Dakota Valley winning streak reached 62 games

        For parts of the last four seasons Dakota Valley High School was steadily stalking the all-time state record for consecutive victories in boys basketball. The Panthers of Coach Jason Kleis concluded last season with 53 wins in a row.

        Dakota Valley this season is led by 6-foot-7 senior Jaxson Wingert and 6-2 junior Luke Bruns. The Panthers started 9-0 to stretch their streak to 62 straight wins — two shy of tying the record — before falling to Hamlin 84-62. Dakota Valley won Class A state titles in both 2022 and 2023. The Panthers went 26-0 each season. The streak began when Dakota Valley won the third-place game in the 2021 state tournament.

        Isaac Bruns (left) and Randy Rosenquist Jr. (right) were driving forces in the Panthers’ undefeated dominance during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. Both earned first team all-state honors as juniors and again as seniors. Bruns ranks as Dakota Valley’s career scoring leader after netting a total of 2,309 points.

        Both former Panther standouts are now making significant contributions on their respective collegiate teams this season as true freshmen. Bruns is a 6-4 guard at the University of South Dakota while Rosenquist Jr. is a 6-0 guard at Dakota Wesleyan University.

        Armour accomplished its state record 64-game win streak from 1978 through 1980. The Packers claimed Class B titles with matching 26-0 records in 1978 and 1979. The record holder in South Dakota prior to Armour was Arlington. The Cardinals’ run of 61 consecutive victories came from 1937 through 1939. Included was a 31-0 record in 1938.