A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Recognizing the De Smet Bulldogs as the 2021 and 2022 boys basketball Class B state champions.

WHEREAS, the 2020-2021 season marked the beginning of an impressive legacy for the De Smet Bulldogs basketball team under coach Jeff Gruenhagen. Sporting a strong defense, the team held their opponents to an average of 40 points per game, entering the Class B state tournament with a record of 22 wins and just one loss. The Bulldogs powered their way to the championship, ultimately defeating Aberdeen Christian 59-43; and

WHEREAS, the De Smet boys basketball team entered the 2021-2022 season as defending state champions. Despite increased pressure on the team and fans, the Bulldogs won their first two games of the state tournament by scores of 60-28 and 67-45, and ultimately reached the championship game against a formidable Lower Brule team. After struggling initially during the first half of the game, the Bulldogs made a strong comeback, strategically utilizing their offensive height advantage to win the final 49-26, successfully defending their championship crown:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Eighth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the Legislature celebrates the De Smet boys basketball team and recognizes their exemplary accomplishment of back-to-back state championship titles.