A total of 32 Class A and Class B boys’ basketball teams still have aspirations of competing in this year’s state tournaments. That field will soon be cut in half when tonight’s SoDak 16 games determine the fields for the next week’s Class A tournament in Sioux Falls, and Class B tournament in Aberdeen.

Here is a preview of the matchups featuring area teams:

Aberdeen Christian (20-2) vs Ipswich (15-6), 6 p.m. at Golden Eagles Arena in Aberdeen

A rematch is in store for these teams in the SoDak 16.

The Knights and Tigers met back on Feb. 7, with Aberdeen Christian picking up a 65-45 win. Second-seeded Aberdeen Christian seeks its fourth consecutive tournament berth. The Knights have been one of the best teams in Class B this season, with their two losses coming against Class A schools in Dell Rapids and Hamlin. Christian has the firepower to beat anyone on any given night, and is led by six seniors that seek to end their careers on a high note.

Ipswich will look to play spoiler as the 15-seed. The Tigers are seeking their first tournament berth since a third-place finish in the Class A tourney in 2000. Ipswich began the season winning seven of its first eight games, have gone 8-5 since, and won a tough road game against Highmore-Harrold to advance to this stage. The Tigers have the size and athleticism to matchup with the Knights.

Faith (21-1) vs Northwestern (17-5), 6 p.m. MST at Timber Lake New Gym (Postponed to Thursday)

Faith and Northwestern square off in a West River vs. East River showdown.

Faith has cruised through its schedule, with its lone blemish coming at the hands of Hot Springs in a three-point loss at the West River Tournament championship in mid-January. The fourth-seeded Longhorns have the size and athleticism to give the Wildcats all they can handle.

Northwestern enters as the 13-seed and began the season winning its first seven games. The Wildcats struggled in the middle of the season before starting their current seven-game winning streak. Northwestern is seeking its first tournament berth since a seventh-place finish in 2002. The Wildcats have the size to match up with the Longhorns and their pressure defense could give Faith problems before it’s all said and done.

Look for this to be a hard-fought game that could go down to the final minutes.

Dakota Valley (22-0) vs Miller (13-9), 7 p.m. at Harrisburg

Dakota Valley is the clear favorite in this one.

The top-seeded Panthers are the defending Class A champions and just tied a Class A record with 49 consecutive wins. Dakota Valley averages 76.5 points per game and has scored 80 points or more in 10 games this season. The Panthers are led by an experienced group of seniors, including Isaac Bruns and Randy Rosenquist, Jr., who are key players to keep an eye on for the top-rated Panthers.

Miller has had a season of winning streaks. The Rustlers began the season losing three of their first four games before winning four games in a row. Miller then proceeded to lose six straight games and now enter the SoDak 16 on an eight-game winning streak.

This would be a big upset if the Rustlers can pull out the win.

Sioux Valley (20-2) vs Groton Area (16-5), 7 p.m. at the Watertown Civic Arena

Both of these teams played in the state tournament a year ago and are eager for another trip back this year.

The Cossacks enter the SoDak 16 as the fourth seed and look to qualify for their fourth consecutive state tournament. Sioux Valley has claimed back-to-back runner-up finishes, but looks to make the third time the charm, should they get past the Tigers. The Cossacks two losses came against Dakota Valley and Sioux Falls Christian. Oliver Vincent leads the Cossacks and will be a key player to watch.

Groton Area is the 13-seed and looks to qualify for its second consecutive state tournament appearance after finishing in seventh place last season. The Tigers began the season 1-2 before winning seven in a row. After back-to-back losses Groton Area has since won eight of its last nine games, carrying a lot of momentum into the SoDak 16.

Hamlin (18-3) vs Madison (14-8), 7 p.m. at the Huron Arena

The Hamlin Chargers are looking to do something they have not done in 30 years – qualify for a state basketball tournament. The fifth-seeded Chargers have not competed in a state tournament since finishing in fifth place in the 1993 Class A tournament. Hamlin began the season 3-2 but has since won 15 of its last 16 games, with the lone loss coming against Sioux Falls Christian at the NEC-DAK12 Clash. The Chargers have the firepower to make a run at the state title should they get past a pesky Madison team.

The Madison Bulldogs have had an up-and-down season, beginning the year 1-4 before finishing the latter part of the season 13-4. The Bulldogs are looking to qualify for state for the first time since 2020, and will rely on 6-foot-9 senior Aiden Jensen and 6-foot-8 sophomore Ben Brooks to get them there.

Look for a battle in the post between these teams.

Elk Point-Jefferson (16-5) vs Waubay-Summit (19-3), 5:30 p.m. at Madison

This matchup features teams who have had success in the past year.

Elk Point-Jefferson enters as the eighth seed and seeks its first state tournament appearance since 2010. The Huskies are led by several seniors who are looking to get the team to yet another state event. EPJ won the Class 11B state football championship this past fall, and looks to continue that success on the hardwood. The Huskies will be a tough out.

Waubay-Summit moved up to Class A after having success last year in the Class B ranks. The Mustangs finished as consolation champions in last year’s Class B tournament, and now have their sights set on a Class A tournament appearance. The guard trio of Damon Opdahl, Jonathan Johnston, and Jackson Wohlleber will be key as to whether the Mustangs go home or keep playing in March.