South Dakota
Wildcats Host South Dakota State in Non-conference Clash
As No. 1 Arizona prepares to host South Dakota State, the Wildcats enter the matchup with formidable momentum, sitting undefeated at 12-0 and ranked atop the AP Poll, while the Jackrabbits, currently around .500, bring a balanced, competitive Summit League squad to the McKale Center. Arizona’s explosive offensive firepower and deep rotation contrast with South Dakota State’s gritty, multi-positional attack, setting up what should be a compelling clash of styles.
Arizona’s Dominant Season So Far
Arizona has lived up to expectations in the 2025-26 season, boasting one of the nation’s best records and a scoring average near 90 points per game, a robust scoring margin of +23.8, and strength in rebounding and ball movement. The Wildcats have been efficient from the field and beyond the arc, shooting well above 50% overall and maintaining a balanced attack that spreads the floor.
Brayden Burries leads Arizona’s scoring effort, averaging 14.0 points per game and serving as a go-to offensive option who can score in bunches, as seen in recent wins where he has paced the Wildcats with 20+ points. Koa Peat has been a force inside, contributing around 13.8 points per game while anchoring the front court and helping on the boards.
In addition to those two, Jaden Bradley (about 13.4 PPG) orchestrates the offense with playmaking and defensive activity, and Anthony Dell’Orso, Motiejus Krivas, Tobe Awaka, and Ivan Kharchenkov provide depth scoring that keeps Arizona’s attack potent even when starters rest. Together, these contributors have allowed Arizona to score in volume and limit opponents’ opportunities, creating a balanced scoring sheet where multiple players average near double figures.
South Dakota State’s Competitive Core
South Dakota State enters the game with a 7-7 record, leading the Summit League thanks to a team built around balance rather than one superstar. Guard Jaden Jackson paces the Jackrabbits at 12.8 PPG, also contributing across rebounds, assists, and steals, which is a sign of his all-around activity.
Center Damon Wilkinson provides interior toughness, averaging about 6.1 rebounds and over 12 points per game, and while not a gaudy stat line, his presence in the paint gives South Dakota State a physical edge.
Joe Sayler and Kalen Garry each average double figures, adding backcourt support and versatility. Sayler can score efficiently as he demonstrated with a 20-point performance in a recent matchup, while Garry’s ability to crash the boards from the perimeter and facilitate offense keeps the Jackrabbits competitive. Role players like Trey Buchanan and Matthew Mors help keep bench minutes productive and offer additional shooting or size when needed.
Preview Outlook & Matchup Dynamics
The contrast in style is stark: Arizona thrives on pace, efficiency, and depth, using its elite offense to overwhelm defenses and control game tempo, while South Dakota State relies on balance and position-to-position execution, hoping to stay close with disciplined possessions and key buckets from multiple contributors.
Arizona’s ability to defend spreads and turn defense into offense could be the deciding factor, as the Wildcats have forced turnovers and generated transition points consistently.
For the Jackrabbits, containing Arizona’s scoring depth, particularly Burries, Peat, and Bradley, will be essential, as will rebounding and limiting second-chance points. If South Dakota State can keep the pace deliberate, defend without fouling, and stay efficient from three, they could challenge Arizona longer than many expect.
But given Arizona’s undefeated run and statistical advantages across scoring, rebounding, and bench production, the Wildcats enter the game as strong favorites to continue their dominant season.
Tell us how you see the Holiday Bowl playing out for Arizona by commenting on our Facebook page. Also, be sure to follow @NateMartTSports on X for updates on all things Arizona Wildcats.
South Dakota
Republican businessman Toby Doeden advances to primary runoff in South Dakota governor’s race
Republican businessman Toby Doeden has advanced to a runoff in South Dakota governor’s race, NBC News projects.
Gov. Larry Rhoden, who replaced Kristi Noem last year when President Donald Trump nominated her to lead the Department of Homeland Security, was battling with Rep. Dusty Johnson and former state House Speaker Jon Hansen for a second spot in the July 28 runoff. The primary will go to a runoff because no candidate eclipsed 35% of the vote.
Trump did not issue an endorsement in the race. Doeden branded himself on his campaign website as “a total political outsider who’s tired of the government’s failure to deliver on its promises” and one of Trump’s “fiercest supporters.”
Rhoden, a former lieutenant governor, agriculture secretary and lawmaker, campaigned on property tax cuts and lowering crime in his bid for a four-year term.
Johnson is the state’s lone representative in the House, where he previously was chair of the Republican Main Street Caucus. Hansen, who was elected to the South Dakota House in 2010, held several leadership positions before he became speaker.
The Republican nominee will be the favorite to win the general election in the solidly red state this fall. A Democrat has not served as governor in South Dakota since the 1970s, and Trump carried the state by 29 points in 2024.
News
Agronomist: eastern South Dakota crops hit and miss
An agronomist in eastern South Dakota says corn and soybeans are hit and miss as the growing season begins.
Steven Zemlicka with AgTegra Cooperative tells Brownfield, “We’ve got corn anywhere from V1 all the way up to V4. Biggest stuff’s maybe touching V5. Corn’s coming right along, looks pretty good. A little bit of hail here too, but I don’t think it’s going to be much of an issue. Stands for the most part are pretty good, pretty solid.”
Zemlicka says soybean emergence has been slow due to the wet, cool conditions, and there are a few fields that still need planted.
“People were still working on planting soybeans when we got the recent rain.”
He says recent rain totals ranged from a half inch to as much as four inches in the northeast part of South Dakota; the southern part of the state has been drier.
South Dakota’s corn is rated 61 percent good to excellent, with soybean conditions rated 57 percent good to excellent, according to USDA’s first condition ratings of the season.
RAPID CITY, S.D. (KOTA) – The South Dakota Community Foundation is encouraging nonprofits to apply for funding this June.
Beth Massa and Ginger Niemann joined us live with what you need to know before applying.
Watch the full interview above.
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