The Dakota XII Conference flexed its muscles during the State A Volleyball Tournament at Watertown.
To begin with, there were four Dakota XII teams that were in the field of
eight: Madison, Dakota Valley, Sioux Falls Christian and West Central.
Three of the four teams earned opening-round wins: Madison, Dakota Valley and West Central. Madison was able to beat Sioux Falls Christian, and if the two Dakota XII foes didn't play each other, there might have been a great chance that all four Dakota XII schools qualified for the semifinal round.
After the semifinal round, there were two Dakota XII Conference schools still standing: Madison and Dakota Valley. Therefore, the Dakota XII Conference was guaranteed of the top two finishers at the State Tournament.
Dakota Valley won the tournament and Madison placed second. West Central earned a third-place finish and Sioux Falls Christian won its last two matches to place fifth in the tournament.
First, second, third and fifth - not bad for the Dakota XII Conference. It was able to show the state what conference is the toughest.
ABOUT LARRY LEEDS
Larry Leeds was born and raised in South Dakota, graduating from Colman High School in 1974. He continued his education at USD/Springfield and Dakota State University and received a bachelor's degree in physical education and history in 1979. He later obtained a journalism degree from South Dakota State University.
Before coming to Madison, Leeds worked at weekly papers in Flandreau, St. James, Minn., Redfield and Hayti (Hamlin County Publishing with Castlewood and Estelline).
He has a passion for all sports, especially high school sports and amateur baseball, because these teams are filled with players who want to be playing the game.
His favorite teams are the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Twins and Timberwolves, and New York Yankees.
Leeds is also a NASCAR fan whose favorite drivers are Dave Blaney and his son Ryan.
