1979 Watchdog Boys Basketball Team

The 1978-79 Watchdog Boys Basketball Team had an outstanding season under Head Coach Jim Sorensen and Assistant Coach Jim Babb, compiling a record of 24-2.  Their team captain, chosen by the players, was David Mohr.

The Watchdog Basketball team was fortunate to have a 12-man team where everyone worked for one another.  Whether it was in practice or during a game, every member contributed a great amount to the success of the team. 

The Watchdogs took a great deal of pride in their defense, holding their opponents to an average of 44.2 points per game.  The only teams that got beyond 50 in the regular season were Canton and Alcester.

During the 1978-79 season, Keith Larson led the team with 471 points, followed by Brian Bak with 297, and Kirk Knight with 228.  Bak was the leader with 96 assists, followed by Knight with 73, and David Mohr with 54.  Larson led in rebounding with 302 defensive and offensive boards, followed by Todd Allmendinger with 127, and Knight with 117.  Bak led in recoveries with 92 steals, followed by Larson with 53, and Mohr with 45.  Todd Hansen led the Watchdogs with a 58.4% field goal percentage, while Knight led with 81.5% free throw percentage.

The games that kept fans standing throughout were with Alcester, where Kirk Knight made the final basket to win the game and with Armour in the State Championship where the Watchdogs lost in overtime.  The Beresford-Armour game is one of the most famous state championship games in South Dakota sports history.  In fact, the Sioux Falls Argus Leader and SDHS Hoops selected it as the greatest basketball game ever in South Dakota.

Their team achievements included the Big 8 Conference Regular Season Champions, District 22 Champions, Region 6 Champions, and State “B” Runner-up. 

Those selected for the State “B” All-Tournament Team were Kirk Knight and Keith Larson.  Brian Bak and Keith Larson were named to the Big 8 All-Conference Team with Kirk Knight receiving Honorable Mention.  Keith Larson was named to the Class “B” All-State Second Team and Brian Bak was named to the Class “B” All-State Fourth Team. 

Team

Beresford Watchdogs

Opponent

Dell Rapids

54

38

West Central

62

31

Parker

69

42

Scotland

69

49

Hurley

78

38

Harrisburg

69

41

Elk Point

57

45

Freeman

42

39

Centerville

88

38

Canton

74

60

Hamlin

56

46

Flandreau

78

45

Brandon Valley

51

9

Irene

65

43

Lennox

61

37

Alcester

53

51

Big 8 Tournament

 

 

Canton

53

59

Lennox

54

39

Flandreau

64

45

District 22

 

 

Centerville

56

32

Hurley

69

39

Region 6

 

 

Freeman

73

48

Tripp

65

35

State “B”

 

 

Lyman County

79

64

Tri-Valley

76

53

Armour

51

55 OT

Congratulations to our Watchdog Hall of Fame Athletics Team inductees, the 1979 BHS Watchdog Boys’ Basketball Team!

Back Row (left to right):  Head Coach Jim Sorensen, Phil Thompson, J.K. Dolan, Jerry Zeimetz, Todd Hansen, Keith Larson, Todd Allmendinger, Kirk Knight, David Mohr, Brian Bak, and Assistant Coach Jim Babb.

Front Row (left to right):  Student Manager Chuck Frieberg, Bill McGill, Brian Rick, Rex Fountain, and Student Manager Kenny Lang.