Winter Sports Preview 2018-19

r e t WSPiOnRTS

W E I V PRE 9 1 0 2 2018 SPEARFISH SPARTANS • LEAD-DEADWOOD GOLDDIGGERS • BELLE FOURCHE BRONCS STURGIS SCOOPERS • NEWELL IRRIGATORS • BHSU YELLOW JACKETS BASKETBALL : WRESTLING : INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

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Page 2

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

2018-19 Lady Spartans lack size

The 2018-19 Spearfish varsity girls’ basketball members are, back row left: student manager Elizabeth Christian, head coach Eric Lappe, Cora Tobin, Bella Reid, Kennedy Kaitfors, Erin Rotert, Madison Watts, student manager Olivia Cihak, and student manager Madiera Lister; middle row left: Anna Engen, Kylie Stalder, Lyndey Dean, Mikayla Tracy, and Hannah Schoon; front row left: Jalyn Carter, Stella Marcus, Ellie Greger, Ashtyn Reiners, and Libby Niehaus.

Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

Spearfish girls’ basketball schedule

Dec. 7 hosting Yankton 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 hosting Brandon Valley 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 hosting Aberdeen Central 7 p.m.

Dec. 15 hosting Pierre T.F. Riggs 5 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 at RC Stevens 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 hosting Red Cloud 11 a.m.

Jan. 5 at Douglas 3 p.m.

Jan. 11 at Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Hill City 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 29 at Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Huron 6 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Mitchell 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 at hosting Custer 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting Douglas 6:30 p.m.

Feb.19 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 hosting RC Central 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 at RC Stevens 6:30 p.m.

SPEARFISH — Eric Lappe returns for his sixth season as the Lady Spartans’ head basketball coach.

Spearfish finished 8-13 for the 201718 season and dropped a 61-31 decision to Sioux Falls O’Gorman in a class AA SoDak 16 event.

The 2018-19 Lady Spartans’ team will lack size.

“We have some key seniors that will come back,” Lappe said. “Cora Tobin (center) will be a big piece for us. We don’t have a lot of size, and she’s one of the girls that does.”

Senior forward Kennedy Kaitfors, junior guard Bella Reid, junior forward Ashtyn Reiners, and junior forward Ellie Greger are other key returnees Lappe cited.

“We’re going to need some younger kids, some freshmen and sophomores to step up for us too,” Lappe said.

Guard Jalyn Carter and forward Mikayla Tracy round out the senior class on the roster. Forward Lyndey Dean is the other junior.

Sophomores on the varsity as of press time are forward Anna Engen, center Madison Watts, forward Erin Rotert, guard Libby Niehaus, and guard Kylie Stalder. The ninth-graders are guards Stella Marcus and Hannah Schoon.

The Spartans do not have a lot of seniors or juniors, according to Lappe.

Lappe said Spearfish should have good guard play this season. He added the team needs more consistent outside shooting. “’Scrappy’ is kind of a weird word to throw around, but I think that’s a good way to describe us,” Lappe said.

“We’re probably going to play a lot of kids and try to find the magic solution that is going to give us the most success.”

Lappe said this season will give many players a chance to step up and show what they can do. He added the squad will need to manage its lack of experience.

“It’s always something when you’re not always sure what you’re going to get day to day,” Lappe said. “I do know that we’ll compete and do everything we can to be as successful as we can.”

Spearfish’s schedule includes 11 home games, plus a few more class AA schools than in past campaigns. Brandon Valley and Aberdeen Central are among the new opponents.

Lappe said that schedule will be good for the Spartans. He added if they can show themselves capable of competing at that level, they may not be intimidated by an opponent’s school size come tournament time.

“We’re anxious to show what we can do,” Lappe said. “We’re not going to back down from anybody.”

St. Thomas More, Sturgis, and Red Cloud will command Spearfish’s at-

tention in the Black Hills Conference, Lappe said.

As for the rest of the conference, Lappe said the Spartans should match up favorably. He added that could happen if the team can manage its height disadvantage.

“We need a better balance of inside-outside than what we had last year, in terms of our offensive game,” Lappe said.

Lappe, true to form, tries not to get caught up in wins and losses when defining success.

“It’s really just more about, ‘are we better on day 100 than we were on day 1,’” Lappe said. “Are we maxing out our potential as much as we can?”

Lappe said each of his previous Spartan teams has accomplished that aim, and the athletes gave all-out effort and never quit.

Official practice sessions began Nov. 26. Conditioning served as an early focus, along with adjustments on offense and rebounding drills.

“The biggest thing is just being a little tougher physically, not backing down from teams,” Lappe said in describing desired improvements from last season to this season.

Spearfish lost to Yankton 48-44 on Dec. 7, and they lost to Brandon Valley 80-29 on Dec. 8.

The Lady Spartans (0-2) remain home Friday night to host Aberdeen Central.

Tip off is set for 7 p.m.

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Winter 2018/2019

Page 3

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured clockwise from far left: Spearfish’s Bella Reid gets off a shot against Yankton on Friday night in Spearfish. Hannah Schoon drives hard to the basket against a Yankton defender.

Ashtyn Reiners loks for a teammate to pass to. Stella Marcus sets up the Lady Spartans offense.

Pioneer Photos by Dennis Knuckles

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Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartans ready for rebuilding season

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Spearfish’s varsity boys’ basketball team will undergo a lengthy learning process during the 2018-19 girls’ basketball season “We are going to be as young as you can get, andas inexperienced as you can get,” second-season Spartans’ head coach Erik Skoglund said. He added senior guard Tyler Barkley is the lone returnee to get varsity minutes last season.

Guard Kevin Kolb, forward Jesse Sacrison, and guard Taten Rhoades are the Spartans’ other seniors. Six juniors are on the roster: guards Logan Ammerman, Ryan Peldo, and Jake Powell; and forwards Cade Lyon, John Nickles, and Aiden Woods.

Four sophomores are on the roster as of

press time: guard Sam Grout, guard Logan Langenfeld, forward Tyler Huber, and forward Timmy Moore.

“We have great team chemistry despite our lack of varsity time together,” Skoglund said. He added players are screening the ball well, and they understand that aspect is critical.

Skoglund said sharing the ball is also very important. “No one person is going to give us a 30-point game because we’re so well-rounded as a team,” he added.

Spearfish will need to work on depth this season, Skoglund said. He cited the low senior and junior numbers, adding that sophomores are trying to work their way into the equation.

“We’re going to make sure we play any way possible,” Skoglund said. “But we also want to put our guys in a good position.”

Spearfish’s schedule features 11 home games. Thirteen of the Spartans’ 20 games are against class AA opponents.

Skoglund said Black Hills Conference predictions are simply guesswork at this time.

He added a more accurate picture may be reached after Christmas, and this also applies to how the Spartans match up against those teams.

Spearfish must do everything it can to keep games close in the second half, Skoglund said.

Official practice sessions began Nov. 26, with offensive spacing being a major point of emphasis. Skoglund said this is because the Spartans do not have a “go-to” player.

“They’re going to learn a ton because they get a chance now,” Skoglund said in

describing this season’s Spartans. “They were the guys always wanting to get on the floor; now, it’s their time to shine.”

Skoglund said the shooting percentage must improve this season, especially on open 3-point field goal attempts.

Spearfish finished 7-14 last season and fell 100-41 to Rapid City Central in a class AA SoDak 16 contest.

Brady Greger, Lorenzio Tobar, Jace Engesser, Taylor Janovy, Jake Braun, Tayven Aga, Dawson Sundsted, and Taylor Woods graduated from that squad.

Skoglund referred to them as an outstanding group.

Spearfish lost its opening game of the season to Yankton 79-32, and they lost to Brandon Valley 70-35.

The Spartans (0-2) are at Pierre T.F Riggs Saturday.

Spearfish boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 15 at Pierre T.F. Riggs 5 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Dec. 20 hosting Rapid City Stevens 8 p.m.

Dec. 29 hosting Red Cloud 12:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Douglas 1:30 p.m.

Jan. 9 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Jan. 15 at Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Jan. 22 hosting St. Thomas More 8 p.m.

Jan. 29 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Huron 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 hosting Mitchell 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 hosting Custer 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting Douglas 8 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Hot Springs 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 21 hosting Rapid City Central 8 p.m.

Feb. 25 at Rapid City Stevens 8 p.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Spearfish varsity boys’ basketball team are, back row left: Cade Lyon, John Nickles, Timmy Moore, Tyler Huber, and Jake Powell; middle row left: Sam Grout, Aiden Woods, Ryan Peldo, Tyler Barkley, and Taten Rhoades; front row left: Logan Ammerman, Kevin Kolb, Logan Langenfeld, and Jesse Sacrison. Head coach Erik Skoglund is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured clockwise from top left: Spearfish’s Tyler Barkley gets off a shot over a Brandon Valley defender Saturday afternoon, in Spearfish. Cade Lyon sets up the Spartan offense.w Jake Powell gets ready to go up strong to the basket. Ryan Peldo attempts a free throw.

Pioneer photos by Dennis Knuckles

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Page 6

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

Lady Diggers looking to be more competitive

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood varsity girls’ basketball coach Tim Hansen has a far-reaching goal for a Golddiggers’for the 2018-19 girls basketball season.

“Against the St. Thomas Mores and our double A opponents, we want to take that step up and compete at that level,” Hansen said. “That’s kind of the goal that we have coming into this season.”

Junior forward Anna Campbell, senior guard Carly Mehlberg, and junior guard-forward Natalie Janssen are some of the returning starters for this season.

Janssen tore an ACL-MCL during the Region 8A basketball tournament in 2018 and missed the entire volleyball season this fall before being cleared for basketball.

Hansen also listed junior guard Blake

Mehlberg, junior foward Hannah Campbell, senior forward Abiah Morrison, and senior forward Alexis Morrison as returning players.

Forward Kaali Allmendinger represents the senior class. Junior forward Raygan Mattson, junior guard Rebecca Groeger, sophomore forward Kailee Bertrand, sophomore guard Madelaine Rogers, and sophomore guard McKinly Kyte complete the roster as of press time.

“We’ve got a whole slew of kids that we really are hoping will perform at a high level this year,” Hansen said. “The more of that that we can get, the better we’ll be looking at facing that top-tier competition.”

Hansen said experience, and understanding what the program is striving toward, are among the team’s strong points for this season.

He added many team members have

Dec. 15 at Stateline Shootout 11 a.m.

Dec. 20 hosting Bennett County 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 hosting Sturgis Brown 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Upton, Wyo. 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Douglas 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting Hill City 6 p.m.

Jan. 15 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 hosting Hill City 6 p.m.

Jan.19 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Jan. 22 hosting Belle Fourche 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Red Cloud 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 hosting Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 5 at Hot Springs 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Bison 4 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting Custer 5:30 p.m.

Feb 13 hosting Rapid City Christian 6 p.m.

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Thomas More, Sturgis, and Spearfish could compete for the conference title. He added the Golddiggers would like to be able to compete for the third, fourth, or fifth spot.

“For us to have success, our depth needs to come through for us,” Hansen said. He cited areas of defense, rebounding, and care of the ball as well as scoring.

Official practice sessions began Nov. 26.

Players worked on the basics of defense, shooting, and other areas.

Hansen said that last season, the Golddiggers came close to having more of a breakout season.

“That’s a focal point now: to not let those opportunities pass us by,” Hansen said. He added that is also one of the biggest improvements he would like to see the team make from a season ago.

Lead-Deadwood finished with a 9-12 record last season.

Members of the 2018-19 LeadDeadwood High School girls’ basketball team are, back row left: Natalie Janssen, Anna Campbell, Hannah Campbell, Alexis Morrison; middle row left, Kailee Bertrand, Madelaine Rogers, Rebecca Groeger, Kaali Allmendinger; front row left, Blake Mehlberg, Carly Mehlberg, Abiah Morrison, and McKinly Kyte. Raygan Mattson and head coach Tim Hansen are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Lead-Deadwood girls’ basketball schedule

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played in this style for the last two years.

“I do think we’re going to be fairly versatile,” Hansen said. “We don’t have your traditional, stereotype positions.”

Hansen envisions having the ability to move players to many different positions.

He said he looks for increased depth.

“We need to figure out a way to score more points,” Hansen said when asked what needs work. “That’s kind of been our big Achilles heel, especially against the more competitive teams that we play.”

Hansen said the Golddiggers must also create more turnovers. He added that was a large part of past games where the team struggled.

“We play in a fairly tough conference for a school of our size,” said Hansen, who added Lead-Deadwood is the Black Hills Conference’s second-smallest school.

Hansen said Hill City, Belle Fourche, St.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured clockwise from the top left: Carly Mehlberg, Anna Campbell, Natalie Janssen, and Rebecca Groeger will play vital roles for the LeadDeadwood Lady Golddigers basketball team during the 2018-19 season.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Diggers basketball team looking to improve

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood varsity boys’ basketball coach Travis Rogers said the Golddiggers want to exceed last season’s victory total.

Lead-Deadwood finished 4-17 in a 201718 season that ended with a 76-29 loss to St. Thomas More at the Region 8A tournament.

Rogers is in his first season as varsity coach. He served as an assistant to Patrick Gatzke, who stepped down after one campaign.

Senior guard Carter Nelson, senior guard Wyatt VandeVelde, senior center Luke Fish, senior forward Zak Mau, and junior guard Jordy Stulken are among the returning players for Lead-Deadwood.

The remaining roster as of press time in-

cludes senior guard Eli Jordan, senior guard Chayton Bower, senior guard Maxx Percy, junior forward Payton Grodzin, sophomore guard Mekieh Hon, sophomore center TK Rainey, and ninth-grade guard Rocke Rainey.

“We’re going to try to change the intensity of the game we play on defense,” Rogers said in outlining the team’s strong suits. He added defense will be a big key for him because scoring was mismatched last season.

Rogers said the Golddiggers need quicker defensive rotations and more aggressive play at that end.

“On the offensive end of the court, we’re going to try to move the basketball and get open shots,” Rogers said. He added shooting percentages would likely pose the biggest concern for him.

Lead-Deadwood has a total of 19 players in the program.

Rogers said it is difficult for the Golddiggers to match up, numbers-wise, against Spearfish, Sturgis, and the larger class A schools.

Rogers said Sturgis, St. Thomas More, and Custer will be hard to defeat in the Black Hills Conference. He added it is difficult to determine how Lead-Deadwood will fare.

“I’m hoping that we’re competitive with everybody,” Rogers said. “We’re really working on the work ethic, just to work hard and try to be in the game at the end.”

Rogers said his goal would likely be to see the Golddiggers double their win total from last season. He added that the athletes

giving full effort every time out will also fit the definition of a successful season.

“I want to change the culture,” Rogers said. “I want them to think when they come out for basketball, you’ve got to work hard to have success.”

Official practice sessions began Nov. 26.

Conditioning and defense are among the items taking center stage.

Rogers said three or four seniors will be good leaders and added the younger players can learn from them. He added those seniors are fundamentally sound.

Fundamentals are the biggest improvement Rogers would like to see the Golddiggers make from last season to this.

Lead-Deadwood lost to Oelrichs 67-59 on Dec. 7, and they lost to Harding County 60-57 on Dec. 8

Lead-Deadwood boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 14 at Stateline Shootout 4 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Stateline Shootout 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 hosting Bennett County 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Upton, Wyo. 7 p.m.

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

Jan. 10 at Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 15 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 hosting Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Jan. 22 hosting Belle Fourche 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Philip 7 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Bison 6 p.m.

Feb. 14 at Custer 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 hosting Rapid City Christian 6 p.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Lead-Dead High School boys’ basketball team are, back row left: Chayton Bower, Mekieh Hon, Luke Fish, and Zak Mau; middle row left: Carter Nelson, Maxx Percy, TK Rainey, and Payton Grodzin; front row left: Jordy Stulken, Eli Jordan, Rocke Rainey, and Wyatt VandeVelde. Head coach Travis Rogers is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured clockwise from the topZak Mau, Luke Fishkwise from the top left: Luke Fish, Wyatt Vande Velde Carter Nelson, and Jordy Sulken will see alot of playing time for the Golddiggers during the 2018 basketball seaspn. the 2018-19 Lead-Deadwood High School boys’ basketball team. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

Lady Broncs open 2018-19 season at home

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Three seniors will guide Belle Fourche into the girls’ 2018-19 varsity girls’ basketball season..

Guard Rylee Young, center Ashley Byrd, and center Payson Birkeland represent that senior class.

Lady Broncs’ head coach Bill Burr said they must step up in what are big seasons for them.

“I know they will,” said Burr, who is beginning his seventh season as the Lady Broncs’ head coach. “They’re excited about the season, and they’re ready to get going.”

Other returning players from last season are juniors Bree Pierce (center-forward), Savannah Rosales (guard), Harley Fischer (guard), Jayme Peterson (center), and Taryn Stedillie (guard). Fischer joins the team after spending last season in Spearfish.

Bella Jensen is a sophomore and plays all spots.

“We’ve got some younger girls, and they’re going to have to step up and fill in some positions for us as the season goes,” Burr said.

Those players include junior Hannah Satterfield (forward), sophomores Jazmyn Jensen (guard), Lainey Brill (guard), and Hayley Wilbur (center).

Ninth-graders in the program as of press time are Kaylin Garza (center), Dru Keegan (guard), Reese McKenna (guard-forward), and McKenzie Lyons (guard).

Experience and height are two of the Broncs’ strengths going into this season. Burr cited other strong suits.

“We’ve still got some height,” Burr said.

“We’ve got some speed; our guards out front are really aggressive.”

Burr said the team is talking about defense and being able to pressure opposing offenses, create turnovers, and get up and down the court.

“Shooting’s one thing that we always have

to work on,” Burr said. He added defense also falls into that category.

Belle Fourche’s schedule has changed a bit from past seasons. Bowman (N.D.), New Underwood, and Faith are among the new opponents for the Broncs, who will play nine home games during the regular season.

Belle Fourche will host the Stateline Shootout on Dec. 14-15.

“We’re just going to have to take them one at a time and be ready to play,” Burr said.

He added the Black Hills Conference will be strong this season.

St. Thomas More, Sturgis, Red Cloud, and Hill City should contend for the conference title, according to Burr. He said the conference would be a toss-up.

“We’re going to be kind of tough to defend because we’re so versatile,” Burr said. “I like our matchup with anybody in the conference.”

Burr said the team discussed last season and how much fun it had at the state A tournament, and how much fun it would be to return.

“We discussed things how to get there,

and one of them will have to be our defense,” Burr said.

Practice sessions officially began Nov. 26, and players went back to fundamentals.

They included dribbling, shooting, and defensive basics.

What can returning players take from last season to start setting a foundation for this campaign?

“We’ve got to make sure we’re talking and communicating. We’ve been speaking about that,” Burr said. He added the seniors must guide their teammates and get them to commit and play hard.

Outside shooting is an improvement the team needs to make, Burr said. He said that would make the team that much more difficult to defend.

Belle Fourche finished 22-3 and placed sixth at the state A tournament last season.

Burr said the Broncs achieved a goal in reaching state, and it was a great learning experience.

Belle Fourche opened its season with a 43-40 win over Hill City.

Belle Fourche girls’ basketball schedule

Dec. 15 hosting Stateline Shootout 2 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Lemmon 4 p.m.

Dec. 28 vs. Aberdeen Roncalli 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Red Cloud 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 8 hosting Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Wright, Wyo. 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Hot Springs 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Bowman County 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Lead-Deadwood 6 p.m.

Jan.29 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 8 at Custer 6 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Aberdeen Warner Classic TBA Feb. 12 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting New Underwood 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Faith 6 p.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Belle Fourche High School girls’ basketball program are, back row left: student manager Megen Keegan, Jayme Peterson, Hayley Wilbur, Kaylin Garza, Ashley Byrd, Payson Birkeland, and Bella Jensen; middle row left: Reese McKenna, Lainey Brill, Taryn Stedillie, Hannah Satterfield, Rylee Young, and Bree Pierce; front row left: McKenzie Lyons, Jasmyn Jensen, Savannah Rosales, Harley Fischer, and Dru Keegan. Head coach Bill Burr is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured clockwise from the top: Belle Fourche’s Bree Pierce, Rylee Young, Payson Birkeland, and Harley Fischer all saw action the Lady Broncs 43-40 win over Hill City Friday night, in Belle Fourche.

Pioneer file photos

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Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Veteran lineup to lead Broncs basketball team

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche returns a veteran lineup for the 2018-19 boys’ high school basketball season.

Nine seniors and four juniors are featured in that lineup for head coach Clay Pottorff, who enters his fourth season as the Broncs’ head coach. One sophomore and one ninth-grader round out the roster.

The returning veterans include senior guard Tate Hostetter and junior forward Kelby Olson, whom Pottorff cited as team leaders.

“We have a bunch of strong pieces around them,” Pottorff said.

They feature fellow seniors Michael Leverington (forward), Chandler Kerr (center), Bryce Nicholas (forward), Carson Gubbrud (center), Zane Rankin (center), Jackson Mailloux (guard), Cauy Jennings (forward), and Taten Fox (forward).

Jennings is a transfer from Spearfish.

Guards Colby Nowowiejski, Jackson Tyndall, and Tate Larson also represent the junior class. Sophomore guard Brextin Garza and ninth-grade forward Aiden Giffin round out the roster as of press time.

“Our biggest strength is probably our depth,” Pottorff said. “We have about 12 to 14 guys that could come in on any given night and give us good production and a good contribution in a lot of different ways.”

Pottorff said the team must work on playing under control while on offense. He added the Broncs have sometimes played a bit too fast, and turnovers have resulted.

“We’ve got a difficult schedule, and it always prepares us for the postseason well,”

Pottorff said. Opponents include Madison, Aberdeen Roncalli, and class AA schools Spearfish and Sturgis. Belle Fourche also hosts the Stateline Shootout on Dec. 14-15.

Pottorff said Sturgis, Red Cloud, and St. Thomas More would contend for the Black Hills Conference championship.

“I think we match up a lot better than we did last year with those teams,” he added.

“We have a year more experience and a year more in the weight room, and just maturing physically.”

Pottorff said the Broncs match up favorably with anyone on the schedule.

He added a key to the team’s success is players understanding their role within the team. “Just playing for each other, I think, is our real key to success,” he said.

Official practice sessions began Nov. 26.

Players worked on defense and rebounding, which Pottorff said would serve as two main focal points throughout the season.

Coming into this season, Pottorff said, he

would like to see players understand what is needed for success. He saw evidence of that in 2017-18.

“I think we started to find some success, or at least be competitive, near the end of the year,” Pottorff said. “The kids started to understand what type of work was going to be needed to be at that level to compete with the top teams in our region.”

As for improvement from last year to this, Pottorff seeks defensive and rebounding consistency. He said the defensive play last season was up and down.

The Broncs fell 71-60 to Belle Fourche in a Region 8A tournament second-round game to end their season. Dylan Burns graduated from that squad, which finished 5-17.

Pottorff said Belle Fourche took some early lumps, but players improved in a lot of areas as they got used to things.

The Broncs opened its 2018-19 basketball schedule with a home win over Hill City, 61-44.

Belle Fourche boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 14 hosting Stateline Shootout 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 hosting Stateline Shootout 7 p.m.

Dec. 18 at New Underwood 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Lemmon 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 vs. Aberdeen Roncalli (Rapid City) TBA Dec. 29 vs. Madison (Rapid City) 5 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Jan. 8 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Wright, Wyo. 4 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Hot Springs 5 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Bowman County 4 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Lead-Deadwood 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting Harding County 7 p.m.

Jan. 29 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Belle Fourche’s varsity boys’ basketball team are, back row left: Carson Gubbrud, Cauy Jennings, Feb. 8 at Custer 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Aberdeen Warner Classic TBA Chandler Kerr, Michael Leverington, Bryce Nicholas, and Aiden Giffin; middle row left: Kelby Olson, Brextin Garza, Jackson Tyndall, Tate Larson, and Colby Nowowiejski; front row left: Jackson Mailloux, Zane Rankin, Tate Hostetter, Taten Fox, and Feb. 12 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m. student manager Storm Pophan. Head coach Clay Pottorff is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross Feb. 15 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

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Page 13

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Pictured clockwise from top left: Aiden Giffin, Michael Leverington, Cauy Jennings, and Colby Nowowiejski all saw action in Friday’s 6144 win over Hill City.

Pioneer file photos

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

Lady Jackets excited for 2018-19 season

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University women’s basketball team is hoping to have a banner season in 2018-19.

Last season, the Lady Jackets (24-6 overall and 18-6 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) made it to the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Tournament championship game before falling to CSU-Pueblo 84-69.

“I was excited for the team. I felt like last year we had good leadership; I thought we made great plays and timely plays, and I thought we were really consistent. I thought that was the key to us last year was that we were really solid, really consistent and didn’t have too many letups,” said Mark Nore, entering his 17th season as Black Hills State’s head coach.

Despite the loss, the Lady Yellow Jackets received an at-large berth to the NCAA

Division II Tournament before losing in the first round to Angelo State University, 87-75.

“That was fun,” said Nore. “We had a tough match up. We didn’t match up well, but it was definitely fun. It was something that I hope that our team remembers and always wants to have a shot at. What a fun opportunity to have a chartered jet and go to a place and play someone completely different, and to be in that atmosphere, and to have that championship feel of a venue that you worked so hard for during the season.

All the formings, the effort, the grinding throughout the year is a huge reward, and I was thankful that they had that opportunity.”

Going into this season the Lady Yellow Jackets were ranked No. 1 in the coaches’ poll, but Nore said he didn’t put a lot of stock in early polls.

“It’s really early, and I don’t put a lot of merit into it. I don’t talk about it a lot.

People ask me if I’m stressed out about it and I tell them no, I just know what this team is capable of, and I think more than anything I’m trying to push the right buttons and try and do the right thing, but try to remember to have fun with this group,” Nore said.

Nore said the poll is a respect thing, voted on by the coaches.

“For them to acknowledge this team is frightful, and it’s something where we want to be there, and its something we want to talk about. The bottom line is, we just want a shot. It is early, a lot of things can happen, throughout the course of the year, which is why we just don’t put a lot of stock into that,” he said.

The Lady Jackets lost only one player, Rachel Erickson, from the 2017-18 squad, but have added red-shirt sophomore Morgan Ham. “Morgan Ham is hard-nosed. She wants

to be great, and she is a wonderful person, and she’s been a huge addition this year for us. Not only just on the floor, but even off the floor. I think she has that leadership quality,” said Nore. “We lost a great leader in Rachel, but I think Julia Seamans and Rachel Wientjes have stepped up in that regard.”

Remi Wientjes, Danielle Noble, Alyssia Martinez, Hannah Cass, Cortez Standing Bear, Abby Switzer, Dylan Wright, Ashlee Beacom, Haley Schneider, Katie Messler, and Racquel Wientjes round out the Lady Yellow Jacket returners.

Black Hills State is currently 5-0 overall and 1-0 in the RMAC. The Yellow Jackets have defeated Texas A&M-Kingsville 48-40, Texas A&M International 62-57, William Jewel College 66-62 in OT, University of WisconsinLADY JACKETS Pg 15

Members of the 2018-19-Black Hills State University women’s basketball team are: (not in order) Julia Seamans, Remi Wientjes, Racquel Wientjes, Ashley Davis, Lyndzi Rich, Alyssia Martinez, Abby Switzer, Cortez Standing Bear, Danielle Noble, Ashlee Beacom, Hannah Cass, Morgan Ham, Dylan Wright, Katie Messler, Keely Bertram, and Morgan Koepsell. The Lady Yellow Jackets are guided by head coach Mark Nore, and assistant coaches Katie Ziemnik and Leah Szabla.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 15

The Black Hills State women’s lost its first game of the season to Westminister 92-89 on Dec. 7, in Spearfish. The lady Jackets defeated Dixie State 89-70. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

from Pg 14

LADY JACKETS Parkside 79-60, and they opened their conference schedule with a 70-43 win over rival South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.

Ham is leading the team averaging 13 points per game. Seamans averages 11.4 points per game, and Remi Wientjes averages 10.4 points per game. Messler (6.6 rebounds per game) and Ham (six rebounds per game) are the team’s top rebounders.

The injury bug has hit the Lady Yellow Jackets early in the season, and Nore said the team is making the necessary adjustments to get the most out of the players.

“We’re missing key figures and key components with injuries. We’ve had to tweak our offense, and we’ve had to do different things, but I really like the development of our players inside. We have had a lot of kids that haven’t had the opportunity that they’ve had until this year, where they’re going to be big keys for us in taking care of the basketball. We have high IQ-kids. We are definitely trying to piece it together, and we are enjoying the grind in that process,” Nore said.

Defense will be a strong point for the Lady Jackets this season.

“How we are capable of guarding has been good for us. We’re probably not as athletic on the wings, but I think we are a smart team. We have more size that we’ve had,” said Nore. “Katie Messler

is a monster defensively inside. I think we are rebounding better. Some of our kids have gotten stronger; now it’s a matter of getting a mental game down and having confidence in that.”

Nore said he wants to see his team continue to improve as the season goes along.

“I want them to play with more sureness, be more vocal. The things more so from the mental side like being consistent in practice,” said Nore. “I think offensively we are going in the right direction, and I want us to continue to grow that way. I want us to be able to transition better and score. This team has a tendency to be very unselfish, and we need to not hold on to things as much as we do, and stay in the moment more when things happen and not compound things.”

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BHSU women’s basketball schedule

Dec. 15 at Adams State 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Fort Lewis College 3:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Western State Colorado 5:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 11 hosting Colorado Christian 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Regis College 4 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Colorado-Colorado Springs 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Colorado School of Mines 5 p.m.

Jan. 25 hosting New Mexico Highlands 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Colorado State-Pueblo 5 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Chadron State 5:30 p.m.

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

Feb. 8 at Colorado State - Pueblo 5 p.m.

Feb. 9 at New Mexico Highlands 4 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Metro State Denver 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 at Chadron State 4 p.m.

Feb. 22 hosting Colorado School of Mines 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs 5:30 p.m.

March 1 hosting S.D. School of Mines 5:30 p.m.

Page 16

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

BHSU men’s team building on success

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH —The Black Hills State University men’s basketball team hopes to build on its success during the 2017-18 season.

The Yellow Jackets finished 12-10 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference, and 15-12 overall.

They made it to RMAC Shootout ornament for the first time since the school entered Division II in 2012.

In July of this year Jeff Trumbauer stepped down as the Yellow Jackets head coach, and assistant coach Ryan Thompson was promoted to the head coach position.

Thompson said the team hopes on the success it had last season.

“We’re hoping to build on that, hoping to be a better team this year. We don’t have a

goal at finishing at a certain spot. We just want to be the best basketball team we can be,” said Thompson. “I think we can be better than we were last year, and we are just in that process of trying to find our identity and see if we can be better than we were last season.”

Thompson said his biggest adjustment moving from assistant coach to head coach has been his day-to-day role with th e team.

“I’m not as focused on the minor details with recruiting or player development, and looking a lot more at big picture and what our team needs, the big picture day-to-day,” Thompson said.

The Yellow Jackets are 4-4 overall and 3-0 conference to start the season.

They lost to Northern State 82-50, defeated Augustana University 65-62, lost to

Alaska Fairbanks 68-64, lost to Montana State University-Billings 90-70, and defeated rival South Dakota School of Mines 5756 in overtime.

They defeated South Dakota School of Mines 57-56 in overtime, Westminster 88-55, and they defeated Dixie State 91-70.

“We’ve struggled with a few things.

We’ve struggled to shoot the ball, we’ve struggled to take care of the basketball on the offensive end. I think our guard play will get a lot better as the season goes on,” said Thompson. “Fraser Malcom has played extremely well. He’s been a rock for terms of being a leader, being a scoring presence for us inside and outside, and we’ve just had some inconsistency with our defensive effort, our rebounding, and that’s really hurt us. I know we can shoot the ball and

take care of the basketball better than we have.”.

Thompson said the team’s biggest strength will be its ability to shoot the ball.

“I think we shoot it pretty well. I think we are pretty deep, we have a lot of interchangeable parts and I think we have the ability to be pretty skilled on offense with our shooting and passing abilities,” Thompson said.

Thompson said he would to see his team play at a faster pace.

“We have to play with more pace offensively. We’ve got to do a better job of moving the ball and taking care of the ball on offense,” said Thompson. “Defensively, just a consistent effort, executing some scout things each game, and just playing really hard on the defensive end.”

BHSU men’s basketball schedule

Dec. 15 at Adams State 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Fort Lewis Colege 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Western State Colorado 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Colorado Mesa 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 hosting Colorado Christian 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 hosting Regis College 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Colorado-Colorado Springs 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Colorado School of Mines 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 hosting New Mexico Highlands 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Colorado State-Pueblo 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 hosting Chadron State 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 hosting Metro State Denver 6 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Colorado State - Pueblo 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 at New Mexico Highlands 6 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Metro State Denver 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 at Chadron State 7 p.m.

Feb. 22 hosting Colorado School of Mines 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 at Colorado-Colorado Springs 7:30 p.m.

March 1 hosting S.D. School of Mines 7:30 p.m.

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Members of the 2018-19 Black Hills State men’s baketball team are: (not in order) Patrick Mendes, Connor O’Hearn, Tommy Donovan, Dez Stoudamire, Sava Dukic, Trey Winkler, Edin Hanuša, Luke Feely, Lane Josi, Makaleb McInnis, Tyler Oliver, Fraser Malcolm, Spencer Ederhoff, Dawson Geuke, Stefan Desnica, Antonio Capley, and Devin Edwards. The Yellow Jackets are coached by, head coach Ryan Thompson, and assistant coaches Chris Gold, Kyle Lawson, and Breck Young.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

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Black Hills State won both of its home games on Dec, 7 and Dec. 8. The Yellow Jackets defeated Westminster 88-55, and they defeated Dixie State 91-70.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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Page 18

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

Lady Irrigators looking to continue improving

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — The Newell Lady Irrigators are hoping to improve from a 2-18 record during the 2017-18 season.

“Last year we were very young. Overall I think we improved greatly fundamentally, and we grew quite a bit on understanding situations, so losing one year from last year, I think we will be in good shape this year,” said Scott Wince, the Lady Irrigators’ head girls’ basketball coach.

“I am hoping that all those things we learned last year as a young team, hopefully we remember those lessons and will apply them this year.”

Practices began on Nov. 26, and Wince said the team has worked on finishing.

“Our first few days of practice, we’ve used the term finish. We need to be better finishers at the rim. Last year we left a lot of layups missed, or didn’t take advantage of some situations, so we’re working on the word finish,”

Wince said.

Defense will be a team strength for the Lady Irrigators this season.

“We are going to play a little bit more man-to-man this year and do a better job defensively, because I feel our strength is going to be our defense,” said Wince. “We want to trap, and press, and run. We have four or five cross country girls on our team, so that is what I think are our strengths, and hopefully we will have an up tempo.”

Wince added, “The team has been going through a lot of full court drills, defensive concepts, and finishing at the rim.”

Wince said the team will be young again this season, but they gained some experience last season.

“The players we have back are going to be good. We are going to be short on numbers. We have one senior, and no freshman because our only freshman blew out her knee in volleyball, so everybody we have coming back played a lot

last year, so I hope we start the season the way we finished it last year. I thought we finished the season last year very well,” Wince said.

Wince said his expectations for the 2018-19 season are simple.

“As the season progresses, we have to become better communicators and trust in each other. We have some good basketball players; we have some very good role players, and we have to get everybody to understand that they are a very important part to the success of our basketball team,” said Wince.

“Once we get all the kids buying into the same understanding that they are all very important, whatever little job they have, we are just going to get better as we go.”

Newell opened its 2018-19 schedule with a 66-30 win over Bison. They host Lead-Deadwood on Dec. 11, and Tiospaye Topa on Dec. 14.

Newell girls basketball schedule

Dec. 14 hosting Tiospaye Topa 4:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 at Wall 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Dupree 3 p.m.

Jan 4 hosting Lemmon 5 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosting McIntosh 3 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting West River Tourney 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 hosting West River Tourney 3 p.m.

Jan. 12 at West River Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 17 hosting Custer 3 p.m.

Jan. 18 hosting Hulett, Wyo. 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Faith 6 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Philip 1 p.m.

Jan. 28 at Sundance, Wyo. 7 p.m.

Jan. 31 hosting Hill City 6 p.m.

Feb. 8 hosting Timber Lake 4 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Rapid City Christian 2 p.m.

Feb. 12 at New Underwood 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 at Harding County 3 p.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Newell Irrigators girls’ basketball team are, back row left: Nessa Jones, Kyla Emmert, Kayden Steele, Lexa Burtzlaff, Kassidy Weeldreyer, and Liz Philipsen; front row left: Jessica Heil, Austin Alexander, Dana Youngberg, Rachel Banks, Stacey Mahaffy, Taylor Gaer, and Sophia Johnson. Courtesy photo

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Page 19

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Irrigators working on team chemistry

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL —The Newell High School boys’ basketball team finished 11-9 during the 2017-18 season.

Second-year Irrigators’ head coach Trev Fiedler said he was happy with the way last season went.

“I thought last season went really well.

We got better as the season went along, and that was our goal: to try and improve throughout the year and we did get better,” said Fiedler. “I was happy, the assistant coaches were happy, I think our community was happy, and the kids were happy as well.”

Fiedler said he was proud of how his team competed game in and game out last season.

“I saw us compete every game, and that’s what I wanted to see. I want to see no giveup, and I want to see kids working to get better, and working as a team. So, I think every day we saw that, it was a great day.”

Fiedler said.

The Irrigators began practice on Nov. 19, and Fiedler said they have been working mostly on team chemistry.

“We are working on team chemistry again,” said Fiedler. “After going through the summer months and losing a few guys to this and that, and just having a new crew,

we need to make sure our chemistry is back together.”

Fieldler said defense will be an emphasis for the Irrigators this season.

“I think defensively we are going to be strong; we’re going to be tough. That’s where we are going to have to make some moves, turn people over, and get some easy buckets,” Fiedler said.

He said offensively, Newell has to figure out how they are going to score points, and be efficient offensively.

“Offensively we need to figure out how we are going to make buckets, and figure out what our strong suits are and develop that as the season goes along,” said Fiedler.

“We might not be pretty right away, but as the year goes on, we are going to get better and better.”

Fiedler said the biggest thing he wants to see from his team this year is that they be competitive in every game the y play.

“I think it’s that competing thing,” said Fiedler. “Our kids have that no-quit mentality and they aren’t going to give up at all, so I want them to compete every single game, whether that’s a close game or a blowout. I want to get them to compete every day.”

Newell opens its 2018-19 season with a 52-41 loss on Dec. 8.

Newell boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 14 hosting Tiospaye Topa 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Dupree 3 p.m.

Jan. 3 at Sundance, Wyo. 7 p.m.

Jan 4 hosting Lemmon 5 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosting McIntosh 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting West River Tourney 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 hosting West River Tourney 3 p.m.

Jan. 12 at West River Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 17 hosting Custer 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Hulett, Wyo. 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 hosting New Underwood 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Faith 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Philip 1 p.m.

Jan. 31 hosting Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Oelrichs 4 p.m.

Feb. 8 hosting Timber Lake 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting Harding County 3 p.m.

Feb. 17 at Wall 3:30 p.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Newell High School boys’ basketball team are, front row left: Dylan Wise, Kaleb Marshall, Colton Burtzlaff, and Jaden Tennis; middle row left: Elijah Stomprad, Benjamin Parrow, Hunter Wetz, and Huttson Weeldreyer; back row left: Kaeden Johnson-No Kohava, Brock Kjellsen, Payton Burtzlaff, David Morell and John Jackson. Not pictured is head coach Trev Fiedler. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

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Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scooper girls have big goals for 2018-19 season

BY TIM POTTS Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scoopers are looking forward to the 2018-19 girls’ basketball season. Head coach Jordan Proefrock considers them a veteran team with five seniors, five juniors, and one sophomore that will likely start out on varsity this season.

The number of players is up a bit this season with 38 total athletes, of which 18 are freshmen.

“Our goals for this season include having a winning season, winning the Black Hills Conference, and making it to the state tournament,” said Proefrock.

“I’m currently going into my fifth year as the head girls basketball coach at Sturgis, and I’m very excited to have Mike Friedel on staff this season.”

Proefrock had the opportunity to coach under him 10 years ago, and he was her mentor.

“To see it come full circle is very cool for me,” Proefrock added.

“To have Olivia Jolley sign with the Chadron State Eagles, Loralee Stock will play with the Colorado Mines, and Haley Lambert with Valley City State University: all three have signed to play college basketball before the season starts is incredible,” said Proefrock. “The maturity it took for the three of them to make their choices is impressive, and the recent conversations we have had, is that now they can put their complete focus into their senior season and have fun.”

The open gym and weight room workout numbers have been great all offsea-

son, and these girls definitely know what the goals and expectations are for this upcoming season. The ladies have all approached it with a focus to get the job done.

“Our expectations for this season are to win the games we should win, improve throughout the season, and be playing our best basketball come March,” Proefrock added.

The team played a lot of East River teams this summer at team camps and based upon what Proefrock knows from last season and what she has seen this offseason, she commented that Brandon Valley will be favored to win the state AA tournament.

Jolley said, “The goal for the varsity team this year is to be Black Hills Conference champs and qualify for state. The goal for our program as a whole is to have winning

seasons at all three levels.” Jolley averaged 11.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season and was named most valuable defensive player. Stock averaged 10.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists and was awarded the team’s Secretary of Assists award last season.

The Scoopers lost four seniors to graduation: Donni Bruch, Alexa Delbridge, Sierra Fischer and Brook Janz.

The Scoopers already have one athlete injured, Ainsley Sabers, and she is likely out for the season.

“A weakness in the past that will need to overcome is to be more consistent throughout the duration of the season,” Proefrock added.

The Lady Scoopers’ opened its season defeating Douglas 56-43, and they defeated Pierre T. F. Riggs 46-45.

Sturgis Brown girls basketball schedule

Dec. 15 hosting Aberdeen Central 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 hosting Spearfish 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosting Custer 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting RC Central 6:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 18 at Spearfish 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 22 at Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting St. Thomas More 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Mitchell 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Huron 12:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 hosting RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Hot Springs 5;30 p.m.

The 2018-19 Sturgis Brown High School girls’ basketball team members include, back row left: Olivia Jolley, Gwen Simmons, Feb. 12 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Emily Gray-Smith, Haley Lambert, Loralee Stock, and Sarah Janz; front row left: Kennedy Bush, Cassidy Jorensen, Kylie Shaw, Feb. 15 at Red Cloud 3 p.m.

Megan Petrocco, and Sydney Shaw. Head coach Jordan Proefrock, assistant coach Mike Friedel, and assistant coach Ward Feb. 25 at RC Central 5:30 p.m.

Anderson are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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Winter 2018/2019

Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Scoopers looking forward to new season

BY TIM POTTS Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — The Sturgis Scoopers will be a little undersized for a Class AA boys’ basketball team, but they have plenty of athletes who will be ready to compete.

“Practice officially began Nov. 26, and open gym participation has been really good. We’ve started getting our younger kids involved a lot with open gyms and camps with the high school athletes,” said Derris Buus, beginning his first season as the Scoopers’ head coach.

Buus has a long history of coaching basketball in South Dakota, previously spending five years as the Winner boys’ assistant coach, five years as the head girls’ coach

in Winner, two years as an assistant boys’ coach at Rapid City Stevens, two years as the head coach at Rapid City Stevens, and two years as the head boys’ coach at Sioux Falls Roosevelt.

Buss said he expects his team to be competitive.

“We expect to compete every game, be one of the better defensive teams in the state, and have some balance on offense,” Buus said.

The Scoopers despite losing five seniors from the 2017-18 team, will still be experienced. “This year we have a lot of experience, lots of guys that have varsity experience and know what it takes to win games,” said Ryan Garland, Sturgis senior player. “I

do think we have a lot of potential to make it to state and make a good push for a strong placing.”

When asked what the strength of the team would be, Buus said, “I believe we will be a very good transition team with a number of guys who can run the floor. I also believe we will be a very good defensive team and will have solid team chemistry. Our kids want success for each other.

“Teams to watch in the conference this year include Red Cloud and St. Thomas More, as they are the two teams that return the majority of their starters. I expect us to compete for a conference title as well,” said Buus.

“Our main goal for the season is to finally

go to the state tournament, and I think with coach Buus, he has the experience and won at lot at the AA level so he will help us a lot,” said Cedrick Stabber, a Sturgis senior.

Returning Scoopers this season include Garland, who averaged 13.4 points per game last season and currently is third in all time 3-point field goals in one season with 54. Stabber averaged 3.4 points and 3.4 rebounds per game, and he was the defensive specialist for the team last season. Jay Krull averaged 5.1 points and 2.4 rebounds per game last season, and Gavin West averaged 3.4 points and 2.4 rebounds per game.

Sturgis Brown opened its season with a 58-45 win at Douglas.

Sturgis Brown boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 15 at Aberdeen Central 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 18 hosting Spearfish 8 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosting Custer 4 p.m.

Jan. 8 hosting Hill City 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting RC Central 8 p.m.

Jan. 11 at RC Stevens 8 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Pierre T.F. Riggs 6 p.m.

Jan. 18 at Spearfish 8 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Mitchell 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Huron 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Hot Springs 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Feb. 15 at Red Cloud 3 p.m.

Feb. 19 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Feb. 21 hosting RC Stevens 7 p.m.

Feb. 25 at RC Central 7 p.m.

The 2018-2019 Sturgis Scooper boys’ basketball seniors and juniors prepare for the season during team tryouts. Pictured are, back left: Marcus Myrink, Jay Krull, Gavin West, Ryan Ladner, Connor Korth, and Zach Shoun; middle row left, Gabe Rambow, Alec Keffeler, Gabe Legner, Josh Fowler, and Evan Smith; front row left, Adiran Budino-Martinaz, Cedrick Stabber, Ryan Garland, and Brekken Pickett. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

BEST WISHES FOR A GREAT SEASON! To all the students athletes that work hard and play hard for the love of the game, we wish you the best of luck this season.

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Page 22

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

Young Spartan wrestlers taking to the mat

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Youth will definitely be served for a Spearfish wrestling team having only four returning state qualifiers on its 21-member roster.

Their grades range from eighth to junior.

The Spartans’ returning roster includes junior Evan Hehr (sixth place at 195 pounds) and sophomore Max Sailor (seventh at 126), who placed at last season’s state A tournament. Junior Eli Zuniga (170 pounds) and eighth-grader Christian McCarty (120) also qualified for state a season ago.

Greg George, Derick Dower, and Liam Runyan represent the senior class on the Spartans’ roster. Cole Hansen is a junior, with Cael Citrowske, Austin Crotteau, Gavin Rosenau, Joshua Hoffman, and Teygan Werlinger being sophomores.

Dower and Citrowske also competed on last season’s varsity team.

Ninth-graders Oakley Blakeman, Jacob

Hoffman, Clay Donovan, Jensen Damberg, Andrew Ackerman, Jason Palmgren, Jordan Bockman, and Tyler Borchgrevink round out the roster.

Blakeman is a transfer from Belle Fourche, where he qualified at 106 pounds for last season’s state A tournament.

Donovan earned a varsity spot a season ago.

John Bokker is beginning his third season as Spearfish head coach.

Bokker sees youth and returning experience as strong suits for the Spartans. He said the younger wrestlers will really help the squad.

“We started this program called Wrestling Mindset,” Bokker said when asked what the athletes will need to work on. “We have a mindset coach, and we’re looking at becoming mentally stronger.”

These sessions include worksheets and are held each day along with the traditional workouts.

“Physically, our teams in the past have

been pretty physically sound,” Bokker said. “We just need that mental aspect, which I think is a huge key for wrestling once you get out of the practice room and on the mat.”

Spearfish’s schedule is similar to that in past campaigns. Bokker said the Spartans have some tough tournaments before Christmas, including the Rapid City Invitational.

Bokker tabs Spearfish and Custer as favorites in the Black Hills Conference.

Hill City hosts that tournament on Feb. 9.

Belle Fourche will host the Region 4A tournament on Feb. 16. The state A tournament is set for Rapid City, Feb. 22-23.

Spearfish is working to fill spots in the upper weight classes, according to Bokker.

“Once we get those filled in, we’ll be real strong,” he added. “A lot of our smaller guys are ready to roll, and they’re pretty tough right now.”

Athletes being coachable and showing dedication will help the Spartans experi-

ence a successful season, Bokker said.

Practices officially began Nov. 12.

Basics such as stances served as early focal points.

As Bokker put it, “I like to build a foundation before I put my house on it.”

Bokker would like to see last season’s state efforts of Hehr and Sailor serve as inspiration for this season.

“I think our future’s definitely bright because of our youth,” Bokker said. “We’ve had a lot of guys in the weight room in the offseason.”

Desired improvements for this season center on finishing matches, according to Bokker.

He agreed it is a philosophy of wrestling to win, instead of wrestling not to lose.

Bokker said the Spartans did well last season but could have done better, especially at state.

Matt Ackerman, Marc Williams, Reece Hansen, and Tashon Clark graduated from last season’s squad.

Spearfish wrestling schedule

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

Dec. 16 at Madison Tournament 9 a.m.

Dec. 29 at Floyd Farrand Holiday Tourney 10 a.m.

Dec. 30 at Floyd Farrand Holiday Tourney 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. 10 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. 9 at Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Spearfish Spartans wrestling team include, back row left: Jason Palmgren, Max Sailor, Cael Citrowske, Evan Hehr, and Austin Crotteau; middle row left: Gavin Rosenau, Jordan Bockman, Jacob Hoffman, Oakley Blakeman, Eli Zuniga, and Jensen Damberg; front row left: Cole Hansen, Clay Donovan, Tyler Borchgrevink, and Joshua Hoffman. Greg George, Derick Dower, Liam Runyan, Teygan Werlinger, Andrew Ackerman, Christian McCarty, and head coach John Bokker are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

Digger wrestlers look to keep developing grit

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood High School wrestling team began official wrestling practices on Nov. 12. Golddiggers’ head coach Beau Voegeli said the team members must continue to develop grit this season.

“In previous seasons, we have shined and starred at certain tournaments,” said Voegeli, who is beginning his fifth season here. “But we haven’t finished the season the way we would have liked to yet.”

How do the Golddiggers go about getting themselves to peak later in the season?

“I think we have to focus more on the

process of making ourselves better athletes and wrestlers, instead of wins and losses earlier in the season,” Voegeli said.

Key returnees for Lead-Deadwood include senior Carson Pinske and junior Rob Lester. They, along with junior Max Johnson, qualified for last season’s state B tournament.

Trinity Brady also represents the senior class on the Golddiggers’ roster; Kadden Dillman, Joey Ingham, and Pratt Williams are juniors. Domenic Lucero, Jacob Harris, Gage Mau, and Cody Rakow represent the sophomore class.

Tristen Fierbach (ninth-grader), Jagger Smith (ninth-grader), Mekhi Hayes (seventh-grader), and Miles Renner (sev-

enth-grader) round out the roster as of press time. Fierbach qualified for last season’s state A tournament at 113 pounds for Spearfish.

Lead-Deadwood’s strong suits include the sophomore class, according to Voegeli.

“They’re at weights to push our juniors and seniors,” he said. “They provide the depth in the (practice) room, and they learned a lot from their varsity experiences last year.”

Voegeli said the Golddiggers are wrestling a mixed schedule this season. He added the higher-end tournaments include Rapid City and Belle Fourche.

Lead-Deadwood will host two events: a Jan. 8 dual against the Rapid City Stevens JV and a Feb. 7 triangular. Ft. Pierre hosts

the Region 4B tournament on Feb. 16.

Hill City will host the Black Hills Conference tournament on Feb. 9. Voegeli tabbed Custer and Spearfish as the favorites, with the Golddiggers being in the mix.

The Golddiggers’ ability to match up against conference teams presents the proverbial mixed bag for Voegeli.

“We do, unfortunately, usually have more opens (weight class) than we would like,” Voegeli said. “But when we put somebody out on the mat, we always expect good results.”

Senior leadership and juniors making a DIGGER Pg 25

Lead-Deadwood wrestling schedule

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. 7 hosting a triangular 9 a.m.

Feb. 9 at Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

Feb. 17 at Region 4B (Ft. Pierre) 10 a.m.

Members of the 2018-19 Lead-Deadwood High School wrestling team include, back row left: Cody Rakow, Carson Pinske, Max Johnson, and Pratt Williams; middle row left: Domenic Lucero, Rob Lester, and Jagger Smith; front row left: Jacob Harris, Tristen Fierbach, Gage Mau, and Kadden Dillman. Miles Renner, Joey Ingham, Trinity Brady, Makhi Hayes, and head coach Beau Voegeli are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER from Pg 24

DIGGER state tournament push will make this a successful season for Lead-Deadwood, according to Voegeli.

Official practice sessions began on Nov. 12. Athletes have been focusing on a phrase called “moving for a reason” along with building a fundamental foun-

dation, strengthening wrestling skills, and trying to develop personality traits like humility and leadership.

“What we’re trying to do is maximize the people’s strengths in wrestling and in their personality,” Voegeli explained.

Brigham Williams, Wyatt Hess, and Dylin Johnson graduated from last season’s squad. Voegeli said the team will really miss those three based on their student-athlete contributions.

Domenic Lucero, to left, Jaggar Smith, top right, and Trinity Brady will see a lot of action on the mat during the 2018-19 wrestling season for the Golddiggers.

Pioneer photos by Jason Gross

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Page 26

Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Bronc wrestlers aim to take the next step

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche’s wrestling team looks to increase its competition levels this season.

Head coach Bill Abell said the Broncs enjoyed an OK season in 2017-18 considering its youth and experience levels. He added the squad continues to repeat a pattern he has seen in the past.

“A lot of times, we win the matches we’re supposed to win,” Abell said. “When it comes time to step up against a worthy opponent, we use youth and inexperience as an excuse.

“Needing some people to step up at the right time: that’s what I’m looking for,” Abell said in looking toward this campaign.

He is beginning his sixth season here.

Belle Fourche began its wrestling season with its traditional dual against Sturgis, followed by the Custer Invitational.

Senior Jaredon Dosch and junior Chase Bickerdyke highlight this season’s roster for the Broncs. Both qualified for last season’s state A tournament.

Joe Hanson (senior), Cayden Wolfe (ninth-grader), and Thomas McCoy (eighth-grader) are other returning athletes Abell cited.

Nathan McKenney and Tye Davis are the program’s other seniors. The junior class also includes Jett Blakeman, Walker Horn, and Michael Streeter.

Isaac McKenney, Gunner Jensen, Hunter Quenzer, and Aiken Crowley are also sophomores. Ninth-graders D’Angela Garduna, Noah Braning, Brooks Clooten, Cade Bickerdyke, Sean Wahlfeldt, and Ethan Nail round out the roster.

“A lot of these guys have put some time in the weight room, and it’s showing in the preseason,” Abell said. “I just hope, again, that we can kind of make our own move

early on and hold that.”

Abell said a team strength is the athletes’ eagerness. “We’ve always been hard workers. Now, they’re kind of starting to see a little bit more that they can battle back. But they’re going to have to make that little adjustment.”

Bronc wrestlers are trying to focus a bit more on technique, Abell said. He added the team is also attempting to work smarter, not harder.

Belle Fourche’s schedule includes many of the same opponents the team is used to facing. “We should be able to compete fairly well,” Abell said, who added Region 4A is difficult with the likes of Rapid City Stevens, Rapid City Central, and Sturgis.

Custer and Spearfish earned Abell’s nods in the Black Hills Conference race.

Hill City will host that tournament on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Belle Fourche should hold its own in

the conference, according to Abell.

The Broncs will host the Region 4A tournament Feb. 16, with the state A tournament set for Feb. 22-23 in Rapid City.

Belle Fourche will host four events this season. Those include a Jan. 13 triangular and an invitational tournament Jan. 25-26.

As for success, Abell returns to a definition he has cited for a long time. “When the end of the season gets here and the kids are wanting more, I’ve done my job,” he said. “They’re having fun, and they’re wrestling to their best ability.”

Practice sessions officially began Nov. 12. Cardiovascular work and technique have served as some of the focal points.

Abell would like to see the Broncs stay committed to what the program is doing, see the big picture, and keep pushing forward.

Justis Quenzer graduated from last season’s squad.

Belle Fourche wrestling schedule

Dec. 15 at Wright, Wyo. Tourney 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 3 at Rapid City Quadrangular 4 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Presho 10 a..m.

Jan. 5 at Presho 9 a..m.

Jan. 8 at Sundance, Wyo. 5 p.m. 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Martin 9:30 a.m.

Jan. 18 at Chamberlain 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at at Chamberlain 9 a.m.

Jan. 24 at Hot Springs 5 p.m.

Jan. 25 hosting BF Tourney noon Jan. 26 hosting BF Tourney 9 a.m.

Feb. 2 at Hill City 9 a.m.

Feb. 8 at Douglas 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 hosting Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

Feb. 16 hosting region 4A

Members of the 2018-19 Belle Fourche High School wrestling team include, back row left: Walker Horn, Aiken Crowley, Michael Streeter, Brooks Clooten, Tye Davis, Cade Bickerdyke, Sean Wahlfeldt; middle row left: Chase Bickerdyke, Joe Hanson, Gunner Jensen, Jaredon Dosch, Cayden Wolfe, Nathan McKenney, Noah Braning, Hunter Quenzer; front row left: student manager Makenna Ward, Isaac McKenney, D’Angelo Garduna, Jett Blakeman, Thomas McCoy, and student manager Aspen Braning. Ethan Nail and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

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Page 27

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

The Belle Fourche Broncs wrestling team faces a long stretch of road matches to start the 2018-19 wrestling season. Belle Fourche does not return home until Jan. 25, when they host Hot Springs. Pioneer file photos

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Page 28

Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Newell wrestling team young and low in numbers

BY DENNIS KNUCKLES Black Hills Pioneer

NEWELL — The Newell Irrigators began official wrestling practices on Nov. 12.

Head coach Mike Phelps reflected back on the 2017-18 season.

“Overall we didn’t do too bad. Obviously we don’t have the numbers like some of the other teams,” said Phelps. “We ended up having two qualifiers. Both of them did decent at state. We only won one match, but they were both really close as far as their matches go. Overall last year went decent for us.”

Chase VanDerBoom is the only one, of the four returners, who competed at state

for the Irrigators. Phelps said they have four newcomers to the team this year.

“We’ve been focusing on the basics. Like I said we are a young team, so we have to go back to the basics. Learn how to proper stance, solid double legs and solid singles, solid top moves, just going back to the basics so we can build from there,” Phelps said.

Phelps said he likes the make-up of his team.

“They’ve got a lot of heart, a lot of aggression. We’re young, but the tools are there, and we’ll continue to build as the year goes on,” he said The injury bug has hit the Irrigators early in the season.

“We already have some injuries going into the season. We have a kid with a concussion, and different things like that,” said Phelps. “Injuries are going to be there no matter what, but you just focus on trying to stretch and try and get yourself into shape.

Just definitely make sure you are able to compete at a high level for six minutes out on the mat.”

Phelps he wants to see improvement from his team from match to match.

“I want to see improvement every single week, every single day we step out on the mat. I want them to improve a little bit, one day, and get better each day,” each day.

The Irrigators competed at the Harding

County Round Robin on Nov. 27.

In the 126-pound division, Conner Andress (Hettinger/Scranton) won by pinfall over Patrick Hamling (Newell).

In the 145-pound quarterfinals, Jesse McCann (Harding County) won by a 5-3 decision over Marvin King (Newell).

In the 220-pound division, Grey Gilbert (Harding County) won by pinfall over Jaden Gartamaker (Newell).

In the 160-pound division, Pratt Williams (Lead-Deadwood) won by pinfall over Wyatt Winkler (Newell).

In the 170-pound division, Tristan Pekas (Hettinger/Scranton) won by a 12-5 decision over Caleb McGregor (Newell).

Newell wrestling schedule

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

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

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.

The 2018-19 Newell High School wrestling team members include, back row left: Jaden Gartamaker, Caleb McGregor, and Wyatt Winkler; front row left, Garrett Winkler, Chase VanDerBoom, and Charlie Clements. Marvin King, Patrick Hamling, and head coach Mike Phelps are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Dennis Kuckles

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 29

Young Scoopers wrestling team returns six state qualifiers

BY TIM POTTS Black Hills Pioneer

STURGIS — Wrestling practices officially began on Nov. 12, and the early-season practice has been very different compared to the past couple of seasons. The team is very young, and there are a lot of new faces looking to fill varsity spots. There are some athletes that have been putting in time in the offseason and have looked very good so far in the preseason practices.

The Scoopers currently have 23 athletes on the roster, and the numbers are not where Coach Mike Abell would like.

However, he lost eight kids from last year’s team, and the senior class of wrestlers is very small with just three.

“Our numbers should be on the rise from here on out with a couple small classes that will move out over the next couple of years and a couple of large wrestling classes moving in with about 15 solid kids in both our seventh- and eighth-grade classes,” Abell added. “I would like to see over 30 athletes in the room over the next few years.”

The Scoopers have six state qualifiers returning this season: seniors Tice McVay

(seventh) and Jacob Wood (state champion); juniors Clayton Smith and Justin Burnham; sophomore Wren Jacobs (fourth); and freshman Perry Ketelsen.

“Losing guys like Bailey Brengle and Joel Carpenter is a huge hit to any team.

Their leadership and drive to win is going to be hard to replace, but we look forward to seeing what young kids will fill those shoes and carry on that tradition,” said Abell. Bailey Brengle, last year’s state A champion at 152 pounds, graduated and is wrestling for the Augustana Vikings.

“This year I am expecting the team to prevail and do better as they are young.

We might not be predicted to do good, but at the end of the season I hope we have improve and come out on top,” said Wood, Sturgis senior and last year’s state champion at 106 pounds. “I plan to wrestle this year at 120 pounds, and I hope the team will place at least sixth or better at state.”

The Scoopers lost eight seniors to graduation, and this was the biggest group of seniors Abell had ever had in his 12 years of coaching: Shae Owens, Tristan Permann, Cody Cox, Austin Permann, Jake Sailer,

Jared Puhlman, Carpenter, and Brengle.

“Last season was tough for many reasons. We missed multiple kids for grades or injuries, and our regular season suffered because of it,” said Abell. “I felt like we had a very tough team last year, but our dual results and early season tournament results didn’t prove that. Explaining to the kids that we were going to be fine come February was difficult at times, but they bought in and when the season was on the line, we ended up about where we thought we would with a third-place finish at the state tournament.

“As always, you have to set your expectations high, but I feel this season will be a unique one for us.

“We will for sure have one of the youngest and least amount of varsity experience teams in a very long time, but at the same time I can see this season being one of a lot of growth and maturity with our young kids and possibly surprising some people at the end of the year,” Abell commented.

“We have said we need to really focus on becoming better wrestlers this year since we don’t have as many individuals battling

with weight issues early on, we can put our focus elsewhere in practice and fine-tune some aspects of our game.”

“I feel (Rapid City) Stevens has to be the favored team at this point, losing some, but returning a talented group of kids.

Chamberlain returns the most team points from last season, and I truly feel Brandon Valley is going to shock some teams at the state tourney as well,” said Abell.

“Our strength could be our weakness as well, but I honestly feel our youth is going to be our strength this season. We have such a high ceiling on some of these kids being so young that I am looking forward to them being contenders at a young age.

We look forward to our veterans to score us points such as Jacob Wood and Wren Jacobs, but in the end it will be in the hands of the new guys on the team pulling out some major upsets down the road to get us where we want to be in February,” said Abell.

Sturgis defeated Belle Fourche 71-6 in its season-opening dual. The Scoopers then earned fourth place at the Mandan Lions Invitational.

Sturgis Brown wrestling schedule

Dec. 15 at Madison Invitational 9 a.m.

Dec. 1 hosting RC Central Dual 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 1 Floyd Farrrand in Sioux Falls 9 a.m.

Jan. 12 at Mitchell Invitational 10 a.m.

Jan. 17 hosting Gilette Triangular 6 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Pierre East-West Duals 11 a.m.

Jan. 25 at Belle Fouche Invitational noon Jan. 26 at Belle Fouche Invitational 9 a.m.

Jan. 29 at Douglas Dual 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Spearfish 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Huron Invitational 10 a.m.

Feb. 16 at Belle Fourche Region 4A 10 a.m.

The Sturgis Scooper 2018-2019 wrestling team prepares for the season. Team members include, back row left: Dylan Wetsit, Johnny Griffee, Reese Jacobs, Traylin Martin, Wren Jacobs, Brett Konst, Justin Burnham, Tice McVay, and Robert Merwin; front row left: Max Bartlett, Steven Permann, Evan Osborn, Zaven Osborne, Logan Desersa, Kaden Olson, Jacob Wood, Kelton Olson, and Paul Pulling. Peter Pulling, Hunter Harrison, Clayton Smith, Taylor Coffield, Kane Grant, Perry Ketelsen, and Braden Temple; head coach Mike Abell; and assistant coaches Steve Keszler, Jason Schlichtemeier, Sean Bice, Rex Lyons, and Josh Keszler are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

2018-2019 Spearfish High School cheerleaders

Spearfish High School’s 2018-19 cheerleading squad members include, back row left: Jenna Geist, Sage Forsting, Sydney Spraitz, Shantayl Walton, and Savanna Sewell; middle row left: Isabella Hawley, Rachel Woods, Ashley Burr, Kora Lloyd, Ciarra Schoon, and Chelsea Williams; front row left: Sandra Danielson, Alana Hoven, and Chandi Jackson. Alivia Ruff and head coach Pam Waterson are not pictured. Courtesy photo

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Winter 2018/2019

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 31

2018-2019 Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Lead-Deadwood High School’s 2018-19 cheerleading squad members include: from left, Cameron Stoflet, Nevaeh Foster, Zariah Jones, Kiyah Austin, Kaitlynn Zellers, captain Kaitlyn Meade, Eric Schumacher, Peyton Reiler, Rowen Anderson, Miranda Kearns, and Allie Zellers. Annie Pearson, assistant coach Samantha Rogers, and head coach Wendy Rogers are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

2018-2019 Sturgis Brown cheerleaders

The 2018-2019 Sturgis Scooper cheerleaders are, back row left: Kiara Rath, Ari Goreczewski, Karissa Munger, Kaylee Eixenberger, Sam Reicher, and Emma Isaacson; middle row left: Destinee Igou, Jaedra Woldt, Corrianna Ross, Sierra Hopkins, and Kloee Stalder; front row left: Shayne Combs, Abby Wise, and Ashlyn Krcil.

Pioneer photo by Tim Potts

2018-2019 Belle Fourche cheerleaders

Belle Fourche’s 2018-19 cheerleading squad for the winter sports seasons are, back row left: Amity Middleton, Serena Davis, Juliann Lange, and Victoria Donovan; middle row left: Avery Middleton, Destiny Voyles, Chompu Aimurai, and Emma Singer; front row left: Tristan Garman and Caitlin Ringling. Head coach Denise Horman is not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

Page 32

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2018/2019

BHSU indoor track begins season

BY JASON GROSS Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University’s indoor track and field teams won a total of 18 events at the season-opening Yellow Jacket Open, held Dec. 1 in Spearfish.

The women’s team collected 12 event victories, and the men’s squad claimed six wins.

Junior Katie Campbell won the women’s long jump and triple jump titles at the Yellow Jacket Open. Freshman Breanne Fuller tied the school record in the women’s 60-meter dash in winning tha t event.

Junior Markez Boykin (60-meter dash), graduate student Nathan Fredrick (3,000 run), and junior Seth Kovar (60 hurdles) also won men’s events at that home meet.

The other women’s individual champions were junior Shayna Soderstrom (200-meter dash), junior Zoe Langseth (400 dash), freshman Ruby Lindquist (800 run), junior Kelsey Van Den Hemel (3,000 run), junior Brittney Marosok (60 hurdles), freshman

Maddi Fidler (shot put), freshman Kyla Sawvell (weight throw), and senior Ally Richards (high jump).

Seth Mischke is in his seventh season as Yellow Jackets’ head coach. He said the athletes may have been so excited to compete that they may not have performed as well at the meet as they did in practice.

Mischke said the vast majority of the team’s point scorers from last season return.

He cited men’s team members Tristan Hepp (junior in hurdles-multi events), Taylor Hepp (junior in sprinting events), and Allan McDonnell (sophomore in jumping events) along with women’s team members Richards (senior in jumping and multi events), Jordyn Huneke (sophomore in pole vault), and Whitney Scott (sophomore in pole vault).

“I think we are getting more well-rounded on both the men’s and women’s teams,” Mischke said in describing the team’s strong suits. He added the squads should be most competitive in field events, a couple of sprinting events, and a few distance events.

Mischke said the Yellow Jackets can work on trying to be in the best possible physical shape relative to the events.

Black Hills State is not limited into having to compete against only Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) or Division II schools. Mischke said that enables the team to find meets that will challenge the athletes in different ways.

“We certainly have a sequence of competitions that we think will best prepare us for the end of our season,” Mischke said.

He added the team is enthusiastic about the prospects.

UC-Colorado Springs (women’s division) and Colorado Mines (men’s division) are the preseason picks in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference races. Black Hills State was tabbed for ninth in the women’s division and a seventh-place tie in the men’s division.

Adams State will host this season’s conference meet Feb. 22-23.

“We are looking more at a point total this year as opposed to place,” Mischke

said. He added reaching that total would make the season successful and challenge for the teams’ best-ever indoor finish.

Reaching that RMAC goal is only one of the ways Black Hills State will define success. Mischke also discussed having representation at the national indoor championships and finding a way to overachieve.

Mischke said fall practice sessions have featured lots of weight room work and trying to enhance that strength with track work. “I think we are set up well for our season, but there is a long way to go yet,” he added.

Black Hills State was a different team last year from the indoor to the outdoor seasons, according to Mischke.

Mischke said more athletes believed they could compete at this level. “This year, we need to have that same confidence from indoor through the outdoor season,” he added.

Black Hills State returns to action Jan. 11, when it hosts the Myrle Hanson Open at the Young Center Fieldhouse.

Noah Bordewyk, Markez Boykin, Josh Davis, Nana Kwame Dwemena, Jacob Espisito, Nathan Fredrick, Levi Fried, Christian Gayton, Taylor Hepp, Tristian Hepp, Keegan Her Many Horses, Seth Hills, Jacob Iverson, Clay Johnson, Brian Kjerstad, Seth Kovar, Isaac Langi, Nolan Maher, Alan McDonnell, Logan McGough, Joe Melia, Drazen, Moratzka, Ryan Olson, Keith Osowski, Matthew Parker, Bailey Rosenstrauch, Garret Snook, Jonah Theisen, Jordan Theisen, Dartanian Vukota, Hasaan Williams, Nicole Allerdings, Janae Bjorgum, Beaulah Black Cloud, Hayley Bowen, Kathrine Campbell, Vanessa Clark, Nicole Davis, Savannah Davis, Erica Dykstra, Maddi Fidler, Abbie Fredrick, Breanne Fuller, Julette Goehring, Hannah Hendrick, Jordyn Hudyma, Jordan, Huneke, Zoe Langseth, Ruby Lindquist, Jessica Malm, Brittney Marosok, ori Moore, Danielle Noble, Alexandra Richards, Xiomara Robinson, Cailey Roth, Kyla Sawvell, Whitney Scott, JoJo Sherman, Shayna Soderstrom, Cheyanne Varga, and Jules Wars, The Yellow Jackets are coach by: head coach Seth Mischke, and asistant coaches Scott Walkinshaw and Chris Fields. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

StBHSU indoor track and field schedule

Black Hills State’s next home will be Jan. 11 when they they host the Merle Hanson Open at the Donald E. Young Center, in Spearfish.

Pioneer file photos

Jan. 11 hosting Merle Hanson Open Jan. 19 at Chadron State Open Jan. 26 hosting Dave Little Alumni Mile Feb. 2 at Conglomerate Open Feb. 8 at SDSU Open Feb. 9 at SDSU Open Feb. 16 hosting Stinger Open Feb. 22 at RMAC Indoor Championships