Pine Ridge fought hard but fell to Sioux Valley in the Class A State Tournament fifth-place game, with the Cossacks dominating the second half to secure a 69-51 victory. Alec Squires led Sioux Valley with 21 points and 17 rebounds, showcasing a dominant performance that Pine Ridge struggled to counter. The Thorpes, despite the loss, expressed gratitude for the season and the seniors who revitalized their program.

The Big Picture

The game highlighted the impact of key players like Alec Squires and the resilience of Pine Ridge's team despite the defeat.

By the Numbers
  • Sioux Valley shot 60% from the field and 44% from 3-point range.
  • Pine Ridge finished shooting 31% from the field and 27.3% from beyond the arc.
  • Marvin Richard III led the Thorpes with 19 points, four assists, and three made triples.
  • Richard III averaged 22.6 points in the three-game tournament.
State of Play
  • Sioux Valley's dominant performance in the second half propelled them to victory.
  • Pine Ridge, despite the loss, expressed gratitude for the season and the impact of their graduating seniors.
  • The game showcased the talent of key players like Alec Squires and Marvin Richard III.
What's Next

Pine Ridge looks forward to building on the experience gained this season and aims to return stronger next year with a younger team.

Bottom Line

Despite finishing sixth in the State Tournament, Pine Ridge reflects on a season of growth and resilience, honoring the legacy of their graduating seniors while looking ahead to a promising future with a talented young core.