Southeast Valley wrapped up their '21-'22 campaign on Thursday, February 17th, falling to #10 ranked Roland-Story by the score of 51-56. The Jaguars finish the season with a record of 12-11.

Southeast Valley entered their 2nd round of district basketball on a bit of a roll over their last 6 or so ball games, playing much better as a team and seemingly establishing their groove to potentially set themselves up for a deep run in tournament play. First, however, the Jaguars had a match-up with a top 10 ranked team in Roland-Story. This would be the second match-up between the two schools this season, with Roland-Story holding on to win at home defeating SV 47-44 in early January. The Jaguars' concentrated routine and grind over the last two weeks, where SV won four of five ball games, was building the necessary momentum and confidence SV needed in post-season play; and it definitely carried over in the beginning of the Roland-Story game on Thursday.  

Southeast Valley opened up the contest with a solid 1st quarter and led 16-10 after the first eight minutes of the ball game. In the second quarter, Southeast Valley continued solid defensive rotations and timely close-outs in their 2-3 zone, but struggled offensively once Roland-Story switched up their defenses, switching from their disciplined 2-3 zone defense to 'man-to-man D' in the 2nd quarter of play. In the quarter, both teams scored under double-digits, with SV scoring 5 and R-S scoring 8. After a strong defensive battle in the 2nd, SV led 21-18 at the intermission break. The 2-3 zone defense implemented by the Jaguars did not allow a single three point basket in the first half, which SV needed to continue into the second half.  

To open up the second half, Aaron Graves came out on a mission and gave the crowd a show, scoring 15 points in the quarter, going 3-3 from three point land while also stealing the ball and going coast to coast to finish at the rim. Graves' effort was impressive, and increased SV's 3 point lead from halftime to an 8 point advantage at a score of 34-26 with 4:50 remaining in the 3rd quarter. The Norsemen then took an immediate time-out and answered with a 10-2 of their own to tie the ball game at 36-36 with 1:00 to go in the 3rd. The third quarter alone was everything a high school postseason ball game should be; with excellent play from both teams and deafening roars from the crowd, with each team stepping up in big time situations and a total of 6 three pointers made. Going into the final quarter, SV led by the slimmest of margins with the score of 38-37. Southeast Valley, carried by Graves, scored 15 points in the first 4 minutes of the 3rd, but in the final 4 minutes of the quarter SV only scored 2 points. Roland-Story closed out the 4th quarter on a 19-13 run, and made a total of 6 three pointers in the second half to earn the comeback win and advance to the District Final where they will take on South Central Calhoun.  

Graves, who wrestled in the morning at the State Wrestling tournament, finished his amazing career on the hardwood with 33 points (21 in the 2nd half) and 8 rebounds in his final performance on the basketball court. Tre Fisher added 6 points and had one steal in his last game as a Jaguar. Kolson Kruse chipped in with 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals as he also wrapped up his senior season as SV's third all-time leading scorer, only behind fellow classmate Aaron Graves and 2016 graduate Conner Conrad. Kaleb Scott added 4 points, 4 rebounds, and one blocked shot in his final basketball game, wrapping up a senior season for Scott that otherwise looked unlikely after off-season surgery.  Drew Coreel connected on a three point field-goal to add 3 points scored. Eli Johnson had 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and one blocked shot in the game. Justin Loseke tallied 3 rebounds for his efforts in the season finale.  

End of Quarter Scores: SV led 16-10, 21-18, 38-17, Roland-Story 56-51

Coaches Kyle Johnson, Steve Gutshall, Amber Sorenson, and Ryan Dahlstrom want to thank the four seniors for all their hard work and full effort over the last four years (and more) and wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavours; as they wrap up their senior year of school and sports, their collegiate opportunities on the gridiron or track & field, and in their daily successes as they represent our community.  We would also like to recognize and congratulate Jayden Gardipee for the last four years as an outstanding basketball manager and wish her nothing but the best in her future endeavors as well. Thank you, Jayden.

The Juniors and the rest of the underclassmen have big shoes to fill, and we as coaches are looking forward to continued improvement, growth, and dedication; both on and off the basketball court. Thank you for another successful season, and Go Jags!