South Dakota teams in grades 4-9 will again be able to qualify for the Pacesetter Great Five-State Championships in Minneapolis, where all teams from Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, North Dakota and Iowa get to play at minimum one game on the main floor of the 20,000+ seat Target Center, home of the MN Timberwolves and MN Lynx.
Teams playing at Pacesetter “Great State” will play 3 games in an 8-team bracket over 1-2 days during a MN Lynx home game weekend and will also attend the Lynx game. The Pacesetter games in the Target Center will have a game announcer that gives a “play-by-play” account. The Target Center music system also plays during the introductions of every player and coach for an exciting experience for players, coaches and fans.
Most teams stay at the Marriott Hotel, which has skyway access to the Target Center. Pacesetter holds an all-team meeting prior to the tournament, where all teams and players are introduced, and guidelines/rules are discussed.
2026 South Dakota “Great State” Playoffs – Grades 4-9
1) Tri State Tournament in Sioux Falls March 6-7
The top South Dakota team in grades 4-9 from the Tri State tournament will be invited to represent South Dakota in the Pacesetter Great Five-State Tournament in Minneapolis. Other top South Dakota teams at the tournament will be given top priority for “Great State” invitations.
2) Wild Card Application Letter
Once the Great State dates have been scheduled at the Target Center, any South Dakota school or community team in grades 4-9 with a strong record may write Pacesetter director, Jeff McCarron, at jmac8144@yahoo.com, to apply for a wild card berth. Please describe your team and state your team’s strengths and willingness to play. Top teams that are organized and willing to commit to play often get an invitation.
