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MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Brandon Lahr, Jace Larson, Jaxon Cherry, Trevyn Lyons, Kaleb White, Jack Larson, Braden Doering and Briar Klaver. Back: Cole Miller, Luke Firsching, Carter Mickelson, Lincoln Vansickle and Conner Peck. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

LYNX BUILDING ON MOMENTUM Ratcliff enters second season at the helm following successful 18-victory campaign

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

Brett Ratcliff made the transition from assistant to head coach last year for the Webster City boys.

The Lynx nearly made a run to the Class 3A state tournament, dropping a heartbreaker in a substate final.

A pair of starters now return from that 18-win team for Ratcliff in seniors Briar Klaver and Braden Doering.

“Some of the things that I learned from my first year as a head coach are it is just as much about relationships with your kids as it is the Xs and Os on the court,” said Ratcliff, a former WCHS standout himself. “You have to be able to trust your players to execute what you are trying to teach them and they have to be able to trust the coaches to know we are putting them in the best spots possible for them to

play basketball.”

Klaver averaged 14 points per game on 58 percent “Some of the things that I learned shooting from the field while pulling down eight rebounds a night last year. Doering had 158 points with 104 from my first year as a head coach are it rebounds, 45 assists, 18 steals and made 25 three-pointers. is just as much about relationships with your “Briar and Braden will play big roles with this team this year,” Ratcliff said. “They are great character kids and kids as it is the Xs and Os on the court.” bring us leadership on and off the court. They understand BRETT RATCLIFF what I expect from them and they are not afraid to be vocal, whether its in practice or out.

Webster City boys basketball coach “We will have eight seniors this year and their experience, not only in basketball but in other successful be successful. programs, will prove to help us in times of adversity this “You have to find a balance to make sure you are not season.” giving them too much information, but they are obtaining the information you give them. And at the end of the day, See LYNX BOYS, Page 10 I believe that you just have to let the kids go out there and

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MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Marissa Hedeen, Joleah Stuhr, Addyson Beaulieu, Caitlyn Gapp, Kennedy Halling, Tateeline Vankham and Adysen Poppen. Back: Avery Poppen, Olivia Gallentine, Tristyn Wright, Ashlee Nydegger, Lovie Pruismann, Isabel Grossoehme and Alivia Burns. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

LYNX TRY TO CLIMB NCC LADDER Experienced players anchor Fisher’s squad on the hardwood heading into winter

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

Coming off back-to-back six-win seasons, the Webster City girls are hoping for better results this winter on the hardwood.

Mark Fisher has two starters back to go along with seven other returning letterwinners and a deep freshman class to incorporate into the rotation.

Senior Addy Beaulieu and junior Olivia Gallentine helped the Lynx out in key roles last winter, and will be counted on for even more this time around.

Caitlyn Gapp, Joleah Stuhr, Kennedy Halling and Tateelina Vankham are seniors who saw the court last year, along with juniors Ady Poppen and Marissa Hedeen,

to keep building and improving.”

Beaulieu played in all 22 games and made 20 starts, scoring 69 points ith 33 rebounds, 29 assists and 26 steals. Gallentine, who also played in all 22 games, posted 144 points with 78 rebounds, 26 steals and 18 assists. enthusiastic group and had a real good offseason.”

Stuhr saw action in 16 games, Hedeen, Halling and Burns 14, Poppen 10, Gapp seven and Vankham six.

MARK FISHER Gallentine is the leading returner in terms of made Webster City girls basketball coach 3-pointers with 12, as Webster City must replace over 60 made triples due to graduation. and sophomore Alivia Burns.

“We have to come together and really develop our “We’re a bit younger with our depth this year, but have culture,” Fisher said. “Our older girls need to be leaders some great returning players,” Fisher said. “This is an and our youth needs to develop. We’ll be strong at point enthusiastic group and had a real good offseason.

“Our first goal is to simply finish above .500, as wehave See LYNX GIRLS, Page 11 not done that here for 20-plus years. From there, we want

“We’re a bit younger with our depth this year, but have some great returning players. This is an

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WEBSTER CITY BASKETBALL CHEERLEADERS for the winter season are front row (left to right): Jade Miranda, Emalie Perez and Emma Brewer.

Middle: Bre Somvong, Emily Carrasco, Evangeline Streigle and Sylvia Otteros.

Back: Lilly Haney, Bria Wallerich and Lexi Schism. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

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WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING CHEERLEADERS for the winter season are front row (left to right): Kaitlyn Lovelace and Ellie Weinschenk. Middle: Emersen Paukert and Keyara Tigner. Back: Allie Severe and Alleyna Dawson.

(DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

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MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING TEAM are front row (left to right): Jordyn Thome, Jack Randall, Blake Berninhaus, Angel Ramirez, Gavin Wynkoop, Linden Phetxoumphone, Kyzer Zinnel, Adrian Phetxoumphone and Becca Kenville. Middle: Kendyl Daniels, Cody Elliott, Efrain Calles-Arnaiz, Landon Vaughn, Adison Scott, Carson Doolittle, Dawson Bertran, Tristan Mason, Brayden Burtnett, Ridge Berninghaus and Jordan Vankham. Back: Naythan Loughry, Logan Baldwin, Jayden Weinzetl, Carson Bertran, Eli Estlund, Luke Estlund, Landon Griffin, Maurice Anderson, Isaac Firsching, Jake Rohmiller, Ryder Rees, Ayden Mourton, Ayden Elliott and Nolan Naso. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

DOOLITTLE RETURNS TO WEBSTER CITY Former Lynx state champion takes the reins of Lynx wrestling program this year

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

Drake Doolittle returns to the Webster City wrestling room in a much different capacity this winter.

Doolittle, a former Lynx state champion and four-time placewinner, takes over for Chad Hisler as head coach.

The recent Duke University graduate inherits a roster that includes his brother, three-time bronze medalist Carson Doolittle, and six other varsity regulars.

“I’m very fortunate to step into a program that has had great success historically,” said Doolittle, a 2019 WCHS graduate. “Ultimately, it’s up to our coaching staff to always be thinking of ways to improve and continue the tradition that has been put in place here at Webster City.

“It’s been an exciting experience so far. We were able

“Ultimately, it’s up to our coaching staff to always be thinking of ways to improve and continue the tradition that has been put in place here by Webster City.”

DRAKE DOOLITTLE

Webster City wrestling coach

to take a good group of guys to the Luther team wrestling camp this year which helped with getting to know the guys. Webster City wrestling has had a huge impact on who I am today and I think coming back to coach is a great way to keep that tradition going in giving back and helping to develop the younger generation.”

Along with Carson Doolittle — who went 40-2 a

season ago and is 115-11 in his career — sophomore Linden Phetxoumphone, the brother of former WCHS state champion Cam Phetxoumphone, is back after also taking third with a 40-3 mark.

Those two, along with senior Landon Griffin, helped the Lynx reach the state dual tournament, win the North Central Conference and claim a district title.

Griffin, a heavyweight, went 24-16 and is joined by returning starters Luke Estlund, Tristan Mason, Adison Scott and Dawson Bertran. Maurice Anderson, Eli Estlund, Angel Ramirez-Trujillo and Gavin Wynkoop are other letterwinners back.

“For this team in particular, I believe the camaraderie and drive to push each other to be the best versions of See LYNX MAT, Page 5

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LYNX, Continued from Page 4 themselves will take this team a long way,” Doolittle said. “We have plenty of experience in the varsity lineup coming back. This team has high goals of returning to state and I truly believe it’s attainable if we put in the work and buy into the process.

“We have many guys that can make an impact in our lineup and it should be a fun year.”

Estlund went 23-20 and is slated for 165 pounds, with Mason going 1824 last year and expected to wrestle at 157. Ramirez-Trujillo is marked for 106 followed by Phetxoumphone with Doolittle at 126.

Scott, Bertran and Wynkoop can all compete at 132 with Eli Estlund at 190 for the Lynx.

“Everyone on this team comes to practice ready to work and get onepercent better every day,” Doolittle said.

“One special part about this team is that anyone has the ability to prove themselves as the starter at their weight or be that state qualifier nobody saw coming.”

DRAKE DOOLITTLE, Webster City’s new wrestling coach, speaks earlier this month at a pep rally at the school.

Doolittle, a 2019 WCHS graduate and former state champion, was named the Lynx mat program’s new head coach last May. He is a recent graduate of Duke University. (DFJ photo by Patrick Coons)

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MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Kolby Hodnefield, Sam Koehnk, Ashton Williams, Landon Greufe, Ty Koehnk, Jonathan Drake, Grant Larson and Jose Babcock. Back: Landon Sogard, Nick Severseike, Owen Renaud, Luke Martensen, Ryland Ubben, Reece Ricke, Kole Feaker, Noah Gunderson and Junseo Lim. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)

SENIORS HEAD THE CLASS FOR HAWKS Juber relies on strong chemistry, leadership as South Hamilton carries high hopes

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

The South Hamilton boys are looking to get back to their winning ways this winter behind eight returning seniors.

After putting together six consecutive seasons of at least 15 wins, the Hawks slipped to just 3-19 two years ago. They rebounded last season, going 9-13.

Seniors Kole Feaker, Ryland Ubben, Jonathan Drake, Noah Gunderson, Reece Ricke, Landon Greufe, Ty Koehnk and Owen Renaud are all back with Ricke, Drake and Renaud having starting experience.

“We have a great group of returning seniors,” South Hamilton head coach Matt Juber said. “These guys have the opportunity to really spearhead a special season.

Ricke and Drake both started 21 games with Greufe, Ubben, Koehnk and Gunderson seeing key minutes at the varsity level.

Ubben led the Hawks in scoring last year with 228 points, hitting a team-high 28 three-pointers. He also had 116 rebounds, 26 assists and 19 steals.

“I think our chemistry will be very solid,” Juber said. strength; as a group they check all the boxes.”

“We had a good offseason and guys are buying in to the MATT JUBER idea that the sum of the parts are greater than any one individual. We have some individuals that can put up South Hamilton boys basketball coach really big numbers, but we are trying to create the mindset that end result is a product of everyone’s success rather This group has lots of length, athleticism, quickness and than any one person. strength; as a group they check all the boxes.

“And they’ve got the characteristics and qualities to put See HAWK BOYS, Page 14 it all together this year.”

“These guys have the opportunity to really spearhead a special season. This group has lots of length, athleticism, quickness and

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MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Grace Neuberger, Anna Holm, Kailyn Northrop, Ashlyn Erickson, Makena Galetich, Tanna Thompson and Kendra Hoversten. Back: Aliya Erickson, Daytona Ferrie, Isabel Swenson, Tessa Skartvedt, Kaylen Trask, Claire Hewitt, Makayla Hardee, Lillie Ammerman and Abby Richardson. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)

STRONG NUCLEUS RETURNS TO THE MIX

Slew of experienced players have Hawk girls thinking big heading into the season

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

The South Hamilton girls have put together three consecutive seasons with at least 10 victories, including back-to-back winning marks.

Head coach Mark Henderson sees no reason for that run to change this year led by five players with starting experience coming back.

Hallee Feaker, who led South Hamilton in scoring and rebounds last year, graduated, but seniors Makena Galetich,

provide positive leadership and are great examples for our younger players. On the court, they are a group that always play hard. They are a competitive group who are always and are great examples for our younger players.” eager to learn.

“I never have to coach their effort, and that makes MARK HENDERSON coaching them a lot of fun.”

South Hamilton girls basketball coach Galetich had 262 points with 97 rebounds, 72 steals, 68 assists and 24 made 3-pointers. Erickson added 176 Ashlyn Erickson, Tanna Thompson, Kailyn Northrop and points, 121 rebounds and 18 steals, Thompson had 139 Grace Neuberger return.

“They have been a very dedicated group all four years See HAWK GIRLS, Page 15 of high school,” Henderson said. “Every one of these girls

“Every one of these girls provide positive leadership

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WEBSTER CITY senior Briar Klaver draws a foul last season for the Lynx. Klaver averaged 14 points and 8.3 rebounds for the team as a junior last winter. Webster City won 18 games and advanced to the substate finals. (DFJ file photo)

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MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON WRESTLING TEAM are front row (left to right): Parker Stuck, Will Angove, Gaige Willis, Gradin Brown, Brody Harris and Tim Willbourn. Back: Johnathan O'Neil, Graham Peters, Keyton Remsburg, Adley Peters, Braden Young, Holden Klein, Sam Fink and Kevin Gonzalez. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)

SENIORS ANCHOR HAWK MAT LINEUP

By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net

A returning state qualifier and four others with double-digit wins from last year are back to lead the South Hamilton wrestling team.

Keyton Remsburg reached the Class 1A state tournament at 138 pounds a year ago, finishing 2516. The senior finished with the most wins on the team last season among returning wrestlers and was second behind only the graduated Earnest Taylor.

“This year, I’m counting on our returning seniors to help lead the team,” second-year head coach Luke Peters said. “Keyton is our returning state qualifier. Then we also have Graham and Adley Peters and Holden Klein.

“We have guys who know what it takes to compete well and win those big matches.”

“We have guys who know what it takes to compete well and win those big matches.”

LUKE PETERS

South Hamilton wrestling coach

Classmate Graham Peters is also back after going 2316 at 182 pounds a year ago. Joining those two will be fellow seniors Holden Klein, Kevin Gonzalez, Johnathan O’Neil, William Angove and Adley Peters.

Klein went 15-24 at 120, Gonzalez was 12-27 at 195, O’Neil finished 8-23 at 160, Angove was 2-0 at 182 and Peters went 1-1 at 220.

Lone junior Braden Young posted a 21-17 mark

while wrestling at 145 for the Hawks. He was fourth at districts a season ago.

Sophomores Sam Fink, Parker Struck, Brody Harris and Gaige Willis are joined by ninth-graders Gradin Brown, Tim Willbourn and Jason Willbourn.

Fink wrestled 170 as a freshman and won five matches, Stuck competed at 160 and picked up two wins while Harris had a victory at 195.

Remsburg scored a bronze finish at the Heart of Iowa Athletic Conference Tournament while Young finished fourth. O’Neil was fifth and both Gonzalez and Graham Peters were sixth.

“Our goals for the season are to get as many wrestlers to state as we can,” Peters said. “We had a few wrestlers that were close last year, and hopefully from the experience last year, they can make it to state.”

After opening their season at home on Tuesday, the Hawks head to Manson on Saturday.

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WEBSTER CITY’S BRADEN DOERING puts up the three sign after hitting a triple last season. Doering returns for his senior season after hitting 25 threes a year ago. (DFJ file photo)

WEBSTER CITY’S Trevyn Lyons puts up a shot in the Jeff Gym last season. (DFJ file photo)

LYNX BOYS, Continued from Page 1 They both started all 22 games with Trevyn Lyons and Jack Larson adding experience after seeing the court plenty last year. Lyons accounted for 41 points with Larson adding 89 on 62 percent shooting.

“I am excited,” Ratcliff said. “We have guys that have not come out for basketball for a few years that should have and decided to this year. Jace Larson, a 6-foot-4 player and brother of Jack, will help us this year. He is very athletic and I feel he can help us on the boards and back side on defense.

“Conner Peck is another kid that has just come out after taking a year off. He is relentless on defense and has an overall feel of the game.”

Webster City has won 30 games over the past two seasons and recorded eight winning marks over the last nine years. They have won at least 10 games on 16 different occasions since 2006-07.

WEBSTER CITY HEAD COACH Brett Ratcliff points directions to his Lynx team last season. (DFJ file photo)

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LYNX GIRLS, Continued from Page 2 guard with Olivia and have some toughness with our other seniors.

“It will be exciting to see how the younger girls develop.”

Sophomores Ashlee Nydegger, Janey Putney and Jayme Perez are joined by freshmen Izzy Grossoehme, Tristyn Wright, Avery Poppen, Louis Pruismann, Rosemary Chamness, Megan VanDeer, Hayden McCoy and Shamyla Miller to provide plenty of competition in practice

and depth on the court.

“We need to continue to build confidence and learn how to win,” Fisher said. “Having a fresh feel with our culture is a key strength for this program.”

Webster City placed seventh in the North Central Conference a year ago, winning three games.

Fisher is entering his second season as head coach of the Lynx and 10th overall with 123 wins to his credit.

WEBSTER CITY’S ADDYSON BEAULIEU steals the ball away from Iowa Falls-Alden last season. (DFJ file photo)

WEBSTER CITY’S OLIVIA GALLENTINE puts up a shot against Fort Dodge in a Class 4A regional contest. (DFJ file photo)

Go Lynx and Hawks!

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THE WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING team poses with their district championship banner and four gold-medal brackets. The Lynx also won the North Central Conference championship in January. (DFJ file photo)

WEBSTER CITY’S LINDEN PHETXOUMPHONE wrestles for the Lynx. (DFJ file photo)

WEBSTER CITY’S CARSON DOOLITTLE returns for his senior season. Doolittle has placed third at state in each of the last three years. (DFJ file photo)

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COMPOSITE WINTER SPORTS CALENDAR Thursday, Nov. 30 Girls Basketball: Hawks at Iowa Falls-Alden, 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 1 Girls Basketball: Hawks at Saydel, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Aplington-Parkersburg, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Saydel, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Aplington-Parkersburg, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2 Wrestling: Lynx at Dallas Center-Grimes, 10 a.m.

Wrestling: Hawks at Manson Northwest Webster, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 5 Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. South Central Calhoun, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Greene County, 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. South Central Calhoun, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Greene County, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 7 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. St. Edmond, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Lynx at Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. St. Edmond, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 8 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Perry, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Algona, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Perry, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 9 Wrestling: Hawks at Central Springs, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 12 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at St. Edmond, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at St. Edmond, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 14 Wrestling: Lynx at Clear Lake, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Hawks at Perry, 6 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 15 Girls Basketball: Hawks at Nevada, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 16 Wrestling: Lynx at Fort Dodge, 10 a.m.

Wrestling: Hawks at Roland-Story, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 19 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Monroe PCM, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Monroe PCM, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 21 Girls Basketball: Lynx at Nevada, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Hawks at Manson Northwest Webster, 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 2 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Southeast Valley, 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Southeast Valley, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 4 Wrestling: Lynx vs. St. Edmond, Algona, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 5 Girls Basketball: Hawks at Roland-Story, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Humboldt, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Humboldt, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 6 Wrestling: Lynx at Marshalltown, 10 a.m.

Wrestling: Hawks at BCLUW Invitational, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 9

Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Southeast Valley, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Southeast Valley, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 11 Wrestling: Lynx vs. Humboldt and Iowa Falls-Alden, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Hawks vs. Monroe PCM, Greene County, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 12 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Saydel, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Saydel, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 13 Wrestling: Lynx, Hawks at Perry, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 16 Wrestling: Hawks at Roland-Story, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Clear Lake, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Clear Lake, 7:45 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 19 Wrestling: Hawks at HOIC Tournament in Monroe, 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hawks at Greene County, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Algona, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Greene County, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Algona, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 20 Wrestling: Lynx at NCC Tournament in Clear Lake, 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Gilbert Invitational, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 23 Girls Basketball: Hawks at Perry, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. St. Edmond, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Perry, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. St. Edmond, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 25 Wrestling: Lynx vs. Ballard, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Hawks at South Hardin, 6 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at South Hardin, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 26 Girls Basketball: Lynx at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 27 Wrestling: Lynx at Roland-Story Duals, 10 a.m.

Wrestling: Hawks at Pocahontas Area Invitational, 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Waverly-Shell Rock, 4 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 29 Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 30 Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Nevada, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 2 Girls Basketball: Hawks at Monroe PCM, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Humboldt, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks at Monroe PCM, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Humboldt, 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 6 Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Roland-Story, 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 6:15 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 8 Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Perry, 7:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Carroll Kuemper, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 9 Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Clear Lake, 7:45 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 13 Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Algona, 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 15 Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Boone, 7:30 p.m.

WEBSTER CITY’S MADDIE PULIS is a senior and a wrestler for the Fort Dodge girls wrestling team. Pulis was a state qualifier last season from the Dodgers. Webster City sophomore Kate Feltz and freshman Kaitlyn Van Denmark also wrestle for the Dodgers. (DFJ file photo)

SOUTH HAMILTON’S KEYTON REMSBURG scores a takedown against Saydel last season. (DFJ file photo)

THE CREDITS The Fan Fall Preview Edition was a combined effort of the DFJ and Messenger sports and advertising departments.

Sports Editor Eric Pratt and Assistant Sports Editor Chris Johnson designed, assembled and edited the tab. Staff members Pratt, Johnson and Dana Becker gathered information and wrote stories. Photos were taken by Patrick Coons and Angela Hewitt.

Nick Manwarren designed the cover.

We would like to thank the coaches for their cooperation leading up to the release date. Best of luck to all Lynx and Hawk programs this season. Please report results to us at sports@messengernews.net or (515) 573-2141, ext. 435, 436 or 438.

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HAWK BOYS, Continued from Page 6 Ricke scored 203 points and had a team-high 131 rebounds, Renaud scored 120 points with 74 rebounds, and Drake added 86 points with 58 rebounds, 41 assists and 20 steals. He also knocked down 13 triples.

Junior Grant Larson is a new face Juber is counting on, calling him a “scrappy kid that can really shoot it from the outside when he gets going.”

As a team, South Hamilton sank 125 three-pointers and shot just under 40 percent from the field last year.

“We have a range of length, quickness and athleticism that can potentially make us a really good defensive group and allow us to score the ball in a variety of ways,” Juber said. “We have pretty good depth — with eight, nine, maybe even 10 guys — so hopefully we can play fast on both ends to create a lot of our success.”

Since the 2006-07 season, the Hawks have won over 20 games five times and reached the 15-win mark a total of eight times. They have achieved 11 seasons of finishing at .500 or above during that stretch.

“We showed flashes last year, but we lacked consistency,” Juber said.

SOUTH HAMILTON’S OWEN RENAUD drives to the “That is something we need to have to SOUTH HAMILTON’S REECE RICKE drives to the hoop sustain success throughout the season. basket last season. (DFJ file photo) We struggled last year as the season and puts up a shot last year. (DFJ file photo) progressed and player tendencies were more evident through scouting.

So we need to be able to adapt more efficiently while continuing to play to our strengths.”

As for the battle for the Heart of Iowa Conference, Juber pointed to Nevada and Roland-Story as top contenders.

“As a group we feel like we have what it takes to compete for the conference,” Juber said. “The HOIC will be very solid this year, but I feel like our guys are ready to take that next step and find some traction at or near the top of the conference.

“If we are able to do that then the postseason begins to fall into place and sort of take care of itself.”

SOUTH HAMILTON’S Ryland Ubben (left) defends last season against Iowa Falls-Alden. (DFJ file photo)

SOUTH HAMILTON’S TY KOEHNK defends for the Hawks last season. (DFJ file photo)

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HAWK GIRLS, Continued from Page 7 points and 66 rebounds, and Neuberger added 51 points, 58 boards and a teamhigh 10 blocks in 13 games.

“Makena is our point guard and probably most vocal leader on the team.

She is a coming back from an ACL tear, but looks like she hasn’t lost a step,” Henderson said. “Ashlyn is one of the hardest working, most competitive kids I’ve ever had the privilege of coaching.

She is almost always matched up against someone bigger than her, but usually ends up beating them.

“Tanna is one of the best defenders in our conference and I think has a chance to be one of the best shooters too. Her and Makena do a great job of pushing each other every day. Grace had a phenomenal offseason and is set up to have a great senior season. I think she is a someone who will surprise a lot of people this year.

“Kailyn was our most improved player last year. She has always been a very good shooter, but she has really become a good ballhandler and defender as well.”

As a team, the Hawks shot 493 triples, converting on 27 percent of those attempts. They also shot 60 percent from the free throw line and recorded 236 steals.

Sophomores Kaylen Trask, Isabel Swenson and Claire Hewitt are joined by freshman Tessa Skartvedt to provide depth behind the seniors.

“We will have a very experienced team and a group that really understands the game,” Henderson said. “Our team speed will be very good and we will almost always have five girls on the court who can all shoot well.

“Our team will also be very good on the defensive end and should be able to create a lot of turnovers.”

South Hamilton won 14 games last year, 16 the season before and went 1011 in 2020-21. They are currently in the best stretch since winning at least 17 games each year between 2008-2012.

SOUTH HAMILTON’S Ashlyn Erickson defends St. Edmond's Ava Underberg in the Gael gym last season. (DFJ file photo)

SOUTH HAMILTON’S GRACE NEUBERGER puts up a shot last season for the Hawks. (DFJ file photo)

SOUTH HAMILTON’S TANNA THOMPSON drives to the basket last season. (DFJ file photo)

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