As the LHS girls and boys basketball season is coming to a quick end, they are preparing to play in games that could earn them a spot in the State tournament. Competition starts on March 19 and concludes on March 21. Eight teams will battle at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center to claim a State championship title. 

Although receiving a State title is the ultimate goal, achieving such an aspiration is a multistep process that entails hard work, dedication and the will to want it more than anyone else. 

“Number one, our hopes are to get to State,” said LHS boys basketball coach, Jeff Halseth. “I think that is the kids’ plan too. But once we are there, anything can happen. There are going to be eight teams there and they could all win it. It is just a matter of whichever team is playing the best at that time is going to win it. Hopefully, we are one of those teams, but we have to get there first.”

With the opportunity to prove their skills and teamwork on the line, it can be stressful to compete in such an environment. It is important to focus on the basics. 

“We tell them to kind of put things into context and not worry so much about the outcome, winning or losing, but to focus on the process,” explained LHS girls basketball coach, Matt Daly. “When they focus on the process and skills and don’t focus on the outcome, it usually takes a lot of the pressure and stress off the situation.”

Along with the ability to train physically, preparing mentally is a key aspect in playing strong basketball. Gathering and studying information on opposing teams equips the players with the confidence they need to push through possible tasks and situations. 

“I prepare by trying to watch all the film I possibly can on the teams that are in the State tournament,” said LHS senior guard/forward, Max Burchill. 

With thorough preparation skills, both the girls and boys teams have high expectations for the State tournament. 

“My expectations for State are to play my best basketball and play as hard as I can because I know good things will happen if our whole team plays extremely hard,” said LHS senior forward, Morgan Hansen. 

Because the State tournament is held in Sioux Falls this year, both teams are hopeful that they will have an abundance of supporters to cheer them on. 

“[The crowd] plays a huge role. They help us get in the heads of the opposing team,” said Burchill.

The support of both students and parents also generates an electric and competitive space to play in.  

“The crowd plays a huge role because the energy from the gym gives us players adrenaline, which helps us play with more energy,” said Hansen. “It also shows that we have a support system behind us and creates a great atmosphere.”

The Pats only have a few regular-season games left. Come and show your LHS spirit at the games and help them punch their ticket to the State tournament!