Presentation Saints Basketball Tickets

Presentation Saints Basketball: A Small School Making a Big Impact

When it comes to college basketball, the big names and powerhouse programs often dominate the headlines. Programs like Duke, Kentucky, Kansas, and North Carolina are household names in the world of college hoops. But there are plenty of smaller schools and lesser-known programs that are making their mark on the sport. One such program is Presentation Saints Basketball.

Located in Aberdeen, South Dakota, Presentation College is a small Catholic school with just over 800 students. Despite its size and relative obscurity, the school's basketball program has been quietly building a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Over the past few years, the Saints have consistently been one of the top teams in the North Star Athletic Association, a conference made up of small schools from the upper Midwest. In the 2019-20 season, the team finished with a 22-8 record and made it to the quarterfinals of the NAIA national tournament before falling to William Penn University.

But what really sets Presentation apart from other small schools is the way they play the game. Head coach Eric Nelson has built a program that values hard work, discipline, and defense above all else. The Saints play a suffocating brand of defense that often leaves opponents frustrated and unable to get into a rhythm. They hold opponents to an average of just 66 points per game and lead the nation in steals per game.

Offensively, the team plays an unselfish style that emphasizes ball movement and finding the open man. Seven different players averaged at least eight points per game last season, and no one player dominated the scoring load. This balance and teamwork have helped make Presentation a tough matchup for any opponent, regardless of size or reputation.

Of course, as with any small school program, there are limitations. The Saints don't have the same resources or facilities as bigger schools, and recruiting can be a challenge when competing with larger Division I programs. But Nelson and his staff have taken advantage of what they do have – a tight-knit community, an emphasis on faith and character, and a culture of hard work – to build a program that is punching above its weight.

The success of the Saints serves as a reminder that college basketball isn't just about the bluebloods and the power conferences. There are fascinating stories and captivating players at every level of the sport. Presentation College may not be a household name, but for anyone who loves the game of basketball, they're worth keeping an eye on.