SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Sioux Falls Lincoln remains the team to beat in South Dakota Class AA boys basketball, holding firm at the top of the South Dakota Power 5 Poll released Monday, February 23, 2026. The Patriots are currently undefeated, a testament to their strong defense and senior leadership, according to recent reporting. While Lincoln maintains its dominance, the rankings below have seen some shifts as teams jockey for position heading into the postseason.
The poll, which reflects the current landscape of high school basketball across the state, shows Huron and Watertown both moving up two spots to claim the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, respectively. This upward movement comes as Sioux Falls Roosevelt experienced a downturn, falling to No. 4 after three consecutive losses. Harrisburg rounds out the top five, re-entering the rankings after a period of fluctuating performance. The poll provides a snapshot of the competitive nature of Class AA basketball in South Dakota, with several teams vying for the championship title.
Class AA Boys See Shifting Positions
The changes in the Class AA rankings highlight the parity within the division. Sioux Falls Lincoln’s continued success is built on a foundation of defensive strength, while Huron and Watertown have demonstrated consistent improvement throughout the season. The fall of Sioux Falls Roosevelt underscores the challenges of maintaining momentum in a highly competitive environment. Harrisburg’s return to the top five suggests a resurgence in their performance, adding another contender to the mix.
Beyond the top five, Tea Area and O’Gorman also received votes, indicating they are teams to watch as the season progresses. The close competition suggests that any team capable of consistent performance could make a run for the championship.
Stability in Class A and B Rankings
While the Class AA rankings experienced some movement, the Class A and Class B boys’ polls remained largely stable. West Central continues to lead Class A, securing all 13 first-place votes, demonstrating their clear dominance in the division. Sioux Falls Christian holds steady at No. 2, followed by Clark/Willow Lake, Hamlin, and Lennox, maintaining their positions from the previous week.
In Class B, Castlewood remains at the top, though they didn’t receive a unanimous selection, securing six first-place votes. De Smet, Freeman, Viborg-Hurley, and Aberdeen Christian follow, maintaining their rankings from the previous week. Wessington Springs and Parkston received votes, indicating they are close contenders.
Girls’ Basketball: Movement in Class B, Stability in AA and A
The girls’ basketball rankings display a different dynamic, with the most significant changes occurring in Class B. Lyman remains the top team, receiving six first-place votes. Ethan and Bennett County both jumped two spots to claim the No. 2 and No. 3 positions, respectively, while Parkston and Colman-Egan each fell two spots to Nos. 4 and 5. This movement suggests increased competition within Class B girls’ basketball.
In contrast, the Class AA and Class A girls’ rankings remained unchanged. Brandon Valley continues to dominate Class AA, receiving all 13 first-place votes, followed by O’Gorman, Sioux Falls Washington, Rapid City Stevens, and Aberdeen Central. Maĥpíya Lúta maintains its top spot in Class A, earning a unanimous selection, with Hamlin, Lennox, Wagner, and Sioux Falls Christian rounding out the top five.
Final Poll for Classes A and B
This week’s poll marks the final rankings for Classes A and B, setting the stage for the upcoming tournaments. The rankings provide a valuable indicator of team performance and potential success in the postseason. With the regular season concluding, teams will now focus on preparing for the challenges ahead, aiming to peak at the right time and make a strong push for the championship title.
Here’s a full breakdown of this week’s South Dakota Power 5 Poll:
Top five teams; first-place votes are listed in parentheses.
Teams receiving votes are the total number of votes, not first-place votes.
Class AA Boys
1. Sioux Falls Lincoln (13)
2. Huron
3. Watertown
4. Sioux Falls Roosevelt
5. Harrisburg
Receiving votes: Tea Area 2, O’Gorman 1.
Class A Boys
1. West Central (13)
2. Sioux Falls Christian
3. Clark/Willow Lake
4. Hamlin
5. Lennox
Receiving votes: St. Thomas More 3, Groton Area 2, Maĥpíya Lúta 1.
Class B Boys
1. Castlewood (6)
2. De Smet (3)
3. Freeman (4)
4. Viborg-Hurley
5. Aberdeen Christian
Receiving votes: Wessington Springs 4, Parkston 2.
Class AA Girls
1. Brandon Valley (13)
2. O’Gorman
3. Sioux Falls Washington
4. Rapid City Stevens
5. Aberdeen Central
Receiving votes: Mitchell 1.
Class A Girls
1. Maĥpíya Lúta (13)
2. Hamlin
3. Lennox
4. Wagner
5. Sioux Falls Christian
Receiving votes: Sioux Valley 3.
Class B Girls
1. Lyman (6)
2. Ethan (2)
3. Bennett County (5)
4. Parkston
5. Colman-Egan
Receiving votes: Chester 4, Centerville 2.
As teams prepare for the postseason, the focus will shift to tournament play, where every game carries significant weight. The South Dakota High School Activities Association will release tournament brackets and schedules in the coming days, providing a clear path for teams to compete for the state championship. Fans can stay updated on the latest developments and tournament results through the association’s website.
What do you think of the latest rankings? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with fellow basketball fans.
