The road to Wachs Arena and this year’s State B boys’ basketball tournament begins this week as squads head into region play. The top 16 will advance to the SoDak 16 next week where the elite eight will then set their sights on Aberdeen for the state tourney March 16-18.

Here is a look at three regions in the area:

Region 1B Tonight and Tuesday at highest seeds, Friday at Webster

Aberdeen Christian enters this region as the top seed and is also the top-rated team in Class B. The Knights have plenty of experience, with six seniors who have played in numerous big games. Christian, which finished runner-up at the state tournament two years ago, has the size and athleticism to play with anyone.

Northwestern is the second seed and has quietly put together a successful season. The Wildcats began the season by winning their first seven and closed the season winning eight of their last 10. The Wildcats have the size to match up with most opponents.

Warner is the third seed. The Monarchs ended the season winning seven of their last eight games and are always a tough out in the postseason.

Team W L

Aberdeen Christian 18-2

Northwestern 15-5

Warner 13-7

Leola-Frederick Area 11-9

Hitchcock-Tulare 10-10

Waverly-South Shore 10-9

Langford Area 4-16

Britton-Hecla 3-16

Wilmot 1-19

Tonight’s Game: Wilmot at Britton-Hecla, 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games at Higher Seeds: Wilmot/Britton-Hecla winner at Aberdeen Christian, 7 p.m.; Langford Area at Northwestern, 7 p.m.; Waverly-South Shore at Warner, 7 p.m.; Hitchcock-Tulare at Leola-Frederick Area in Leola, 7 p.m.

Friday’s Games at Webster Armory: 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Region 2B Tonight, Tuesday at highest seeds, Friday at Madison

De Smet is once again the cream of the crop in Region 2B as it enters as the number one seed. The two-time defending State B champions have three losses, each against quality Class A foes in Sioux Valley, Hamlin, and Tea Area. The Bulldogs have proven they are difficult to deal with in big postseason games.

Castlewood is the second seed and has the talent to play with anyone on any given night. The Warriors began the season 8-0, finished the regular season on a 6-2 surge, and are poised to make a serious run in the postseason.

James Valley Christian is the third seed and has quietly put together a successful campaign this season, winning 11 consecutive games during one stretch.

Wolsey-Wessington began the season winning 12 of its first 13 games. The Warbirds have struggled a bit down the stretch, but proved they will not be an easy out in the postseason, losing to De Smet 52-49 earlier this month. A rematch could take place in the semifinals.

All four teams are among the top 11 in the overall Class B seed points.

Team W L

De Smet 17-3

Castlewood 15-5

James Valley Christian 16-4

Wolsey-Wessington 15-5

Iroquois-Lake Preston 9-11

Deubrook Area 7-12

Flandreau Indian 6-14

Arlington 2-18

Oldham-Ramona-Rutland 1-19

Tonights’s Game: Oldham-Ramona-Rutland at Arlington, 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games at De Smet: Oldham-Ramona-Rutland/Arlington winner vs. De Smet, 6 p.m.; Wolsey-Wessington vs Iroquois-Lake Preston, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games at Castlewood: Flandreau Indian vs Castlewood, 6 p.m.; Deubrook Area vs. James Valley Christian, 7:30 p.m.

Friday’s Games at Madison: 6 and 7:30 p.m.

Region 6B Tonight, Tuesday and Friday at higher seeds

Lower Brule enters as the top seed in Region 6B, and is on a quest to return to the Class B state championship game, where the Sioux lost to De Smet last season. Lower Brule’s three losses came against Rapid City Christian, Aberdeen Christian, and De Smet, all at neutral sites.

Highmore-Harrold is the second seed and will be seeking its first state tournament appearance as a co-op. The Pirates will be a tough foe in the postseason.

Ipswich is the third seed and Lyman the fourth seed. Both have won 13 games. Herreid-Selby Area is a tough matchup as a fifth seed having already won a dozen games.

Team W L

Lower Brule 17-3

Highmore-Harrold 13-7

Ipswich 13-6

Lyman 13-7

Herreid-Selby Area 12-8

Faulkton Area 9-11

Sully Buttes 6-14

Potter County 3-17

Sunshine Bible Academy 2-15

Tonight’s Game: Sunshine Bible Academy at Potter County in Gettysburg, 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s Games at higher seeds: Sunshine Bible Academy/Potter County winner at Lower Brule, 7 p.m.; Herreid-Selby Area at Lyman, 7 p.m.; Sully Buttes at Highmore-Harrold in Highmore, 7 p.m.; Faulkton Area at Ipswich, 7 p.m.

Friday’s Games at highest remaining seeds: 7 p.m.