Sports Preview Winter 2022

Familiar faces, new style take the court for Kernel boys basketball

By Landon Dierks Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — Comparing the Mitchell High School boys basketball team from last season to the squad that will take the court in 202223, head coach Ryker Kreutzfeldt had a hard time thinking of many similarities.

While the Kernels return many key contributors, enhanced depth has brought about a shift in the way they want to approach the game on both ends of the floor. As such, Kreutzfeldt expects a new-look on-court product fueled by familiar faces as his team chases a third-straight Class AA state tournament berth.

“We need to be a team that’s playing in the state tournament,” Kreutzfeldt said. “That’s the expectation outside both within the team and outside of it, and we think we’ve got the guys to accomplish that goal.”

To start the season, Mitchell has 11 players on its varsity roster — seven seniors, two juniors, one sophomore and one freshman — and Kreutzfeldt expects all 11 to be able to contribute if and when they are called upon, a luxury the Kernels did not have in 2021-22.

In a decision driven by that roster depth, Mitchell’s aim is to play in transition as much as possible on offense and ramp up the ball pressure on defense.

“Our depth was probably our biggest weakness last year, and it showed in the state tournament,” Kreutzfeldt said. “Playing faster, we’re going to have to play more guys, and that wasn’t an option last year. But this year we have a lot of guys who can play, and that’s going to be big for us.”

It’ll be a new chapter for Mitchell basketball in more ways than just the shift in offensive and defen -

sive philosophy, too, with the Kernels entering their first season in the post-Caden Hinker era. The two-time firstteam all-state selection accounted for more than 22 points and nearly 10 rebounds per outing last season, and the Kernels will look to a quartet of senior starters to help offset that loss.

Guards Aiden Myers and Dylan Soulek and forwards Charlie McCardle and Steele Morgan were regulars in the Mitchell starting five to close 2021-22 and highlight the Kernels’ returners. All four will be looked to both for the calming presence and output they bring as the most experienced members of the Mitchell roster.

Last season, Morgan averaged 11.2 points and eight rebounds

per game and was an all-Eastern South Dakota Conference selection. Soulek was second on the team with 11.9 points and three assists per game to go with 3.7

rebounds and a teambest 1.3 steals. McCardle put up 7.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game, while Myers assumed starting point guard responsibilities midway

through the season.

As for the fifth starter and prominent bench roles, Kreutzfeldt maintains that there is a place for everyone, and an important component of the Kernels reaching their goals will be every player embracing their role as Mitchell looks to maximize its rotation. Rounding out the 11-player varsity mix are guards Markus Talley, Gavyn Erickson, Jackson Childs, Peyton Mandel and Gavin Soukup with forwards Colton Smith and A.J. Siemsen.

“We have so many different weapons,” Kreutzfeldt said. “We can put a lot of shooters on the floor, we have posts who can score down low. There are guys to fit every key role we might need throughout the year.”

That will be put to the

test early, as Kreutzfeldt says the Kernels will “find out what we’re made of” during a schedule front-loaded with away games.

Mitchell was not among the Class AA top five in the preseason South Dakota Prep Media poll, receiving a single vote toward the rankings behind the top five and other vote-getters Roosevelt and Washington. However, that’s OK with Kreutzfeldt, who expected his team to start off under the radar.

“I think we’ll be better than what everyone thinks and we’ll surprise some teams,” Kreutzfeldt said. “My guess is that the polls come out and we won’t be rated very high or rated at all. That’d be great; I’d love that.”

Landon Dierks / Mitchell Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell High School boys basketball include, from left: Steele Morgan, Gavyn Erickson, A.J. Siemsen, Charlie McCardle, Jackson Childs, Dylan Soulek and Aiden Myers.

Mitchell girls basketball to emphasize speed, defense in new season

By Zech Lambert Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL

— There are plenty of unknowns surrounding the Mitchell High School girls basketball team this season.

In his first season as head coach, Dave Brooks is leading a young core of players into a year where the Kernels are searching for growth after a 9-12 campaign a season ago.

“We have some talent,” Brooks said of his team. “The optimism is that they will just continue to get better as the season goes on.”

One certainty is the return of junior Sawyer Stoebner, who was named to Class AA allstate second team last season after averaging 15.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.2 steals per game and will likely be the focal point for the Kernels again this season. Returning starter senior Taylor Giblin will be a threat from 3-point range, and freshman Addie Siemsen, who was the first player off the bench for the Kernels last season, will also see a significant role this year.

But Brooks is aiming to utilize his team’s speed more than anything. Rather than consistently set up in a half-court offense, the first-year head coach of the Kernels is looking to generate steals and get points in transition.

“We hope to play 94 feet most games with some kind of a press and then probably get

out and run,” Brooks said. “(We’re) looking to hopefully get some points off turnovers.”

When they do get into a half-court offense, though, drive-and-kick 3-pointers will certainly be on the table for a Kernels team that Brooks said isn’t afraid to shoot. On top of that, the Kernels will be looking to get to the free-throw line this season through motion offense and penetration due to a lack of a significant presence in the post.

Mitchell comes into the season as a smaller team, with Allison Meyerink listed as the tallest player at 5-foot-10. Despite a lack of height, though, the Kernels have a deeper bench this season, which will lend itself to being able to apply pressure defensively throughout the entire game.

“Height is going to be a challenge, we have one kid (that’s) maybe 5-foot-10 and in (Class) AA, that’s not very big,” Brooks said. “We’ll try to take advantage of what

we have, which I think is speed and desire to play some defense.”

Part of having a deep bench will require players filling larger rolls than they did a season ago. Brooks pointed to Meyerink as someone who has improved heading into her junior year, as well as players like Carsyn Weich, Delaney Degen and Breanna Kirsch as players who could be contributors.

And while the team hasn’t sat down and set

specific goals it wants to accomplish this season, Brooks has hopes that his team will be competitive in Class AA, but he acknowledged the class is “a tough deal,” due to the high level of competition throughout, especially at the top.

“I’ve told the girls we have to work on the controllables,” Brooks said of playing the competition in Class AA. “We can box out, we can play hard defense, we can get in their face, we can close

out well.”

Even with the youth and lack of height the Kernels will bring into the season, Brooks is optimistic that his team’s willingness to play defense and its speed will propel Mitchell to a strong campaign in 2022.

“Like everybody else, (we’re) trying to get a first-round home game in the SoDak 16,” Brooks said. “It might have to take some work to get there, but that’s our plan.”

Kernel girls wrestling is thriving early in inaugural season

was waiting anxiously for the moment to arrive to make varsity girls wrestling a possibility in Mitchell.

By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — When Frankie Kranz stepped on the mat on Dec. 2, she was well aware of the history she was making.

Kranz, an eighth-grader, became the first Mitchell High School girls wrestler to wrestle in a sanctioned girls varsity match, as the Kernels wrestled four matches against Chamberlain prior to their regular boys dual.

“I was nervous at first but when you get out there and you do it, it just feels natural and I’m used to it,” Kranz said. “It’s really exciting to be able to start a new program and to be a part of that.”

Kranz made good on her debut with a 56-second pin over Chamberlain’s Aine Graesser at 106 pounds. She has wrestled since third grade and admitted she

Parents of the Kernel girls helped rally enough wrestlers together to make the new team possible.

“It was happening everywhere around in South Dakota and I was kind of thinking, when is it going to happen here?” Kranz said. “I had friends on other teams that were getting to start but eventually, we got it done.”

Mitchell coach Andy Everson was among those beaming with pride after the inaugural dual meet in the MHS Gym.

“They’ve all been working hard in the room

and I’m really proud of the things they’ve been doing,” Everson said.

“It’s just super neat. … (Frankie) had to be the first one ever to go step out in a Mitchell singlet to represent us on the mat and she did a great job. She’s been wrestling a long time, so it was fitting for her to be the first one out there.”

Teammate Danny Borja, who has wrestled for the last few seasons for the Kernel middle school team, has also started well and wrestled twice during the event to make sure every Chamberlain girl got a match.

While girls wrestling has been around at the youth level for years, Borja said there are still

some unknowns about the skills of who they might face in a given match.

“I was wondering just how skilled everyone would be, how long they’ve been wrestling and how easy it would be to beat them or not,” said Borja, who is a freshman. “When I started, I got in because I wanted to see if I could be better than the guys and I’ve enjoyed it and stuck with it.”

Five Kernels are on the girls wrestling roster: Kranz, Borja and juniors Emma Trode, Bobbi Jo Middendorp and Alyssa Nolte.

“This is my first year, so it’s a little scary,” Trode said. “But I still had some fun and I’m

glad I’m doing it. … Personally, I feel like we’re creating history right now. I’m glad the boys are so accepting and I’m happy that we have one big team.”

Everson said nearly all of the Kernels’ scheduled events have a girls element to them now, with the 2022-23 season being the third in South Dakota in which girls wrestling has been a sanctioned sport. A total of 62 teams are listed on the SDHSAA website as having some level of girls wrestling programming this season.

Mitchell will go to a girls-only tournament on Friday, Dec. 30 when the McCook Central/ Montrose program has

a tournament in Salem, one day ahead of its traditional boys event.

Everson said the only tricky part of the schedule is the 15-event limit for weigh-ins, so Kernel girls won’t weigh in for an event unless they know there will be enough competition on hand to go against.

Meanwhile for the Kernels, they’re excited about what the future might hold for Mitchell girls wrestling.

“We knew we could be the first to do it for the Kernels and it’s been great,” Borja said. “We love it. We have new girls that are trying it and they’re pushing themselves and it’s really cool.”

Zech Lambert / Mitchell Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell High School girls basketball include, front row from left, Delaney Degen, Taylor Giblin, Keira Hofer, Kadence Halvorson and Lauren Van Overschelde. Back row: Maddie Kempf, Addie Siemsen, Delana Henkel and Sawyer Stoebner.

New head coach focused on building fresh culture for Marlin boys

By Zech Lambert Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — It’s a new era for the Mitchell Marlins boys.

In the first season under new head coach Nick Lemke, he’s changing the culture around the program. That started when he first took over, emphasizing camaraderie and conditioning. And though it’s early, the results are telling of a shift in mentality surrounding the team.

“Last year didn’t quite go as planned,” Lemke said of the four-win season a year ago when he was an assistant coach. “We went back to the drawing board on a couple of things. … Everybody seems to be buying in. The attitudes are better, the success has been there.”

Part of the reason for the early success for the Marlins is due to players like forward Parker Denne and goaltender Drake Jerke having big seasons. Denne has 12

goals through the first four games, already surpassing his season total from last year, while Jerke has turned away 123 of the 130 shots that have come his way for a .946 save percentage and a 1.67 goals-against average.

Along with Denne, his linemate Levi Loken has eight assists, many of which have come from a pass that Denne has put in the back of the net, and Lemke mentioned how strong the chemistry between the two players is. But that’s not where the biggest strength of the team lies, rather it’s the depth.

“We have some guys that are really good at certain areas but as a whole, we’re quite well rounded and that’s really been a key for us,” Lemke said.

The Marlins are also more conditioned this season, Lemke said. A lot of skating in the offseason has prepared the team to have more energy late in the game. That will also aid the Marlins,

who frequently play late on Fridays and then have an early game Saturday. The increased conditioning has helped with the penalty kill and turned over to the power play, as well.

“That was one thing we needed to improve on from last year was our special teams,” Lemke said. “We have a nice

little setup and rotation on our power plays where we think we have a couple options that we look to. … In the penalty kill, our main thing is just staying in position and waiting for them to make a mistake.”

With the hot start to the season at 3-0-1, the Marlins are just one win shy of their win total

from last year, but simply improving isn’t what Lemke and his team have set out for this season.

The goal for Mitchell is the state tournament — ideally around the No. 3 to No. 5 seed — and missing the state tournament last year didn’t sit well with the nowhead coach.

“That’s a standard of

mine,” Lemke said, of making the state tournament. “(If not), it’s a disappointment. It’s an embarrassment if that happens under my watch. That would be one of my first standards is we’re going to make state and we’re not going in as an eight seed, we’re going to get in there comfortably.”

Off second-place finish last season, Marlin girls have high expectations

By Zech Lambert Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — It’s a mixture of youth and experience for the Mitchell Marlins girls this season.

After finishing second last year at the state tournament, Mitchell lost a few key seniors but returned a core of players that head coach Chris Tronnes feels puts his team in just as good of a position this season.

The Marlins were 18-3 last season and fell in the state championship game to Sioux Falls by a score of 5-2.

“They’re young but we have a lot of experience,” Tronnes said. “A lot of them have played quite a few years of varsity already.”

The Marlins biggest asset this season is their defense, according to Tronnes, and it’s anchored on the back end by senior netminder Sadie Kludt, who’s played the last four seasons for Mitchell.

“I think our defense is really a strong suit in our team this year,” Tronnes said. “We have a couple

girls coming back that have played a lot of years of varsity already. So I think we have probably some of the stronger (defenders) in the state.”

Outside of Kludt, who will see the lion’s share of the goaltending duties this season, the remainder of the defense is relatively young, with

multiple freshmen and sophomores seeing consistent ice time. Two of those players, sophomores Reese Amick and Tristen Zimmer, received high praise from their coach.

Freshman Brynlee Sabers leads the top line of forwards for Mitchell, where most of the

offensive punch comes from. Sabers was the third-leading goal scorer for the Marlins a year ago and she’s joined on the top line by Makenna Tronnes, who paces the team with 10 assists, and senior captain Olivia Nockels.

But the second line, which consists of seniors

Bryn Kolberg, captain Tiffany Hatwan and Eva Vaughan, has been pitching in more offense, too, as the season has gotten going. And it’s a trend Tronnes is hopeful continues.

“They’ve picked up a couple (goals) the last couple games, which is what we want,” Tronnes said of his second line. “We want both lines being able to contribute. But at the start of the season the top line has produced a lot of it but we’re hopefully evening that out as we go through the season.”

Alongside the youth, which Tronnes said can bring inconsistency with it at times offensively, maintaining the zone and passing to get open shots is an area Tronnes wants to continue to get better at. On the other hand, when the Marlins have numbers on a break, it’s one of the times they’re most dangerous.

“What we’re working on is trying to set up the zone and keep control of it in the zone. We do it decently parts of the

game but that’s something we’re working on,” Tronnes said. “Off the rush we’re really good, especially Brynlee (Sabers). We’re able to get out of our zone and she gets down and gets the puck on net really quick.”

Mitchell also added a few players from Yankton since Yankton is not fielding a team this season, and Ryleigh Weidenbach and Kolberg — two of the additions — are regular fixtures in the Marlins’ lineup. Those additions, as well as another year of experience, helps to offset losses like last year’s leading goal scorers Brooke Jarman and Kelsey Amick, as well as defender Kate Nash.

With the loss of Yankton from the league, all eight teams will qualify for the state tournament this season, but that doesn’t affect what Mitchell is hoping to do this season.

“The expectation is still the same here,” Tronnes said. “We want to be a top-three team in the state.”

Zech Lambert / Mitchell Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell Marlins boys include, front row from left: Drake Jerke, Parker Denne, Mick Dailey, Kaden Contreras, Levi Loken, Caden Ziehl and Nathan McCormick. Back row: Jacob Goldammer, Tyson Sabers, Tanner Puetz, Lucas Paul, Connor Delehant and Ian Vaughan.

Zech Lambert / Mitchell Republic

Mitchell Marlins girls returning letterwinners include, front row from left, Katelynn Laufman, Reese Amick, Tristen Zimmer, Olivia Nockels and Eva Vaughan. Back row: Brynlee Sabers, Tiffany Hatwan and Sadie Kludt.

Kernel gymnastics focuses on ‘enjoying the moment’ in new season

By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — There’s a proud tradition of excellence and championships in the Mitchell High School gymnastics program.

And maybe that success will arrive for this season, too. But it’s not going to be top of mind in 2022-23.

Instead, Mitchell will focus on building successes early in the season — developing routines and programs that are personally rewarding — rather than getting fixated about what score they earn, coach Audra Rew said.

It’s not that the Kernels won’t be competitive — they have top-three talent among Class AA teams, Rew said — but she doesn’t want her athletes to be burdened by any extra pressure or expectations in a new season.

“We don’t want to be thinking too far ahead,” Rew said. “We’ve had a target on our backs for years and I feel like that target has been removed. There are some other great teams out there. This team has potential to be one of those teams that ends up on top but we’re trying to play the underdog role.”

The roster has four seniors in Tessa Allen, Kyra Gropper, Emily Moody and Lara Widstrom, each with varying levels of state meet experience. Gropper was seventh on the balance beam in the Class AA state meet, while Moody, who was ninth last season in the Class AA individual all-around

scoring, said the team is working to become a cohesive unit.

“The most rewarding thing has been coming together as a team, rather than a group of individuals,” Moody said. “When you come in from club gymnastics, it’s individualized and you’re focused on the score. And on the team, it’s a different element and you might not get the spot you want. We really have to work together to get where we need to be, so that’s something we’re focusing on.”

TESSA ALLEN

“I want them to enjoy the moment,” Rew said. “They can’t do that when they’re stressing about making a mistake or one little mistake keeping them out of the lineup. The lineups aren’t completely set but they’re a little more solid than they’ve been.

… There’s always a few positions that we might play around with but we have a good base from where we’re starting.”

Rew, who is in her 17th season coaching Kernel gymnastics, has guided Mitchell to seven state team champion-

ships. The Kernels were close to adding another one in 2022 but O’Gorman won its first state championship since 2005 with an effort that scored 150.300 points — the best state-title winning team score in nearly 10 years — finishing six-tenths of a point ahead of Mitchell at the Corn Palace.

“In some ways, it feels like we’re starting from scratch a little to fill some holes but we’ve got some girls that work hard and they have a lot of promise,” Allen said.

Aside from Mitchell,

Rew said she expects O’Gorman and Harrisburg to both be factors once again in Class AA. The Knights bring back their two stalwarts from last season in seniors Maeve Boetel and Audrey Meyer, with Boetel winning four of the five individual titles last season at the Class AA state meet.

The team’s lineup expects to flex throughout the season. Sophomore Bentley Bates — who was sixth last season in the all-around scoring in Class AA — is going to miss the first part of the season with an injury. Other top-10 returners from last year’s state meet includes freshmen Olivia Prunty and Kyanna Gropper (who each placed in the uneven bars).

“We have a few people out but we’re all a very close group, so it’s very fun early in the season,” Kyra Gropper said. “We are building some confidence and it’s fun to cheer each other on and help each other develop some new skills.”

Mitchell will host its annual Jill McCormick Invitational at MHS on Dec. 17, along with home dates on Jan. 9 and Jan. 26. The Eastern South Dakota Conference meet is Feb. 4 at Pierre and the state meet will be held on Feb. 10 and 11 in Aberdeen.

“We want to approach the season with a good attitude and good confidence and I want to step up for the team,” Widstrom said. “I think we can accomplish some goals if we work together.”

Marcus Traxler / Mitchell Republic

Returning state qualifiers and managers for Mitchell High School gymnastics include, front row from left, Aubrey Gelderman, Sidney Malde, Bentley Bates, Lainee Forst and Olivia Prunty. Back row: Lara Widstrom, Emily Moody, Tessa Allen, Kyra Gropper and Kyanna Gropper. Not pictured: Emerson Smith.

MHS coming off second place finish in 2022 Class AA team competition

“In some ways, it feels like we’re starting from scratch a little to fill some holes but we’ve got some girls that work hard and they have a lot of promise.”

MCS boys look to mix youth and experience for success

By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — Mitchell

Christian’s boys basketball team was young last year in a seven-win campaign.

In the words of coach Jesse Tolsma, they’re still young this year.

But the Golden Eagles are hoping that game experience and a committed offseason program will result in more success in a new season, which kicks off Thursday at home against Freeman Academy/Marion.

“This team, they’ve been working. I think you’ll see a lot of kids take a leap forward,” said Tolsma, who is in his seventh season as Mitchell Christian’s coach. “We want to be a great defensive team and we want to battle on that side of the ball. We’re not going to be a big team so we’re really trying to play to our strengths and the fundamentals.”

The Golden Eagles were 7-15 last season and averaged 42.6 points per game, while allowing 53.6 points per game on defense. MCS hopes to get a boost from Nahum Anderberg, who is returning from an ACL injury to his knee. Anderberg is the lone senior on the roster, with only two juniors on the team in guard Aiden Lieber and forward Joseph Tegethoff, while other returning letterwinners include sophomore forward Syver Enga and sophomore

guard Braedon Nebelsick.

“Nahum is coming back from his ACL,” Tolsma said. “We’re excited to have him back this year and he’s going to be a big piece. His leadership does a lot for us.”

Lieber was the Golden Eagles’ primary scorer last season as a sophomore. He had 33 points in a playoff game late last season against Colman-Egan and averaged 21.5 points per game over

the final month of games.

“He’s spent a lot of time in the gym this summer and hopefully he’s able to take another step this year,” Tolsma said. “But we know we’re going to need more than him and that’s where we’ve challenged the rest of the team this year.”

Lieber is the team’s tallest player at 6-foot2, so Mitchell Christian will find themselves at a height disadvantage

but the team plans on remaining undaunted, Tolsma said. “You look at the history of Mitchell Christian, all the way back, we’ve never been a very tall team,” Tolsma said. “So we’re talking about playing bigger than we are and then we’re really looking for matchups. … Offensively, we have some speed and some shooting and try to create those openings. We want

to have five guys on the floor at all times that can score but we want to have players that are going to be aggressive and looking to score.”

Among the highlights on the season’s upcoming schedule, the Golden Eagles will play in three classics, starting with the Huron Holiday Classic at the Huron Arena on Dec. 30, the Sacred Hoops Classic at the Corn Palace on Jan. 7 and the Dakota

State Classic on Jan. 21 in Madison.

“Those are always a highlight for the kids, getting to play in a different venue and against a team that are a little different from who we typically play,” Tolsma said.

“Overall, we’re just looking forward to getting on the court and seeing how much we’ve improved and getting that competition again.”

Mitchell Christian girls look to grow on the court

By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic MITCHELL — The

Mitchell Christian girls basketball team is trying to grow out of its green stage.

That’s green in the sense of being inexperienced and naive, and coach Chris Nebelsick believes his team can advance past that point that was apparent for much of last season’s 2-17 campaign.

“I like how much we’ve improved over last year. We’re really green, and this year, we’re still young but you can see the improvement from over the summer,” Nebelsick said.

Last year’s team only had eight players on the roster and leaned heavily on seniors Keely O’Neill and Audrey Hofer, who have since graduated. In 2022-23, the varsity roster now has 10 players, with guard/forward Jasmyne Lessman as the lone senior.

The team has seven returning letterwinners in Lessman, Hannah DeLine, Madelyn Nebelsick, Kelsey Holdeman, Rebekah Strong, Lindy Hofer and Aspen Lessman.

Scoring was hard to come by a season ago, with Mitchell Christian averaging 29.6 points per game and only scoring more than 40 points on four occasions in a 19-game season.

“We have some players that want to score

and want to press the action, so that’s going to be important for us,” Nebelsick said.

The Golden Eagles are also seeking to tighten up their defense, which allowed 53.8 points per game. Nebelsick said he believes it will be one of the team’s strengths this season.

“We’re hoping our defense can lead us. We have some smart defenders who know how to read the ball and read passes,” the coach said. “We need to use our speed and use defense to create some offense to offset our lack of size.”

Regardless of the wins and losses, Nebelsick said his team needs to develop more cohesiveness throughout the season, so that the team is firing on the same page late in the season ahead of the playoffs.

“We need to be a cohesive unit,” he said. “That’s really an area that I hope we grow at, because that can help so many parts of our game and give us a chance to be successful.”

Mitchell Christian’s schedule includes three classics, events that the Golden Eagles have not participated in much over recent seasons. They will play in the Huron Holiday Classic on Dec. 29, the Dakota State Classic on Jan. 14 and will participate in Irene-Wakonda’s new event on Jan. 21 in Irene.

Marcus Traxler / Mitchell Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell Christian girls basketball include, front row from left, Lindy Hofer and Rebekah Strong. Back row: Hannah DeLine, Madelyn Nebelsick and Kelsey Holdeman. Not pictured: Jasmyne Lessman and Aspen Lessman.

Marcus Traxler / Mitchell Republic)

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell Christian boys basketball include, front row from left, Nahum Anderberg and Aiden Lieber. Back row: Syver Enga, Joseph Tegethoff and Braedon Nebelsick.

By Mitchell Republic

Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by the Mitchell Republic’s sports staff: Andes Central/Dakota Christian Coach: Barry DeHaan

Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 2-19

Top returnees: Tate Timmermans, sr., 5-10, forward; Garth Maas, so., 5-10, guard; Hunter Loeffler, so., 5-7, guard; Andrew Johson, so., 6-2, forward/ center; Sabas DeHaan, so., 5-6, guard.

Top newcomers: Anaias White Eyes, jr., 5-9, guard/forward; Mahlon Bruguier, sr., 5-10, guard/ forward; Ty Archambeau, so., 6-5, center/forward; Ryder Niewenhuis, so., 5-10, guard.

Coach comments: Our team is very young, but they show a lot of potential with even more young talent at the JV and JH level. New assistant coach Hunter Hewitt joins the team as the Thunder look to build a solid boys basketball program, as well as be more competitive in the future.

Avon

Coach: Bailey Lagge

Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 3-18

Key players: Noah Watchorn, jr., 5-10, guard; Pierce Jonkers, so., 5-7, guard; Jaden Stahl C, sr., 5-8, guard; Landon Thury, jr., 6-3, guard; John Fathke, so., 5-10, guard; Trevor Eggers, so., 6-4, forward; Trace Pelton, jr., 6-3, forward; Aziah Meyer, so., 6-1, guard

Bon Homme

Coach: Jason Hein

Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 8-14

Top returnees: Riley Roethschadl, sr., 6-1, guard/ forward; Chapin Cooper, jr., 5-10, guard; Landon Bares, jr., 6-3, guard/forward; Logan Winckler, 5-11, guard; Easton Murder, jr., 6-0, guard.

Top newcomers: Jace Toupal, jr., 6-1, forward; Landon Schmidt, so., 6-2, forward, Evan Ulmer, jr., 5-11, forward; Jacob Cuka, 6-0, forward/center; Cayden Himes, sr., 6-0, center.

Coach comments: We have a good mix of perimeter players on this team. We will have to play strong defense and take care of the ball. What we lack in size we will make up for in speed. We have three seniors (two with experience) and six juniors, so we will look for leadership from our upperclassmen.

Bridgewater-Emery

Coach: Scott Schultz Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 11-12

Top returnees: Sutton Arend, sr., 6-4, guard; Sam Hofer, sr., 5-11, guard; Aguer Van Sickle, sr., 6-4, forward; Aaron Horvath, sr., 6-1, forward; Camdyn Stotereau, jr., 6-3, guard.

Top newcomers: Jaxon Koch, so., 6-3, forward; Jase Kayser, jr., 5-11, guard; Cadin Cullison, sr., 6-1, guard; Jerin Schulz, sr., 6-4, forward.

Coach comments: We are excited to get the season started. We return 10 out of our 12 varsity players from last season. Those players have played a lot of basketball together and gained valuable experience last year. We play a difficult schedule that will hopefully help prepare us by region tournament time. The region is once again loaded with good teams and will be very difficult to advance out of.

Burke Coach: Clayton Steele Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 19-4, qualified for Class B SoDak 16

Key players: Reed Benter, jr., 6-2, guard/forward; Sawyer Tietgen, sr., 5-10, guard; Nick Nelson, sr., 6-2, guard/forward; Bryce Bartling, jr., 5-6, guard; Jayder Schonebaum, fr., 6-0, forward; Izaak Koenig, jr., 5-5, guard; Ion Urtaran Carreras, jr., 6-2, forward; Caden Wittmeier, so., 5-11, forward; Dawson York, jr., 6-1, forward; Quinten Bull, so., 6-4, center; Jaden Swan, sr., 6-3, forward

Canistota

Coach: Patrick Jolley Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 13-8

Top returnees: Tye Merrill, sr., 5-9, guard; Trace

Ortman, sr., 6-0, forward; Tage Ortman, jr., 6-1, guard; Cayden Scott, jr., 6-0, guard; Brandon Kjetland, jr., 6-4, center; Brady Scott, so., 6-0, forward.

Top newcomers: DeShon Thompson, sr., 6-0, forward; Noah Kleinsasser, sr., 6-0, forward; Jaxon Brown, jr., 6-2, forward; Maison Montgomery, sr., 5-10, forward; Levi Schroeder, so., 5-10, forward.

Coach comments: We lost two seniors to graduation but we have a very experienced team. We will be challenged on every game and our schedule is filled with high quality teams.

Chamberlain Coach: Steve Schoenhard Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 13-9

Top returnees: Dakota Munger, jr., 6-1, forward/ guard; Collin Two Strike, sr., 5-10, guard; Sawyer Donovan, jr., 6-1, guard.

Top newcomers: Levi Miller, jr., 5-9, guard; Connor Hickey, jr., 6-1, forward; Kenyon McCloskey, so., 6-2, forward/guard; Breckyn Harmon, so., 6-4, center; Grady Olson, so., 6-2, guard/forward.

Coach comments: The Cubs will be young this year. We will have to develop and learn quickly if we want to compete. We will have to have great ball pressure and focus on stopping the ball from getting inside. We have a hard working group, so it will be fun to see them develop throughout the year!

Colome Coach: Vince Thieman Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 3-18

Key players: Eli Vobr, so., 5-11, guard/forward; Lane Leighton, so., 5-6, guard/forward; Taitin Ringing Shield, sr., 6-0, guard/forward; Joseph Laprath, jr., 5-10, guard/forward; Alec Thieman, sr., 6-0, guard/forward; Kash Heath, sr., 5-10, guard/forward; Shae Munroe, so., 5-5, guard; Kaden Pechota, sr., 5-10, forward; Trey Thieman, so., 5-10, guard/forward; Jordan Musser, jr., 6-0, forward/center; Jonah Musser, so., 6-0, forward/ center; Jack Anderson, jr., 6-1, forward; William Looking Cloud, sr., 6-0, guard/forward; Aidan Muller, sr., 5-10, forward; Sully Shippy, sr., 5-8, forward

Corsica-Stickney

Coach: Luke Bamberg Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 12-7

Top returnees: Tyson Wetland, so., 6-4, forward (out for season due to injury); Shad Bosma, sr., 6-0, guard.

Top newcomers: Lucas Krogstad, sr., 6-0, forward; Carter Wright, jr., 6-1, guard; Tye Hosman,

jr., 5-9, guard; Austin Krogstad, jr., 6-8, forward; Lincoln Bruinsma, jr., 5-9, forward.

Coach comments: We’re looking for our team to improve everyday through increasing playing experience, improving skill and growing basketball knowledge. With Tyson out for the season we will have limited varsity experience from the previous years, but we do have a group of kids that work hard and are driven to succeed. We will have to play a variety of different styles depending on the size and speed that we put out on the floor, so the players will have to adapt accordingly and grow knowledge of the ins and outs of different style and game plans.

Ethan

Coach: Bryce Roth Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 16-7, qualified for Class B SoDak 16

Top returnees: Riley Endres, sr., 5-11, guard; Wyatt Sinkie, sr., 6-2, forward; Logan Koch, sr., 6-2, guard; Brody Riggs, sr., 5-10, forward; Kory Storm, sr., 5-10, guard; Kody Klumb, sr., 5-9, guard; Drake Gustafson, jr., 6-3, forward; Taite Klumb, jr., 6-3, forward; Rylan Gerlach, jr., 5-8, guard; Gage Hohn, jr., 5-8, guard.

Top newcomers: Jack Bartscher, fr., 6-2, forward; Cole Hinckley, so., 5-9, forward.

Coach comments: We return a large amount of experience. Our goal will be to increase our defensive pressure and score more than we did last year. Our schedule will test us early and often. We need to be more physical than we have been in the past.

Mitchell Republic file photo

Ethan’s Drake Gustafson (10) goes to the basket around a Tripp-Delmont/Armour defender during a game on Thursday, February 17, 2022 at the Corn Palace.

Freeman

Coach: Lance Friesen

Region: 4B

Last year’s record: 1-20

Top returnees: Ethan Balvin, sr., 6-1, forward; Blake Rumelhart, jr., 6-3, forward; Rocky Amann, jr., 6-1, guard; Evan Scharberg, jr., 5-11, guard; Tate Sorensen, fr., 6-1, forward; Luke Peters, fr., 5-10, guard.

Top newcomers: Chris Aasen, so., 5-10, guard; Sawyer Wipf, so., 5-10, guard; Talon Pitchford, so., 5-7, guard; Ricky Salis, fr., 5-10, forward.

Freeman Academy/Marion

Coach: Austin Unruh

Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 21-5, finished eighth in Class B

Top returnees: Matthew Hagen, sr., 6-0, guard; Maddox Kihne, sr., 5-9, guard; Connor Epp, sr., 5-11, guard.

Top newcomers: Jess Bashige, sr., 6-3, forward; Simeon Eremin, sr., 5-9, guard; Liam Ortman, jr., 5-9, guard; Elshadai Mesfin, so., 5-10, guard; Jackson Donian, fr., 6-0, forward; Taylor Goodwin, fr., 5-9, guard; Karter Weber, fr., 5-9, guard.

Coach comments: This year sees the return of three key players from last year’s state tournament team, along with several upperclassmen ready to take on an expanded role on varsity and several freshmen who are talented young players. Along with the graduation of four-year starters from last year’s team, we will also deal with playing without our 3-year starting point guard Connor Epp, who made all-tournament team at state last year and was primed for a big senior season — Connor tore his ACL this offseason and his return to play date may fall during the season, depending on the speed of his recovery. While this is a big loss for us, it opens the door for other players to step up and fill a larger role on the team. Returners Matthew Hagen and Maddox Kihne will be the experienced leaders that will help guide this team, which has its eyes set on another run into the postseason.

Gregory Coach: Jeff Determan Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 14-8

Top returnees: Daniel Mitchell, jr., 6-7, forward; Cruz Klundt, so., 6-0, guard; Rane Kenzy, so., 6-4, forward.

Top newcomers: Cole Serr, so., 6-4, forward; Jack Bolander, so., 6-4, forward; Noah Bearshield, so., 6-0, guard; Jad Leber, so., 5-11, guard; Nick Kenzy, so., 6-1, guard; Lincoln Juracek, fr., 5-11, guard; Colt Keiser, fr., 6-4, forward.

Coach comments: Although we are still pretty young, we have high expectations this season. We are returning three starters and our entire bench from last year. Our weakness would still be our youth. We play a tough schedule which will prepare us for the postseason.

Hanson Coach: Josh Oltmanns Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 16-6, qualified for Class A SoDak 16

Top returnees: Jackson Jarding, sr., 6-0, forward; Hadley Wallace, sr., 6-0, guard; Ethan Cheeseman, sr., 6-3, forward; Isaiah Price, jr., 6-6, center; Hayden Schroeder, jr., 6-0, forward; Jayce Slaba, jr., 6-0, guard.

Top newcomers: Sutton Dewald, so., 6-0, guard;

Ben Wilber, so., 6-2, forward; Jeren Zenz, so., 6-1, forward; Carter Popp, so., 6-1, forward; Ty Hernandez, so., 5-10, forward; A.J. Wilber, so., 6-3, forward; Kean Weber, so., 5-10, guard.

Coach comments: Our level of consistency on both ends of the floor will determine how successful we will be this season. We are excited to start the season and improve.

Howard

Coach: Nick Koepsell

Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 17-5

Key players: Ryder Erickson, sr., 5-9, guard; Kolt Koepsell, jr., 6-7, center; Luke Koepsell, so., 6-3, guard/forward; Taiden Hoyer, jr., 6-0, forward; Colby Claussen, jr., 5-10, guard; Will Maier, jr., 5-10, guard; Logan Mentele, jr., 5-10, guard/

forward; Carson Hinker, so., 6-2, guard/forward; Austin Severson, so., 6-1, forward/center; Kade Shumaker, sr., 5-10, guard; Lucas Feldhaus, so., 5-11, guard.

Coach comments: We will look to play through our posts again this year. Kolt and Luke Koepsell can both put up big numbers in the paint. We should be a better shooting team this year and will be able to go 10 deep in the rotation if we need to. We lost a couple seniors from last season but return a lot of major contributors and had a good summer. With a small school like ours, most of our guys play multiple sports so we have to find opportunities for open gyms and team camps. Our region will be extremely tough again and I could see as many as five or six teams with a chance to win the region.

Mitchell Republic file photo Hanson’s Ethan Cheeseman shoots over Potter County’s Seth Sharp during a game on Saturday, January 22, 2022 in the Hanson Classic at the Corn Palace.

Kimball/White Lake

Coach: Kamden Miller

Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 8-14

Top returnees: Dawson Miller, sr., 5-11, guard; Porter Miller, sr., 5-9, guard; Jaxon Christensen, sr., 6-2, forward; Jaxon Pursell, sr., 6-3, forward; Blake Leiferman, jr., 6-5, forward

Top newcomers: Nathan Mohnen, so., 6-1, guard; Lantz Bass, jr., 5-9, guard; Park Sinclair, so., 6-1, guard; Jay Dee Gough, so., 6-0, forward; Cooper Leiferman, so., 5-10, guard; Graden Holan, so., 5-9, forward Coach comments: KWL moves up to Class A this season. We are fortunate to have a balanced scoring team in which several players could lead the way on any given night.

Lyman

Coach: Cooper Garnos

Region: 6B

Last year’s record: 16-7, qualified for Class B SoDak 16

Top returnees: Ryker Choal, sr., 6-1, guard/forward; Damian Abrahamson, sr., 6-4, forward; Dawson Moreland, sr., 6-5, guard/forward; Darian Karns, sr., 5-11, guard

Top newcomers: Cooper Long, sr., 6’3, guard/forward (transfer from Garretson); Jake Millard, jr., 6-2, forward; Aksel Ehlers, so., 6-1, guard/forward; Carter Jones, so., 5-10, guard/forward; Brent Hood, so., 5-10, guard/forward; Jonas Zirpel, so., 6-0, forward; Carter Eriksen, so., 5-10, guard/forward; Conway Collins, fr., 5-11, guard; Teagan Gourneau, sr., 6-0, guard Coach comments: We are optimistic. We have five seniors which will guide us with leadership on and off the court. We have some size and length that we hope to utilize. It’s a good group of young men who have good attitudes and give good effort.

McCook Central/Montrose

Coach: Jeff Heisinger

Region: 3A

Last year’s record: 8-13

Top returnees: Boston Katzer, so., 6-3, guard; Owen Alley, jr., 6-1, forward; Mason Sabers, so., 5-10, guard; Ty Morrison, jr., 5-11, guard

Top newcomers: Isaac Kane, sr., 6-0, forward; Jackson Schmidt, so., 6-0, forward; Lane Deutsch, so., 6-0, guard; Jon Schock, sr., 6-2, forward Coach comments: We will feature a nice mix of returning players with some talented newcomers. We hope to be playing our best basketball come tournament time.

Mount Vernon/Plankinton

Coach: Eric Denning Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 16-7, qualified for Class A SoDak 16

Key players: Reed Rus, sr., 6-4, guard; Jordan Stoltz, sr., 6-7, forward/center; Mason Hetland, sr., 6-2, forward/center; Zach Baker, jr., 5-10, guard; Blaine Bohr, jr., 6-0, guard/forward; Christopher Mayer, sr., 6-0, guard; Rylan Bush, sr., 6-1, guard/ forward; Brady Fox, so., 5-8, guard; Cain Tobin, jr., 5-9, guard; Isaiah Olson, so., 5-8, guard; Trevor Sweet, jr., 5-11, guard/forward Coach comments: We look to take the next step and be in the mix with the elite teams in the state. We will have good size and good athleticism. We have some kids who have improved tremendously this offseason.

Menno

Coach: Allen Ulmer

Region: 4B

Last year’s record: 5-16

Top returnees: Ajay Herrboldt, sr., 5-10, guard; Blake Rames, sr., 6-4, 12; Hayden McNinch, sr., 6-0, forward; Kayden Ulmer, sr., 6-1, forward; Cody Munkvold, sr., 6-5, center; Cody Fischer, sr., 6-7, center; Maveric Smith, sr., 5-9, forward; Brayden Sattler, sr., 6-0, forward.

Top newcomers: Isaac Fersen, jr., 5-9, guard; Hunter Masterson, jr., 5-7, guard; Trent Guthmiller, sr., 6-0, forward; Izayah Ulmer, fr., 5-9, guard; Alex Fischer, sr., 5-8, guard.

Coach comments: “We have a good group of seniors to lead us and hope to build some momentum as the season progresses, but we play a hard schedule.”

Parkston

Coach: Craig Bruening Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 14-8

Key players: Sam Benson, sr., 5-9, guard; Connor Prunty, jr., 5-9, guard; Luke Bormann, jr., 5-10, guard; James Deckert, so., 6-1, forward; Kaleb Weber, sr., 6-2, guard; Brody Boettcher, jr., 6-1, forward; Riley Koch, jr., 5-9, forward; Will Jodozi, jr., 6-2, forward; Drew Braley, so., 5-8, guard; Cade Thuringer, sr., 6-1, guard; Reid Leischner, sr., 6-6, forward; Preston Mattheis, sr., 6-1, forward

Platte-Geddes

Coach: Frank Cutler Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 17-6, qualified for Class B SoDak 16

Key players: Dawson Hoffman, sr., 5-10; Trevor Rolland, sr., 6-0; Caleb Fite, sr., 6-0; Aiden Bultje, sr., 6-0; Joey Foxley, jr., 5-11; Jack Ringling, jr., 6-0; Tanner Dyk, jr., 6-2; Parker Bailey, jr., 5-8; Skyler Hanten, jr., 6-2 (out for season due to injury); Hayden Sprik, so., 5’10

Coach comments: We return one starter and 10 letter winners. We did lose four starters and five of our top-seven from last year and will need to replace them with consistent scoring and rebounding. We will put an athletic team on the floor with good depth and look to use that to our advantage on both offense and defense. We will be small in stature but hopefully can make up for it with hustle and hard play.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket

Coach: Tate Deinert

Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 5-16

Key players: Evan Easton, so., 5-10, guard; Jeff Boschee, jr., 6-2, guard; Hayden Beigh, sr., 5-10, guard; Cody Slykhuis, jr., 6-4, guard; Michael Hoffman, sr., 5-11, guard; Keaton Fridley, jr., 5-9, guard; Bryce Larson, so., 5-10, guard; Payton Uecker, so., 5-9, guard; Brady Larson, sr., 6-1, forward; Tommy Jones, sr., 6-0, guard; Toby Kneen, sr., 6-3, center; Trey Moody, jr., 6-2, center

Scotland

Coach: Doug Hall Region: 4B

Last year’s record: 9-12

Top returnees: Stephen Johnson, sr., 6-2, forward; Cole Friederich, sr., 6-1, guard; Trenten Skorepa, sr., 6-4, forward; Ashton Dennis, so., 6-1, guard; Kory Keppen, so., 5-10, guard.

Top newcomers: Jayce Welloch, jr., 5-8, forward; Treyton Bolt, so., 6-2, forward; Tate Plooster, so., 6-3, forward.

Coach comments: We look forward to competing against some tough teams. We need our seniors to step up and lead us to where we are playing at our highest potential.

Tripp-Delmont/Armour

Coach: Craig Holbeck Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 10-10

Top returnees: Colby Brown, sr., 6-2, forward; Jade, Groeneweg, sr., 5-10, guard; Mason Reiner, jr., 5-11, guard; Riley Spaans, so., 6-2, forward; Isaac Wunder, so., 6-2, guard/forward; Jeff Schnabel, jr.,

5-10, guard.

Top newcomers: Ashton Hawley, sr., 6-1. Forward; Preston Koster, sr., 6-0, guard.

Coach comments: We have a really good group of players who work hard and play well together. They are unselfish and all want to win. We play extremely good defense, which will hopefully help us to find some easy buckets on the other end. We have some strong post players as well as guards who can both shoot and get to the rim. I like our balance, as we have several guys who could lead us in scoring on any given night. I have seen strong leadership out of this group and I look forward to a good season.

Wagner

Coach: Josh Davies Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 5-16

Top returnees: Chris Nelson, sr., 6-0, guard; Matt Link, sr., 5-9, guard; Ted Slaba, sr., 6-2, forward; Glenn Cournoyer, sr., 5-10, guard; Carter Cournoyer, jr., 6-2, forward; Preston McFayden, so., 6-0, guard.

Top newcomers: Joey Cournoyer, jr., 6-2, forward; Hunter Lhotak, so., 5-10, guard; Parker Petry, so., 6-0, forward; Braxton Knudsen, jr., 6-1, forward. Coach comments: Though we will be lacking in size, we will be athletic and will look to play fast to gain an advantage. I am excited about our team because we have a lot of great kids who get along well both on and off the court. We will be fun to watch this season.

Wessington Springs

Coach: Kenny Huether Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 11-10

Top returnees: Blake Larson, jr., 5-10, guard; Brock Krueger, jr., 6-3, forward; Ryder Michalek, so., 6-3, forward.

Top newcomers: Parker Graff, fr., 5-11, guard; Jack Neely, sr., 6-5, forward; Colby Flowers, fr., 6-4, center; Karter Mebius, so., 6-0, guard; Sam Poncelow, so., 5-11, guard.

Coach comments: The Spartans will be a young team with the potential to develop into a really solid team by the end of the year.

Winner Coach: Brett Gardner Region: 7A

Last year’s record: 23-3

Top returnees: Blake Volmer, sr., 6-3, guard; Ethan Bartels, sr., 6-3, forward; Shawn Hammerback, so., 6-7, center; Aiden Barfuss, jr., 6-0, guard; Ryder Halligan, so., 5-9, guard; Chaz Blotsky, sr., 5-11, forward; Pierce Nelson, sr., 5-10, guard.

Top newcomers: Zac Olson, fr., 5-6, guard; Carter Craven, 8th, 6-1, forward; Silas Chasing Hawk, sr., 5-8, guard; Aiden Schroeder, so., 5-9, guard; Landon Calhoon, so., 5-9, guard; Noah Best, jr., 6-2, center.

Coach comments: We need to defend and rebound. We have to take care of the basketball. We want to be fundamentally sound and value every possession on both ends of the floor. We have guys that care for one another in our program.

Mitchell Republic file photo Mount Vernon/Plankinton’s Blaine Bohr (11) goes to the basket in front of McCook Central/Montrose’s Micah Van Ruler during a game in February 2022 in Mount Vernon.

By Mitchell Republic

Information

Andes Central/Dakota Christian

Coach: Shane Niewenhuis

Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 14-7

Top returnees: Allison Muckey, sr., 5-10., forward; Josie Brouwer, so., 5-7, guard; Isabella Brouwer, sr., 5-5, guard; Halle Olson, fr., 6-0, forward.

Top newcomers: Nadia Van Zuidam, so., 5-7, guard; Mahpiya Irving, so., 5-7, guard; Neveah Morgan, jr., 5-6, guard; Leah Brown, so., 5-6, guard.

Coach comments: Looking forward to a good season. We are dropping back down to B and returning our two leading scorers. With only two seniors we are young, but we are expecting lots of girls to contribute during games.

Avon

Coach: Brad Poppe Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 13-10, qualified for the Class B SoDak 16.

Top returnees: Courtney Sees, jr., 5-6, guard; Mckenna Kocmich, jr., 5-5, guard; Lila Vanderlei, so., 5-6, guard.

Top newcomers: Grace Vanderlei, jr., 5-5, forward; Rilyn Thury, 8th, 5-6, guard; Macy Voigt, so., 5-5, forward; Jordyn Voigt, 8th, 5-5, forward; Kaeli Wallinga, so., 5-6, center/forward; Kalee Mixon, sr., 5-2, forward; Kate Swier, fr., 5-3, forward.

Coach comments: The Pirates will be young, but they have a strong desire to be successful. Defensively, I feel like we can defend very well. We will need to work very hard on the boards. The girls will need to be comfortable and confident on the offensive end. I am excited for the upcoming season and excited to see how we will improve throughout the season.

Bon Homme

Coach: Gary Kortan

Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 7-14

Top returnees: Jaden Kortan, sr., 5-7, forward/ guard; Jurni Vavruska, jr., 5-5, guard; Erin Heusinkveld, jr., 5-8, forward; Kenadee Kozak, so., 5-7, guard.

Top newcomers: Taycee Ranek, fr., 5-9, forward; Nevaeh Myers, so., 5-9, center; Stacy Gilbert, jr., 5-9, forward; Emma Baluin, fr., 5-7, forward. Coach comments: We expect to show continual improvement, striving for a winning season and playing our best basketball when it counts.

Bridgewater-Emery

Coach: Jessie Yttreness

Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 14-9, qualified for the Class B SoDak 16.

Key players: Lexi Golder, jr., 5-9, forward; Shania Longe, sr., 6-0, center; Hayden Hofer, so., 5-5, guard; Kadyn Glanzer, fr., 5-6, forward; Quinn Culhane, fr., 5-5, guard; Stella Postma, sr., 5-7, forward

Burke Coach: Ashley Green Region:

5B

Last year’s record: 7-15

Top returnees: Adisyn Indahl, sr., 5-6, guard; Elly Witt, sr., 5-3, guard; Brecken Bolander, sr., 5-9, forward; Bridget Bartling, sr., 5-6, guard; Cecily Geaghan, jr., 5-8, guard; Kailee Frank, so., 5-8, forward; Paige Bull, 6-0, so., center/forward.

Top newcomers: Piper Hanson, jr., 5-8, forward; Olivia Bull, so., 5-9, forward; Emmie Hausmann, fr., 5-9, guard.

Coach comments: I am excited to work with the group of girls we have. This will be my first year as head coach. I’m hoping we are very competitive with all the teams we play this year.

Canistota Coach: James Strang Region:

3B

Last year’s record: 4-18

Key players: Alyssa Pierson, sr., 5-9, forward; Kayla Papendick, jr., 5-7, guard; Natalie Becker, jr., 5-7, guard; Hannah Hoffman, jr., 5-4, guard; Bailey Spicer, so., 5-4, guard; Autumn Hutcheson, so., 5-8, forward; Ellie Becker, fr., 5-8, forward; Allison Leber, fr., 5-8, guard; Emma Sandman, fr., 5-8, forward; Josephine Eichmann, fr., 5-4, guard.

Coach comments: We have more experience going into this season, but we are still young. I expect us to be physical and hardworking to compete in every game. We will be aggressive offensively and defensively. We will attack the rim and fire from the outside. We have a group of athletes that can cause some matchup problems through-

out the season.

Chamberlain Coach: Zack Nelson Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 9-12

Top returnees: Kinsey Evans, jr., 5-5, guard; Jayna Handel, jr., 5-8, forward; Chesney Mutziger, jr., 5-9, guard; Leigha Long, sr., 5-4, guard.

Top newcomers: Alexa Peterson, jr., 5-8, forward; Sara Peterson, sr., 5-8, forward; Libbie Gullickson, fr., 5-8, guard; Maisy Peterson, fr., 5-10, forward.

Coach comments: We have a group of girls that play well together and know how to play hard. With a renewed focus on both defense and taking care of the ball, we hope to be competitive throughout the season and be playing our best basketball by the end of February.

Colome

Coach: Ron Determan Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 1-20

Top returnees: Toree Ringing Shield, sr., 5-8, guard; Maura Luedke, jr., 5-8, guard/forward; Shaleena Kingsley, jr., 6-0, center; Landi Krumpus, sr., 5-6, guard; Sophie Hofeldt, sr., 5-7, guard; Raylynn Dehning, so., 5-5, guard.

Top newcomers: Allie Spellman, so., 5-8, forward; Emma Nelson, fr., 5-9, forward; Breanna Thieman, fr., 5-7, guard; Aleah Musser, fr., 5-8, guard.

Coach comments: We want to improve fundamentally and play with intensity. We will see where that takes us

Corsica-Stickney

Coach: Lorisa Broughton Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 22-4, finished in third place in Class B.

Top returnees: Avery Broughton, sr., 5-11, guard/ forward; Payton DeLange, sr., 5-9, guard/forward; Sutton Eide, sr., 5-5, guard; Mare Lagge, sr., 5-4, guard; Kendall Olawsky, sr., 5-8, center; Jacey Kemp, jr., 5-9, forward; Ashlyn Lefers, jr., 5-8, forward; Paige Timmermans, so., 5-6, guard.

Top newcomers: Brooklyn Bosma, fr., 5-9, guard/forward; Sophie DeLange, fr., 5-9, guard/ forward; Sydney Spaans, fr., 6-2, center; Braylee Bordewyk, 8th, 5-7, guard; Daryan DeVries, fr., 5-6, guard; Cali VandenHoek, fr., 5-4, guard; Alexis Spaans, fr., 6-2, center.

Coach comments: We will need to find new ways to replace the scoring we have had the last couple of years. We will need girls to take on new roles that are different from what they have had in the past.

Ethan Coach: Tom Young Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 15-7

Key players: Leah Klock, jr., 5-10, forward; Claire Mellegaard, jr., 5-7, forward; Marissa Storm, fr., 5-6, guard; Ava Lingemann, jr., 5-6, guard; Rachel Klock, fr., 5-10, forward; Ella Pollreisz, so., 5-6, guard; Mariah Royston, so., 5-4, guard; Annalise Buenning, sr., 5-11, center; Madeline Bartscher, jr., 5-8, forward; Ashley Clauson, so., 5-7, forward; Ashlynn Martin, so., 5-8, center; Cheyanne Sonne, sr., 6-0, center.

Freeman

Coach: Jenny Peters Region: 4B

Last year’s record: 10-11

Key players: Cami Fransen, jr., 5-6, guard; Ashlin Jacobsen, jr., 5-9, guard; Peyton McCune, so., 5-6, guard; Erin Uecker, sr., 5-11, forward; Ella Waltner, so., 5-8, forward; Kate Miller, sr., 5-10, forward; Valentrina Swallow, sr., 5-7, forward; Alyssa Dent, sr., 5-6, guard/forward; Lindsey Maske, so., 6-0, center; Justice Mehlhaf, so., 5-7, forward

Freeman Academy/Marion

Coach: Nathan Epp Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 5-16

Top returnees: Jada Koerner, sr., 5-9, guard; Alivea Weber, sr., 5-4, guard; Leah Goodwin, sr., 5-8, forward; Alexa Gortmaker, jr., 5-3, guard; Estelle Waltner, fr., 5-3, guard.

Top newcomers: Hadley Luke, jr., 5-6, forward; Anna Olson, fr., 5-8, forward; Kallie Johnson, fr., 5-8, forward; Macy Gortmaker, fr., 5-5, forward; Sieta Wiersema, fr., 5-10, forward.

Coach comments: For the first time in four years, we have several upperclassmen on the team. We have quite a bit of varsity experience since we didn’t lose any players from last year’s roster. We look to continue to play solid defense, but our

was submitted by coaches or compiled by the Mitchell Republic’s sports staff:

Mitchell Republic file photo Chamberlain’s Jayna Handel (22) shoots a basket during a game against Mount Vernon/Plankinton on Friday, February 4, 2022 in Plankinton.

greatest area of improvement should be in scoring. Jada Koerner is closing in on 1,000 career points and should provide consistent scoring. Alivea Weber and Leah Goodwin have improved on the offensive end, while Alexa Gortmaker and Estelle Waltner will both be significantly improved from last year as well. We look to surprise some teams this year.

Gregory Coach: Lonnie Klundt Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 10-12

Top newcomers: Bridget Eliason, so., 5-5, guard/ forward; Emily Grim, fr., 5-3, guard; Ashlyn Vosika, so., 5-4, guard; Cassidy Keiser, sr., 5-10, guard; Ella Sperl, fr., 5-8, forward/center; Allison Stevicks, so., 5-10, center; Asia VanDerWerff, fr., 5-9, guard/forward; Jessy VanDerWerff, sr., 5-7, guard; Mya Determan, jr., 6-0, center; Aubree Miller, fr., 5-10, center.

Hanson Coach: Jim Bridge Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 17-5

Top returnees: Annalyse Weber, sr., 5-9, guard; Alyssa Moschell, jr., 5-9, forward; Karlie Goergen, sr., 5-8, guard; Erin Dewald, sr., 5-9, forward; Eliza Oltmanns, jr., 5-9, forward; Paige Endorf, jr., 5-8, guard; Cadence Jarding, so., 5-4, guard; Kylie Haiar, so., 5-8, forward.

Top newcomers: Erica Endorf, jr., 5-0, guard; Avery Moschell, jr., 5-8, forward; Grace Arend, so., 5-8, forward; Olivia Kayser, so., 5-7, forward; Dana Degen, fr., 5-8, forward; Kendra Endorf, fr., 5-7, forward; Taziah Hawkins, fr., 5-6, guard; Paige Kayser, fr., 5-6, forward; Chiara Dipasquale, fr., 5-2, forward.

Coach comments: We will be quick, athletic and should have good depth. Our tough and competitive schedule should help prepare us for the postseason. We plan to use our quickness and our depth to play both a full court offensive and defensive game. This should be challenging to most of the teams we are going to play.

Howard Coach: Wade Erickson

Region: 3B

Last year’s record: 15-8, qualified for the Class B SoDak 16.

Top returnees: Abby Aslesen, jr., 6-0, guard/ forward; Kate Connor, sr., 6-0, forward; Trinity Palmquist, sr., 5-8, guard/forward; Rylee Rudebusch, sr., 5-7, guard/forward; Canyon Kidd, sr., 5-5, guard.

Top newcomers: Tana Hoyer, so., 5-6, guard; Landree Callies, sr., 5-6, guard; Jayden Jaynes, jr., 5-7, guard; Dakota Spader, fr., 5-8, guard.

Coach comments: We will have a balanced team with some size inside and good perimeter shooters. We will be deeper off the bench this year at the guard position with some younger players. We like to play fast paced but can slow it down and be productive in the half court. The girls are hungry this year after not performing to the best of our ability in the SoDak 16 last season.

Kimball/White Lake

Coach: Tacey Dykstra Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 4-18

Top returnees: Ryann Nielsen, jr., 5-9, guard; Harley Namanny, jr., 5-4, guard; Dani Deffenbaugh, jr., 5-8, forward; Ryann Grussing, jr., 5-8, guard.

Top newcomers: Madison Meier, jr., 5-4, guard; Summer Skluzak, so., 5-3, guard; Lindy Kiehn, so., 5-10, forward; Rylee McCord, fr., 5-7, guard; Sienna Gillen, fr., 5-7, forward.

Coach comments: All of the returning Wildkats saw plenty of time on the court this past year. We used last year as a learning year and have really started putting some things together. We have a great shooting game and now we need to find an inside/outside balance. We are quick and put forth maximum effort. These girls play great team defense, we just need to finish every defensive possession with a rebound. I look for us to have a balanced attack and show up and compete every game.

Lyman

Coach: Cody Volmer Region: 6B

Last year’s record: 7-15

Key players: Mesa Garnos, fr., 5-8, forward; Kelsyn Wells, fr., 5-7, guard; Skyler Volmer, jr., 5-9, guard; McKenzie Laverdure, jr., 5-7, guard/ forward; Annie Brakke, jr., 5-6, guard; Mak Scott, fr., 6-0, guard/forward; Taleyna Wingert, fr., 5-6, guard; Marlee Wells, fr., 5-10, forward/center;

Raelee Middletent, sr., 5-7, guard/forward; Texi Garnos, jr., 5-8, forward/center.

McCook Central/Montrose

Coach: Brad Struck Region: 3A

Last year’s record: 8-13

Key players: Brandy Pulse, sr., 5-8, guard; Vivian Koepsell, jr., 5-7, guard; Aubree Kranz, sr., 5-7, guard; Carly Katzer, jr., 5-10, forward; Anna Reiffenberger, sr., 5-7, guard; Brianna Even, sr., 5-9, guard; Michaela McCormick, sr., 5-10, forward; Brooklyn Flannery, jr., 5-8, guard; Marah Schock, jr., 5-7, forward; Abby Wagner, jr., 6-0, center; Karlie Stiefvater, so., 5-7, forward; Aubyn Schmidt, sr., 5-9, center

Menno

Coach: Tim Hagedorn Region: 4B

Last year’s record: 6-16

Top returnees: Abby Bender, sr., 5-4, guard; Julia Buechler, sr., 5-8, guard; Layne Schmidt, sr., 5-9, forward; Allison Lehr, sr., 5-8, guard/forward; Ashton Massey, jr., 6-0, forward; Amanda Rames, fr., 5-9, forward; Kaelie Derby, jr., 5-7, guard; Lexie McNinch, fr., 5-8, forward.

Top newcomers: Ellyana Ulmer, so., 5-6, guard/ forward; Addisyn Friesen, so., 5-10, forward; Ashley Burkett, fr., 5-6, forward; Madison Schaeffer, fr., 5-6, guard/forward; Kylie Guthmiller, 8th, 5-6, guard; Zoe Schaeffer, 8th, 5-1, guard; Ashyln Fergen, 8th, 5-6, forward.

Mount Vernon/Plankinton

Coach: Preston Kristensen Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 17-6, qualified for the Class A SoDak 16.

Top returnees: Cally Faulhaber, sr., 6-0, forward; Emilee Fox, jr., 5-8, guard; Kyia Schmidt, jr., 5-7, guard; Vanessa Hoffman, jr., 5-5, guard; Berkeley Engelland, jr., 5-5, guard; Reagan Rus, so., 5-10, guard.

Top newcomers: Whitney Payne, jr., 5-6, guard; Ashnlyn Pranger, jr., 5-11, forward; Lexy Faulhaber, jr., 5-6, forward; Alyssa Johnson, so., 5-4, guard; Taryn Hegg, fr., 5-9, forward.

Coach comments: We have a good core returning with some experience, but we will be challenged with a competitive schedule throughout the year. The biggest thing we are focused on is improving game to game and playing our best basketball going into the postseason.

Parkston Coach: Brooke Horstman Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 16-6

Top returnees: Abby Hohn, sr., 5-10, guard;

Faith Oakley, sr., 5-9, forward; Gracie Oakley, jr., 5-7, guard; Mya Thuringer, so., 5-8, forward; Lauren Ziebart, so., 5-5, guard.

Top newcomers: Allie Hobbick, so., 5-6, guard; Keeara Oakley, 8th, 5-8, guard/forward.

Platte-Geddes

Coach: Verlyn VerSteeg

Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 13-9.

Top returnees: Regan Hoffman, sr., 5-5 guard; Autumn Breukelman, sr., 6-0, center; Cadence VanZee, jr., 5-10, center; Karly VanDerWerf, jr., 5-10, forward; Baleigh Nachtigal, jr., 5-5, guard; Hadley Hanson, jr., 5-7, guard; Kalli Summerville, so., 5-0, guard; Tamya Moshitz, so., 5-9, forward; Braelyn Qualm, fr., 5-8, forward.

Top newcomers: Berkley Block, 8th, 5-8, center; Ava Olson, 8th, 5-8, forward; Dulcie Veurink, 8th, 5-4, guard; Taylor Shrank, 8th, 5-5, forward; Kori VanDerWerf, 7th, 6-0, center; Kolbi Hoffman, 7th, 5-3, guard.

Coach comments: We are going to have an exciting year mixing experienced talent with young talent. We have a chance to be a good team.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket

Coach: Rob Baruth Region: 5A Last year’s record: 5-16

Mitchell Republic file photo Parkston’s Faith Oakley (33) goes to the basket as Freeman’s Kate Miller (12) gives chase during a game on Feb. 10, 2022 in Parkston.

Top returnees: Liz Boschee, fr., 6-0, forward; Kennadie Ochsner, jr., 6-0, guard; Kamryn Ochsner, jr., 5-9, guard; Jaycee Baruth, jr., 5-10, forward; Kara Wormstadt, jr., 5-7, guard; Ellie Evans, sr., 5-8, guard; Kailynn Eggleston, sr., 5-8, forward.

Top newcomers: Jesslynn Moody, sr., 5-8, center; Kali Hofer, fr., 5-7, guard; Mackenzie Schley, so., 5-6, forward.

Coach comments: We graduated all five starters from last year and now we have a new, athletic, and young team. The girls will have to be learning and competing everyday to get better and be playing their best by tournament time. To utilize our team’s speed, we will be playing a fast-tempo game.

Scotland Coach: Kevin Janish

Region: 4B

Last year’s record: 10-11

Key players: Kalley Vitek, jr., 5-6, guard; Claire Janish, sr., 5-5, guard; Ciara Henry, sr., 5-6, guard; Jenna Vitek, sr., 5-8, forward; Martina DeBoer, sr., 5-8, forward; Bailey Vitek, sr., 5-2, guard; Nora Robb, so., 5-6, guard; Grace Robb, jr., 5-5, guard; Kyliah Bjorum, so., 5-7, forward; Trinity Bietz, so., 5-10, forward; Jerica Stark, jr., 5-11, center; Kailin Odens, fr., 6-0, center; Emily Dvorak, so., 5-10, center.

Tripp-Delmont/Armour

Coach: Sam Knodel

Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 6-15

Top returnees: Hannah Stremick, sr., 5-9, guard; Megan Reiner, jr., 5-11, guard; Mia Reiner, 8th, 5-11, forward.

Top newcomers: Faith Goehring, sr., 5-8, forward; Kinley Spaans, 7th, 5-11, guard; Kattee Milian, so., 5-5, guard.

Coach comments: We will have to compensate with having a very young team. After averaging 17.6 points and 3.7 steals per game last season, Megan Reiner is likely to reach her 1,000th point at some point during this campaign.

Wagner Coach: Mike Koupal

Region: 5A

Last year’s record: 22-3, fourth in Class A.

Top returnees: Eve Zephier, sr., 5-5, guard; Emma Yost, sr., 5-11, forward; Shalayne Nagel, sr., 5-11, guard; Macy Koupal, jr., 5-8, guard; Lydia Yost, so., 5-8, guard; Ashlyn Koupal, fr., 6-1, guard/forward.

Top newcomers: Aubrey Medricky, jr., 6-0, forward; Aniyah Bruguier, jr., 5-9, guard/forward.

Coach comments: Wagner has the bulk of their roster returning from a fourth place state finish last year with a few new, young additions. Staying healthy and playing great basketball at the end of the year will be the key to the Raiders making a reappearance in the state tournament. Look for the Raiders to use their size and athleticism on both ends of the court.

Wessington Springs

Coach: Jason Kolousek

Region: 5B

Last year’s record: 8-13

Key players: Carissa Scheel, jr., 6-0, forward; Kate Havlik, sr., 5-6, guard; Masynn Mebius, fr., 5-9, forward; Ashlyn Weber, so., 5-7, guard; Raylee Fagerhaug, jr., 5-4, guard; Riley Roduner, sr., 5-8, forward; Addyson Orth, fr., 6-1, center; Alyssa Grohs, jr., 5-3, guard; Kirstie Munsen, sr., 5-8, guard; Harlee Heim, sr., 5-9, forward; Avery Orth, jr., 6-2, center.

Winner

Coach: Larry Aaker Region: 7A

Last year’s record: 14-9, qualified for the Class A SoDak 16

Top returnees: Keelie Kuil, so., 5-8, guard; Josey Kludt, sr., 5-5, guard; Aleya Miller, sr., 5-6, guard; Cora Moss, so., 5-4, guard; Karlee Brozik, jr., 5-9, forward; Cici Watson, jr., 5-8, forward; Leila Balsiger, jr., 5-6, guard.

Top newcomers: Kylie Sachtjen, fr., 5-7, guard; Olivia Swedland, fr., 5-8, guard; Preslie Petersek, so., 5-5, guard; Lilly Barfuss, fr., 5-8, forward; Adysen Pravecek, so., 5-4, guard.

Coach comments: We have a very strong schedule once again this season. We will continue to work hard and hopefully we will be playing our best basketball when the tournament comes around.

Landon Dierks / Mitchell Republic

Wagner’s Macy Koupal (30) shoots a 3-point jump shot over Winner’s Keelie Kuil (0) during the first half of a girls SoDak 16 basketball contest on Thursday, March 3, 2022, at the Corn Palace.

By Mitchell Republic

Information

Andes Central/Dakota Christian

Coach: Gordon Hooks

Region: 3B

Boys key wrestlers: Exavian Aungie, 8th, 103; Steven Nielsen, 8th, 138; Carlin Hopkins, jr., 145; Skylar Hopkins, sr., 152; Dale Smikle, 8th, 171; Giovanni Drapeau, sr., 171.

Girls key wrestlers: Abigail Svatos, jr., 160

Bon Homme/Avon

Note: Scotland is with Bon Homme/Avon for girls wrestling.

Coach: Darren Kriz

Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: 10th in Class B individual points; Class B dual qualifier

Boys key wrestlers: Brady Bierema, sr., 170; Jaymison Bjorum, sr., 182; Landon Smith, sr., 182; Isaac Crownover, sr., 195; Brock Kotalik, jr., 145; Tyler Tjeerdsma, jr., 145; Jackson Caba, jr., 160; Caleb Wallinga, jr., 220; Jackson Kaul, so., 126; Kolton Vlcek, so., 170; Cody Sassaman, so., 220; Devin Rucktaeschel, so., 285; Caden Zomer, fr., 138; Luke Guthmiller, fr., 152; Payton Nielsen, fr., 170; Randall Powers, fr., 285; Caleb Tallman, fr., 285; Ryvr Larson, 8th, 106; Corbin Palsma, 8th, 120; Calvin Caba, 8th, 126

Girls key wrestlers: Peyton Hellmann, so., 132; Britney Rueb, fr., 132; Hadlee Kracht, 8th, 120; Leah Whittington, 8th, 132

Burke/Gregory

Coach: Seth Webster

Region: 3B

Boys key wrestlers: Owen Hansen, sr., 132; Gunnar Stephens, sr., 170; Carson Peck, jr., 152; Kade Braun, jr., 182; Breven Bolander, so., 145; Jhett Eklund, so., 160; Kaleb Schonebaum, so., 182; Zack James, so., 220; Daniel Feibelkorn, fr., 106; Judd Hansen, fr., 106; Eli Ekroth, fr., 113; Mason Janak, fr., 160

Chamberlain

Coach: John Donovan (boys); Amy Donovan (girls)

Region: 3A

Last year’s state finish: 15th in Class A individual points

Boys key wrestlers: Noah Hutmacher, sr., 195; Canyon Burkard, sr., 285; Xavier Donovan, fr., 132; Devyn Anderson, jr., 138; Quinn Long, sr., 145; Bryce Reuer, jr., 160; Swade Reis, sr., 182.

Girls key wrestlers: Evelyn Olson, fr., 126; Emily Shepherd, sr., 132; Aine Graesser, fr., 113; Shelby Shrake, so., 126; Bailey Yost, so., 120; Abby Yost, 8th, 106; Zoey Donovan, 7th, 106.

Coach comments: The team returns eight state qualifiers and 2 state place-winners from last year’s team. There are also many young wrestlers that had a lot of mat time last year that will be vying for a varsity spot. We had a great region tournament last year and competed hard at the state wrestling tournament. We fell short of our goal at the state tournament, but we return a great nucleus of guys this season. We have great senior leadership returning this season and overall, this should be an exciting season and I look forward to seeing this group compete.

Canistota

Coach: Joshua Popkes Region: 2B

Last year’s state finish: First season

Boys key wrestlers: Jack Conn, fr., 138; Beckett Hutcheson, fr., 138; Dayne Krinke, 8th, 113; Joshua Popkes Jr., 8th, 138; Peyson Atcheson, 7th, 106; Koda Popkes, 7th, 106

Girls key wrestlers: Ellia Hjermstad, 8th, 120; Lily Montgomery, 8th, 182;

Hanson Coach: Rollie Fink Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: First season

Boys key wrestlers: Brock Tuttle, jr., 220; Maverick Haiar, fr., 106; Max Baker, fr., 132; Stetson Riggs, fr., 182; Jamin Peterson, fr., 285; Carson Kampshoff, 8th, 120; Jason Porth, 8th, 132

Girls key wrestlers: Jayden Hofer, 8th, 132

Howard Coach: Corbin Surat

Region: 2B

Boys key wrestlers: Karsten Hamilton, sr., 160; Jack Neises, sr., 160; Griffin Clubb, sr., 220; Tate Miller, so., 145; Calvin Halverson, so., 182; Nolan Mentele, fr., 170; Gabriel Martian, fr., 182; Conner Giedd, 8th, 120

Kimball/White Lake/Platte-Geddes

Coach: Thomas Konechne

Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: second in Class B individual points; second in Class B duals

was submitted by coaches or compiled by the Mitchell Republic’s sports staff:

106-pound weight class during the MCM Invitational on

Boys key wrestlers: Carter Lenz, sr., 160; Jayden Kahler, sr., 220; Kasen Konstanz, jr., 132; Gavin Braun, so., 132; Tate Surat, so., 132; Iden Myers, so., 145; Lucas Lenz, so., 170; Aiden Novak, so., 285; Kenyon Kuiper, fr., 138; Johnny Lenz, fr., 138; Jace Soulek, fr., 152; Garret Westendorf, fr., 170; Adley Reindl, fr., 220; Dalton Deffenbaugh, fr., 285.

Girls key wrestlers: Akane Metcalfe, jr., 113; Elena Brennan, so., 160; LaRae Severson, so., 195.

Coach comments: KWLPG will have some holes to fill due to a handful of graduations and moves. We lost a lot of leadership and experience from last year so we will be looking for some younger wrestlers to step up and fill their shoes. We return five state place-winners on the boys side led by Senior Carter Lenz. We will also look for leadership from Kasen Konstanz, Gavin Braun, Iden Myers, and Lucas Lenz. We have some injuries to get over but by the middle of January we look to be firing on all cylinders and expect to make a push for some team hardware at the end of the season.

Lyman

Coach: Chad Johnson

Region: 4B

Boys key wrestlers: Tance Wagner, sr., 170; Gunner Johnson, sr., 220; Kellen Griffith, jr., 152; Easton Robbins, jr., 160; Rory McManus, jr., 195; Isaac McManigal, jr., 220; Louie Thiry, jr., 285; Braydon Oldenkamp, so., 152; Ayden Brakke, fr., 220

Marion/Freeman

Coach: Chris Sayler

Region: 2B

Boys key wrestlers: Chris Flores, sr., 160; Zac Sayler, sr., 160; Owen Eitemiller, sr., 170;Harley Crooks, jr., 182; Caleb Downs, so., 126; Caden Tieszen, so., 126; Finley McConniel, so., 132; Keaton Prehiem, so., 132; Riley Tschetter, fr., 170

Girls key wrestlers: Sarah Cremer, jr., 126; Emma McConniel, so., 106; Carol Massey, fr., 132; Irish Roe, fr., 160.

McCook Central/Montrose

Coach: Scott Andal

Region: 2B

Last year’s state finish: seventh in Class B individual points

Boys key wrestlers: Mason Pulse, sr., 182; Austin Hoiten, sr., 220; Matthew Casilli, jr., 120; Jackson Remmers, jr., 152; Carter Randall, jr., 160; Will Rotert, jr., 195; Kade Grocott, jr., 220; Landon Flogstad, so., 106; Trystan Traupel, so., 120; Elliott Bartlett, so., 126; Dylan McGregor, so., 145; Weston Remmers, so., 170; Logan Raap, so., 182; Ray Sandine, fr., 113; Owen Schmidt, fr., 132.

Girls key wrestlers: Alexis Bryant, fr., 126; Layla VanBlaricom, 8th, 132.

Mount Vernon/Plankinton/CorsicaStickney

Coach: Shay Johnson Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: 12th in Class B points

Top returnees: Drew Gerlach, sr., 152; Austin Hauge, sr., 132; Tate Tolsma, so., 160; Paxton Nedved, 8th, 145; Landon Boyd, jr., 138; Mason Bosworth, jr., 120.

Top newcomers: Keagen Hill, 8th, 106; Tanner Baker, 8th, 126; Preston Nedved, 7th, 113; Jonathan Jones, so., 170.

Coach comments: We are a young team this year but have a lot of talent in the room. The main focus will be to get better throughout the course of the season and hope to peak at the right time. There is potential for this group to take a lot of state qual-

ifiers to the state tournament and compete to stand on the podium. It should be a fun year and I am excited to see what we can accomplish.

Parkston

Coach: Dan Bonte Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: tied for third at Class B dual tournament

Boys key wrestlers: Porter Neugebauer, sr., 182; Riley Neugebauer, jr., a132; Brayden Jervik, jr., 220; Kaden Holzbauer, so., 145; Carter Sommer, so., 145; Gabe Neugebauer, so., 160; Kash Neugebauer, so., 160; Breckin Culbert, so., 182; Kolter Kramer, so., 195; Javin Kniffen, fr., 120; Gage Reichert, fr., 126; Wyatt Anderson, fr., 145

Wagner

Coach: David Kocer Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: eighth in Class B individual points

Boys key wrestlers: Tex Langdeaux, sr., 285; Karstyn Lhotak, jr., 120; Dan Soukup, jr., 138; Jhett Breen, jr., 145; Vince Bechen, jr., 152; Owen Bekanich, jr., 152; Riley Roberts, jr., 152; Tim Bouza, jr., 220; Demetrious Jackson, jr., 285; Kahle Hill, so., 152; Gannon Knebel, fr., 170; Brayden Kreber, fr., 170; Johnny Red Lightning, fr., 285

Wessington Springs/Woonsocket/W-W

Coach: Kevin Haider Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: ninth in Class B individ-

ual points

Boys key wrestlers: Joey Hoverson, sr., 152; Braydin LaBore, sr., 170; Keegan Haider, sr., 182; Kaydin Carter, jr., 138; Troy Fastnacht, jr., 152; Aston Hill, so., 113; Tyson Eddy, so., 170; JD Thompson, fr., 106; Ethan Amick, fr., 138; Ethan Rearick, fr., 145; Hayes Havlik, fr., 152

Winner Area

Coach: Spencer Novotny Region: 3B

Last year’s state finish: Class B dual champions, second in Class B individual points.

Top returnees: Riley Orel, sr, 160; Jack Peters, sr., 160; Kamryn Meek, sr., 170; Jack Kruger, sr., 182; Maxton Brozik, jr., 120; Jude Sargent, jr., 170; Layne Moser, jr., 220; Stetson Shelbourn, jr., 285; Karson Keiser, so., 132; Konner Osborn, so., 138; August Bartels, so., 145; Austin Blare, so., 152; Kellen Cihak-Brozik, so., 170; Logan Radant, so., 182; Evan Bartels, so., 195; Kash Peterson, fr., 113; Aiden Wermers, fr., 120; Kayden Fryer, fr., 138; Abe Kaiser, fr., 138; Quincy Phillips, fr., 145; David Newman, fr., 152; Tre Zeigler, fr., 152; Ryken Orel, fr., 160; Jordan Drummond, fr., 182; Parker Mathis, fr., 220; Derek Fenenga, fr., 285

Girls key wrestlers: Rachel Michl, 9th, 126

Coach comments: Last year, we lost a lot of seniors that have helped move our program in the right direction. We will be looking for new leaders in the wrestling room, but we do have a great group of seniors this year. We were pre-season rated No. 7 and I know that the guys are looking to improve on that. We will have a lot of new faces this year on varsity, however, they will be quite experienced. Almost all our kids on our roster got varsity wins last year, wrestled in the state dual tournament, and this year, will be looking to earn their own spot on the varsity roster. Hopefully, we can continue to attack on offense and keep the culture that our kids have created over the years.

Marcus Traxler / Mitchell Republic Parkston’s Porter Neugebauer, right, wrestles in the Little B Invitational wrestling tournament on Jan. 22, 2022 in Parkston.

DAKOTA WESLEYAN WINTER SPORTS OUTLOOK

Tiger basketball, track and field and wrestling in action for the season

By Mitchell Republic

Below are brief previews of the Dakota Wesleyan University athletic teams that will be in action this fall:

Women’s basketball

On the heels of a 27-8 campaign in 2021-22, the DWU women’s basketball program started the season ranked No. 12 in the NAIA preseason poll.

The Tigers climbed as high as No. 7 following an early season win over then-No. 3 Morningside, the only team picked ahead of DWU in the Great Plains Athlet-

ic Conference preseason poll. The Mustangs had 119 points and 10 of 12 first-place votes, followed by DWU at 99 points, Dordt at 98 and Northwestern in fourth with 97. Concordia (83), Briar Cliff (79), Jamestown (61) and Hastings (50) rounded out the top eight.

DWU returned a pair of all-GPAC talents in the frontcourt with first-teamer Matti Reiner and second-teamer Jada Campbell. Reiner was also an honorable mention All-American last season after averaging 13.7 points, 5.7

rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.3 steals per game. Meanwhile, Campbell put up 13.1 points, 6.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per contest.

Guard Rynn Osthus was honorable mention all-GPAC last season and brings back 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.2 steals to the lineup. Regular contributors from last season including Isabel Ihnen (8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.0 assists), Lacey Sprakel (6.0 points and 2.8 rebounds) and Aspen Hansen (5.2 points and

Adam Thury / Mitchell Republic

Dakota Wesleyan’s Kallan Herman battles a Hastings player for a rebound during a men’s basketball game on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Corn Palace.

Landon Dierks / Mitchell Republic

Dakota Wesleyan’s Morgan Edelman (14) drives around a College of Saint Mary defender toward the hoop during a Great Plains Athletic Conference college basketball game on Nov. 19, 2022, at the Corn Palace.

3.2 rebounds) also return for the Tigers, who went 7-3 through their first 10 games and are fifth in the GPAC as of Dec. 13.

The Tigers will play the final DWU home basketball game of the season on Sunday, Dec. 18 against Presentation and then will play Dec. 30 and Dec. 31 in California, which will include games against Antelope Valley and The Master’s, which is ranked No. 17 in the country.

Men’s basketball

Following a 13-16 season in 2021-22, the DWU men’s basketball program’s first sub.500 season since 201213, the Tigers look to bounce back this season.

The preseason GPAC poll placed the Tigers in the bottom half (eighth of 11) for the first time in nearly a decade. Jamestown was the preseason conference favorite with 93 points and six first-place votes, just ahead of Briar Cliff at 87 points with four firstplace votes. Northwestern also got a first-place nod and had 79 points. Concordia was fourth (77) and Dordt was fifth (71), with Morningside (54), Doane (48) and DWU (37) closing out the top-eight.

Through 11 games, the Tigers have been up and down and stand at 5-6 as of Dec. 13, but do own a road win over preseason conference favorite and then-No. 5 Jamestown. That record comes despite only two home games for the season so far.

Senior Koln Oppold, who averaged a teamhigh 14.1 points and 3.1

assists per game along with 6.9 rebounds returned to lead the Tigers and has been exceptional to date. So far, Oppold is averaging 17.7 points per game with three 30-pluspoint outings and two additional 20-plus efforts, all coming in the Tigers’ wins. Junior guard Nick Wittler is also back for DWU after averaging 9.8 points per game and starting 19 games across his 20 appearances last season.

The Tigers are set to play in the Cruzin Classic in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 against St. Thomas and Rochester (Mich.). DWU’s schedule includes four home games in January and four of the final five games of the season at home in February.

Wrestling

As new coach Martin Mueller, a native of Rapid City and a South Dakota State wrestling alum, takes the Tigers into the 2022-23 season, DWU is showing signs of early progress in the new season.

After a 2-9 overall season in duals in 202122 and were 0-8 in the GPAC, DWU already has picked up a conference dual victory over Hastings, 43-3, and closely competed with Northwestern and Concordia in duals decided by five points or less. The Tigers also have been receiving votes in the NAIA coaches top-20 poll early in the season.

At 174 pounds, Lane Miller has climbed quickly through the conference and NAIA rankings. Miller, a native of Howard, was ranked No. 2 in the GPAC in the most recent conference rankings and is ranked No. 17 in the country. Also ranked in the top-

six in the GPAC from DWU include Seth Caro (125), Zach Zitek (141), Aric Williams (149), Tyson Johnson (157), Kaleb Bigelow (165) and Trevion Sample (285).

Bigelow, from Pinedale, Wyoming, finished second at 165 pounds in the GPAC tournament and is the lone returning all-conference wrestler.

The Tigers have already shown strong signs of bouncing back from a last-place finish at the GPAC championships they hosted in February 2022, which were won by Doane.

Doane is ranked No. 4 in the most recent NAIA rankings, joined by No. 13 Morningside as GPAC teams in the rankings.

The Tigers have one remaining home date on the schedule against Jamestown on Jan. 10, with the postponed dual with Briar Cliff

from Dec. 8 still to be rescheduled.

Indoor track and field

With a few meets already in the books, the Dakota Wesleyan track and field teams are getting in gear for the indoor season.

DWU’s Lila Gronseth, a junior, hit the NAIA B-qualifying standard in the weight throw at the NSU Open on Dec. 3, with a throw of 13.05 meters, which ranks third in the GPAC in the indoor season. Teammate Darby Deffenbaugh recently landed in the DWU program top-10 in the weight throw, as well.

DWU’s top mid-distance runner in the indoor season is on the men’s side with senior Justin Sorensen. He posted the conference’s

second-fastest time in the 1,000 meters in the early going of the indoor season with a time of 2:32.81 at the DWU Invite on Dec. 9, leaving him just a few seconds off the national qualifying time. He is also second-fastest in DWU history in the event.

Wyatt Baldauf, who is coming off a successful cross country season for the Tigers where he finished No. 67 in the nation and posted

DWU’s fourth-fastest 8K cross-country time, has reached the B-standard in the 3,000meter run with a run of 8:36.46 at the SDSU Holiday Open on Dec. 2. That time ranks fifth in the GPAC to date. DWU is now off until Jan. 14 when they participate in the Dordt Indoor Open in Sioux Center, Iowa. The Tigers will host the DWU Alumni Meet on Feb. 4 in Mitchell and will compete in the GPAC Championships on Feb. 17-18 in Seward, Nebraska. The NAIA national meet will be held in Brookings at the Sanford-Jackrabbit Athletic Complex at South Dakota State University from March 2-4. The venue was recently renewed to host in 2024, as well.

Marcus Traxler / Mitchell Republic Dakota Wesleyan’s Kaleb Bigelow wrestles at the Great Plains Athletic Conference championships at the Corrigan Fieldhouse on the DWU campus in February 2022.