A

1. Tea Area (19) 4-1 111 1

2. Dell Rapids (4) 5-0 92 2

3. Dakota Valley 4-1 73 3

4. SF Christian 3-2 32 5

5. Madison 2-3 22 4

Receiving votes: Canton 14, Tri-Valley 1.

Class 11B
1. Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (20) 6-0 112 1

2. Winner (3) 6-0 95 2

3. Webster Area 5-0 58 3

4. St. Thomas More 4-1 37 5

5. Mount Vernon/Plankinton 3-2 27 4

Receiving votes: Mobridge-Pollock 15, McCook Central/Montrose 1.

Class 9AA
1. Bon Homme (20) 6-0 112 1

2. Viborg-Hurley (3) 5-0 95 2

3. Baltic 4-1 52 5

4. Deuel 4-1 44 4

5. Parker 4-1 31 3

Receiving votes: Lemmon-McIntosh 9, Hamlin 2.

Class 9A
1. Sully Buttes (13) 5-0 102 1

2. Canistota/Freeman (9) 5-0 100 2

3. Britton-Hecla (1) 5-0 71 3

4. Gregory 5-0 47 5

T-5. Howard 4-1 12 RV

T-5. Kimball/White Lake 4-1 12 4

Receiving votes: Warner 1.

Class 9B
1. Colman-Egan (21) 5-0 113 1

2. Dell Rapids St. Mary (2) 5-0 94 2

3. Wolsey-Wessington 3-2 67 3

4. Harding County 4-1 40 5

5. Herreid/Selby Area 4-1 20 RV

Receiving votes: Alcester-Hudson 9, Langford Area 2.

Class AA
1. Watertown (15) 12-1 83 1
2. O'Gorman (2) 11-1 70 2
3. S.F. Washington 10-3 48 3
4. Aberdeen Central 7-2 29 5
5. Brandon Valley 7-4 12 4
Receiving Votes: S.F. Roosevelt (10-4) 7, Huron (8-4) 4, S.F. Lincoln (9-5) 2
Class A
1. Dakota Valley (8) 15-1 75 3
2. Miller (6) 14-1 66 2
3. S.F. Christian (3) 12-9 61 1
4. McCook Central-Montrose 13-3 31 4
5. Hill City 19-0 19 5
Receiving Votes: Parker (14-5) 3
Class B
1. Northwestern (17) 20-0 85 1
2. Faulkton Area 13-3 62 2
3. Chester Area 13-6 35 4
4. Burke 14-2 28 3
5. Faith 14-2 21 RV
Receiving Votes: Ethan (13-2) 12, Warner (8-7) 9, Kadoka Area (13-

The Northern State University volleyball team remains at No. 8 this week in the AVCA Top-25 Poll. The Wolves tallied two wins over the weekend, improving to 9-1 overall, and earned 849 points in the poll. Despite remaining in the eight pot, NSU earned 59 more points this week.
 
Northern is joined by NSIC opponents No. 4 Minnesota Duluth, No. 7 Concordia-St. Paul, No. 9 Southwest Minnesota State, No. 15 St. Cloud State, No. 17 Wayne State, No. 19 Sioux Falls, No. 25 Upper Iowa, (RV) Winona State, (RV) Augustana, (RV) Minnesota State. The Wolves will face Southwest and Sioux Falls this weekend on the road.
 
AVCA DII Top-25 Coaches Poll  - Week #3: September 23
 

 
Others receiving votes and listed on two or more ballots: Angelo State 69; Michigan Tech 60; Winona State 54; Central Washington 53; Missouri-St Louis 51; Palm Beach Atlantic 38; Cal State L. A. 36; Chaminade 36; Metro State 36; Azusa Pacific 31; Saint Leo 31; Lynn 30; Ashland 29; Central Oklahoma 28; West Florida 25; South Carolina-Aiken 15; Augustana (SD) 11; Minnesota State 6

Class 11AAA
1. Brandon Valley (21) 3-1 112 1

2. SF Roosevelt (1) 3-1 83 3

3. Harrisburg (1) 4-0 74 4

4. SF Lincoln 3-1 47 5

5. SF O'Gorman 2-2 27 2

Receiving votes: Sioux Falls Washington 2.

Class 11AA
1. Pierre (23) 4-0 115 1

2. Brookings 4-0 92 2

3. Mitchell 2-2 56 3

4. Yankton 2-2 48 5

5. Huron 2-2 29 4

Receiving votes: Sturgis 5.

Class 11A
1. Tea Area (17) 3-1 107 1

2. Dell Rapids (6) 4-0 94 2

3. Dakota Valley 3-1 72 3

4. Madison 2-2 40 4

5. SF Christian 2-2 15 5

Receiving votes: Canton 11, Tri-Valley 4, West Central 2.

Class 11B
1. Bridgewater-Emery-Ethan (21) 5-0 113 1

2. Winner (2) 5-0 93 2

3. Webster Area 4-0 53 3

4. Mount Vernon-Plankinton 3-1 51 4

5. St. Thomas More 4-1 32 5

Receiving votes: Mobridge-Pollock 3.

Class 9AA
1. Bon Homme (21) 5-0 112 1

2. Viborg-Hurley (2) 4-0 94 2

3. Parker 4-0 62 3

4. Deuel 4-0 49 4

5. Baltic 3-1 28 5

Class 9A
1. Sully Buttes (14) 4-0 103 1

2. Canistota/Freeman (8) 5-0 98 2

3. Britton-Hecla (1) 4-0 75 3

4. Kimball/White Lake 4-0 38 4

5. Gregory 4-0 27 5

Receiving votes: Howard 4.

Class 9B
1. Colman-Egan (21) 4-0 113 1

2. Dell Rapids St. Mary (2) 5-0 94 2

3. Wolsey-Wessington 2-2 58 4

4. Alcester-Hudson 4-1 49 5

5. Harding County 3-1 24 RV

Receiving votes: Herreid-Selby Area 5, Faulkton Area 2.

Class AA

1. Watertown (11) 9-1 74 1

2. O'Gorman (3) 10-1 66 2

3. S.F. Washington (2) 9-2 52 3

4. Brandon Valley 7-3 13 5

5. Aberdeen Central 5-2 11 4

Receiving Votes: S.F. Roosevelt (9-4)8, Huron (6-4) 7, S.F. Lincoln (9-4) 5, Harrisburg (4-3) 4

Class A

1. S.F. Christian (14) 9-6 77 1

2. Miller (2) 9-1 66 2

3. Dakota Valley 9-1 49 3

4. McCook Central-Montrose 10-3 18 4

5. Hill City 11-0 16 5

Receiving Votes: Elk Point-Jefferson (9-3) 5, Groton (7-0) 5, Parker (11-3) 4

Class B

1. Northwestern (16) 18-0 80 1

2. Faulkton Area 10-2 52 2

3. Burke 9-1 44 4

4. Chester Area 9-3 37 3

5. Warner 5-5 15 5

Receiving Votes: Faith (9-2) 10, Ethan (8-2) 2

Class 11AAA
1. Brandon Valley (15) 2-1 117 2
2. SF O’Gorman (7) 2-1 106 3
3. SF Roosevelt 2-1 77 1
4. Harrisburg (5) 3-0 68 4
5. SF Lincoln 2-1 31 RV
Receiving votes: Sioux Falls Washington 4, Rapid City Stevens 2

Class 11AA
1. Pierre (27) 3-0 135 1
2. Brookings 3-0 108 2
3. Mitchell 2-1 68 4
4. Huron 2-1 54 5
5. Yankton 1-2 33 3
Receiving votes: Sturgis 7.

Class 11A
1. Tea Area (27) 3-0 135 1
2. Dell Rapids 3-0 94 5
3. Dakota Valley 2-1 77 4
4. Madison 2-1 65 2
5. SF Christian 2-1 17 3
Receiving votes: Tri-Valley 16, Canton 1.

Class 11B
1. Bridgewater-Emery/Ethan (24) 4-0 132 1
2. Winner (3) 4-0 110 2
3. Webster Area 3-0 56 4
4. Mount Vernon/Plankinton 2-1 53 3
5. St. Thomas More 3-1 43 5
Receiving votes: McCook Central/Montrose 11.

Class 9AA
1. Bon Homme (24) 3-0 131 1
2. Viborg-Hurley (3) 3-0 111 2
3. Parker 3-0 72 4
4. Deuel 3-0 55 5
5. Baltic 2-1 31 3
Receiving votes: Lemmon/McIntosh 5.

Class 9A
1. Sully Buttes (15) 4-0 120 1
2. Canistota/Freeman (10) 4-0 116 2
3. Britton-Hecla (2) 3-0 85 3
4. Kimball/White Lake 3-0 40 5
5. Gregory 4-0 34 RV
Receiving votes: Howard 8, Timber Lake 2.

Class 9B
1. Colman-Egan (25) 4-0 133 1
2. Dell Rapids St. Mary (2) 4-0 110 2
3. Faulkton Area 2-1 61 5
4. Wolsey-Wessington 2-2 44 3
5. Alcester-Hudson 3-1 33 4
Receiving votes: Harding County 12, Herreid/Selby Area 12.

Class AA
1. Watertown (10) 8-1 80 t1
2. O'Gorman (6) 8-1 75 t1
3. S.F. Washington (2) 6-2 53 3
4. Aberdeen Central 5-0 39 4
5. Brandon Valley 7-2 21 5
Receiving Votes: R.C. Stevens (6-3) 2
Class A
1. S.F. Christian (14) 7-6 81 1
2. Miller (4) 4-0 74 2
3. Dakota Valley 7-1 56 4
4. McCook Central-Montrose 9-2 36 5
5. Hill City 8-0 9 RV
Receiving Votes: Parker (5-2) 7, Elk Point-Jefferson (4-1) 5, Groton (5-0) 1, Wagner (5-2) 1
Class B
1. Northwestern (18) 10-0 90 1
2. Faulkton Area 9-1 59 3
3. Chester Area 5-2 49 4
4. Burke 9-1 36 RV
5. Warner 4-5 12 2
Receiving Votes: Kadoka Area (8-0) 11, Faith (7-2) 10, Ipswich (8-1) 3

It's a big day for one of the Wild's smallest players.

What Jared Spurgeon lacks in physical stature he more than makes up for in what he means to the Wild both on the ice and off. On Saturday, he was rewarded with a brand new contract extension, one that comes in at seven years and $53.025 million.

The average annual value of the deal ($7.575 million per season) makes him the highest paid player on the team and assigns him the kind of financial value that he's consistently brought to the franchise since joining the team as an unlikely free agent in 2010. The deal begins next season and could keep Spurgeon in a Wild sweater through the end of the 2026-27 season.

"I think the group of guys that we have ... and also with [Wild GM] Bill [Guerin], when he came in he talked to me about the vision he has and, like I said before, he's won as a player and in management, and to be in one spot as a player your entire career is a pretty cool thing," Spurgeon said. "Ever since I've been here all I wanted to do is win here, so I'm not sure why you'd want to leave."

A sixth-round pick of the New York Islanders in 2008, Spurgeon was cast aside by the team that drafted him and able to sign with any team in the NHL.

A standout performance as an invitee at Minnesota's development camp in 2010 put him on the club's radar, and the Wild signed him to an entry-level contract on Sept. 23 of that year, shortly after returning from the Traverse City Prospects Tournament, where he led the Wild to a championship.

Had he not earned that contract with the Wild, he would have been off to Austria to continue his pro hockey career. He had no other opportunities to continue his career in the NHL other than in Minnesota.

"It's pretty surreal, especially being with family and talking to [agent] Eustice King. I talked to [Wild owner] Craig [Leipold] a bit and thanked him for the opportunity from the beginning and to be in this position, it's pretty crazy from the first Traverse City camp," Spurgeon said. "I couldn't be more grateful, especially for Bill, it happened pretty quick, I think it was two days and it was done. Family's pretty excited. There's a lot of work left to do, but we got a great group of guys down there, and a leader that's taking us in the right direction." 

In the nine years since his debut, Spurgeon has not only become a foundational piece for the Wild, he's made himself one of the finest -- if not most underrated -- players at his position in the NHL.

Spurgeon ranks second in team history among defensemen in games played (591), second in assists (178), points (248) and shots on goal (944). His 70 goals are most and his 26 power-play goals are tied with Brent Burns for first.

Amongst all Wild players, Spurgeon ranks in the top eight in games, assists, points, power-play goals, shots and plus/minus.

He will become just the third player in franchise history to skate in 600 games with Minnesota, doing so as soon as Oct. 22 if he plays in the first nine games this season.

His 96 penalty minutes are the fewest by any NHL defenseman that has played at least 500 NHL games since he entered the League.

"He's earned every bit of it," said Wild coach Bruce Boudreau. "His efforts for three years plus that I've seen him has been extraordinary. So you always like to see the little guy succeed. He might be small in stature, but his heart is so big that I think the Wild are really extremely lucky for seven more years."

That productivity put Spurgeon's new contract atop Guerin's to-do list once he became general manager of the team last month. Within a day or two of taking the job, he was on the phone with King trying to work on a deal. 

Then, two days ago, King came to St. Paul to meet with Guerin in person and the two were quickly able to hammer out a deal.

"As for player transactions and things like that, this was the priority," Guerin said. "We're just really happy that we got it done. He's excited about it, we're excited about it, it's a perfect fit. We didn't want him going anywhere."

Spurgeon began the 2010-11 season in the American Hockey League, playing in 23 games with the Houston Aeros.

He was recalled to Minnesota in November and made his NHL debut in his home province of Alberta against the Calgary Flames on his 21st birthday, Nov. 29, 2010.

He hasn't been back to the AHL since.

Mistaken that day by some as the team's new stick boy, Spurgeon has forged a career that has put him among the best defensemen in franchise history. Despite his longevity in the league -- he's entering his 10th season in the NHL -- he won't turn 30 until after Thanksgiving. 

The father of four has become a fan favorite because of his stature and his remarkably boyish looks. At 29, he seemingly hasn't aged since first joining the club nearly a decade ago.

He's also a favorite of teammates because of his quality play on the ice and his quiet, confident demeanor off of it.

"I think naturally that's who he is. I think players do know how good he is. I think that maybe goes for the media and the fans that he doesn't get the recognition that he should," said Wild captain Mikko Koivu. "But I think he's OK with it. He should know that his teammates have the respect for him and how he plays the game ... and I know the staff and everyone does. I don't think you're going to find a person that's going to say a bad word about him. That's the way I would describe him."

"For the organization it's important to keep the good people around. He's first class on and off the ice. I think we all know his capability to play the game and what he brings each and every night. The way he battles. The way he overcomes everything like injuries and things like that. Having a quality person like he is, that's the No. 1 thing I think about as a teammate."

Spurgeon is coming off a career-best season in which he scored 14 goals and 29 assists for 43 points -- all three figures representing high-water marks. 

He also played in all 82 games for the first time, matched a career high with 20 penalty minutes and even won his first faceoff. 

Spurgeon's new deal won't take effect until next season. He'll wrap up a four-year, $20.75 million contract in 2019-20, a contract that has provided the Wild with one of the finest values in the NHL during that span.

His new number makes him the highest paid player (by annual average value) in team history.

"When we talked about it this morning I looked at my wife and just asked her if you'd ever think we'd be here in 10 years," Spurgeon said. "It was pretty cool."