605 Sports Staff

GILLETTE, Wyo. — As the National High School Finals Rodeo moves toward the final preliminary performances, the boys team from South Dakota continues to climb in the overall standings. 

On Thursday, Hereford’s saddle bronc rider Thayne Elshere delivered a score of 75 to finish second in his performance. New Underwood’s saddle bronc rider Eastan West scored (74) and also finished second in his performance. 

Steer wrestlers Grey Gilbert (Buffalo) and Gage Gilbert (Camp Crook) finished second (4.73) ad fourth (5.19) in their respective performances.

As action resumes Friday the boys from South Dakota (2,985) trail only Texas (4,855) and Utah (3,023) in the overall standings. 

Individual Event Standings with two performances completed (Top-20 qualify for short go-round)

Bareback riding: 1. Kashton Ford, Sturgis,157.

Boy’s cutting 19. Caden Stoddard, Norris, 265

Saddle bronc: 1. Eastan West, New Underwood, 149; 3. Thayne Elshere, Hereford, 144.

Steer wrestling: 4. Grey Gilbert, Buffalo, 10.98; 9. Gage Gilbert, Camp Crook, 12.47.

Tie-Down roping: 20. Tate Hoffman, Highmore, 28.22

Other South Dakota boys results from Thursday: 

Boys cutting: 4. Cody Dirkes, Hermosa; 12. Caden Stoddard, Norris, 126. 

Bullriding: 5. Reece Reder, Fruitdale, 62. 

Tie-down roping: 11. Gabe Glines, Smithwick, 16.22; 15. Tate Hoffman, Highmore, 16.25.