The stage is set for an exciting Class A high school baseball postseason in South Dakota, and the action kicks off Friday, May 15. Defending their top spot, Harrisburg has claimed the No. 1 seed for the second straight year, just edging out a strong Brandon Valley squad that slides into the No. 2 position. With a 10-4 record in Class A play, Harrisburg will host Tea Area in a best-of-three state-qualifying series, while the reigning state champion Lynx (15-3) prepare to take on 15th-seeded Sioux Falls Washington.
The bracket is packed with talent and potential upsets. Sioux Falls Jefferson (16-5) lands at No. 3, followed by Yankton (18-4) at No. 4 and Rapid City Stevens (15-4) rounding out the top five. All of these top seeds made last year's state tournament, setting the stage for some fierce competition. Notably, Brandon Valley enters as the defending Class A champion after defeating Sioux Falls Jefferson 10-4 in the 2025 title game.
The round of 16 features several must-watch matchups. No. 6 Pierre (16-8) faces No. 11 Mitchell, No. 7 O'Gorman (14-9) takes on No. 10 Sioux Falls Roosevelt, and No. 8 Watertown (10-7) battles No. 9 Sioux Falls Lincoln. These series promise drama, as Lincoln edged Watertown 12-11 in their only meeting, O'Gorman and Roosevelt split their season series, and Mitchell swept Pierre in a doubleheader earlier this year.
The eight series winners will advance to the single-elimination state tournament on May 22-23 at Augustana's Ronken Field in Sioux Falls. Quarterfinals kick off May 22, with semifinals and the championship game on May 23. All series are best-of-three, with Game 3 times listed as necessary. Here's the full schedule for the opening round:
No. 15 Sioux Falls Washington (10-17) at No. 2 Brandon Valley (15-3)
Game 1: 6 p.m. Friday; Game 2: 2 p.m. Saturday; Game 3: 4:30 p.m. Saturday
No. 14 Spearfish (7-9) at No. 3 Sioux Falls Jefferson (16-5)
Game 1: 6 p.m. Friday; Game 2: Noon Saturday; Game 3: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
No. 12 Brookings (10-11) at No. 5 Rapid City Stevens (15-4)
Game 1: 8 p.m. Friday; Game 2: Noon Saturday; Game 3: 2:30 p.m. Saturday
No. 10 Sioux Falls Roosevelt (6-12) at No. 7 O'Gorman (14-9)
Game 1: 6 p.m. Friday; Game 2: 10:30 a.m. Saturday; Game 3: 1 p.m. Saturday
All times are Central, and records reflect games against Class A opponents only. Gear up for a thrilling postseason—these teams are ready to leave it all on the diamond.