Watertown Post 17 will host a playoff baseball series against Sioux Falls Lincoln. The series is set to showcase local talent and competitive high school baseball.
Key points
Watertown Post 17 is hosting a playoff baseball series
The opponent is Sioux Falls Lincoln
Watertown recently won a doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington
Carter Buisker is a notable player for Watertown
Watertown Post 17Sioux Falls Lincoln
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Carter Buisker slides into home ahead of the throw to Sioux Falls Washington catcher Paxton Olson during their high school baseball doubleheader on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown pitcher Lauryn Hirsch gets ready to deliver a pitch to the plate during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 third baseman Kye Paulson narrowly misses stopping a base hit during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Rapid City Stevens base runner Briston Mehrer slides into second base as Watertown infielders Logan Schell (left) and Kodi Lund try to corral the ball during their high school softball game on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Q&A
When is the playoff baseball series between Watertown Post 17 and Sioux Falls Lincoln?
The exact dates for the playoff series have not been specified in the article.
Where will the playoff baseball series take place?
The playoff series will be hosted at Watertown Stadium.
What were the results of Watertown Post 17's recent games?
Watertown Post 17 recently swept a doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Who are the key players to watch in the Watertown Post 17 team?
Carter Buisker, a base runner, is highlighted as a key player for Watertown Post 17.
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Watertown Arrows Post 17 batter Carter Buisker connects for a run-scoring single during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 pitcher Ashton Rabine fired a one-hitter with eight strikeouts in the opener of a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown's Kodi Lund squares to bunt during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Sam Olson races for home during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown first baseman Lydia Stemwedel, left, and catcher Kenly Martenson chase after a foul ball during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown catcher Kenly Martenson catches a pitch during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 shorstop Carter Buisker concentrates on fielding the ball during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown center fielder Alexa Brown throws the ball back to the infield during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 second baseman Cain Everson attempts to make a running catch in shallow center field during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown second baseman Kodi Lund watches as shortstop Logan Schell goes to cover second base in front of umpire Ace Boschee during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 catcher Maxx Sears reaches up to catch a high pitch in front of home-plate umpire Johnny Kirchner during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown right fielder Avery Baumann races into foul territory to stop a fair ball hit down the line during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stsevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 center fielder Markus Pitkin, left, watches the ball after it richoted off the glove of second baseman Cain Everson during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown's Alexa Brown connects for a double during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 playres, from left in back, Maxx Sears, Carter Buisker, Kye Paulson, Ashton Rabine (12), Jackson McClemans and Cain Everson watch as assistant coach Alex Gauer leaves after making a mound visit during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown third baseman Emmy Berglund, right, lifts left foot off the base after forcing out Rapid City Stevens base runner Bristol Mehrer during their high school softball game on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
1 / 20
Watertown Post 17 to host playoff baseball series against Sioux Falls Lincoln
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Carter Buisker slides into home ahead of the throw to Sioux Falls Washington catcher Paxton Olson during their high school baseball doubleheader on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
1 / 20
Watertown Post 17 to host playoff baseball series against Sioux Falls Lincoln
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Carter Buisker slides into home ahead of the throw to Sioux Falls Washington catcher Paxton Olson during their high school baseball doubleheader on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
2 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown pitcher Lauryn Hirsch gets ready to deliver a pitch to the plate during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
3 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 third baseman Kye Paulson narrowly misses stopping a base hit during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
4 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Rapid City Stevens base runner Briston Mehrer slides into second base as Watertown infielders Logan Schell (left) and Kodi Lund try to corral the ball during their high school softball game on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
5 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 batter Carter Buisker connects for a run-scoring single during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
6 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 pitcher Ashton Rabine fired a one-hitter with eight strikeouts in the opener of a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
7 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown's Kodi Lund squares to bunt during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
8 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Sam Olson races for home during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
9 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown first baseman Lydia Stemwedel, left, and catcher Kenly Martenson chase after a foul ball during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
10 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown catcher Kenly Martenson catches a pitch during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
11 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 shorstop Carter Buisker concentrates on fielding the ball during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
12 / 20
Watertown Post 17 to host playoff baseball series against Sioux Falls Lincoln
Watertown center fielder Alexa Brown throws the ball back to the infield during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
13 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 second baseman Cain Everson attempts to make a running catch in shallow center field during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
14 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown second baseman Kodi Lund watches as shortstop Logan Schell goes to cover second base in front of umpire Ace Boschee during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
15 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 catcher Maxx Sears reaches up to catch a high pitch in front of home-plate umpire Johnny Kirchner during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
16 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown right fielder Avery Baumann races into foul territory to stop a fair ball hit down the line during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stsevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
17 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 center fielder Markus Pitkin, left, watches the ball after it richoted off the glove of second baseman Cain Everson during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
18 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown's Alexa Brown connects for a double during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
19 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown Arrows Post 17 playres, from left in back, Maxx Sears, Carter Buisker, Kye Paulson, Ashton Rabine (12), Jackson McClemans and Cain Everson watch as assistant coach Alex Gauer leaves after making a mound visit during a high school baseball doubleheader against Sioux Falls Washington on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
20 / 20
Watertown high school teams go 2-0 in baseball, 0-1 in softball
Watertown third baseman Emmy Berglund, right, lifts left foot off the base after forcing out Rapid City Stevens base runner Bristol Mehrer during their high school softball game on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Northeastern and north central South Dakota's high school baseball and softball teams are certainly shooting for a successful finish to their 2026 season.
Postseason play has arrived or will shortly for area teams playing in the South Dakota High School Baseball Association, with the South Dakota High School Activities Association's softball teams set to follow suit.
A strong finish can turn an otherwise so-so season into a memorable one. That may be the case for the Watertown Arrows Post 17 baseball team, which swept home doubleheaders against O'Gorman on May 8 and Sioux Falls Washington on May 9 to secure the chance to host a best-of-three super region playoff series May 15-16 at Watertown Stadium.
Post 17 (11-7) is the No. 8 seed and will host ninth-seeded Sioux Falls Lincoln (16-11) in the series, which opens with Game 1 on Friday at 6 p.m. Game 2 is set for noon Saturday, with Game 3, if necessary, set for 2:30 p.m.
"This past weekend really showed what this team is capable of when we play to our potential," Post 17 coach Ryan Neale said. "We knew coming into the weekend that all four wins were critical if we wanted to secure a home playoff series. For the boys to respond the way they did says a lot about the competitive fight this group has."
Watertown leaders this spring include center fielder Markus Pitkin (.519 batting average with eight doubles, four triples and 18 RBIs), catcher Jonathan Lake (.390 average with six doubles, one homer and 21 RBIs), right fielder Jaxon Falak (.382 average) and left fielder Cole Hansen (.353 average with 28 runs scored). Shortstop Carter Buisker and second basemen Cain Everson and Olson each are hitting .333.
Top pitchers are Jackson McClemans (3-2 with a 0.55 earned-run average and 29 strikeouts in 25 1/3 innings), Hunter Halajian (3-0 with a 2.24 ERA and 32 strikeouts in 25 innings), Ashton Rabine (2-0 with a 0.65 ERA and 20 strikeouts in 11 innings) and Kooper Heiser (2-1 in 13 1/3 innings).
Watertown opened the season in April with two games, one of which was a 12-11 loss to Lincoln in a game the Arrows led 9-3 in the fifth inning.
"When you play a team again after that much time has passed, both teams are going to be much different," Neale said. "We've learned a lot about ourselves over the last 15 games, and our guys understand when we have our 1-2 punch in Hunter and Clem on the mound, we're going to be competitive and tough to beat in a three-game series."
The series winner advances to the state Class A tournament May 22-23 at Augustana's Ronken Field in Sioux Falls. Other playoff matchups include No. 16 Tea Area (5-22) at No. 1 Harrisburg (12-10-1), No. 15 SF Washington (10-7) at No. 2 Brandon Valley (20-6), No. 14 Spearfish (10-12) at No. 3 SF Jefferson (16-5), No. 13 Sturgis (10-7) at No. 4 Yankton (18-4), No. 12 Brookings (10-14-1) at No. 4 Rapid City Stevens (21-6-1), No. 11 Mitchell (12-11) at No. 6 Pierre (20-8) and No. 10 SF Roosevelt (9-15-1) at No. 7 O'Gorman (15-18).
The Aberdeen Smittys, coached by Watertown native and former Post 17 player Nathan Gonnelly, went 4-10 this spring and did not qualify for the playoffs.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Carter Buisker slides into home ahead of the throw to Sioux Falls Washington catcher Paxton Olson during their high school baseball doubleheader on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown Arrows Post 17 base runner Carter Buisker slides into home ahead of the throw to Sioux Falls Washington catcher Paxton Olson during their high school baseball doubleheader on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Watertown Stadium. Watertown swept the twinbill, winning 15-0 and 9-8.
Watertown Arrows softball
Watertown fell to 3-9 with an 11-1 home loss to Sioux Falls Roosevelt on May 12. The loss capped a busy stretch for the Arrows, which included a 9-2 loss to Spearfish, a 4-3 win over Sturgis on May 8 at Brookings, and a 14-1 home loss to Rapid City Stevens on May 9.
The Arrows have five regular-season games remaining before Class AA SoDak 16 state-qualifying games on May 26. Winners of those games advance to the state AA tourney June 4-6 at Augustana University's Bowden Field in Sioux Falls.
"Our biggest challenge right now is finding the consistency with our energy and focus to stay in games from start to finish," Watertown coach Kelli Brinka said. "When we bring those things every inning, we do the little things really well and can compete with just about anyone. It's about finding that rhythm and being able to do it consistently."
Senior Lauryn Hirsch and junior Alexa Brown have led the squad this spring. Brown is hitting .378 with three doubles and eight RBIs, and Hirsch is hitting .303 with four doubles, a triple, three homers, 12 runs scored, and eight RBIs. Freshman Leah Struckman is batting .300.
Hirsch (1-5 with a 5.91 ERA in 32 innings) and Brown (2-4 with a 4.07 ERA in 31 innings) also have handled nearly all of the pitching duties for a young Arrow squad.
"We have five games left against some really good teams, so every inning and every opportunity matters for us right now," Brinka said. "It's a chance for us to continue growing, clean some things up and prove what we're capable of."
Coach Cassidy Neer's Aberdeen Central team fell to 2-15 with a 16-1 loss to O'Gorman on May 12. The Golden Eagles, who have three regular-season games remaining, are currently the No. 17 seed in Class AA. Only the top 16 qualify for the playoffs.
Watertown center fielder Alexa Brown throws the ball back to the infield during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Watertown center fielder Alexa Brown throws the ball back to the infield during a high school softball game against Rapid City Stevens on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Premier Softball Compex in Watertown. Stevens won 14-1.
Area Class B baseball
Through Wednesday, May 13, seven area teams are in position to qualify for North Super Region games on May 20 (expected to be at Madison and Sisseton). Two teams will advance to the state B tournament May 25-26 at Brookings.
District 1 and 2 area teams currently in position to qualify for the North Super Region include Sisseton-Britton-Webster (14-1), Groton Area (6-10), Clark Area (8-6), Redfield Area (6-10), W.I.N. (7-7), Milbank (8-4), Sioux Valley-Estelline-Arlington (8-7).
Area Class A & B softball
Through Wednesday, May 13, two area Class A and six area Class B teams are in position to earn berths in SoDak 16 state-qualifying games scheduled for May 26. Winners of those games qualify for state tournaments June 4-6 at the Players Softball Complex in Aberdeen.
Sioux Valley (17-3) is currently the No. 4 seed and Milbank (7-7) the No. 11 seed in Class A.
Castlewood (13-4) is No.1, defending state champion Deuel (12-4) No. 3, Florence-Henry (11-4) No. 11, Clark-Willow Lake (10-6) No. 12, Redfield (8-6) No. 13 and Arlington (5-4) No. 16 in Class B.
Follow Watertown Public Opinion sports reporter Roger Merriam on X (formerly known as Twitter) @PO_Sportsor email: rmerriam@thepublicopinion.com
