Kernels, Gazelles lead in state championships
When it won its first state basketball championship trophy Mitchell High School was coached by A.A. “Joe” Quintal. The year was 1931 and South Dakota was in its 20th season of conducting state tournaments.
That was the first of 16 state titles that have been earned by the Kernels, including nine under Coach Gary Munsen between 1984 and 2005. No school in South Dakota has won more championships than Mitchell. Among boys Sioux Falls Washington and Huron are next in line behind the Kernels. The Warriors and Tigers have each claimed 11 titles.
Yankton is the leader in championships among girls programs. Coach Bob Winter guided the Gazelles to their first title during the inaugural girls season that was held in 1975. Yankton has won nine championships, followed among girls by Sioux Falls Roosevelt which has seven and Sioux Falls Washington and St. Thomas More with six each.
A new addition on the South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame website lists each boys and girls state championship team from the very first boys state tournament in 1912. Readers can also review the total number of state titles won by each school. Also included is a list of the teams throughout history that had 30-win seasons, led by Cresbard of 1957 at 38-1. Look on the right-hand side of this website and scroll down to ‘S.D. State Champions.’