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There's a new No. 1 in boys Class A this week. The 9-0 Sioux Falls Christian Chargers have quietly climbed the ranks after starting third in the preseason polls. They earned the top spot by knocking off two top five teams while winning the Big Sioux Conference tourney this weekend, a goal the team is glad to accomplish.
"That was a really big part because it was the last year it was going to be held and we really wanted our name on that. Just to go out and beat those difficult opponents that we played was really a big boost for the team," Sioux Falls Christian Center senior center Jordan Baker said.
"It's really good because before the season we were underdogs for our conference. Being able to beat some of the bigger teams in our conference, that's really nice to know that we can compete with anyone when we play together," added senior guard Nick Stern.
The Chargers are led by head coach Mike Schouten. What his squad lacks in individual talent, they make up for in experience. The Chargers have six seniors and seven juniors that all believe in wins over stats.
"I think it helps to have a lot of seniors. The leadership aspect of being able to stay calm under pressure and getting the job done," said senior guard Carson Long.
"I think with a combination of seniors and juniors we have on the team we go really deep. I'm really excited to see what this season holds in store going forward," Baker added.
In their first game in the top spot the Chargers will host Dell Rapids for a second time in five days.
"That'll be a real test. I'm sure they'll be anxious to get back here and play us again. I'm sure they'll have a little more motivation to want to beat us tomorrow night. We're going to have to be at our top level to beat them tomorrow night," said Schouten.
