The Genz

By definition, a hero is a man of distinguished courage or ability.  From my vantage point, Conrad Adam is such a hero. In a time of extraordinary adversity, the 17-year old  high school junior has shown unbelievable resiliency and courage in a battle to beat cancer. Just a year ago, he was a point guard that helped Pierre Riggs boys basketball team to a third place finish at the State AA. As the summer opened, he was looking forward to a season when he would become Governors' starting point guard with the goal of bringing home the school's first AA crown since his dad (Karl) led the 1982 team to a title.  Then, Adam received a crushing blow when he was diagnosed with a rare form of bone cancer (osteosarcoma) in his leg in late summer. In October, he had surgery and lost his left leg above the knee. Later, he was fitted with a prosthesis. With his basketball season over, Adam began the fight of his young life. Since those days last summer, he ha...

Alexis Yackley, a prep standout from Onida (SD), ended her collegiate career with The University of South Dakota Women's Basketball Team on Thursday night in a 71-63 loss to McN Alexis Yackley - USD Women's BB senior point guard eese State. Yackley, who will attend the USD Law School, was one of the school's most intense competitors and classy ambassadors. She was part of a Coyote squad that went to three straight postseason tournaments (twice to WBI and last year in the WNIT), putting together a 4-3 record. In their first try at the DI level, the Coyotes finished second in the Summit League Tournament, winning two of three games, with the only loss a heart-breaking 56-53 loss to rival SDSU in the championship. During her career, Yackley was part of a team that won 19 games (19-16, 2012-13, 23-8, 2011-12; 20-12, 2010-11) or more three straight years. In her final game vs. McNeese State, she was on the USD team that tied a school record for most games played in a sea...

The South Dakota Women's Basketball Team (19-15) is dancing to a winning tune. No, the Coyotes aren't at the Big Dance (NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament) but the group of 10 is finding the WBI dance pretty inviting. On  Thursday, the South Dakota women's team, led by first-year head coach Amy Williams, will host McNeese State (20-14, 11-7, tied for 4th, Southland Conference) in the semifinals of the WBI Tourney at the DakotaDome. It will be the first-ever meeting between the two teams and the first time the DakotaDome has played host to a DI postseason tournament semifinal game. In an effort to bring out the fan support, the USD marketing department is promoting a "White Out" at the Dome. Coyotes Play in 3rd Straight DI Postseaosn Tourney When they lost a heart-breaking 56-53 decision to rival SDSU (regular season and league champion) in the Summit League Championship, the Coyotes' season could have ended in a 17-15 year. But, USD's strong fini...

South Dakota boys basketball championships recently concluded with a defending champion White River repeating in Class B in Aberdeen while Madison won a their third title in five years in Class A at Rapid City and Pierre Riggs captured a fourth overall title and the first AA crown in 31 years in Sioux Falls.  Here is a review of the tournaments with a horde of notes and stats.  Pierre Wins State AA Behind Severyn’s 4 th Q Performance Pierre Riggs (21-5), the preseason #1, won the state AA championship for the first time since 1982, a span of 31 years. Led by SDSU recruit Lane Severyn’s 24 points and five rebounds, Pierre Riggs rallied from a 36-32 third-quarter deficit to defeat Brandon Valley, 50-39, in an All-ESD match-up. The Governors and supporters were inspired by Conrad Adam, a junior who is battling cancer. During the awards ceremony, Adam received a standing ovation from the gathered masses at the Arena. In the title game, Pierre outscored Brandon Valley (18-7), ...

With the South Dakota State Jackrabbits men's team headed to the Palace at Auburn Hills to play in the Big Dance on Thursday, I was reminded me of my own adventure to Detroit in 2000. Thirteen years ago, I worked as a sports information assistant (game notes) at the 2000 NCAA Midwest Regional (semifinals/finals) won by Michigan State, the eventual national champion. With the NCAA Tournament set up a bit different these days, Michigan State will again play at the Palace in the Midwest Regional. Also at the Palace will be the game featuring SDSU, a #13 seed, and # 4 Michigan, making their 24th appearance, as part of the South Region. Like a year ago, SDSU, led by one of the nation's top point guards in Nate Wolters, is a trending upset pick. Some are suggesting with good reason that Wolters and his mates could cause problems for Michigan (26-7), which has its own standout point guard in Trey Burke (19.2 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 6.7 apg), the Big Ten Player of the Year and Sports Illus...

AA – Brandon Valley, Pierre Meet in ESD Showdown in AA Final @ Sioux Falls Arena #2 Pierre (20-5) vs. #5 Brandon Valley (19-6) Brandon Valley Notes: The Lynx   (19-6), which has won nine straight games, are hot. The Lynx, led by 15 points from Nic Petersen, advanced to the AA title game with #2 Pierre (19-5) by knocking off the #1 seed SF Roosevelt, 57-51. In the AA tourney, Peterson has scored 35 points and made 13-of-22 field goals, including 4-of-7 from three-point range, in leading the Brandon Valley to the championship game.  In two State AA Tourney games, Brandon Valley has made 40-of-88 shots from the field for 45.5 percent. In addition, they are 8-of-26 from 3-point range even though sharpshooter Chase Marso is 0-8 from long distance. The Lynx have made 31-of-47 (65.9%)  free throws as penetration to the basket as led to numerous opportunities at the charity stripe. Against Roosevelt,    Jacob Adams also played a huge role with 14 points ...