2017-18 Winter Sports Preview

Winter SPORTS PREVIEW

2017-2018

BASKETBALL : WRESTLING : INDOOR TRACK & FIELD : CHEERLEADING

SPEARFISH SPARTANS LEAD-DEADWOOD GOLDDIGGERS BHSU YELLOW JACKETS BELLE FOURCHE BRONCS NEWELL IRRIGATORS STURGIS SCOOPERS SPECIAL SECTION

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Spartans going back to fundamentals

Members of the 2017-18 Spearfish high School boys’ basketball team are front row left: Tayven Aga, Jace Engesser, and Lorenzio Tobar. Middle row left: Cauy Jennings, Taylor Janovy, Tyler Barkley, Taylor Woods, and Kevin Kolb. Back row left: Brady Greger, Jake Braun, Tyler Huber, Dawson Sundsted, Connor Glasford, and Jesse Sacrison. The Spartans are coached by Erik Skoglund and assistant coaches Tory DeVall, Zach Meyer, Taylor Buus, and Josh McGillvrey. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — A familiar face is now the head coach the Spearfish Spartans boys basketball team.

Erik Skoglund returns as the Spartans head coach, replacing Luke Enos, who resigned last spring.

Skoglund previously coached the Spartans from 2008-13.

He spent the past four seasons as the head boys’ basketball coach at Mitchell, before deciding to return to Spearfish.

“I am humbled, appreciative, excited, and willing to take on the challenge to lead Spartan basketball and all the challenges that we have in front of us to play at the Class AA level this year,” said Skoglund. “Our staff has done an outstanding job of helping me transition from the summer to the fall as my family and I were trying to move out to Spearfish.”

Skoglund credited the coaching staff for

getting the guys together and getting them in the gym.

“Our fall has been exceptionally good, as coach Kellen Anderson has worked these guys out after their fall sport. We had five weeks of intense workouts and open gyms and these guys have come ready for the first day of practice,” Skoglund said.

The Spartans began practicing for the 2017-18 season on Nov. 27.

“This first week there has not been enough time in the day. We’ve practiced 15 hours of two-a-days of constant instruction of terminology to two different offensive sets,” Skoglund. “These guys haven’t seen their playbook yet because we are going to teach them how to play instead of running plays.

“The number one thing they’ve learned is how to play hard, how to play fast under control. That’s two different things. You can not play fast and play under control unless you have your head up and have great dribble drive vision.

Senior Taven Aga has played four years on the varsity basketball team.

“I’m looking forward to going out playing with people I’ve been playing with all these years, and having fun winning games, said Aga. “Playing for coach Skoglund has been good. He’s motivated us to play basketball and it’s been good.”

Senior Brady Greger enters his second year of playing varsity basketball.

“This year has been a really different year,” said Greger. “I’ve never been so involved in basketball. I started a month ago preparing for the season. It’s been a lot of fun. Basketball has always been my favorite sport and it’s always playing with a group of guys and my friends out here.”

Greger said he like having Skoglnd as his coach.

“He he stresses a lot of fundamentals, it been a lot getting back to things we learned as kids. It’s been a log of fun, been a lot of hard work, but we are going to be in shape and we are going to have a great season.”

Senior Jace Engesser said he likes the effort the team has been giving at practice.

“We are all more dedicated and we are going to have really better season than we have been because the guys are dedicated.

For sure getting to the state tournament is the main goal everybody on the team has,” Engesser said.

Senior Dawson Sundsted said practices have been running smoothly.

“We have a lot of team chemistry because we have been playing with each other for a while. Everybody gets along and everybody is working really hard,” said Sundsted. “I want us to go out play as a team, get as many wins as we can get, and making it as far as we can.”

Skoglund said the first few games of the season will be spent on learning about the players and figuring out rotations.

‘Early in the season we’re going to find out rotations, and find out who wants to compete at this varsity level,” Skoglund said.

Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 3

Spearfish boys’ basketball schedule

Photos clockwise from top left, Tayven Aga goes strong to the basket during a game in the 2016-17 basketball season.

Brady Gregor shoots a jump shot. Tyler barkley brings the ball up the floor. Pioneer file photos

Dec. 9 hosting Sioux Falls O’Gorman 2:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 hosting Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Rapid City Stevens 8 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Chamberlain East-West Classic 6 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 hosting Douglas 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 hosting Belle Fourche 8 p.m.

Jan. 16 hosting Hill City 8 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Jan. 23 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Minot, N.D. 2 p.m.

Jan. 30 hosting Lead-Deadwood 8 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Huton 6 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Custer 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 hosting Rapid City Stevens 7 p.m.

Feb. 23 at Rapid City Central 8 p.m.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Lady Spartans return veteran team

Members of the 2017-18 Spearfish High School girls basketball team are front row left: Madison Gould, Harley Fischer, Ellie Greger, Mikayla Tracy, and Jalen Carter. Middle row left: Ashtyn Reiners, Alexsis Kemp, Lauren Hight, Brooke Heairet, Bella Reid, Sage Forsting, Kennedy Kaitfors, and Lyndey Dean. Back row left: Morgan Sandidge, Cora Tobin, Kenni Easton, Olivia Hoffman, and Lauren Cermak. The head coach is Eric Lappe and the assistant coaches are Bryan Heck, Jamie Bentley, and Jen Reiners.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The 2017-18 Spearfish High School girls’ basketball team is hopeing to improve from a season ago.

Eric Lappe, the Lady Spartans head basketball coach said the 2016-17 team had a lot of inexperience and went through a lot of growing pains.

The team finished 7-14 and lost 41-40 to Hill City in the Region 8A tournament.

“I thought we got better towards the end of the year and I thought we were playing well into the region. It didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to, but I thought we progressed a lot, and we definitely learned a lot,” Lappe said.

Lappe said this year’s team will return players with experience.

“The seniors we have this have a lot of playing time and experience, and I think that is going to be helpful this year,” said Lappe. “We have 19 sophomore juniors, and seniors and 19 freshman kids came out this year, which is great. It’s the most we’ve had since I’ve been here.

“We think we are going to have a lot of depth, and we are going to have a lot of competition for a lot of spots, and we’re hopeful that last year was just a bump in the road for us and we’ll get back to our winning ways,” he added.

Lappe said the first week of practice has been spent on refining some things.

“We’re trying to implement some things that we really haven’t done in the past. We are definitely more physically prepared with our off season weightlifting program we aren’t spending as much time running

and conditioning as we are actually playing and learning stuff,” Lappe said.

This season the Lady Spartans move back up to Class AA, but Lappe said that won’t change things much.

“We’ve always played Class AA schools.

I don’t think our kids really thing of it that way,” said Lappe. “I think its more of a parents and community thing that thinks it’s a bigger step than we do. Not that it isn’t a step up, but it’s not something we are totally unfamiliar with either. We’ll be ready for and put out our best effort and see what happens.”

St. Thomas More is once again the favorite to win the Black Hills Conference, but Lappe said don’t count out Spearfish.

“I think we should be towards the top of the conference. I think we have some kids that are too young to know that they are not

supposed to be the second place team and they’re not supposed to just let people run over them, and let’s see if we can surprise some people,” Lappe said.

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Winter 2017/2018

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish girls’ basketball schedule

Dec. 9 hosting Sioux Falls O’Gorman 1 p.m.

Dec. 19 hosting Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Rapid City Stevens 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Red Cloud 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosts Hot Springs 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 hosting Douglas 3 p.m.

Jan. 9 hosting Belle Fourche 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 hosting Hill City 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Rapid City Stevens 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 hosting Lead-Deadwood 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 hosting Huron 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 hosting Mitchell 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Custer 6 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Minot, N.D. 1 p.m.

Feb. 23 at Rapid City Central 6:30 p.m.

Pictured clockwise from top left, Alexsis Kemp goes through two defenders to get off a shot during a game in the 2016-17 basketball season. Kenni Easton attempts a shot over the outstretched arms of a defender. Madison Gould shoots a free throw. Jayln Carter prepares to throw a bounce pass to a teammate. Pioneer file photos

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Winter 2017/2018

Diggers making smooth transition to new coach

Members of the 2017-18 Lead-Deadwood High School boys’ basketball team are back row left: John Jones, Payton Grodzin, Gavin Haefs, Chris Lipp, Jake Alley, Luke Fish, Zac Mau, Wyatt Vande Velde, and Carter Nelson; middle row left: TK Rainey, Kayd Varland, Mekieh Hon, Jack Egemo, Jared Aman, Jordy Stulken, CJ Murray, and Dylan Janke; front row left: Kurt Primo, Kyler Farmer, Eli Jordan, Diego Castanedo, and Kevin Primo. Head coach Patrick Gatzke is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood boys’ basketball players are getting accustomed to a new coach and system as they prepare for their season opener Dec. 8 in Oelrichs.

“I think they’ve really caught on,” firstyear head coach Patrick Gatzke said when asked how the transition has gone.

Gatzke takes over for Jonathan Lane, who resigned after the 2016-17 basketball season.

“What I ask from them is, just give me maximum effort every single day, every film session, every practice, every game,” Gatzke said.

Gatzke was a standout basketball player for Lead-Deadwood, graduating in 2011.

He added that effort, along with increasing basketball knowledge and free play, will lead to a successful season.

“There are a few players who could be pretty important for us,” Gatzke said.

Players whom he cited are Gavin Haefs (6foot-4 senior post player), Jake Alley (6-1 senior forward), Jack Egemo (5-8 senior

guard), Chris Lipp (6-1 senior forward), Carter Nelson (5-11 junior guard), Wyatt Vande Velde (5-11 junior guard), Luke Fish (6-4 junior post player), and Jordy Stulken (5-9 sophomore guard).

Gatzke said that 10 positions have largely been set, with plans to expand that roster to 12 players before the season opener against Oelrichs.

Eli Jordan (5-foot-9 guard), Jared Aman (5-9 guard), and John Jones (6-1 forward) are seniors also battling for varsity spots. Other juniors are Kyler Farmer (5-7 guard), Diego Castanedo (5-8 forward), CJ Murray (5-11 post player), Dylan Janke (5-9 forward), and Zak Mau (6-3 post player).

Sophomores aiming for a varsity spot also include 5-foot-8 forward Kevin Primo, 6-0 guard Kayd Varland, and 6-1 forward Payton Grodzin. Ninth-graders are 5-6 guard Kurt Primo, 5-11 forward TK Rainey, and 6-0 forward Mekieh Hon. “We’re a very athletic team,” Gatzke said. “We move the ball really well. Getting up and down the floor will be an advantage for us.”

Gatzke said a lack of size is an area of

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concern, with only a few players taller than 6-foot-1.

He added the squad will need to improve ball movement and playing freely.

“Just looking at the past from some of these schools, it looks like it will be very difficult,” Gatzke said in assessing the Golddiggers’ schedule.

The slate includes games against class AA teams Sturgis, Douglas, and Spearfish along with class A powerhouse St. Thomas More.

Gatzke anticipates a very competitive game each night in the Black Hills Conference and the Golddiggers must stay mentally strong to give themselves the best chance of being competitive each night.

“It will be how well we play against competition,” Gatzke said when asked what would signal success this season.

“A successful season would be bringing more interest into the program, more participation.”

Gatzke said enjoying the moment is also very significant in defining a successful season.

Even though he wasn’t coaching LeadDeadwood last season, Gatzke was able to

observe the Golddiggers in action.

He was asked what the team can take from last year to start setting a foundation for 2017-18.

“They have a very good grasp on different defenses and offensive sets,” Gatzke said when asked what he observed from the Golddiggers last season. “It’s just building upon that and learning to be more relaxed while playing.”

Gatzke looked at statistics from last season and said the shooting percentage was fairly low.

He added players spent a lot of time in the gym last summer working on that skill.

What is Gatzke looking forward to the most in his first head coaching job?

“I guess hearing that school song play and feeling that excitement in the stands again,” Gatzke said. He added special nights are being discussed.

The Golddiggers fell 63-31 to Hot Springs in last season’s Region 8A tournament opener and finished 4-17. Max Nelson, Brett Mattson, and Caleb Percy graduated from that squad.

Winter 2017/2018

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lead-Deadwood boys’ basketball schedule

Pictured clockwise from top left are: Lead-Deadwood’s Chriss Lipp goes up for a shot during a game in the 201617 basketball season. Luke Fish goes up over a defender to score. Jake Alley looks for a teammate to pass too. Pioneer file photos.

Dec. 9 at Harding County 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 hosting Harding County 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 hosting Newell 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 Sundance, Wyo. Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 16 Sundance, Wyo. Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 21 at Bennett County 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 2 at Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Jan. 4 hosting Upton, Wyo. 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 hosting Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Hot Springs 4 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 hosting Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Philip 7 p.m.

Feb. 6 hosting Bison 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 hosting Custer 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 at Rapid City Christian 4:30 p.m.

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Winter 2017/2018

Lady Diggers seek high competition levels

Members of the 2017-18 LeadDeadwoodHigh School girls’ basketball team are back row left: Kailee Bertrand, Raygan Mattson, Hannah Campbell, Anna Campbell, Natalie Janssen, and Grace Campbell; middle row left: Taya Burleson, Lillie Wittmayer, Lexie Schroeder, Madi Rystrom, McKinly Kyte, Abiah Morrison, and Lexi Morrison; front row left: Madelaine Rogers, Rebecca Groeger, Carly Mehlberg, Blake Mehlberg, Jaci Petsch, and Lucia Fernandez. Head coach Tim Hansen is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Competition levels will dictate success for a young Lead-Deadwood girls’ basketball team this season. The Golddiggers open their campaign at home against Douglas, Dec. 8.

Second-year head coach Tim Hansen said confidence, attitude, and those competition levels are things a team can control.

“We want to play competitive games against the top teams in our conference and region,” Hansen said. “That’s what we’re really striving to do.”

Hansen said inexperience posed a huge difficulty last season, along with getting everyone to needed levels of competitiveness. He hopes the team will be able to do that right away this season.

Jaci Petsch (5-foot-3 point guard) and Grace Campbell (5-10 center) are the Golddiggers’ lone seniors. Hansen said Petsch must step into a leadership role and serve as a coach on the floor.

Hansen said leadership is especially important given the roster’s composition.

Seven ninth-graders are also in the program.

“When you’re a senior, it’s your last year,” Hansen explained. “There needs to be a little bit of urgency and an understanding of how important each year is.” He hopes Petsch and Campbell can translate that urgency to their teammates.

Lexi Morrison (5-foot-6 wing player), Abiah Morrison (5-6 forward), Lucia Fernandez (5-5 guard), and 5-6 wing player Carly Mehlberg represent the junior class.

Mehlberg is a returning starter from last season, with the Morrisons transfer students and Fernandez an exchange student from Spain.

Six sophomores are also on the roster.

They are 5-foot-11 wing player Anna Campbell, 5-8 wing player Hannah Campbell, 5-6 guard Rebecca Groeger, 5-7 wing player Natalie Janssen, 5-5 guard Blake Mehlberg, and 5-7 forward Raygan Mattson.

Anna Campbell paced Lead-Deadwood in scoring, rebounding, and steals last season. “We would like to think that that’s just

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scratching the surface for her,” Hansen said.

He hopes to see a desire to compete.

“That’s something that we’ve really been focusing on. We’ve talked about it,” he said.

This year’s team could go nine or 10 players deep, Hansen said. He sees that as a potential strength.

What will the Golddiggers need to work on? Hansen cited the players coming together as a team, along with developing confidence about the team’s and players’ identities.

Hansen said the Golddiggers’ schedule is really challenging. The slate includes three class AA schools (Spearfish, Sturgis, Douglas) along with Belle Fourche and perennial power St. Thomas More.

Lead-Deadwood also faces Wyoming opponents Sundance, Newcastle, and Upton.

The Golddiggers play eight home games during the regular season.

“No matter who it is, we have to show up and play our best that night,” Hansen said.

St. Thomas More is Hansen’s Black Hills Conference favorite. He said Belle Fourche

will also contend, along with Spearfish and Sturgis.

Official practices began Nov. 27, and Hansen said players have given a high effort level.

“I think any coach would tell you that the less you have to coach effort, the better it is for you to be able to coach skills and technique,” Hansen said.

Skills, fundamentals, offensive plans, and defensive plans took center stage during the first week.

He said the conditioning level will be stronger than it was a season ago.

Hansen said Lead-Deadwood’s team changed so much from the start of last season to the end. He added that journey was incredible and said players must focus on the journey this year as well.

Scoring, and defensive pressure, are two areas Hansen said he would like to see improve from last season to now.

The Golddiggers finished 4-17 last season after falling 50-34 loss to Custer in the Region 8A tournament. Kanicee GilmoreBears graduated from that squad.

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Page 9

Lead-Deadwood girls’ basketball schedule

Pictured clockwise from top left, Carly Mehlberg fights for a rebound during a game in the 2016-17 basketball season.

Anna Campbell dribbles around a defender. Carley Mehlberg goes in for a layup. Natalie Jansen gets a shot off over the outstretched arms of a defender. Grace Campbell shoots a free throw. Jaci Petsch preapres to shoot a 3-pointer.

Pioneer file photos

Dec. 9 at Harding County 2 p.m.

Dec. 12 hosting Newell 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 16 at Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 21 at Bennett County 2 p.m.

Jan. 2 at Sturgis Brown 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 hosting Upton, Wyo. 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 hosting Hill City 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 hosting St. Thomas More 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Hill City 6 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Hot Springs 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 hosting Red Cloud 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Philip 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Feb 13 at Rapid City Christian 4:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 hosting Custer 5:30 p.m.

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Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Versatile, balanced Broncs to begin 2017-18 boys’ basketball season

Members of the Belle Fourche varsity boys’ basketball team include back row left: Bryce Nicholas, Michael Leverington, Chandler Kerr, Carson Gubbrud, Dylan Burns, Colby Nowowiejski, and Zane Rankin; front row left: Jackson Mailloux, Kelby Olson, Taten Fox, Tate Hostetter, Tate Larson, and Jackson Tyndall. Landon Thompson and head coach Clay Pottorff are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — The Belle Fourche varsity boys’ basketball team will rely on versatility and balance to have a successful 2017-18 basketball season.

Head coach Clay Pottorff, who is beginning his third season, said five returning players saw varsity time last year. They are senior Dylan Burns (6-foot forward); juniors Tate Hostetter (5-9 point guard), Bryce Nicholas (6-0 guard/forward), and Taten Fox (5-11 forward); and sophomore Kelby Olson (5-11 guard/forward).

Nine other players are on the varsity roster as of press time. Juniors are Jackson Mailloux (5-foot-9 guard), Michael Leverington (6-2 forward), Chandler

Kerr (6-3 forward), Carson Gubbrud (6-2 post player), Landon Thompson (6-2 center), and Zane Rankin (5-10 center/ forward). Tate Larson (5-10 guard), Colby Nowowiejski (6-0 guard), and Jackson Tyndall (5-9 guard) represent the sophomore class.

“We have a lot of guys that can do a good chunk of things for us,” Pottorff said. He added, for instance, that some can play in the post and are skilled enough to go to the perimeter.

The Broncs’ wing players are able to defend and make shots, according to Pottorff.

He said point guards are growing into their responsibilities.

A lack of varsity experience poses a concern for Belle Fourche. Pottorff said Hostetter started many games last season,

with the other returning players averaging eight to 10 minutes a contest.

“They aren’t used to the big-time, pressure-packed situations,” Pottorff said. He added the season would include growing up as the season progresses, working through inexperience, and leaning on one another in the early stages.

Belle Fourche’s 2017-18 schedule is similar to that of past years. Pottorff said the slate is difficult and includes six games against class AA schools. The Broncs face Spearfish, Sturgis, and Douglas twice apiece.

Other schedule highlights include Aberdeen Roncalli and Madison at the St. Thomas More Classic (Dec. 28-29 in Rapid City), along with class A powerhouse St. Thomas More.

“It’s a fun schedule to play,” Pottorff said. “We never have a night off where we can just put it in cruise control and take the W.” St. Thomas More is the perennial Black Hills Conference favorite. Pottorff said Sturgis and Douglas could also contend.

Pottorff said the Broncs will be a competitive team once players learn what varsity basketball is about. He pointed to the players’ versatility and added that could cause problems for opponents.

Several factors would make this a successful season for Belle Fourche, in Pottorff’s view. He cited players growing as a team, gaining experience, giving energy and effort at all times, and not backing BRONCS Pg 11

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

from Pg 10

BRONCS down from an opponent.

Team goals do not necessarily center on wins, losses, and other numbers. “We know if we’re doing the things that we’ve committed to, that we’ll find success,” Pottorff said.

Official practice sessions began Nov. 27, with defense and defensive positioning taking center stage that day. Skill assessments helped gauge where the players are.

Belle Fourche finished 8-13 last season after dropping a 63-54 decision to Spearfish in the Region 8A tournament.

Jon Peterson, Louis Budmayr, Zach Lange, and Jake O’Byrne graduated from that squad.

Pottorff pointed to those seniors in discussing what the Broncs can take from that season to build on for this campaign.

“It was their work ethic and their willingness to play hard, no matter the situation,” Pottorff said. He added he would like to see the younger players adopt that mindset.

Pottorff said he would like to see Belle Fourche play more consistently on defense.

He added the Broncs have a better chance to win if they force opponents into tough shots and allow 45-50 points per game.

Belle Fourche will play 10 home games at Edwin Petranek Armory during the regular season.

The first is Dec. 12 against Sturgis, with tipoff time at around 7 p.m.

Belle Fourche boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 12 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Sundance, Wyo. Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 16 at Sundance, Wyo. Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 22 hosting Lemmon 4 p.m.

Dec. 28 vs. Aberdeen Roncalli (at Rapid City) 5 p.m.

Dec. 29 vs. Madison (at Rapid City) 5 p.m.

Jan. 6 hosting Red Cloud 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Spearfish 8 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Wright, Wyo. 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 hosting Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Hot Springs 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 hosting Bowman, N.D. 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Feb 2. at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 hosting Custer 7 p.m.

Feb. 13 hosting Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 hosting St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Pictured clockwise from top left, Taten Fox looks for a teammate to pass to during a game in the 2016-17 basketball season. Zach Lange goes up for a shot.

Tate Hostetter drives in the lane to the basket.

Pioneer file photos

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Page 12

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Lady Broncs bring experience to the court

Members of the 2017-18 Belle Fourche varsity girls’ basketball team are back row left: Kortni Grubb, Bella Jensen, Payson Birkeland, Ashley Byrd, Mandee Williamson, Shayla Howell, and Raymie Keegan; front row left: Rylee Young, Taryn Stedillie, Hannah Juelfs, Jade Burr, Jayce Williams, and Taylor Hanson. Head coach Bill Burr is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche brings one of the state’s more experienced lineups into the 2017-18 girls’ high school basketball season.

Bill Burr returns for his sixth season as the Lady Broncs head coach.

Eight seniors are on the roster, with fiwve being starters from a Broncs’ team that finished 20-3 last season and fell 5550 to Vermillion in the class A Sweet 16 event.

Taylor Hanson (5-foot-6 point guard), Mandee Williamson (5-11 forward/center), Raymie Keegan (5-10 guard/forward), Shayla Howell (5-10 center), and Kortni Grubb (5-9 guard/forward) started for the Broncs last season. Jade Burr (5-2 guard), Jayce Williams (5-5 guard), and Hannah Juelfs (5-4 guard) also represent the senior class.

Burr said the junior squad should also be really strong.

Members include Rylee Young (5-foot7 guard) playing out front, with Payson Birkeland (5-9 center) and Ashley Byrd (6-0 center) on the bottom.

That returning experience means another strong suit for the Lady Broncs, whose lineup as of press time also includes sophomore Taryn Stedillie (5-foot-5 guard) and

ninth-grader Bella Jensen (5-foot-9 guard).

“We’re going to be able to go deep on our bench and play a lot of kids,” coach Burr said.

He added the team will be able to rotate players, keep them fresh, and still stay aggressive.

Burrsaid the team’s quickness and height is a strength.

The Broncs always discuss the communication aspect, according to coach Burr.

That fits into something else he said the players can work on.

“We’ve got to learn to rely on each other,” coach Burr said. “We’ve got to know what our personal strengths are and what the next player’s personal strengths are.”

Belle Fourche plays what coach Burr called a very tough schedule.

The schedule includes St. Thomas More Classic games against Aberdeen Roncalli and Madison (Dec. 28-29 in Rapid City), the Hanson Classic (Jan. 13 in Mitchell), and the Warner Classic (Feb. 10 in Aberdeen).

“It’s going to be a very good test for us,” coach Burr said in describing the schedule, which also includes two games apiece against class AA opponents Sturgis, Spearfish, and Douglas.

Burr tabbed St. Thomas More as the Black Hills Conference favorite. He said

the Lady Broncs should contend along would like to see that carry over to this with Spearfish, Sturgis, and Red Cloud and year, and communication is the biggest imadded they match up well against everyone provement he would like to see the Broncs else in the loop. make this season.

“It’s kind of roll the dice,” Burr said of Belle Fourche will play eight home conference play. “If you’re not playing games during the regular season. The first good ball — if you have an off night on is Dec. 12 against Sturgis, with tipoff from any one of those nights — you’re going to Edwin Petranek Armory set for 5:30 p.m. have trouble.”

What would make this season a success for Belle Fourche?

“It’s more of just being a team, enjoying each other, and having Dec. 12 hosting Sturgis Brown 5:30 p.m. fun,” Burr said.

Dec. 15 at Sundance, Wyo. Stateline Shootout TBA He added that includes players learning how to rely on one another Dec. 16 at Sundance, Wyo. Stateline Shootout TBA as a team.

Dec. 22 hosting Lemon 2:30 p.m.

Official practices opened Nov. 27, Dec. 28 vs. Aberdeen Roncalli (Rapid City) 3:30 p.m. and the Broncs went back to basics Dec. 29 vs. Madison (at Rapid City) 2:30 p.m. during the first few days.

Jan. 6 hosting Red Cloud 3 p.m.

Early areas of emphasis included Jan. 9 at Spearfish 6:30 p.m. ball handling, defensive positioning, Jan. 11 at Wright, Wyo. 7 p.m. communication, and rebound posiJan. 13 at Mitchell Hanson Classic TBA tioning. Players also worked on the Jan. 16 hosting Douglas 7:30 p.m. offense later in the week.

Jan. 19 at Hot Springs 5 p.m.

“We work hard on the defensive Jan. 23 hosting Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m. end,” coach Burr said. “That’s Jan. 26 at Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m. where we start, and we emphasize a Jan. 30 hosting St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m. lot of that defensive stuff.”

Feb 2. at Douglas 6 p.m.

Coach Burr said Belle Fourche Feb. 9 hosting Custer 5:30 p.m. learned how to press well and finFeb. 10 at Aberdeen Warner Classic TBA ish close games last season, and e Feb. 13 hosting Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

Belle Fourche girls’ basketball schedule

Winter 2017/2018

Page 13

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured from top left, Mandee Williamsom drives towards the basket during a game in the 201617 basketball season. Shayla Howell goes up for a shot between two defenders. Kortni Grubb attempts a bounce pass to a teammate. Pioneer file photos

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Page 14

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Lady Jackets off to solid start

Members of the 2017-18 Black Hills State University women’s basketball team are: (not in order) Julia Seamans, Remi Wientjes, Racquel Wientjes, Rachel Erickson, Lyndzi Rich, Alyssia Martinez, Abby Switzer, Cortez Standing Bear, Ashlee Beacom, Gabby Doxtator, Hannah Cass, Haley Schneider, Haevyn Risley, Katie Messler, Keely Bertram, Rebecca Stevenson, Morgan Ham, Brianna Philipsen, and Dylan Wright. The head coach is Mark Nore and assistant coaches are Katie Ziemnik and Leah Szabla.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The 2017-18 edition of the Black Hills State University women’s basketball team hopes to contend for the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title.

Last season the Lady Yellow Jackets finished 9-17 overall and 9-13 in conference.

Mark Nore enters his 16th season as the Lady Jackets head basketball coach, and the team returns 12 players along seven new faces for the 2017-18 season.

“We are working towards being a good team. This team likes to compete, and they have a little bit of edge to the,” said Nore.

“We ned to get some things going our way and build some confidence early.”

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basketball preseason poll, as voted on by the RMAC coaches Senior Rachel Erickson averaged 10.2 points per game last season, and earned All-RMAC Academic Honor Roll and AllRMAC Honorable Mention honors.

Other returners starters are: Julia Seamans, who started 17 starts of 26 games last season, and she ranked second on the team with 49 assists.

Seamans also earned Academic AllRMAC Honor Roll, Abby Switzer, and Keely Bertram, who earned Academic All-RMAC Honor Roll and grabbed a season and career-high four steals last season. Remi Wientjes, Alyssia Martinez, Gabby Doxtator, Rebecca Stevenson, Haley Schneider, Cortez Standing Bear, Hannah Cass, and Dylan Wright round out the BHSU returners.

Ashlee Beacom, Morgan Ham, Katie Messler, Brianna Philipsen, Lyndzi Rich, Haevyn Risley, and Racquel Wientjes begin their first season with the Lady Yellow Jackets.

Black Hills State opened the season with a 66-41 win over Texas A&M-Kingsville.

Erickson led the Lady Yellow Jackets in scoring with 16 points, followed by Seamans with 11 points.

The next night Erickson scored 26 points, as Black Hills State defeated Texas A&M International 73-58.

The Lady Yellow Jackets followed that up with wins over Minnesota StateMankato 67-44, 96-43 over Grace University, 85-36 over Johnson and Wales, and 100-27 over Yellowstone Christian College.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 15

BHSU womens’ basketball schedule Dec. 9 at Colorado Christian 4 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Regis College 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Chadron State 4 p.m.

Dec. 30 hosting Colorado State - Pueblo 4 p.m.

Jan. 5 at New Mexico Highlands 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Colorado State-Pueblo 4 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Fort Lewis College 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 hosting Adams State 4 p.m.

Jan. 16 hosting S.D. School of Mines 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Westminster (Utah) 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Colorado Mesa 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 Western State Colorado 4 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Metro State Denver 4 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Colorado-Colorado Springs 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at S.D. School of Mines 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 hosting Colorado Christian 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Colorado Mesa 4 p.m.

Feb. 23 hosting Chadron State 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 hosting Regis College 4 p.m.

Top left, Rachel Erickson brings the ball up the floor in a game Saturday against Metro State-Denver, in Spearfish. Above, Julie Seamons shoot a 3-pointer in a game Saturday against Metro State-Denver, in Spearfish. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross from Pg 14

LADY JACKETS Black Hills State opened its 2017-18 RMAC schedule with a 62-37 home win over the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

Erickson and Rich led the Lady Yellow Jackets in scoring with 14 points each.

We guarded hard and we played hard. I thought we rebounded pretty well.We were able to get to the fre throw line a little bit more tonight,”

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said Nore. “Shots weren’t necessarily falling, but I thought we did a nice job of staying composed and getting second chance opportunities.”

Black Hills State remained undefeated after defeating the Metropolitan State University-Denver Roadrunners, 72-57.

Rich led the team in scoring with 16 points.

Rachel Erickson and Julia Seamans each had 13 points.

“We had a huge second quarter, and our bench was huge,” Lady Yellow Jackets head coach Mark Nore said of a 10-minute stretch in which his team shot 11 of 14 (78 percent) from the floor.

Page 16

Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Young BHSU men’s team begins season

Members of the 2017-18 Black Hills State University men’s basketball team are: (not in order) Patrick Mendes, Connor O’Hearn, Zach McLemore, Dez Stoudamire, Spencer Ederhoff, Wyatt Krogman, Jackson Ehrlin, Logan Dreier, Makaleb McInnis, Fraser Malcolm, Trey Winkler, Hoyt Nicholas, Stefan Desnica, Jacob Perkins, and Antonio Capley. The head coach is Jeff Trumbauer and the assistant coaches are Ryan Thompson, Jake Lindfors, and Thomas Bush. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University men’s basketball team hopes to improve from a 9-19 overall record, and a 6-16 record in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference in the 2016-17 season.

Jeff Trumbauer begins his fourth season as the Yellow Jackets head basketball coach.

Trumbauer said his expectations for the season are simple.

“I just take it one game at a time,” he said. “Hopefully our team is much better next week than we were this week. We’ll just continue to do that until we reach our destination.”

Returning for Black Hills State is junior Malcolm Fraser, who was named AllRMAC Honorable Mention after the 201617 season. Fraser led the team averaging 14 points and 5.3 rebounds per game.

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Also returning are starters Zach McLemore and Patrick Mendes. McLemore averaged 11.5 points per game, and he led the Yellow Jackets with 63 made three-pointers. Mendes averaged 9.5 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.

Other returning Yellow Jackets include Wyatt Krogman, Connor O’Hearn, Hoyt Nicholas, Stefan Desnica, and Antonio Capley.

New additions to the Back Hills State men’s team include transfers Dez Stoudamire, Makaleb McInnis, and Jacob Perkins, along with freshmen Jackson Ehrlin and Trey Winkler. Redshirt freshmen Spencer Ederhoff at his season.

The Yellow Jackets were picked to finish 11th in the RMAC in the preseason coaches poll.

The Yellow Jackets opened the 2017-18 season defeating the Yellowstone Christian Centurions 86-52.

Krogman had 13 points, Malcom had 12 points and 11 rebounds, and McInnis chipped in 11 points for Black Hills State.

The Yellow Jackets then defeated Johnson and Wales 71-70.

McInnis led the Yellow Jackets in scoring with 22 points followed by Fraser with 19 points.

Black Hills State suffered their first lost of the season at Northern State, 68-46.

Stoudamire scored eight points and Malcolm added seven points and 10 rebounds to lead the Yellow Jackets.

Black Hills State opened its conference schedule with a 77-66 win over the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.

The Yellow Jackets were led by with 20 points and seven rebounds, with Stoudamire adding 14 points, and O’Hearn chipping in 10 points.

BHSU MEN’S TEAM Pg 17

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Page 17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

BHSU mens’ basketball schedule Above, Wyatt Krogman dribbles the ball up the floor in a game Saturday against Metro StateDenver, in Spearfish. Top right, Fraser Malcom goes strong to the basket n a game Saturday against Metro State-Denver, in Spearfish. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross Trumbauer also praised the efforts of Dez Stoudamire and Jacob Perkins, who played at junior colleges before coming to Spearfish.

“They’re just going to get better as they get more comfortable within the system. No team is where it wants to be at this stage.,” Trumbauer said.

Trumbauer said one of the next things is to figure out how to run the offense a bit better, along with putting back-to-back games together.

Trumbauer would give Black Hills State a solid A grade in energy and effort for the win over UCColorado Springs. His grade for Saturday’s loss to Metro State-Denver is an A-minus or B-plus.

from Pg 16

BHSU MEN’S TEAM They suffered their first conference loss of the season to Metro State Denver 62-56.

Dez Stoudamire led the way for the Yellow Jackets with 17 points, while Fraser Malcolm finished with 10 points, and Antonio Capley had eight rebounds and three blocks.

“This weekend showed that we made some strides,” he said Saturday. “I was pleased with the contributions from our sophomores.” He cited Stefan Desnica and Antonio Capley.

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Dec. 9 at Colorado Christian 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Regis College 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Chadron State 6 p.m.

Dec. 30 hosting Colorado State - Pueblo 6 p.m.

Jan. 5 at New Mexico Highlands 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Colorado State-Pueblo 6 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Fort Lewis College 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 hosting Adams State 6 p.m.

Jan. 16 hosting S.D. School of Mines 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Westminster (Utah) 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Colorado Mesa 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 Western State Colorado 6 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Metro State Denver 4 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Colorado-Colorado Springs 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at S.D. School of Mines 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 hosting Colorado Christian 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Colorado Mesa 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 hosting Chadron State 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 24 hosting Regis College 6 p.m.

Page 18

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Irrigators have new coach and a young team

BY COLLEEN BRUNNER Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL—Monday, Nov. 27, marked the first night for Newell school district’s winter sports schedule to start, primarily with a parents meeting at the school’s multi-purpose room to register their children and listen to the rules.

Trev Fiedler, the brand new boys’ basketball coach, who is assisted by Jeremiah Weeldryer, has no illusions that his very young and somewhat inexperienced team will have a tough row to hoe.

“We are young, but what I want is to be competitive,” said Fiedler, Fiedler has just 15 boys out for both varsity and JV with a lone senior in Trae Jones. The roster rounds that out with three juniors that have played varsity level along with six sophomores, four freshmen, and an eighth grade student.

“Our strengths are that we work extremely hard to do the right things,” said Fiedler after a week of practice under his belt in getting to know the athletes on his team. “This group of kids wants to learn the game and is willing to put in the time

to be successful. Our weaknesses revolve around the fact that we are young and inexperienced.”

Fiedler said the being new to the area and not knowing much about the other teams he felt it would be hard for him to set expectations other than the fact that he expects the kids to compete hard every night and not back down from anyone.

“I have high expectations for my upper class men who have played significant varsity minutes,” the new coach said.

“Brock Kjellsen and Payton Burtzlaff have stepped into big leadership roles during

the first week of practices.”

“Wins and losses?” questions Fiedler, “I have no idea. That’s not what I’m concerned about. I want these guys to learn and know that they can play competitively.”

Fiedler graduated from BHSU and came to Newell after coaching three years in Omaha, primarily with freshmen. “I’ve never coached kids like these (multiple grades in a smaller school), but I have some experience.”

Newell begins its regular season at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, when they host Bison, in Newell.

Newell boys’ basketball schedule (Times subject to change) Dec. 12 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Tiospaye Topa (LaPlante) 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 hosting Dupree 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 hosting Sundance, Wyo. 5:30 p.m.

Jan 5. at Lemmon 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at McIntosh noon Jan. 11 hosting West River Tourney 6 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting West River Tourney 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 hosting West River Tourney TBA Jan. 18 at Custer 3 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Hulett, Wyo. 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at New Underwood 6 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Faith 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Philip 1 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Timber Lake noon Feb. 10 Hosting Rapid City Christian 5:30 p,.m.

Feb. 12 at Harding County 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Wall 5 p.m.

Newell boys’ basketball players include back row left: Kaden Nohava, Brock Kjellson, Peyton Burtzlaff, Tristan Clough, David Morell, John Jackson, Caleb Mutchler and Huttson Weeldreyer. Front row left: Bradley Baker, Trae Jones, Kai Banks, Hunter Wetz, Ryan Hohenberger, Corbin Mackaben, and Ben Parrow. Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

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Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 19

Newell girls basketball looking to change culture

BY COLLEEN BRUNNER Black Hills Pioneer

Newell girls’ basketball schedule (Times subject to change)

NEWELL — Scott Wince is back at the helm for the girls’ basketball program and he is ready to put his experience in the Newell basketball program to work. He previously coached boys’ and girls’ basketball at Newell with his record, 49-3-0, in that final season.

“We need to change the culture of basketball in Newell,” said Wince.

He didn’t predict wins or losses, but if you watch for a while during practice you can see that he has a lot to share with the girls, and they seem to enjoy his challenges.

“We have had five practices and the girls are working very hard and we are looking forward to our first game,” said Wince. “I don’t even know who will start at this point.

Everyone is working for playing time either on the JV or varsity.”

Wince said he has 14 girls on both the junior varsity and varsity.

Wince, along with assistant Emilee Hencee, began working with the girls Monday morning to get them ready for their first game of the season against Harding County, which was held on Friday.

Dec. 12 at Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Tiospaye Topa (LaPlante) 1 p.m.

Dec. 18 hosting Sundance, Wyo. 5 p.m.

Dec. 19 hosting Wall 6 p.m.

Dec. 21 hosting Dupree 2 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Lemmon 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at McIntosh noon Jan. 11 at West River Tourney 6 p.m.

Jan. 12 at West River Tourney 3 p.m.

Jan. 13 at West River Tourney TBA Jan. 18 at Custer 3 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Hulett, Wyo. 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Faith 3 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Philip 1 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Hill City 6 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Timber Lake 1 p.m.

Feb. 10 Hosting Rapid City Christian 4 p,.m.

Feb. 13 at New Underwood 6 p.m.

Feb. 15 hosting Harding County 5:30 p.m.

Newell girls basketball players include back row left: assistant coach Emilee Hencee, Kyla Emmert, Sarah Wallace, Vanessa Jones, Kassidy Weeldreyer, Kayden Steele, Rachel Boesem, Victoria Tucker and head coach Scott Wince. Front row left: Jessica Heil, Lizzy Philipsen, Aryanna Hofer, Delaney Leber, Austin Alexander, Lexa Burtzlaff, and Dana Youngberg. Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

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Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scoopers hope experience key to success

Members of the2017-2018 Sturgis Brown High School boys’ basketball team are back row left: Gavin West, Jace Fischer, Nick Anderson, Connor Crane, Jay Krull, and Dawson Geuke; front row left: Jade Graham, Brekken Pickett, Alec Keffeler, Cedrick Stabber, Ryan Garland, and Kendyn Boomer. Not pictured is Taylor Eby. Pioneer photo

by Tim Potts

Sturgis Brown boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 12 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 hosting Aberdeen Central 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Spearfish 8 p.m.

Dec. 22 hosting St. Thomas More 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 2 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Custer 6 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Jan. 11 at RC Cerntral 8 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting RC Stevens 8 p.m.

Jan 18 hosting Piere T.F. Riggs 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 hosting Spearfish 8 p.m.

Jan. 25 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Belle Fourche 8 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Huron 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 hosting Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Feb. 16 hosting Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 at RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 hosting RC Central 7 p.m.

BY TIM POTTS Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Brown High School boys’ basketball team will open its 2017-18 high school basketball schedule against the Belle Fourche Bronc’s on Tuesday, in Belle Fourche.

The Scoopers lost 59-46 to Aberdeen Central in the 2016-17 Region 2 AA playoffs.

Sturgis Brown hopes to improve on a 15-8 record during the 2016-17 boys’ high school basketball season.

“Strengths of this year team will be shooting and lots of varsity experience. We have the ability to play bigger and have more of an inside/outside game than we did last year,” said Colin McCampbell, Sturgis Brown boys’ head basketball coach. “Consistently guarding at a AA level and offensive rebounding are a couple areas we will work on.”

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Returning letterman include seniors Connor Crane, Dawson Gueke, Ryan Garland, Jace Fischer, Taylor Eby and juniors Jay Krull, Gavin West and Cedrick Stabber.

McCampbell talked about the his expectations for the 2017-18 basketball season.

“I think we have a great group of kids who have the potential to reach great heights. We need to come to practice every day with the mindset of getting better. If we do that, we have a chance to compete with and beat the best teams in the state.”

McCampbell said. “In the season opener at Belle Fourche, we would expect them to play hard and be very physical,” he said.

McCampbell added they lost some key players from last year’s team, but they have had strong sub-varsity teams with players ready to step up and play good basketball.

McCampbell said that the State AA

2017 runner up Aberdeen Central is the preseason favoriteto finish on top in Class AA. The Scoopers first game at home will be Dec. 15 against the Douglas Patriots.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 21

Sturgis girls basketball team has high hopes

BY TIM POTTS Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Brown High School Scooper girls basketball team started practice on Nov. 27 preparing for the first game of the season against the Pierre Governors.

“We have a veteran team with four seniors and four juniors that have been playing varsity for three years together,” said head coach Jordan Proefrock. “We feel that this year we have a strong 11 girls on varsity that can all add valuable minutes.”

Thirty two athletes are competing for the different teams including seniors Brook Janz, Donna Bruch, Sierra Fischer, and Alexa Delbridge.

Returning juniors are Loralee Stock, Olivia Jolley, Cassidy Jorensen, and Haley Lambert.

The Scoopers will also have six sophomores, Sarah Janz, Kylie Shaw, Sydney Shaw, Ainsley Sabers, Kennedy Bush, and Emily Gray-Smith.

Eighteen freshmen are out this season.

Proefrock talked about the upcoming season.

“Our strength will be our speed and ability to get to the basket. We also had a strong year rebounding last year and we look to continue to improve on that,” she said.

“Our goals this year are to cut down on turnovers and become more consistent from shooting along the perimeter,” Proefrock said.

The Scoopers play the first game of the season at Pierre. “It will be a tough, physical game to start off. I think we will match up well with them. It should be a close, competitive game to start off the season,” she said.

The team has set some big goals this season that are confident they can achieve.

They look to be competitive in all games they play and hope to have a winning season overall. “We have a solid group of upperclassmen with some talented sophomores to help contribute. The main focus is to be playing our best basketball come March,” Proefrock added.

Sturgis Brown opens their season on Saturday, Dec. 9 at Pierre.

The Lady Scoopers first home game will be against the Douglas Patriots on Friday, Dec. 15, at Sturgis Brown High School.

Sturgis Brown girls’ basketball schedule

Dec. 12 at Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 hosting Aberdeen Central 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Spearfish 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Dec. 22 hosting St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Jan. 2 hosting Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Custer 4 p.m.

Jan. 11 at RC Cerntral 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting RC Stevens 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 hosting Spearfish 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Hill City 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Belle Fourche 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Huron 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 6 at RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Douglas 7;30 p.m.

Feb. 9 hosting Hot Springs 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 hosting Red Cloud 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 22 Feb. 26 hosting RC Central 7 p.m.

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Page 22

Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan wrestling team excited for new season

Members of the 2017-18 Spearfish High School wrestling team are front row left: Zach Thoresen, Tashon Clark, Cole Hansen, Matthew Ackerman, and Gavin Rosenau.

Middle row left: head coach John Bokker, assistant coach Cody Powers, Derick Dower, Austin Crotteau, John Trimble, Elijah Zuniga, Cael Citrowske, Max Ellingson, and Reese Hansen. Back row left: Jarron Rowe, Evan Hehr, Keegan Brunssen, Keithan Funk, Marc Williams, Kelby Kruse, Greg George, and assistant coach Chase Tyson.

Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School wrestling team is gearing up for the 2017-18 high school wrestling season.

John Bokker begins his second season as the Spartans head wrestling coach.

“Coming in I really didn’t know what to expect, but I found out there is a lot of great kids here. After a season of really working with them I am really impressed with them and a lot of their character and the good nature of them,” Bokker said.

The Spartans lone state title winner Tyler Waterson graduated, and Bokker said

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Waterson left a lasting impression on him.

“I was really impressed with him,” said Bokker. “Now he’s wrestling for Minnesota. I only had one other guy go Division I, and it was kind of neat to watch him and be a part of him.”

Bokker said he is a little disappointed the numbers are down this year.

“I was expecting more than we have to come out. We’re down a little bit from last year. Some kids didn’t come back out, but this happened to me before down in Arizona, and we recovered from it,” he said.

The Spartans have several returning state

qualifiers from the 2016-17 season.

Returning state qualifiers are seniors Matthew Ackerman, Reese hansen, Tashon Clark, and Marc Williams; junor Derick Dower; sophomore Evan Hehr; and freshman Max Sailor.

“I am really excited about having those guys back,” said Bokker. “Some of those guys were one match away from placing at state, so I think with a little bit more work and the hard work they have put in in the off season and with all the wrestling and lifting we have been doing, WRESTLING Pg 23

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER from Pg 22

WRESTLING I think their names will be up on the wall this year,” he added.

Practice began Nov. 13 and Bokker said they have been doing the basic things to prepare for the season.

“We’ve been working on getting in shape and reviewing the basics we go through. I think basics are the most important part of wrestling,” Bokker said.

“We are leaps and bounds ahead of whwere we were last year,” said Bokker. “Just because we’ve had guys for so much longer this year.”

Injuries have already taken its toll on the team.

“Jordan Brinson will miss the seasonis going to be out with a football injury when he broke his foot. We also have a couple of more guys that are dinged up, but hopefully throughout the season we can get them going and get them healthy,” Bokker said.

Bokker wants his team to put forth their best effort in every match they are in.

“I definitely want to see them compete with everybody,” said Boker. “It doesn’t matter who we wrestle, I want them to compete and I want them to succeed, because they all really deserve to succeed.”

Spearfish next competes on Dec. 9, at the Civic Center in Rapid City.

Pictured clockwise from above, Max Sailor gets ready to take the top position during a match in the 2016-17 season. Reece Hansen tries to turn over his opponent into a pinning position. Derick Dower gains the advantage over his opponent.

Pioneer file photos

Spearfish wrestling schedule

Dec. 9 at Rapid City Invitational 8 a.m.

Dec. 14 hosting Rapid City Central 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Madison Tournament 9 a.m.

Dec. 29 at Floyd Farrand Holiday Tourney (Sioux Falls) 10 a.m.

Dec. 30 at Floyd Farrand Holiday Tourney (Sioux Falls) 9 a.m.

Jan. 4 at Belle Fourche Quad 4 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Lyman County Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 6 at Lyman County Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. ll hosting Douglas 6:30 p.m.

Jan.18 at Lead-Deadwood Triangular 5 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Moorcroft, Wyo. Tourney 11 a.m.

Jan. 20 at Moorcroft, Wyo. Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 25 at Moorcroft, Wyo. 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Belle Fourche Tourney noon Jan. 27 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Feb. 1 at Sturgis Brown 7:30 a.m.

Feb. 10 at Black Hills Conference (Hot Springs) 10 a.m.

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Page 24

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Lead-Deadwood wrestling season hinges on health

Members of the 2017-18 Lead-Deadwood High School wrestling team are back row left: Carson Pinske, Dylin Johnson, Wyatt Hess, Brigham Williams, Pratt Williams, Trinity Brady, and Cody Rakow; front row left: Jacob Harris, Rob Lester, Kadden Dillman, Max Johnson, Domenic Lucero, and Gage Mau. Head coach Beau Voegeli is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Thirteen wrestlers are representing Lead-Deadwood during a season that began last week with events in Harding County and Custer.

“We know we’ve got to keep all those guys healthy and participating and staying out for the team all year,” said Golddiggers’ head coach Beau Voegeli, who is starting his fourth season here.

That lineup features seniors Dylin Johnson, Wyatt Hess, and Brigham Williams; juniors Carson Pinske and Trinity Brady; sophomores Kadden Dillman, Max Johnson, Pratt Williams, and Rob Lester; and ninth-graders Jacob Harris, Gage Mau, Domenic Lucero, and Cody Rakow.

Pinske placed seventh in the 120-pound weight class at last season’s state B tournament. Dylin Johnson earned eighth place at 132 pounds, with Max Johnson (106 pounds) also representing the Golddiggers.

“All those guys are very important, especially some of our freshmen that may not have been in the lineup last year,” Voegeli said. “We’re going to have a lot of expectations for them this year.”

Voegeli said Lead-Deadwood’s strong suit features Pinske, Dylin Johnson, and Max Johnson. Besides the state appearances, Voegeli said the trio won a lot of matches.

“That grit, that knowledge, that experience, I’m hoping, is very contagious in our (practice) room,” Voegeli said. He antici-

pates the other team members responding positively to that leadership.

All wrestlers must work on aspects like conditioning and positioning. Voegeli said Lead-Deadwood also needs to work on improving grit levels. He added the current wrestlers are good but capable of doing more.

Improving grit centers on wrestlers truly giving it their all in every practice, Voegeli said. He added exiting a practice in a tired condition will make matches easier.

Lead-Deadwood wrestles a very difficult for class B, Voegeli said. The slate includes Belle Fourche (class A), Rapid City Stevens (class AA), and Rapid City Central (class AA) along with Dickinson and Bismarck Century (N.D.), Laramie and Cheyenne

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(Wyo.). The Golddiggers’ schedule also includes the Dec. 29 Webster Invitational.

Three home events are slated: a Jan. 9 dual, a Jan. 18 triangular, and a Feb. 8 triangular.

Hot Springs will host the Black Hills Conference tournament on Feb. 10.

Spearfish, Douglas, and Lead-Deadwood should contend for the title, in Voegeli’s view.

Voegeli said the Golddiggers seem to struggle against Custer, with Hot Springs likely hungry for revenge after LeadDeadwood’s success last year.

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Page 25

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER from Pg 24

WRESTLING state B team finish, an individual state champion, and doubling the number of state qualifiers.

Voegeli said it would mark a high level of success if the team can reach two of those.

Official practices began on Nov. 13. Athletes are engaging in more “live drills” than ever before.

This means two wrestlers face off against one another and work as hard as they can until a whistle blows (from 15 seconds to 10 minutes).

Voegeli said those drills help wrestlers build their mental preparedness. “You just don’t know how things are going to go on the mat,” Voegeli said.

“You don’t know how things are going to go in your life, so you’ve just got to prepare for all situations.”

Voegeli would like to see the athletes to keep working hard and not slowing down. He said he would also like the wrestlers to keep learning about the sport and become students as opposed to simply participants.

Lead-Deadwood wrestling schedule

Top picture, Carson Pinske wraps his opponent up for the pin in a match during the 2016-17 wrestling season. Pictured above, Wyatt Hess tries to take down his opponent. Pioneer file photos

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Dec. 9 at Rapid City Invite (Civic Center) 8 a.m.

Dec. 14 at Belle Fourche triangular 5 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Hot Springs Tourney noon Dec. 16 at Hot Springs Tourney 9 a.m.

Dec. 29 at Webster Invite TBA Jan. 5 at Presho Tourney 11 a.m.

Jan. 6 Presho Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 9 at Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Newcastle Invite 3 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting a triangular 5 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Belle Fourche Tourney noon Jan. 27 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 30 at Newell Tourney 3 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Hill City Invite 8:30 a.m.

Feb. 8 hosting a triangular 9 a.m.

Feb. 10 at Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

Feb. 17 at Region (RC Central) 10 a.m.

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Page 26

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

Work ethic, enthusiasm to carry Bronc wrestlers

Belle Fourche wrestling squad members include back row left: Chase Bickerdyke, Michael Streeter, Aiken Crowley, Brooks Clooten, Ryan Bauer, Walker Horn, Cade Bickerdyke, Ryan Eaton; middle row left: Joe Hanson, Jaredon Dosch, Colton Shelley, D’Angelo Garduna, Jett Blakeman, Gunner Jensen, Austin Wood; front row left: Cayden Wolfe, Hunter Quenzer, Oakley Blakeman, Nathan Balderas, Justis Quenzer, and JD Marshall.

Morgen Garrett, Thomas McCoy, and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Two things in particular truly appeal to Belle Fourche varsity wrestling coach Bill Abell as the Broncs earnestly prepare for their season.

“The enthusiasm is awesome, and the work ethic is really solid,” said Abell, who is beginning his fifth season here.

“We have a great group of guys.”

Eighth-grader Oakley Blakeman competed at last season’s state A tournament (106 pounds) and is one of several returning athletes for the Broncs. Others include junior Joe Hanson, junior Jaredon Dosch, junior Morgen Garrett, sophomore Chase Bickerdyke, sophomore Michael Streeter, sophomore Jett Blakeman, ninth-grader Hunter

Quenzer, and eighth-grader Cayden Wolfe.

The program’s roster contains 14 other athletes as of press time. They are senior Justis Quenzer; sophomore Walker Horn; ninth-graders Nathan Balderas, Colton Shelley, Ryan Bauer, Gunner Jensen, Ryan Eaton, Austin Wood, JD Marshall, and Aiken Crowley; eighth-graders D’Angelo Garduna, Cade Bickerdyke, and Brooks Clooten; and seventh-grader Thomas McCoy. Abell said technique is one thing the Broncs’ wrestlers need to work on. He pointed to something else.

“We don’t have a lot of mat experience,” Abell said.

“Most of our team (14 of the 24 members) is in the eighth and ninth grades.”

Belle Fourche’s schedule has changed a bit from past

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years. “We tried to rework January because it beat us up pretty badly last year,” Abell said.

The Broncs’ January 2017 schedule featured the Presho, Philip, Chamberlain, and Belle Fourche tournaments on successive weekends along with two duals and a quadrangular.

January’s tournament schedule will find the Broncs at Presho (Jan. 5-6), Bennett County (Jan. 13), Chamberlain (Jan. 20), and Belle Fourche (Jan. 26-27). A quadrangular, dual tournament, and single dual complement the rest of the month’s scheduled events.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER from Pg 26

WRESTLERS January schedule. Besides the end-of-month tournament, the Broncs will host a quadrangular on the Jan. 4 and the Hot Springs dual on Jan. 25.

Hot Springs will be hosting the Black Hills Conference tournament on Feb. 10.

Abell said Douglas is usually solid, with Custer being strong in the recent past and Lead-Deadwood excelling in duals.

“It will be hit and miss,” Abell said when asked how he sees the Broncs stacking up against conference opponents. He added Belle Fourche is not a really strong dual team, and the lack of mat time could be a factor.

Sioux Falls will host the state tournament on Feb. 23-24.

Abell cited “retention” when asked how the Broncs would define success this season. “If I do my job right, they are bummed when the season is over,” he said.

How did things go from that standpoint last season? “I really felt the kids did not want the season to end,” Abell said.

Abell said he would like to see Belle Fourche continue the attitude of having fun and competing this year. He added self-confidence is the biggest improvement he would like to see athletes make from last season to this one.

Wrestling practices officially began Nov. 13. Belle Fourche conducted two-a-days during the first week, with morning sessions centering on conditioning and afternoon sessions stressing technique.

Corey Hockenbary, Bailey Lawrence, Tate Gatzke, Jeremy Peters, and Jayden Newlander graduated from last season’s squad.

Belle Fourche wrestling schedule

Dec. 9 at Rapid City Invite (Civic Center) 8 a.m.

Dec.14 at Custer triangular 5 p.m.

Dec.16 at Dickinson, N.D. 9 a.m.

Jan. 4 at Hill City 4 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Presho Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 6 at Presho Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 13 at Bennett County 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 19 at Chamberlain 4 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Chamberalain Invite 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Chamberalain Invite 9 a.m.

Jan. 25 hosting Hot Springs 5 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Belle Fourche Tourney noon Jan. 27 hosting Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Feb. 10 at Hot Springs Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

Above, Chase Bickerdyke tries to make an escape during a wrestling match in the 2016-17 season. Right, Oakley Blakeman tries to get leverage to turn his opponent over for the pin.

Pioneer file photos

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Page 28

Winter 2017/2018

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Newell wrestling team young and low in numbers

BY COLLEEN BRUNNER Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL —The Newell Irrigators will bring a young squad to the mats for the 2017-18 high school wrestling season.

The Irrigators began practice on Monday, Nov. 20 Mike Phelps has been the head wrestling

coach at Newell for many years and the wrestlers benefit from that longevity as they move through the program.

He has a total of just 10 wrestlers on his varsity squad.

“We have pretty young kids and we plan to continue building through the year,” said Phelps.

The Newell grapplers had their first

match on Tuesday, at the Harding County Quad.

“We went about half,” said Phelps of this first meet.

Returning wrestlers include Marvin King, Chase VanDerBoom, Garrett Winkler, Patrick Hamling, and Jerome (JT) Schock.

Newell has just one home contest scheduled, on Jan. 30 at the Newell Invite.

The rest of the schedule shows away tournaments, meets and quads. So if the fans want to watch some Newell wrestling they may have to travel a bit.

Overall the Newell sports teams have youth going for them and hopefully will gain in knowledge and experience on the courts and mats.

Newell wrestling schedule

Dec. 14 at St. Thomas More 5 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Hot Springs Tourney 11 a.n.

Dec. 16 at Hot Springs Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 5 at Lyman County Tourney 11 a.m.

Jan. 6 at Lyman County Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 12 at Bennett County Tourney 5 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Bennett County Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan.19 at Chadron, Neb. Tourney noon Jan. 20 at Chadron, Neb. Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 23 at Lemmon Round-Robin 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Belle Fourche Tourney 1 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 30 at Newell Round-Robin 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Hill City Tourney 9 a.m.

Feb. 10 at Wall Invite 9 a.m.

Newell varsity wrestlers include: back row from left, Taven Pharris, Marvin King, Patrick Hamling, Morgen Stuen and Caleb McGregor. Front row from left: Garrett Winkler, Chase VanDerBoom, Mick King and JT Schock. Not pictured Hunter Charles. Pioneer photo by Colleen Brunner

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Page 29

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Sturgis Scoopers win season opener

BY TIM POTTS Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scooper wrestling team opened its 2017-18 wrestling season against the Belle Fourche Broncs on Nov. 30, at Sturgis Brown High School.

The Scoopers dominated the Broncs winning 78-6.

“It was a nice win with a lot of young guys stepping into the line up tonight with one of them being our 106 pounder, first time in a varsity uniform and he took a tough loss,” said Mike Abell, Sturgis Brown’s head wrestling coach. “Wins out of Evan Osborn, Zaven Osborne, Brett Konst, Carl Nash and Wren Jacobs are big,” The Scoopers had pins in nine matches with six of those in the first period along with four forfeits to make up the 78 points.

“Jaren Puhlman and Kody Cox had the two big match up for the night with wrestlers that have been around the region for some time and getting two pins out of them two is huge,” Abell said.

Evan Osborn (113 pounds), Zaven Osborne 120 pounds), Shae Owens (126 pounds), Brett Konst (132 pounds), Carl

Nash (138 pounds), Wren Jacobs (145 pounds), Bailey Brengle (152 pounds), Jaren Puhlman (160 pounds), Kody Cox (182 pounds), Jake Sailer (170 pounds), Tice McVay (195 pounds), Joel Carpenter (220 pounds) and Clayton Smith (285 pounds) all came away with wins for the Scoopers.

“The team looks forward to starting the season off with a home dual to get things going,” said Abell. “It is always a fun dual. One because Belle has always been a school rival, and two because my father coaches the team, so it is always fun to battle it out against him.”

Abell talked about his expectations for the upcoming season.

“Every year is a different year and needs to be approached in a different way. This year we have a large group of seniors, and we need to try and make the best out of their experience on the mat,” he said.

The Scoopers schedule will be tough as always.

“Our schedule continues to be one of the toughest in the state with a lot of miles put on to get the competition and exposure we

need,” Abell said, explaining that the team will have to overcome some early season obstacles to get the full team healthy and on the mat by mid-January.

“The wrestling season has to be looked at as if it were a marathon, it is a long brutal season, and we will take it one step at a time,” he said. “We had a rough experience at the state tournament last year missing second (place) by half a point, and we need to make sure we finish strong and peak at the right time to overcome that deficit from last year.”

Pierre TF Riggs won the state tournament in 2016-2017 with a score of 181.5, and the team has a strong team full of seniors returning. The Governors will be bringing back three state champs and a couple of other top-four finishers, and Abell said the team could be a front-runner this year with some younger kids stepping in.

The Scoopers will travel to the tournament in Mandan, N.D., this season, and Abell commented that it is a tough tournament to start off the year, though it provides more experience for the team and allows the coaches to gauge where the

wrestlers are and what they need to work on.

Abell said that the strength of this year’s team is the senior class.

“We have the biggest group of seniors that I have had the chance to coach in my 12 years of coaching, which is both a good and bad thing,” he said. “We hope to have strong leadership in the room; with some good young talent coming up, it will be a great combination. I feel we have some sleepers or ‘dark horses’ in our room that will surprise some people throughout the season.”

A possible weakness that the team will be work on throughout the season is getting the younger or inexperienced members ready to score points at the region tournament.

“The Scoopers have some holes to fill with the loss of our seniors last season and need to fast-track some kids into a starting role for us and make sure they are prepared for the grind,” he said.

Abell added that this year’s schedule includes the Madison Invite to get a better look at some East River competition.

Sturgis Brown wrestling schedule

Dec. 9 at Rapid City Invitational 8 a.m.

Dec. 14 at RC Stevens 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Madison Invitational 9 a.m.

Dec. 21 at RC Central 7 p.m.

Dec. 29-30 at Floyd Farrand Invite 10 a.m.

Jan. 13 at Mitchell Invitational 9 a.m.

Jan. 18 at Campbell County 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 at East-West Duals (Pierre) 11 a.m.

Jan. 26 at Belle Fourche Invite noon Jan. 27 at Belle Fourche Invite 9 a.m.

Jan. 30 hosting Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Spearfish 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Huron Invitational 9 a.m.

Feb. 17 at Region 4A Tourney (Rapid City) 9 a.m.

The 2017-2018 Sturgis Brown High School wrestling team is pictured. Back row left: Joel Carpenter, Tice McVay, Ken Randall, Austin Permann, Justin Burnham, Bailey Brengle, Jaren Puhlman and Kody Cox; middle row left: Brett Konst, John Griffee, Taylor Coffield, Clayton Smith, Wren Jacobs, Jake Sailer and Robert Merwin; front row left: Shae Owens, Zaven Osborne, Evan Osborn, Jacob Wood, Steven Permann and Logan Lemmel. Not pictured are Manny Gallosa, Carl Nash, Matt Eby and Tristan Permann. The Scoopers are coached by Mike Abell, and assistant coaches Steve Keszler, Jason Schlichtemeier, Rex Lyon and Josh Keszler. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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Page 30

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

2017-2018 Spearfish cheerleaders

Members of the 2017-18 Spearfish High School basketball cheerleading team are front row left: Carolyn Petersen, Jensen Markley, Chandi Jackson, and Grace Cihak. Middle row left: Alivia Ruff, Annora Garness, and Sandra Danielson. Back row left: Ciarra Schoon, Ashley Burr, and Savanna Sewell. Not pictured is the cheerleading coach Pam Waterson. Courtesy photo

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Page 31

2017-2018 Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Members of the 2017-18 Lead-Deadwood High School cheerleading team are: back row left, Kaitlynn Zellers, Kaitlyn Meade, Kiyah Austin, Eric Schumacher, Annie Pearson, Katerina Marlow, and Greta Moreno; front row left, Isabel Fredericksen, Madison Morrison, Gracie Kosters, Kelsey Stuen, and Emma Koenig.

Cassie Nelson, Alex Valenzuela, and head coach Wendy Rogers are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

2017-2018 Belle Fourche cheerleaders

Members of the 2017-18 Belle Fourche High School cheerleading team are back row left: Isabella Ferguson, Destiny Flynn, Serena Davis, and Destiny Voyles; front row left: Avery Middleton, Hadlie Jensen, Tristan Garman, and Caitlin Ringling. Head coach Denise Horman is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

2017-2018 Sturgis Brown cheerleaders

The 2017-2018 Sturgis Brown High School boys and girls varsity basketball cheerleaders are pictured. Back row from left: Klara Homann, Chelsea Powles, Jasmijn Masson and Lexi Beck middle row from left: Abby Wise, Destinee Igou, Mackenzie Krcil and Alina Pucher; front row from left: Kloee Stalder, Kaylee Eixenberger and Arianna Gorczewski. Not pictured is Kiara Rath, Sturgis Brown cheerleaders coach Tanya Taylor.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

Page 32

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2017/2018

BHSU indoor track season underway

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University began its indoor track and field season De. 2, when tthe Yellow Jackets hosted the Yellow Jacket Holiday Open, in Spearfish.

Sixth-year Yellow Jackets’ head coach Seth Mischke said athletes sought a solid, sound effort they can use to propel themselves through the winter break. Black Hills State’s next meet after the Yellow Jacket Holiday Open is not until Jan. 12.

Junior Ally Richards, junior Levi Fried, and senior Bryce Boser earned All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference honors during the 2016-17 indoor season. They are among the returning athletes for this year.

Richards finished third in the women’s pole vault and fourth in the women’s high jump at the 2017 RMAC Championships.

Fried earned third place in the men’s 800-meter run at that meet, with Boser claiming fourth place in the men’s pole vault.

Mischke’s list of returning athletes also includes senior Mark Fruechte (sprints), junior Jonah Theisen (distance), sophomore Tristan Hepp (hurdles/multi events), and sophomore Taylor Hepp (jumps/multi events).

Many athletes turned in personal records during the last indoor season. Mischke said the team needs others to step up.

“It’s tough to know now, relative to the RMAC,” Mischke said when asked about Black Hills State’s strong points. He added the Yellow Jackets should be very solid in the pole vaulting and jumping events on both sides.

Mischke said it is important for the athletes to be better prepared mentally for the upcoming task. He stressed daily improvement and said, “We’re all about the total time put in.”

Preseason coaches’ polls rank Black Hills State eighth in the men’s division and ninth in the women’s division. Adams State and

Western State are first and second, respectively, in both polls.

Chadron State is tagged for third place in the women’s poll, with New Mexico Highlands and UC-Colorado Springs also in the top five. Colorado Mines is picked for third in the men’s division, with UCColorado Springs fourth and Chadron State fifth.

Mischke said a goal is always to place higher at the RMAC Championships as opposed to the previous season. Both Yellow Jacket squads placed eighth at last year’s event.

Colorado Mines will host this season’s RMAC Indoor Championships, with events set for Feb. 23-24.

All athletes and coaches point to improvement as a hallmark for season-long success. Mischke concurred and takes a longer-term view.

“We must pay attention to the process and understand that it’s a long season,” Mischke said. He added it is also important to maintain the proper mental mindset.

Early practice sessions emphasized general conditioning work, with the athletes in hurdling and jumping events stressing technique.

Distance runners took a break to recharge. Mischke said a lot of that work occurred in the fall.

At the Jacket Holiday Open, Black Hills State won a total of nine events.

“We had a very solid day today in many areas,” Yellow Jackets’ head coach Seth Mischke said. “It’s always fun to get in an early competition and see where things are at. We will continue to put in work and get ready for the rest of the indoor season.”

Tristan Hepp won two events for the men’s team. He tied the school record in the 60-meter hurdles (8.42 seconds) and also finished first in the 300-meter dash (35.76 seconds).

Allan McDonnell won the men’s high jump and set the school indoor record in the process. He cleared 6 feet 10.75 inches to eclipse the old record of 6-9.50 that Jacob Wilson set in 2014.

Other men’s event winners were Levi Fried (4 minutes 30.52 seconds in the mile run), Keith Osowski (9:24.15 in the 3,000-meter run), and Bryce Boser (15 feet 7 inches in pole vault).

Cailey Roth won the women’s 600-meter run event in 1 minute 42.77 seconds. Ally Richards (5 feet 3.75 inches in the high jump) and Jordyn Huneke (10-8.75 in the pole vault) also represented the Yellow Jacket women in the winner’s circle.

Event winners and other top-six Black Hills State finishers follow. Only events with top-six BHSU placers are listed. No team points were kept.

Men’s Division 60-meter dash: 1 Javan Lanier (Chadron State) 7.05 seconds. Black Hills State: 6 Seth Kovar 7.43.

200-meter dash: 1 Korder Cropsey (South Dakota School of Mines & Technology) 23.21 seconds. Black Hills State: 4 Logan Stalder 24.34.

300-meter dash: 1. Tristan Hepp (Black Hills State) 35.76 seconds. Other Black Hills State: 3 Garrett Snook 36.93, 4 Mark Fruechte 37.21.

Mile run: 1 Levi Fried (Black Hills State) 4 minutes 30.52 seconds. Other Black Hills State: 6 Walter Bordewyk 4:52.91.

3,000-meter run: 1 Keith Osowski (Black Hills State) 9 minutes 24.15 seconds.

60-meter hurdles: 1 Tristan Hepp (Black Hills State) 8.42 seconds. Other Black Hills State: 3 Seth Kovar 8.53.

4x400-meter relay: 1 Chadron State 3 minutes 30.84 seconds. Black Hills State (Garrett Ravert, Levi Fried, Mark Fruechte, Garret Snook) finished second in 3:31.91.

High jump: 1 Allan McDonnell (Black Hills State) 6 feet 10.75 inches. Other Black Hills State: 2 Tristan Hepp 6-8.75, 5 Brad Lyman 5-10.75, 6 Drazen Moratzka 5-10.75.

Pole vault: 1 Bryce Boser (Black Hills State) 15 feet 7 inches. Other Black Hills State: 4 Joe Melia 14-0.

Long jump: 1 Isaac Grimes (Chadron State) 23 feet 11 inches. Black Hills State: 3 Allan McDonnell 21-2.

Triple jump: 1 Isaac Grimes (Chadron State) 47 feet 9 inches. Black Hills State: 5 Seth Kovar 40-11.

Shot put: 1 Blake Jacobs (Chadron State) 51 feet 11.75 inches. Black Hills State: 4 Zach Zier 45-4.25.

Weight throw: 1 Cory Martens (Chadron State) 59 feet 1.25 inches. Black Hills State: 6 Laketon McLaughlin 43-1.50.

Women’s Division 60-meter dash: 1 Maddie Brashears (Chadron State) 8.14 seconds. Black Hills State: 3 Meghan Ramey 8.30.

300-meter dash: 1 Alisha Heelan (Chadron State) 42.08 seconds. Black Hills State: 3 Shayna Soderstrom 43.43, 5 Zoe Langseth 44.74.

600-meter run: 1 Cailey Roth (Black Hills State) 1 minute 42.77 seconds. Other Black Hills State: 3 Mayson Hudyma 1:48.85.

60-meter hurdles: 1 Chasidy Horton (Chadron State) 9.42 seconds. Black Hills State: 2 Brittney Marosok 9.42, 4 Meghan Ramey 9.67, 5 Julette Goehring 9.70, 6 Katie Campbell 9.78.

4x400-meter relay: 1 Chadron State 4 minutes 8.69 seconds. Black Hills State (Julette Goehring, Brittney Marosok, Zoe Langseth, Shayna Soderstrom) finished second in 4:15.43.

High jump: 1 Ally Richards (Black Hills State) 5 feet 3.75 inches. Other Black Hills State: 2 Dakotah Winsor 5-1.75, 3 Lia Guigui 5-1.75.

Pole vault: 1 Jordyn Huneke (Black Hills State) 10 feet 8.75 inches. Other Black Hills State: 2 Ally Richards 10-8.75, 3 JoJo Sherman 9-10.75.

Triple jump: 1 Jenna Stephens (unattached) 36 feet 5.75 inches. Black Hills State: 2 Katie Campbell 34-0.75.

Shot put: 1 Jayla Jarnagin (South Dakota Mines) 40 feet 3.5 inches. Black Hills State: 2 Maddi Fidler 38-1.25.

Weight throw: 1 Ashton Hallsted (Chadron State) 58 feet 9.25 inches. Black Hills State: 6 Maddi Fidler 39-11.25.

BHSU indoor track and field schedule

Brad Lyman of Black Hills State University competes in the high jump during Saturday’s Yellow Jacket Holiday Open, in Spearfish. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Jan. 12 hosts Myrle Hanson Memorial Open Jan. 13 hosts Stadium Sports Grill High School Classic Jan. 27 hosts Dave Little Alumni Mile Feb. 10 at Conglomerate Open (Gillette, Wyo.) Feb. 9-10 at Jackrabbit Classic (Brookings) Feb. 27 hosts Stinger Open Feb. 23-24 hosts RMAC Indoor Championships in Golden, Colo.

March 9 at NCAA DII Indoor Championships in Pittsburg, Kan. March 10 at NCAA DII Indoor Championships in Pittsburg, Kan.