Winter Sports Preview December 2021
A special supplement to the Mitchell Republic
2021 Winter Sports Preview
2
Saturday, December 18, 2021
MHS boys basketball aims to continue steady rise in 2021-22 Hinker, who Kreutzfeldt regards as “one of, if not the best player in South Dakota,” has led the Recent years have brought on constant Kernels in scoring each of the past three seasons improvement by the Mitchell High School boys and averaged 16.8 points, 9.7 rebounds and five basketball program, and the Kernels don’t expect assists per game for the Kernels in 2020-21. The 6-foot-8 Augustana commit’s combination of size the 2021-22 season to be any different. and skill makes him one of the toughest covers in Mitchell has increased its win total from the the state, meaning he’ll be the focus of opposing previous season three years in a row, and with a defense’s schemes every time he steps on the strong group of returners from last season’s 16-8 court. state tournament team and a renewed energy “If I was playing the Kernels, I would not under first-time head coach Ryker Kreutzfeldt, let Caden Hinker score 30 points and beat us,” the Kernels have high expectations for themselves. Kreutzfeldt said. “He’s going to see box-and“They know what’s coming and that they’re ones, doubles and triples, so the way we’re using going to be under the radar a little bit,” Kreutzfeldt him is as a facilitator. That’s an adjustment, but said of the Kernels. “But they know how good each he’s doing a really nice job.” other are and that they’ve been putting in a lot In addition to Hinker, the Kernels are likely to of time, so they’re excited to get going and I’m start seniors Macon Larson — who did not play really excited for them. I think it’s going to be a in 2020 — and Gavyn Degen alongside juniors fun year.” Steele Morgan and Dylan Soulek. Off the bench, During a Dec. 4 intra-squad scrimmage, the Kreutzfeldt points to a rotation including juniors Kernels showcased an up-tempo offense compared Charlie McCardle and Aiden Myers and freshman to those of recent years and one that, when at its Markus Talley. best, will be centered around senior first-team “I think this is the most well-rounded team all-state wing Caden Hinker’s ability to distribute since I’ve been here,” Kreutzfeldt said. “At all times, we’re going to have five guys on the floor as much as score, according to Kreutzfeldt. By Landon Dierks Mitchell Republic
who can score. If we’re going to have a weakness, it’s going to be defensively and we’re working every day at that.” Throughout the summer and fall, Kreutzfeldt had the Kernels participate in numerous team camps and leagues to prepare them for the season ahead. Those settings helped Kreutzfeldt see players in a variety of different roles against quality competition, something the coach feels is invaluable ahead of what he hopes is a special first campaign. When it comes to expectations within the Kernel program, there are some things that don’t require much explanation. Mitchell received four votes in the preseason basketball poll, the seventh-most of all teams in Class AA, but after a seventhplace finish at last year’s state tournament, the aspirations are much higher this time around. “We want to win those tough games down the stretch and if we play together, the results will play themselves out,” Hinker said. Added Larson: “Every one of us was always at open gyms busting our butts before the season, and we’ve had a really good first week of practice. Our expectations are obviously to make it there and then make a deep run in the state tournament.” ₪
Landon Dierks / Republic
Returning letterwinners from the Mitchell boys basketball team include, from left to right: Charlie McCardle, Aiden Myers, Gavyn Degen, Caden Hinker, Dylan Soulek, Jackson Childs, AJ Siemsen and Steele Morgan.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
Saturday, December 18, 2021
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KERNEL GIRLS RELOAD AND GROW INTO NEW ROLES By Branden Hull Mitchell Republic
Another year under head coach Cole Knippling and the Mitchell High School girls basketball team have begun to feel comfortable under the new coaching regime and new system. As Knippling enters his third year as Mitchell’s coach, the Kernels have improved every year going from 8-13 in 2019 to 16-8 in 2020, but after six seniors left due to graduation, the team is adjusting to new roles and players who fought for playing time last season, will be heavily relied upon this season. “Last year, it was the second year in the system and I thought the comfortability of everyone knowing what we needed to do and how we needed to do it helped,” Knippling said. “We had really good senior leadership last year and lost a lot of scoring and rebounding, so we’re going to have to learn some new roles. Since it’s Year Three, our goal is that there isn’t as much learning to do but it’s just getting adjusted to the new speed.” The Kernels will feature a lineup that consists of point guard Sawyer Stoebner, a 5-foot-8 sophomore
who will be playing point guard for Mitchell for the first time, but is capable of handling that assignment, Knippling said. Sarah Sebert, 5-foot7 senior, will be upgraded into the starting lineup and Knippling said she is one of the players the team can trust in big moments. “Sawyer is just a sophomore but she’s really talented, very athletic and she can do a lot on the floor,” Knippling said. “She’s going to have to step into a new role and position, which will be different for her, but I know she can definitely handle it. … As for Sarah, she can really shoot it and she makes a lot of winning plays on both ends of the floor, so we have to trust that she can keep doing that.” Taylor Giblin, a junior guard, is another player Knippling has high expectations for and said she not only will have to be aggressive offensively for the Kernels this season, but will have the assignment of guarding the opponents’ perimeter threats. Seniors Aliyah Howard and Kaitlyn Christen are two players who hadn’t had much varsity playing time in the past, but will also be in a new role this season and expected to contribute at the beginning of the season.
Branden Hull / Republic
Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell girls basketball team include, from left to right: Aliyah Howard, Sawyer Stoebner, Kaitlyn Christensen, Sarah Sebert, Taylor Giblin and Kadence Halvorson. Freshman Lauren Van Overschelde will be another Kernel expected to have a key role on Mitchell’s team this season as well. The Kernels look to fill voids from Adaya Plastow, Camryn Krogman and Macy Kempf, all three of whom are now on Great Plains Athletic Conference basketball rosters. Last year’s starting guard Avia Haley also graduated as well as Ella Flippin and Gabby Sonne. Those seniors accounted for much of Mitchell’s scoring a season ago for a team that averaged 54.4 points per
game and shot nearly 50 percent from the field. The Kernels also averaged 29.6 rebounds per game, 9.7 of them being offensive rebounds. Knippling said they’ll have to create easy looks on offense and that starts with their defense, in hopes of producing more transition opportunities. “We have to learn how to use our defense to create offense,” Knippling said. “It’s going to be hard to score strictly from the half court. We’re going to have to find ways to get easy buckets and we’re going to have to do that through our defense.” ₪
Kernel wrestling expects a big season By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic With veteran experience and hundreds of victories under their belts, the Mitchell High School wrestling team has high hopes for the 2021-22 season. Of the 14 participants in the 2021 Class A state duals for Mitchell, 10 of those wrestlers return to the roster this season for third-year head coach Andy Everson. That includes the team’s top-three win leaders from a season ago, plus three-time state placewinner Beau Foote at 285 pounds, who was second last year in Class A. In all, Mitchell has 10 seniors, including Foote, Joe Van Overschelde, Brock Sparks and Tucker Vilhauer who all placed at the 2021 state meet. Combine that with Mitchell’s 20-5 dual record and the Kernels being on the fringe of a top-six finish in state tournament team points, MHS could be poised for a big year on the mat. In the upper weight classes, the Kernels are led by Foote, who finished with a 23-4 record. Foote is a four-time state meet qualifier who was second in 2019 and third in 2020 in Class A. Only Brandon Valley standout Navarro Schunke denied Foote the state championship, with Schunke completing an undefeated 43-0 season. Van Overschelde is a two-time state placewinner, taking seventh in 2020 at 170 pounds and then finishing third at 182 in 2021. He
is the team’s returning pin leader with 19 last season, scored the most team points during the year with 243 and finished with a record of 36-6. Van Overschelde is scheduled to compete again at 182 pounds, a weight that saw four of the top-six state finishers graduate. Senior Brock Sparks, who competed at 132 pounds last year in the state tournament and finished with a record of 35-8 and in seventh place, returns at 132 for Mitchell. Vilhauer, wrestling at 152 pounds this season, was 30-12 last season and finished in seventh place at the same weight class in Class A. Jagger Tyler, a junior, finished last season at 34-5 and with a seventhplace finish at 126 pounds in Class A. He has bumped up to 145 pounds this season. Foote, Tyler and Sparks have had fast starts for Mitchell, each becoming the first to compile five victories in the opening two weeks of the season. Vilhauer and Connor Degen share the team lead for pins with three, through Dec. 15. In its first year of qualification since the state duals returned, MHS participated in the Class A dual tournament in Rapid City, where Mitchell was defeated 38-19 by Pierre. The Governors went on to win the state dual championship, 34-31, over Rapid City Stevens. Mitchell was seventh in the traditional team scoring in 2021 related to the individual tournament with 103 points, 10.5 points out of a
Marcus Traxler / Republic
Returning letterwinners for Mitchell wrestling include, front row from left, Brock Sparks, Joe Van Overschelde, Brandon Sparks, Kendall Fick, Kaileb Hubbard, Cruze Allhiser and Spencer Eldeen. Back row: Jagger Tyler, Beau Foote, Tucker Vilhauer, Brok Ellwein, Cordell Kunkel, Connor Thelen and Riley McGinnis. top-six state finish. Brandon Valley was the state champion with 188 points. Kernel seniors Spencer Eldeen (106 this year), Brandon Sparks (138) and Connor Thelen (160) were individual state qualifiers last season. Junior 120-pounder Kaileb Hubbard and senior 160-pounder Riley McGinnis returns as well after getting state dual experience last year for Mitchell. The rest of the roster includes Mitchell seniors Kendall Fick (170) and Cordell Kunkel (195). Mitchell’s schedule includes home duals around the Christmas and New
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Year’s holidays, with MHS hosting Eastern South Dakota Conference foes Aberdeen Central on Dec. 30 and Harrisburg and Yankton in a triangular on Jan. 4 and Brookings on Jan. 27. Mitchell will also host Rapid City Stevens and Winner Area in a triangular on Jan. 14, before hosting the Jerry Opbroek Invitational on Jan. 15 at MHS. The Kernels will make the trek to Milbank for this year’s Region 3A tournament on Feb. 19 to qualify for the state meet, which will be held Feb. 24-26 in Sioux Falls.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
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Saturday, December 18, 2021
MHS gymnastics prepares to defend state title
Kernels will host the state meet in February at the Corn Palace By Landon Dierks Mitchell Republic In February, the Mitchell High School gymnastics team won its seventh state championship since 2007. Now, the Kernels are gearing up to start the process over again. Mitchell returns all four of its top10 individual finishers — freshmen Joslin Sommerville and Bentley Bates along with juniors Kyra Gropper and Emily Moody — from last year’s state meet, but they’re not content with where they were back 10 months ago. “There was a definite desire to upgrade and add difficulty to their routines,” explained coach Audra Rew. “That was exciting and made the offseason a lot of fun. … I’m hoping by Christmas break we’ll be able to really see the benefits of all the hard work.” While Rew says her team is battling through some injuries early in the season, she also says there’s a positive to be found. Some of the more experienced gymnasts are going to get time to rest and recover, which can prove invaluable at the end of a demanding season. Those absences also represent an opportunity for less-experienced varsity gymnasts to compete and potentially earn a more permanent spot moving forward. When the Kernels are fully healthy, Rew expects the bars and balance
Landon Dierks / Republic
Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell High School gymnastics team include, front row from left: Lainee Forst, Lara Widstrom, Olivia Prunty and Aubrey Gelderman. Middle row: Emily Moody, Joslin Sommerville, Maddi Lord, Kyra Gropper and Chelsey Mohr. Back row: Bentley Bates, Emerson Smith, Harley Goldammer, Tabitha Sadler, Sidney Malde, Abby Helleloid, Tessa Allen and Kyanna Gropper. beam to be disciplines in which her team can create separation in the scoring, saying the pair can “make or break a meet.” While the Kernels expect to depend on that pair of strengths, at February’s state championship meet Mitchell recorded the highest team
scores in vault, bars, beam and floor — hinting that the experienced group could be poised for an exceptionally well-rounded season. “We have talked about our school record and trying to break that record,” Rew said. “We’re kind of focused on individual things within
our team. If that puts us on top at the end of the day, that’s just a bonus.” Despite the team’s championship experience, improvement and high expectations, there’s not a lot of pressure being felt at this early stage, according to Rew. “The girls put more pressure on themselves than we could ever put on them as a team,” Rew said. “They want perfection in everything they do, so sometimes I have to dial them back.” Mitchell hosts the Jill McCormick Invitational on Dec. 18 at the Corn Palace, along with the Eastern South Dakota Conference meet on Feb. 5, 2022. It is all in building for the state gymnastics meet, which will be held Feb. 11 and 12 at the Corn Palace, allowing Mitchell to host for the first time since 1983. Rew is excited for the season to start and for some new faces to gain experience — a feeling she says is reflected by her team. But the season is more of a marathon, not a sprint, which is a fact the coach is careful to navigate when addressing goals and expectations for the team. “It’s a long haul, so we don’t have to be perfect at the beginning of the season,” Rew said. “We just need to be good and build on our routines, then when we get healthy we’ll start pushing hard and hopefully peak at the state meet.” ₪
GROUP EFFORT, DEDICATION CONTINUES TO PROPEL RIPTIDE FORWARD By Branden Hull Mitchell Republic As the Dakota Riptide are in the midst of its short-course season, the swim team has put a point of emphasis on team culture that in turn has paid dividends to the team’s success. Dakota Riptide has been coached by Clyde Smith for the past four seasons and the recipe for success has been getting the swimmers to swim for the team and not just as individuals. Smith said the team has been building team chemistry since the beginning of the season on Oct. 16 and that the additional endurance training has only made them better against competition. “We’ve put a huge emphasis on team culture,” Smith said. “They’ve bought into the notion that they’re swimming for each other, not just themselves. … Our focus has also been on building more endurance than we typically would have in the past so we make sure we finish our races stronger. We’ve already started to see that pay off in the three meets we’ve had already.” Dakota Riptide finished second as a team in each
of its three meets over the past three months. On a roster that includes 93 swimmers — 68 in Mitchell and 25 in Huron — only three are seniors. The Riptide are led by seniors Hannah Warmbrand, Kylie Swanson and Brooke Parker, who Smith said have increased their responsibilities and helped create a positive atmosphere for the rest of the team. As Smith and the seniors attempt to grow the leadership amongst the team, they’ve gotten back to the weekly big brother-big sister meetings where any older or experienced swimmer can help the younger swimmers. What once was something that had taken place for over five years, came to a halt last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that that is no longer the case, older swimmers have dedicated some of their time on Fridays to help train younger swimmers in and out of the water. They’re providing any information they can to help younger swimmers become the best version of themselves. “Our older swimmers come into the meetings and help our younger groups,” Smith said. “They’ll
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Cover and page design: Jen Phillips Section editor: Marcus Traxler Contributors: Mitchell Republic Sports Staff Photos: Mitchell Republic Staff
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get in the water, show them techniques, help with dives and turns so they’re really instrumental and have helped correct some techniques on a oneon-one level that I’m not always available to do. It’s created a bond amongst the group over the years.” As Dakota Riptide looks ahead into the new calendar year, they will need new leadership to emerge as the three seniors begin to move on and Smith has admitted that it’s been challenging, but the seniors are setting the best forefront possible. “The challenge is finding that next group of leaders,” Smith said. “Our seniors are right now trying to mold that rising senior group and that’s been special about the team because our seniors willingly step into that leadership role and I always rely heavily on my seniors. … They helped us get an athlete representative on the board of directors to get more insight on the day-to-day operations of what the swim team looks like from the business side. They attend those meetings and step up to ensure that the club is going in the right direction.” ₪
A NOTE ABOUT THIS SECTION:
The Mitchell Republic sports staff compiles information from coaches, athletic directors and the South Dakota High School Activities Association website to put together this special section. The area letterwinner photos were supplied by the team’s coaches, school officials and local newspapers. The Mitchell Republic contacted coaches by phone and email seeking photos this section prior to its print deadline, but not all schools were able to provide a photo for the section.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
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MCS girls aims Mix of to overcome youth and experience, early season adversity Golden Eagles heads into new season By Branden Hull Mitchell Republic
By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic Mitchell Christian boys basketball, in the words of coach Jesse Tolsma, is both young and old entering a new season. The team has a pair of important seniors to the Golden Eagles’ plans this year, but will also be looking to underclassmen to step in and make plays for the Class B program that was 3-15 last year and graduated two seniors from the roster. “The kids have really been working, and just like anything, the more work you put in, the better off you’re going to be,” Tolsma said. “We’re trying to build some fluidity in playing with each other and that’s really the biggest thing going into any season is learning to play with each other and make each other better on the court. That’s really where a lot of our focus has gone and the camaraderie and the experience helps.” A particular offseason focus went toward shooting and offense, given that the Golden Eagles averaged about 43 points per game during the 2020-21 season. The team also participated in summer open gyms and the Cornbelt and Black Hills State University team camps. “The game becomes a lot easier when the ball goes in the hoop, so we’ve put in a lot of time in
the gym and shooting and hoping that will carry over to the games this season,” Tolsma said. Micah Frey and Anders Enga are two of the key seniors on the roster for MCS. At 6-foot-2 and 6-foot-3 respectively, Frey and Enga represent some of the tallest players on the team, which will require them to win some inside battles. Ephram Imuro is the other senior on the MCS’ roster. “They’ve been playing for a while and they’ve got some experience, so that’s going to be fun this year,” Tolsma said. “We’re going to look to them to lead us. Anders does a lot for us defensively and Micah does a lot on the offensive end and we’re going to look to him to help us on that side of the ball.” Tolsma said junior Nahum Anderberg and sophomores Aiden Lieber and Joseph Tegethoff will be among the Golden Eagles’ other starters. All three will be counted on to score for the team, Tolsma said. “There’s just some young kids that are going to get a lot of opportunities and that’s going to be exciting for our team,” Tolsma said. After those players, the varsity roster fills out with players grades 7-9, and Tolsma said many of those players will primarily play junior-varsity games, but some could earn varsity playing time as the season progresses. ₪
Marcus Traxler / Republic
Returning letterwinners for Mitchell Christian boys basketball include, from left, Nahum Anderberg, Micah Frey, Anders Enga and Aiden Lieber.
Defense and leadership are the two points of emphasis for the Mitchell Christian girls basketball team heading into the 2021-22 season. The Golden Eagles return three players from the 2020-21 season that will garner the majority of the leadership and offensive responsibilities this season. Mitchell Christian lost two of its starters, Kelsey Holdeman and Lindy Hofer, due to knee injuries that required surgery during the Golden Eagles’ volleyball season. Both starters are out for the entirety of the basketball season, but coach Chris Nebelsick said the team can still be successful as long as they are dedicated to doing the little things to win games. “Hard work is the only way we’re going to get wins,” Nebelsick said. “We can beat teams, but we have to want it more than they do and have passion on the defensive end. We have to fight for loose balls, we can’t afford to be lazy on defense, hustle on offense and be in our spots. If we’re not moving the ball right, we’re not going to get opportunities.” With only having a varsity roster of eight players, three of them have experience in the Golden Eagles’ offense. Senior Audrey Hofer averaged 15 points per game last season and will see the team’s best defender and sometimes even in a box-and-one defense, according to Nebelsick. Senior Keely O’Neill and freshman Rebekah Strong are the other two returning players starting in the lineup for Mitchell Christian. “Our leadership is going to step up and pull the team through,” Nebelsick said. “The seniors and even Rebekah are dedicated and care about the younger girls. They want to help them reach the
level they need to be at in order to help the team.” The rest of the roster is filled out by one junior, along with another freshman, one eighthgrader and one seventh-grader. Transfers Aspen Lessman and Jasmyne Lessman from Mount Vernon/Plankinton will be the other two starters for the Golden Eagles. Hannah DeLine, a 5-foot10 eighth-grader, is the tallest player on the Mitchell Christian roster and will have the bulk of the responsibility with regards to rebounding. Madelyn Nebelsick, Chris Nebelsick’s daughter, intends to play every junior-varsity game this season and will be part of the Golden Eagles rotation as a seventh-grader. Despite its youth, Mitchell Christian have been playing together extensively over the summer. The team traveled to a Black Hills State University basketball camp from June 26-28, where they tried different rotations and attempted to build chemistry before the season got underway. Hofer played in that camp and Holdeman was still on schedule to play with the team, so without those key players, roles are still being defined. Nebelsick said he did notice positives that can carry over into this season from his returning players as well as the players he got to watch for the first time at the BHSU basketball camp. “I really liked Audrey’s aggressiveness towards the basket and I liked Keely’s patience and ball-handling skills,” Nebelsick said. “I got to see Jasmyne and Aspen Lessman play for the first time and I liked what I saw. Jasmyne is a hustler and real coachable, and Aspen is going to be very strong underneath the basket. Rebekah Strong has really worked in the offseason and she’s going to make a huge difference with her ball handling and shooting.” ₪
Branden Hull / Republic
Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell Christian girls basketball team include, from left to right: Keely O’Neill, Audrey Hofer and Rebekah Strong.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
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Saturday, December 18, 2021
AREA BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW CAPSULES
By Mitchell Republic Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by the Mitchell Republic’s sports staff:
Andes Central/Dakota Christian
Coach: Eric Olson Region: 5A Last year’s record: 6-16 Key Players: Nolan Black Cloud, 12, 6-0; Kizer Ashes, 11, 5-6, guard; Mason Olson, 6-2, forward; Carter Vander Pol, 6-1, forward; Julius Bruguier, 11, 6-0, guard; Mahlon Bruguier, 11, 5-11, forward; Rizon Clark, 12, 5-10, guard; Quinn Ashes, 12, 5-9, forward; David Jandreau, 10, 5-10, forward; Cameron Sybesma, 12, 6-2, forward; Jacob Mudder, 12, 5-8, forward; Tate Timmermans, 11, 5-10, forward.
Avon
Coach: Bailey Lagge Region: 6B Last year’s record: 3-17 Key players: Noah Watchorn, 10, 5-9, guard; Paxton Bierema, 10, 5-7, guard; Jaden Stahl, 11, 5-8, guard; Caleb Wallinga, 10, 6-2, forward; Kley Heumiller, 11, 6-1, forward; Landon Thury, 10, 6-2, forward; Trace Pelton, 10, 6-2, forward; Lincoln Thury, 12, 6-2, guard; Eli Watchorn, 12, 6-0, guard.
Chamberlain
Coach: Steve Schoenhard Region: 6A Last year’s record: 18-6, sixth in Class A Key players: Levi Miller, 10, 5-10, guard; Collin Two Strike, 11, 5-10, guard; Ty Graesser, 11, 6-1, guard/forward; Dakota Munger, 10, 6-2, guard; Etan Balestat, 11, 6-5, forward; Sawyer Donovan, 10, 6-0, guard; Jeren Herron, 12, 6-2, forward; Cruz Soulek, 10, 6-4, forward/center; Sellyck McManus, 12, 6-7, center.
Colome
Coach: Vince Thieman Region: 6B Last year’s record: 4-17 Key players: Caden Munroe, 12, 5-11, guard/ forward; Brayden Seegers, 12, 6-1, forward; Joseph Laprath, 10, 5-10, forward/guard; William Looking Cloud, 11, 6-0, guard/forward; Alec Thieman, 6-0, guard/forward; Kash Heath, 11, 5-10, guard/forward; Norman Chasing Hawk, 11, 5-8, guard; Jack Anderson, 10, 6-1, forward.
Bon Homme
Coach: Jason Hein Region: 5A Last year’s record: 2-19 Key players: Carter Uecker, 12, 6-2, guard/ forward; Nate Hall, 12, 5-10, forward; Riley Rothschadl, 11, 6-1, guard/forward; Karsten Kozak, 12, 6-5, center/forward; Chaplin Cooper, 10, 5-9, guard; Easton Mudder, 10, 6-1, guard; Landon Bares, 10, 6-1, forward/guard; Logan Winckler, 11, 5-10, guard; Evan Ulmer, 10, 5-10, forward; Keegan Ashes, 10, 5-11, forward; Jace Toupal, 10, 5-11, forward; Jacob Cuka, 10, 5-11, forward/center.
Bridgewater-Emery
Coach: Scott Schultz Region: 4B Last year’s record: 13-9 Top returnees: Koby Kayser, 12, 5-10, guard; Sutton Arend, 11, 6-3, forward; Sam Hofer, 11, 5-11, guard; Aguer VanSickle, 11, 6-4, forward; Cadin Cullison, 11, 6-1, forward. Top newcomers: Aaron Horvath, 11, 6-0, guard; Jase Kayser, 10, 6-3, guard; Camdyn Stoterau, 10, 6-3, guard; Korbyn Kayser, 10, 6-1, guard; Jerin Schultz, 11, 6-3, forward. Coach comments: The Huskies must replace eight seniors from last year’s team. We are excited to get the season started and we will need to work hard to develop a starting rotation and some depth off the bench. The Huskies have moved from Region 5 to Region 4 this year, which is a highly competitive region with five or six teams capable of competing for the region representative spot.
Burke
Coach: Clayton Steele Region: 6B Last year’s record: 17-5 Key players: Ben Witt, 12, 6-0, guard; Bryce Frank, 12, 6-4, guard; Reed Benter, 10, 6-2, guard; Sawyer Tietgen, 11, 5-6, guard; Nick Nelson, 11, 6-2, forward; Bryce Bartling, 10, 5-6, guard; Izaak Koenig, 10, 5-4, guard; Brogan Glover, 12, 6-2, forward; Dawson York, 10, 6-1, center; Jaden Swan, 11, 6-3, center.
Canistota
Coach: Pat Jolley Region: 4B Last year’s record: 22-4, seventh in Class B Key players: Tye Merrill, 12, 5-9, guard; Isiah Robertson, 12, 5-9, guard; Will Ortman, 11, 6-0, forward; Joseph Bond, 10, 5-8, guard; Tate Ortman, 10, 6-0, guard; Jackson Brown, 10, 6-2, center; Cayden Scott, 10, 5-10, guard; Dawson Munkvold, 12, 6-1, forward; Trace Ortman, 11, 5-11, forward; Maison Montgomery, 11, 6-0, forward; Deshon Thompson, 11, 5-10, guard; Brandon Kjetland, 10, 6-4, center; Riley Heiberger, 12, 6-2, center.
Freeman
Coach: Lance Friesen Region: 5B Last year’s record: 0-21 Key players: Bradey Kaufman, 12, 6-2, forward; Justin Wollmann, 12, 5-10, guard; Jacob Swenson, 12, 6-0, guard; Ethan Balvin, 11, 6-1, guard; Jayden Jacobsen, 11, 6-2, forward; Jorgan Baer, 10, 5-8, guard; Rocky Ammann, 10, 5-10, guard; Blake Rumelhart, 10, 6-3, forward; Evan Scharberg, 10, 6-0, guard.
Freeman Academy/Marion
Coach: Austin Unruh Region: 5B Last year’s record: 15-7 Top returnees: Quincy Blue, 12, 6-1, guard; Thalen Schroeder, 12, 6-5, guard; Connor Epp, 11, 5-11, guard; Donte Butler, 12, 5-7, guard; Dylan Johansen, 12, 5-11, forward; Matthew Hagen, 11, 6-0, guard. Top newcomers: Maddox Kihne, 11, 5-9, guard. Coach comments: Last year saw the program’s second-straight 15-win season as we finished 15-7, losing in the region semifinal in overtime to state tournament qualifier Viborg-Hurley. Coming off a strong offseason motivated by the success of the past few years mixed with the disappointment of coming so close in the final game last year, this group has the opportunity to do something special this year and turn into a must-see Class B basketball team this upcoming season.
Submitted by Mike Tuschen
Key players for Corsica-Stickney boys basketball Gregory Coach: Jeff Determan include, front row from left, Lincoln Bruinsma, Region: 6B Tye Hosman, Jarrett Olawsky, Tyson Wentland, Last year’s record: 11-11 Braxton VanderWal and Brock Hinker. Back row: Top returnees: Carson Klundt, 12, 6-0, guard; Jesse Torticill, Shad Bosma, Taylor Feenstra, Kane Daniel Mitchell, 10, 6-7, forward; Cruz Klundt, Knudson, Taven Burke, Caden VanDrongelen, 9, 5-10, guard; Rane Kenzy, 9, 6-2, forward; Robert Nichols, Austin Krogstad, Carter Wright, Gannon Thomas, 10, 5-11, guard. Lucas Krogstad and Cole Feentra. Top newcomers: Jordan Songer, 11, 6-1,
Corsica-Stickney
Coach: Mike Tuschen Region: 6B Last year’s record: 16-7, Class B SoDak 16 qualifier. Top returnees: Taven Burke, 12, 6-3, guard; Cole Feenstra, 12, 6-0, guard; Kane Knudsen, 12, 5-9, guard; Caden Van Drongelen, 12, 5-10, guard; Taylor Feenstra, 12, -10, forward; Robert Nichols, 12, 7-0, forward; Shad Bosma, 11, 6-0, forward; Lucas Krogstad, 11, 6-0, forward; Carter Wright, 10, 5-10, guard; Tye Hosman, 10, guard. Top newcomers: Tyson Wentland, 9, 6-3, forward. Coach comments: Our team will have some good size. We should develop into a good defensive team. We will also have some good bench players to help create depth. In terms of our biggest challenges, we lack experience. We only have one starter back in Taven Burke. We need to develop a balance between inside and outside scoring. Also, our players will have to learn to understand their roles.
Ethan
Coach: Bryce Roth Region: 4B Last year’s record: 15-6 Top returnees: Kaden Klumb, 12, 5-11, guard; Jay Storm, 12, 6-3, guard; Riley Endres, 11, 5-11, guard; Kody Klumb, 11, 5-10, guard; Wyatt Sinkie, 11, 6-1, forward; Logan Koch, 11, 6-0, guard; Kory Storm, 11, 5-10, guard. Top newcomers: Taite Klumb, 10, 6-1, forward; Drake Gustafson, 10, 6-1, forward; Gage Hohn, 10, 5-7, guard; Rylan Gerlach, 10, 5-7, guard. Coach comments: We return a good amount of experience heading into the 2021-22 season. If we can build our offensive confidence, we will be competitive in what is a very competitive region and class.
forward; Noah Bearshield, 9, 6-0, guard; Cole Serr, 9, 6-2, forward; Jack Bolander, 9, 6-3, forward; Nick Kenzy, 9, 5-10, guard. Coach comments: We have high expectations this year. We are still relatively young with only two seniors and no juniors on the team. We are returning every starter from last year’s team that finished 11-11. I feel like we have a ton of athleticism and scoring ability on our team. We will have to see how quickly we can develop and gel as a team. I am excited to see what this team can accomplish.
Submitted by Josh Oltmanns
Returning letterwinners for Hanson boys basketball include, front row from left, Jayce Slaba, Jackson Jarding, Isayah Price and Hayden Schroeder. Back row: Hunter Robinson, Kade Waldera, Luke Haiar, Noah Price, Ethan Cheeseman and Hadley Wallace.
Hanson
Coach: Josh Oltmanns Region: 5A Last year’s record: 16-6 Top returnees: Luke Haiar, 12, 6-0, guard; Noah Price, 12, 6-5, guard; Kade Waldera, 12,
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
Saturday, December 18, 2021
6-1, guard; Hunter Robinson, 12, 6-0, guard; Jackson Jarding, 11, 6-0, guard; Hayden Wallace, 11, 5-10, forward; Hadley Wallace, 11, 6-10, forward; Ethan Cheeseman, 11, 6-4, forward; Jayce Slaba, 10, 5-9, guard; Isayah Price, 10, 6-6, center, Hayden Schroeder, 10, 5-8, forward. Top newcomers: Jeren Zens, 9; Ben Wilber, 9; AJ Wilber, 9; Keaton Weber, 9; Weston Kayser, 9; Carter Popp, 9; Carson Ferry, 9; Sutton Dewald, 9. Coach comments: We hope to be competitive in all of our games this season. We are bringing back players that can score, but we lost a lot in rebounding from last year’s team that we will have to replace. We will also have to play much more physically this season. We know that the post season will be much different for us this year since we are moving to Class A, so we will need to focus on things that prepare us for the end of the season in order to continue to be successful.
Howard
Coach: Nick Koepsell Region: 4B Last year’s record: 18-4 Top returnees: Jace Sifore, 12, 6-4, center; Brayden Hinker, 12, 6-2, forward; Luke Koepsell, 9, 6-3, guard; Ryder Erickson, 11, 5-8, guard; Kolt Koepsell, 10, 6-6, forward; Taiden Hoyer, 10, 5-11, forward; Colby Claussen, 10, 5-11, guard; Cole Mentele, 12, 5-11, guard; Will Maiar, 10, 5-8, guard. Coach comments: Our guys will be hungry to prove what they are capable of with the loss of two all-state players. We have the potential to make a deep postseason run if we can stay healthy and be playing our best basketball at the end of the season. Our goal is to win our conference and finish top two in our region, with the ultimate goal of making it to the state tournament.
7
are excited about getting back out on the court and plan to be playing our best basketball come tournament time.
Menno
Coach: Kory Foss Region: 5B Last year’s record: 5-16 Key players: Maveric Smith, 11, 5-10, guard; Austin Pillsbury, 12, 5-11, guard; Brayden Sattler, 11, 6-0, guard; Kadeyn Ulmer, 11, 6-1, guard; Submitted by Cooper Garnos Tyler Massey, 12, 6-1, forward; Ajay Herrboldt, Returning letterwinners for Lyman boys basketball 11, 5-10, guard; Cody Munkvold, 11, 6-3, forward; include, front row from left, Ryker Choal, Jacob Hayden McNinch, 11, 5-11, guard; Hunter Sazue and Sam McClanahan. Back row: Isaac Masterson, 10, 5-7, guard; Isaac Fergen, 5-9, Thomas, Stockton McClanahan, Toby Estes, guard; Julius Carr, 10, 5-10, guard; Cody Fischer, Dawsen Moreland, Damian Abrahamson and 11, 6-5, forward; Blake Rames, 6-4, forward.
Colton Collins.
Mount Vernon/Plankinton
Lyman
Coach: Cooper Garnos Region: 7B Last year’s record: 19-7, eighth in Class B Top returnees: Toby Estes, 12, 6-7, center; Stockton McClanahan, 12, 6-3, forward; Sam McClanahan, 12, 6-0, guard; Colton Collins, 12, 6-1, guard/forward; Isaac Thomas, 12, 6-1, guard/forward/center; Jacob Sazue, 12, 5-11, guard; Ryker Choal, 11, 6-1, guard; Damian Abrahamson, 11, 6-3, forward; Dawson Moreland, 11, 6-5, forward/center. Top newcomers: Peyton Hood, 11, 5-11, forward; Darian Karns, 11, 5-11, guard; Steven Brave, 12, 5-11, forward; Jake Millard, 10, 6-2, forward. Coach comments: We are hoping to be very competitive in all of our games this season, but we have a very strong schedule consisting of many talented Class A and Class B teams. We are excited about the opportunities that lie in front of our team. We are a veteran team with many of our players returning from last year’s Class B tournament.
Coach: Eric Denning Region: 5A Last year’s record: 7-14 Top returnees: Reed Rus, 11, 6-4, guard; Jordan Stoltz, 11, 6-7, forward/guard, Lincoln Klooz, 12, 5-9, guard; Ryan Chapman, 12, 6-1, forward/ center; Mason Hetland, 11, 6-1, forward/guard; Zach Baker, 10, 5-9, guard; Blaine Bohr, 10, 6-0, guard/forward; Chris Mayer, 11, 5-10, guard/ forward; Rylan Bush, 11, 6-0, forward/guard; Brady Fox, 9, 5-9, guard; Cain Tobin, 10, 5-9, guard; Isaiah Olson, 9, 5-7, guard; Evan Bultsma, 10, 6-4, center/forward. Coach comments: We look to be a much improved team from last year. We will have good size and good athleticism. We have some kids who have improved tremendously this offseason, so we hope to be a lot more competitive. The five keys to our game will be shot selection, defensive intensity, execution, creating tempo, and rebounding.
BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Page 8
Submitted by Kamden Miller
Returning letterwinners for Kimball/White Lake boys basketball include, from left, Porter Miller, Beau Kirsch, Jaxon Christensen, Jaxon Pursell, Ryder Submitted by the school Michalek and Dawson Miller. Returning letterwinners for McCook Central/ Montrose basketball include, clockwise from top Kimball/White Lake left, Owen Alley, Boston Katzer, Cody Miles, Micah Coach: Kamden Miller Van Ruler and Gavin Gordon.
Region: 6B Last year’s record: 6-15 Top returnees: Dawson Miller, 11, 5-11, guard; Jaxon Christensen, 11, 6-2, forward; Jaxon Pursell, 11, 6-3, forward; Ryder Michalek, 9, 6-0, guard; Porter Miller, 11, 5-9, guard; Beau Kirsch, 11, 6-1, forward. Top newcomers: Blake Leiferman, 10, 6-3, forward; Park Sinclair, 9, 6-0, forward; Nathan Mohnen, 9, 6-0, guard; Lantz Bass, 10, 5-8, guard. Coach comments: The WiLdKats lost their main scoring threat from last year. However, they return a group of equal contributors that should allow for a balanced scoring unit. We should have some bench depth that should help us compete in a difficult region.
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Coach: Jeff Heisinger Region: 3A Last year’s record: 7-14 Top returnees: Gavin Gordon, 12, 6-5, forward; Micah Van Ruler, 12, 6-6, forward; Cody Miles, 12, 5-11, guard; Boston Katzer, 9, 6-0, guard. Top newcomers: Owen Alley, 10, 6-0, forward; Ty Morrison, 10, 5-10, guard; Carter, Jandl, 10, 6-1, forward; Jaxon Kock, 9, 6-0, forward; Mason Sabers, 9, 5-9, guard. Coach comments: We are returning a strong nucleus from a competitive team last year. We have a nice mix of veterans and newcomers. We
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
8
BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW From Page 7
Parkston
Coach: Craig Bruening Region: 5A Last year’s record: 9-13 Top returnees: Max Scott, 12, 6-5, forward; Cole Prunty, 12, 5-10, guard; Kaleb Weber, 11, 6-0, guard; Brayden Jervik, 10, 5-9, guard; Will Jodozi, 10, 6-1, forward. Top newcomers: Payton Koehn, 10, 6-2, forward Sam Benson, 11, 5-9, guard; Jesse Newton, 11, 6-0, guard; Luke Bormann, 10, 5-11, guard; Maddox Brissette, 10, 6-0, forward; Gordon Seppala, 12, 6-0, forward. Coach comments: We return all starters from a season ago. We will still have to learn how to compete against premier teams in Class A, but returning everyone from a year ago with a record of 9-13 is a plus. We will need to be able to defend the bigger, more athletic teams that we play, and we need to be able to shoot better than we did last year.
Platte-Geddes
Coach: Frank Cutler Region: 6B Last year’s record: 16-6, Class B SoDak 16 qualifier. Top returnees: Caden Foxley, 11, 6-4, center; Jackson Neuman, 12, 6-1, guard; Hayes Rabenberg, 12, 5-10, guard; Cade Nachtigal, 12, 6-0, guard; Jackson Olsen, 12, 6-0, forward; Dawson Hoffman, 11, 5-9, guard; Joey Foxley, 10, 6-0, guard; Jack Ringling, 10, 5-11, forward. Top newcomers: Dominic Ebel, 11, 6-0, forward; Trevor Rolland, 11, 6-0, forward; Caleb Fite, 11, 6-0, forward. Coach comments: We return two starters and nine letterwinners. We did lose four of our top six from last year and we will need to replace them with consistent scoring and rebounding. We will look to use our athleticism and depth to our advantage offensively and defensively.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Sanborn Central/Woonsocket
Coach: Matt Henriksen Region: 5A Last year’s record: 10-13 Key players: Jeff Boschee, 10, guard, 6-2, Cody Slykhuis, 10, forward, 6-4; Hayden Beigh, 11, guard, 5-11; Michael Hoffman, 11, guard, 5-10; Brady Larson, 11, forward, 6-0; Noah Wormstadt, 12, forward, 6-0; Tryce Slykhuis, 12, guard, 6-2; Toby Kneen, 11, center, 6-3 Submitted by Josh Davies
Scotland
Coach: Doug Hall Region: 5B Last year’s record: 5-15 Key players: Lucas Dennis, 12, 6-2, forward; Cole Friederich, 11, 6-0, guard; Dawson Bietz, 12, 6-0, guard; Stephen Johnson, 11, 6-2, forward; Nick Harrington, 12, 6-0, forward; Trenton Skorepa, 11, 6-5, forward; Parker Hochstein, 10, 6-1, forward.
Tripp-Delmont/Armour
Coach: Craig Holbeck Region: 6B Last year’s record: 10-10 Top returnees: Carson Koehn, 12, 6-1, guard; Trey Sparks, 12, 5-9, guard; Kandon Bialas, 12, 6-2, guard; Colby Brown, 11, 6-2, forward; Kate Brouwer, 12, 6-1, forward; Landon VanZee, 12, 6-7, center; Jeff Schnabel, 11, 5-9, guard; Mason Reiner, 10, 5-9, guard; Micah Leonard, 11, 5-10, guard; Jaden Groeneweg, 11, 5-10, guard; Gavin Hrdlicka, 12, 6-2, forward. Top newcomers: Riley Spaans, 9, 6-1, forward; Ashton Hawley, 11, 6-0, forward; Isaac Wunder, 9, 6-0, guard; Preston Koster, 11, 5-9, guard. Coach comments: The TDA boys basketball team should be a very competitive team this year. We return a majority of our starters from last year and will look to improve on our 10-10 record. We will have more depth than most teams so we will look to push the ball and get up and down the court. If we can play tough defense and take care of the ball offensively, we will be a very solid team.
Returning letterwinners for Wagner boys basketball include, from left, Chris Nelson, Toby Zephier, Dustin Honomichl and Camden Roth.
Wagner
Coach: Josh Davies Region: 5A Last year’s record: 11-11, Class A SoDak 16 qualifier. Top returnees: Toby Zephier, 12, 5-9, guard; Matt Link, 11, 5-9, guard; Chris Nelson, 11, 6-0, guard; Dustin Honomichl, 12, 6-0, forward; Camden Roth, 12, 6-3, forward. Top newcomers: Xander Khadka, 12, 5-8, guard; Calvin Wright, 12, 6-3, forward; Rudy Ulrich, 12, 6-1, forward; Glenn Cournoyer, 10, 5-10, guard; Ted Slaba, 11, 6-2, guard; Daelynn Red Buffalo, 12, 6-0, forward. Coach comments: We have a good group coming back. A few of our seniors have been starting for four years so we will be looking for them to be our leaders. Although we will be undersized, we will be athletic and have good depth. We play a good schedule and hope to be competitive in all of our games. We will need our big guys to step up and play a major role to make up for the talented backcourt that graduated last year.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Wessington Springs
Coach: Joey Mitchell Region: 6B Last year’s record: 18-5, Class B SoDak 16 qualifier. Top returnees: Mason Schelske, 12, 6-6, forward/guard; Blake Larson, 10, 5-10, guard; Cade Mohling, 12, 5-8, guard; Bryce Kopfmann, 12, 6-1, guard/forward; Anthony Neely, 12, 6-0, guard/forward; Jack Neely, 11, 6-3, forward; Brock Krueger, 10, 6-1,guard/forward. Coach comments: The Spartans will look to have another successful season after their SoDak 16 appearance last year. The Spartans have a lot of shoes to fill, with a lot of new faces in new places. Returning only two starters from their last year’s team and graduating six seniors, the Spartans will look again to their seniors for leadership on the basketball court. We have a great group of committed guys who have all mostly been playing together for three years now. I am excited to see them play the game as they are not only committed to working hard, but committed to their teammates’ success. Ultimately, we will look to improve as a team,
preparing ourselves to play our best team basketball come late February.
Submitted by Brett Gardner
Returning letterwinners for Winner boys basketball include, front row from left, Aiden Barfuss, Michael Olson, Finn Bartels and Kolbie Osborn. Back row: Ashton Klein, Ethan Bartels, Slade Cournoyer, Shawn Hammerbeck, Blake Volmer, Elijah Peterson and Jackson Vesely.
9
Winner
Coach: Brett Gardner Region: 6A Last year’s record: 20-5, eighth in Class A Top returnees: Blake Volmer, 11, 6-3, guard; Slade Cournoyer, 11, 6-1, guard; Aiden Barfuss, 10, 5-11, guard; Ethan Bartels, 11, 6-3, center; Jackson Vesely, 12, 6-2, forward; Shawn Hammerback, 9, 6-6, center; Michael Olson, 12, 5-10, guard; Finn Bartels, 12, 5-10, guard; Ashton Klein, 12, 6-1, center; Kolbe Osborn, 12, 5-10, guard. Coach comments: We will have to find a way to replace major offensive contributions. With that being said, I’m excited for our next group to step up and try to fill some of those roles. We feel that our team has a chance to be a nice defensive team, but we might have to let our offense develop as the year progresses. We want to continue to improve and play our best basketball come tournament time. The Big Dakota Conference will be competitive, with some good new teams participating in the tournament this year, as well as the teams that continue to have a good program year in and year out.
AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW CAPSULES
By Mitchell Republic Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by the Mitchell Republic’s sports staff:
Andes Central/Dakota Christian
Coach: Shane Niewenhuis Region: 5A Last year’s record: 17-6, qualified for Class B SoDak 16 Key players: Claire Johnson, 10, guard, 5-8; Mahpiyah Irving, 9, guard, 5-6; Leah Brown, 9, guard, 5-6; Lexie Vander Pol, 12, center, 6-1; Nadia Van Zuidam, 9, forward, 5-6; Josie Brouwer, 9, guard, 5-7; Allison Muckey, 11, forward, 5-10; Isabella Brouwer, 11, guard, 5-4; Sonya Hansum, 12, guard, 5-5; Kylie Olson, 12, guard, 5-9; Gabriella Olson, 9, forward, 5-7.
Avon
Coach: Brad Poppe Region: 6B Last year’s record: 8-14 Top returnees: Tiffany Pelton, 12, 55-11, guard; Katie Gretschmann, 12, 5-6, guard; Samantha Brodeen, 12, 5-7, forward; Makayla Kopp, 12, 5-5, guard/forward; Courtney Sees, 10, 5-5, guard; McKenna Kocmich, 10, 5-5, guard. Top newcomers: Sarah Swier, 11, 5-4, forward; Grace Vanderlei, 10, 5-5, forward; Lila Vanderlei, 9, 5-6, forward; Kinley Doom, 9, 5-8, center. Coach comments: We have five of our top seven players returning from last year’s team that went 8-14. We need to work hard everyday to get better. We have the potential, but we need to be more consistent on the offensive end.
Bridgewater-Emery
Canistota
Burke
Chamberlain
Coach: Jessie Yttreness Region: 5B Last year’s record: 13-9 Key players: Casey Meyer, 12, guard, 5-5; Cara Meyer, 12, guard, 5-5; Taylor Schallenkamp, 12, forward, 5-10; Julia Weber, 12, guard, 5-8; Kennedie Roskens, 10, guard, 5-5; Hayden Hofer, 9, guard, 5-5; Morgan Uptagrafft, 12, forward, 5-9; Shania Longe, 11, center, 5-10; Chloe Schmitt, 12, center, 6-0.
Coach: Ron Determan Region: 7B Last year’s record: 11-10 Top returnees: Adisyn Indahl, 11, 5-8, guard; Bridget Bartling, 11, 5-6, guard; Elly Witt, 11, 5-4, guard; Elena Koenig, 12, 5-8, forward; Gracie Dummer, 12, 5-9, forward; Paige Bull, 9, 6-0, center. Top newcomers: Kailee Frank, 5-8, forward; Piper Hanson, 10, 5-7, forward; Cecily Geaghan, 9, 5-7, guard. Coach comments: We will be pretty solid defensively. We have 10 girls who can play at the varsity level and it will take a little time to find the best combinations.
Coach: James Strang Region: 4B Last year’s record: 13-9 Key players: Natalie Becker, 10, guard, 5-7; Bailey Spicer, 9, guard, 5-3; Sydnee Engbrecht, 12, forward, 5-8; Autumn Hutcheson, 9, forward, 5-8; Alyssa Pierson, 11, forward, 5-9; Kayla Papendick, 10, guard, 5-7; Domino Hayes, 9, forward, 5-7; Nevaeh Montgomery, 9, center, 5-10; Hannah Hoffman, 10, guard, 5-4 Coach: Zack Nelson Region: 6A Last year’s record: 10-11 Key players: Kinsey Evans, 10, guard, 5-5; Alexis Cronk, 10, guard, 5-7; Chesney Mutziger, 10, guard, 5-8; Leigha Long, 11, guard, 5-3; Taryn Guinn, 12, forward, 5-9; Josette Pretty Sounding Flute, 12, guard, 5-5; Mya Priebe, 10, forward, 5-7; Jayd Chmela, 12, guard, 5-8; Alexa Petersen, 10, forward, 5-10; Jayna Handel, 10, guard, 5-8; Samantha Peppel, 12, forward, 5-11; Abby Hutmacher, 12, guard, 5-6; Jayslee Petersen, 12, forward, 6-0; Sara Peterson, 11, forward, 5-8; Mya Knippling, 12, center, 6-1.
GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Page 10
Bon Homme
Coach: Tara Jensen Region: 5A Last year’s record: 5-15 Key players: Erin Heusinkveld, 10, guard, 5-8; Camille Sykora, 12, guard, 5-5; Jaden Kortan, 11, guard, 5-7; Kenadee Kozak, 9, guard, 5-6; Jurni Vavruska, 10, guard, 5-5; Nevaeh Myers, 9, center, 5-9; Jaden Sedlacek, 9, guard, 5-5; Olivia Bures, 10, forward, 5-10; Taryn Crites, 9, center, 5-7
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
10
GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW From Page 9
Colome
Coach: Shelly Heath Region: 6B Last year’s record: 8-13 Key players: Toree Ringing Shield, 11, guard/ forward, 5-8; Sophie Hofeldt, 11, guard, 5-6; Raylynn Dehning, 9, guard, 5-2; Raelynn Kingsley, 9, guard, 5-9; Emma Vandenbark, 10, guard/forward, 5-7; Shaleena Kingsley, 10, forward/center, 6-0; Maura Luedke, 10, guard, 5-8; Katie Welker, 12, guard/forward, 5-8; Penelope Chasing Hawk, 11, forward/center, 5-9
Moschell, 10, 5-8, forward; Grace Arend, 9, 5-8, forward; Olivia Kaiser, 9, 5-7, forward; Jersey Kampshoff, 9, 5-1, guard; Kianna Berg, 9, 5-7, forward. Coach comments: Hanson will have a very small team that will have to find ways to contain taller opponents. We lost five seniors due to graduation, but we return several players with good speed and quickness. If we can play with passion and maintain positive team work, we can compete with any opponent on our difficult schedule. Our goal is to keep improving throughout the season and be playing our best basketball by the postseason.
Corsica-Stickney
Coach: Lorisa Broughton Region: 6B Last year’s record: 22-4, fourth in Class B Key players: Cassidy Woerner, 10, guard, 5-5; Payton DeLange, 11, guard, 5-9; Morgan Clites, 12, guard, 5-9; Paige Timmermans, 9, guard, 5-5; Jacey Kemp, 10, forward, 5-9; Sutten Eide, 11, guard, 5-5; Mara Lagge, 11, guard, 5-4; Ashlyn Lefers, 10, forward, 5-9; Avery Broughton, 11, guard/forward, 5-11; Casey Tolsma, 12, forward/center, 5-9; Sydney Spaans, 8, center, 6-1; Kendall Olawsky, 11, forward, 5-8; Rachel Gerlach, 12, forward, 5-10
Ethan
Coach: Tom Young Region: 4B Last year’s record: 22-4, third in Class B Top returnees: Ava Lingemann, 10, 5-6, guard; Hannah Bartscher, 12, 5-9, guard; Maddy Bartscher, 10, 5-8, guard; Bella Nesheim, 12, 5-7, guard. Coach comments: We will be extremely small but will have good quickness and perimeter shooters.
Freeman
Coach: Jenny Peters Region: 5B Last year’s record: 6-15 Top returnees: Kate Miller, 11, 5-10, forward; Erin Uecker, 11, 5-11, forward; Ashlin Jacobsen, 10, 5-9, guard; Cami Frankenstein 10, 5-6, guard; Peyton McCune, 9, 5-6, guard. Coach comments: We are a young team with a lot of excitement and energy and we are ready to grow as a team.
Saturday, December 18, 2021
Angela Munsen, 12, 5-6, forward; Hannah Meier, 12, 5-6, forward; Madison Meier, 10, 5-5, guard. Coach comments: This team is made up of a group of very hard workers. We will be quick and athletic and defense driven. We have some great shooting talent and need to capitalize on our strengths. We will show up and compete every game.
Lyman
Coach: Mike Kieffer Region: 7B Last year’s record: 2-19 Key players: Annie Brakke, 10, guard, 5-6; Kaylee Moore, 9, guard, 5-6; Ireland Hyde, 10, guard, 5-7; Ellie Erikson, 12, guard, 5-7; Skyler Volmer, 10, guard, 5-8; McKenzie Laverdure, 10, guard/forward, 5-7; Annalese Crazy Bear, 11, guard, 5-7; Marina Scott, 11, guard/forward, 5-4; Mesa Garnos, 8, guard, 5-6; Caysen Gran, 10, guard, 5-4; Mak Scott, 8, center/forward, 6-0; Texi Garnos, 10, forward/center, 5-8; Kelsyn Wells, 8, guard, 5-6.
Submitted by Wade Erickson
Returning letterwinners for Howard girls basketball include, front row from left, Taryn Mentele, Cassidy Terwilliger, Rylee Rudebusch, Canyon Kidd and Jayden Jaynes. Back row: Abby Aslesen, Kate Connor, Josephine Brok, Trinity Palmquist and Landree Callies.
Howard
Coach: Wade Erickson Region: 4B Last year’s record: 13-8 Top returnees: Kate Conner, 11, 6-0, forward; Trinity Palmquist, 11, 5-7, guard; Rylee Rudebusch, 11, 5-8, guard; Josephine Brok, 12, 5-11, forward. Coach comments: We are a fairly young team with only one senior and we will be looking to replace key leadership positions from last year’s squad. We will be looking to some of the younger players to make a big impact. We should have a decent inside game, but we will need to establish a solid perimeter shooting game to be a truly complete team.
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Freeman Academy/Marion
Coach: Nathan Epp Region: 5B Last year’s record: 2-20 Key players: Alexa Gortmaker, 10, guard, 5-4; Kallie Johnson, 8, forward, 5-7; Alivea Weber, 11, guard, 5-5; Jada Koerner, 11, guard, 5-8; Hadley Luke, 10, forward, 5-7; Anna Olson, 8, forward, 5-8; Hailey Stahl, 9, forward, 5-7; Leah Goodwin, 11, forward, 5-8; Estelle Waltner, 8, guard, 5-8.
Gregory
Coach: Lonnie Klundt Region: 6B Last year’s record: 3-18 Key players: Morgan Opbroek, 10, guard, 5-7; Bridget Eliason, 9, guard/forward, 5-6; Brooklynn Kenzy, 12, forward/center, 5-11; Ashlyn Vosika, 9, guard, 5-4; Cassidy Keiser, 11, guard/forward, 5-10; Jordan Svatos, 10, guard/ forward, 5-7; Gracie Kenzy, 12, forward/center, 5-9; Allison Stevicks, 9, forward/center, 5-10; Emily Long, 9, forward, 5-7; Asia VanDerWerff, 8, guard/forward, 5-9; Sierra Rencountre, 12, forward, 5-8; Jessy VanDerWerff, 11, guard/ forward, 5-7; Mya Determan, 10, center/ forward, 6-0; Aubree Miller, 8, center/forward, 5-10; Kristine Moegelvang, 12, center, 5-9.
Hanson
Coach: Jim Bridge Region: 5A Last year’s record: 19-6, eighth in Class B Top returnees: Annalyse Weber, 11, 5-8, guard; Alyssa Moschell, 10, 5-8, forward; Karlie Goergon, 11, 5-8, guard; Erin Dewald, 11, 5-9, forward; Vanessa Doyle, 12, 5-7, guard; Kate Haiar, 11, 5-11, forward; Eliza Oltmanns, 10, 5-9 forward; Paige Endorf, 10, 5-7, guard; Taylor Schro eder, 12, 5-6, forward. Top newcomers: Skylar Holm, 11, 5-2, guard; Cadence Jarding, 9, 5-3, guard; Peighton Wallace, 11, 5-6, forward; Kylie Haiar, 9, 5-6, forward; Erica Endorf, 10, 5-0, guard; Avery
Kimball/White Lake
Coach: Tacey Dykstra Region: 6B Last year’s record: 13-9 Top returnees: Kate Havlik, 11, 5-7, guard; Dani Deffenbaugh, 11, 5-8, forward; Ryann Nielsen, 10, 5-9, guard; Harley Namanny, 10, 5-5, guard/ forward; Fayleen Overweg, 12, 5-8, guard; Ryann Grussing, 11, 5-8, guard. Top newcomers: Brook Nolz, 12, 5-11, center;
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Returning lettewinners for Kimball/White Lake girls basketball include, from left, Fayleen Overweg, Dani Deffenbaugh, Ryann Nielsen, Kate Havlik and Harley Namanny.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
Saturday, December 18, 2021
McCook Central/Montrose
Coach: Doug Durfee Region: 3A Last year’s record: 18-2 Top returnees: Ashtyn Wobig, 12, 5-7, 12; Brandy Pulse, 11, 5-8, guard, Michaela McCormick, 11, 5-9, forward; Aubree Kranz, 11, 5-7, guard. Top newcomers: Katelyn Lueth, 12, 5-9, forward; Brianna Even, 11, 5-6, guard; Zoey Bartmann, 11, 5-4, guard; Abby Wagner, 10, 6-0, forward; Carly Katzer, 10, 5-10, forward. Coach comments: This season, we return two starters and two other players who played a lot of minutes last year. We will be looking to them for their leadership as there will be a lot of new faces on the court this year. Our schedule is full of very good teams, so we will need to be ready to play at a high level every game.
Menno
Coach: Tim Hagedorn Region: 5B Last year’s record: 15-6, qualified for Class B SoDak 16. Top returnees: Bridget Vaith, 12, 6-2, center; Paityn Huber, 12, 5-6, guard; Grace Nusz, 12, 5-7, guard/forward; Raygen Diede, 12, 5-9, forward/center; Ashton Massey, 10, 6-0, guard; Layne Schmidt, 11, 5-9, guard/forward; Abby Bender, 11, 5-4, guard; Allison Lehr, 11, 5-8, guard/forward; Halle Van Hove, 11, 5-6, guard; Morgan Freier, 11, 5-8, forward; Julia Buechler, 11, 5-9, guard/forward. Top newcomers: Kaelie Derby, 10, 5-8, forward; Taylor Freier, 9, 5-6, guard; Joslynn Fischer, 9, 5-5, guard; Ellyana Ulmer, 9, 5-6, guard/forward; Haylee Hall, 9, 5-6, guard/ forward. Coach comments: Menno lost its two-top scorers, of which one was an all-state player. They return a good core of players that gained experience with eight returning letterwinners. We hope to compete with every team we play. We have great balance between our inside and outside game.
Parkston
Coach: Brooke Horstman Region: 5A Last year’s record: 15-7, qualified for Class A SoDak 16 Top returnees: Lindsey Roth, 12, 5-7, guard; Brielle Bruening, 12, 5-9, guard/forward; Abby Hohn, 11, 5-10, guard; Faith Oakley, 11, 5-9, forward. Top newcomers: Gracie Oakley, 10, 5-7, guard; Lauren ZIebart, 9, 5-5, guard; Mya Thuringer, 9, 5-7, forward. Coach comments: I expect our team will be competitive in every game this season. We lost by four in the SoDak 16 last year and fully expect to be back there again, competing for a chance to be in the state tournament come March. We return a strong group of letter winners that will lead the way for us. We will be able to play solid defense and play an up-tempo style with many strong guards.
Platte-Geddes
Coach: Verlyn VerSteeg Region: 6B Last year’s record: 8-14 Key players: Baleigh Nachtigal, 10, guard, 5-5; Avery DeVries, 11, guard, 5-5; Regan Hoffman, 11, guard, 5-6; Talicia Frederick, 11, forward, 5-6; Hadley Hanson, 10, guard, 5-6; Cadence Van Zee, 10, center, 5-11; Kalli Summerville, 9, guard, 5-6; Addison DeVries, 9, forward, 5-7; Autumn Breukelman, 11, center, 6-0; Tamya Mushitz, 9, guard, 5-7; Karly VanDerWerff, 10, center, 5-11; Rehme Dibbet, 9, guard, 5-2; Sydney Neuman, 9, forward, 5-7; Halle Sprik, 9, guard, 5-5; Madison Nachtigal, 11, forward, 5-7.
11
season, so we hope we can transition to being competitive at this level.
Scotland
Coach: Kevin Janish Region: 5B Last year’s record: 16-6 Top returnees: Delanie VanDriel, 12, 5-11, center; Martina DeBoer, 11, 5-9, forward; Jenna Vitek, 11, 5-7, forward; Bailey Vitek, 11, 5-3, guard; Claire Janish, 11, 5-5, guard; Trinity Bietz, 9, 5-9, forward; Kalley Vitek, 10, 5-7, guard; Tatum Andretta, 12, 5-4, guard. Top newcomers: Grace Robb, 10, 5-5, guard; Jerica Stark, 10, 5-8, forward; Ciara Henry, 11, 5-8, forward. Coach comments: We are replacing four seniors (three starters) from last year that played for five years. It will take time for our girls to fill those sports and develop chemistry.
Tripp-Delmont/Armour
Coach: Sam Knodel Region: 6B Last year’s record: 13-9 Top returnees: Megan Reiner, 10, 5-10, guard; Hannah Stremick, 11, 5-8, guard; Emma Faller, 12, 5-9, forward; Raevin Castle, 12, 5-10, forward. Top newcomers: Emma Fink, 12, 5-4, guard; Jayden Johnson, 12, 5-4, guard; Nevaeh Morgan, 10, 5-6, guard. Coach comments: I expect them to play hard. We have a lot of learning to do but I am excited to see what happens this season.
GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW: Page 12
Submitted by Tim McCain
Submitted by Preston Kristensen
Returning letterwinners for Mount Vernon/ Plankinton girls basketball include, from left, Cally Faulhaber, Reagan Rus, Kyia Schmidt, Emilee Fox, Christa Glanzer, Maria Baker, Shyla Tobin and Nyomi Mahrt.
Mount Vernon/Plankinton
Coach: Preston Kristensen Region: 5A Last year’s record: 14-8 Top returnees: Maria Baker, 12, 5-11, forward; Shyla Tobin, 12, 5-5, guard; Christa Glanzer, 12, 5-6, guard; Nyomi Mahrt, 12, 5-10, forward; Cally Faulhaber, 11, 6-0, forward; Emilee Fox, 10, 5-8, guard; Kyia Schmidt, 10, 5-7, guard; Reagan Rus, 9, 5-9, guard. Top newcomers: Vanessa Hoffman, 10, 5-5, guard; Berkeley Engelland, 10, 5-5, guard. Coach comments: We have a good experienced core returning, but we will be challenged with a competitive schedule this year. The biggest thing we are focused on is improving from game to game, as well as playing our best basketball going into the postseason
Returning letterwinners for Sanborn Central/ Woonsocket girls basketball include, front row from left, Kennadie Oschner, Trista White, Teya Moody and Kenzie Schley. Middle row: Jaycee Baruth, Kamryn Oschner, Dayton Easton, Kara Wormstadt, Aubrey Senska and Kailynn Eggleston. Back row: Elizabeth Boschee, Trinity Boschee, Brooke Doering, Jeslynn Moody and Ellie Evans.
Sanborn Central/Woonsocket
Coach: Tim McCain Region: 5A Last year’s record: 10-11 Top returnees: Trista White, 12, 5-8, guard; Trinity Boschee, 12, 5-8, forward; Teya Moody, 12, 5-6, guard; Brooke Doering, 12, 6-0, center. Top newcomers: Dayton Easton, 12, 5-6, guard; Jeslynn Moody, 11, 5-8, center; Ellie Evans, 11. 5-7, forward; Kailynn Eggleston, 11, 5-7, forward; Kennadi Ochsner, 10, 5-10, forward; Kamryn Ochsner, 10, 5-9, guard; Jaycee Baruth, 10, 5-10, forward, Kara Wormstadt, 10, 5-6, guard; Liz Boschee, 8, 5-10, forward. Coach comments: We return four starters from last season and also have some underclassmen that will provide some depth. Our schedule will provide some quality competitions, especially early in the season. We moved up to Class A this
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
12
Saturday, December 18, 2021
AREA WRESTLING PREVIEW CAPSULES
By Mitchell Republic Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by the Mitchell Republic’s sports staff:
Andes Central/Dakota Christian
Coach: Greg Nielsen Region: 3B Top returnees: Ty Garcia, 9, 280; Carlin Hopkins, 10, 140; Hunter Loeffler, 9, 145; Mason Stone, 9, 220; Cameron Svatos, 10, 145; Apollo Weddell, 12, 180.
Bon Homme/Scotland/Avon
B
Coach: Darren Kriz Region: 3B Last year’s record: 11th in team points in Class
Key wrestlers: Brady Bierema, 11, 145; Tyrus Bietz, 11, 170; Jaymison Bjorum, 11, 145; Jackson Caba, 10, 138; Isaac Crownover, 11, 195; Jackson Kaul, 9, 106; Brock Kotalik, 10, 120; Turner Nicholson, 12, 160; DJ Rueb, 12, 285; Landon Smith, 11, 160; Tyler Tjeerdsma, 10, 126; Kolton Vlcek, 9, 145; Peyton Hellmann, 9, 126; Britney Rueb, 8, 113.
Burke/Gregory
B
Coach: Seth Webster Region: 3B Last year’s record: 10th in team points in Class
Key wrestlers: Gentry Bartling, 9, 145; Jackson Bauld, 12, 120; Breven Bolander, 9, 132; Kade Braun, 10, 170; Jhett Eklund, 9, 160; Zach Eklund, 12, 132; Eli Ekroth, 8, 106; William Feyereisen, 10, 126; Daniel Fiebelkorn, 8, 106; Moxon Fox, 9, 113; Owen Hansen, 11, 132; Mason Hood, 12, 152; Carson Peck, 10, 145; Kaleb Schonebaum, 9, 145; Taron Serr, 12, 195; Alex Songer, 10, 138; Tyler Spencer, 12, 145; Gunnar Stephens, 11, 182; Jay Wright, 9, 170.
Chamberlain
Coach: John Donovan Region: 3A Last year’s record: 10-8, Class A state dual qualifier; 8th in Class A team points Top returnees: Noah Hutmacher, 11, 120; Canyon Burkard, 10, 285; Wiley Elwood, 9, 120; Devyn Anderson, 10, 120; Dominic Bryce Reuer, 10, 138; Thomas Powell, 12, 145; Swade Reis, 11, 170; Mikyle Weston, 12, 113; Quinn Long, 11, 132;
GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEW From Page 11
Wagner
Coach: Mike Koupal Region: 5A Last year’s record: 9-13 Key players: Lydia Yost, 9, guard, 5-8; Avari Bruguier, 11, guard, 5-8; Tawi Star Comes Out, 12, guard, 6-0; McKenzie Fuchs, 10, forward, 6-0; Eve Zephier, 11, guard, 5-6; Shalayne Nagel, 11, guard/forward, 5-11; Emma Yost, 11, forward, 5-11; Macy Koupal, 10, guard/forward, 5-8; Jessica Kocer, 12, forward, 5-10; Sydney Cournoyer, 10, forward, 5-8.
Wessington Springs
Coach: Jason Kolousek Region: 6B Last year’s record: 3-18 Top returnees: Kirstie Munsen, 11, 5-8, guard; Harlee Heim, 11, 5-9, forward; Avery Orth, 10, 6-2, center; Alyssa Grohs, 10, 5-3, guard. Top newcomers: Riley Roduner, 11, 5-8, forward; Carissa Scheel, 10, 6-0, forward; Hannah Heezen, 10, 5-6, forward; Ashlyn Weber, 9, 5-7, guard; Mariah Messmer, 9, 5-5, guard. Coach comments: The top 7 girls in our program have gained good experience in the past two years. We don’t have any seniors on the team, so we will be looking to our juniors and sophomores for leadership. We have to improve the little things like rebounding, free throw shooting, and turnovers from last year.
Winner
Coach: Larry Aaker Region: 6A Last year’s record: 22-3, third in Class A. Top returnees: Bella Swedlund, 12, 5-8, guard; Ellie Brozik, 12, 5-8; Kelsey Sachtjen, 12, 5-10, forward; Jenna Hammerback, 12, 5-9, forward; Emma Jorgensen, 12, 5-5, guard; Joselin Kludt, 11, 5-5, guard; Ava Craven, 9, 5-11, forward; Karlee Brozik, 10, 5-10, forward. Top newcomers: Keelie Kuil, 9, 5-8, guard;
Wyatt Powers, 12, 220; Prestyn Haugen, 9, 126; Peyton Haugen, 9, 113; David Newton, 12, 195; Declan Tveit, 11, 138; Carter Santiago, 10, 195. Coach comments: The team returns many wrestlers with a lot of varsity experience, led by two returning state place winners Noah Hutmacher and Canyon Burkard. The team graduated six outstanding seniors last season, but reloads with seven returning qualifiers. I really look forward to what this group of guys can accomplish this coming season. The team set the goal of qualifying for the state dual championship last season and accomplished that goal. We would like to try and achieve that goal again this season, as well as getting on the podium as a team.
Howard
Coach: Corbin Surat Region: 2B Last year’s record: Class B state dual qualifier; 11th in team points Key wrestlers: Ty Beyer, 12, 170; John Callies, 12, 160; Griffin Clubb, 11, 182; Karsyn Feldhaus, 10, 138; Trent Feldhaus, 9, 113; Conner Giedd, 7, 106; Calvin Halverson, 9, 160; Karsten Hamilton, 11, 145; Jaxsen Jaynes, 7, 120; Gabriel Martian, 8, 152; Nolan Mentele, 8, 160; Tate Miller, 9, 126; Jack Neises, 11, 152.
Kimball/White Lake/Platte-Geddes
Coach: Thomas Konechne Region: 3B Last year’s record: Third at Class B state duals; fourth in team points Key wrestlers: Joey Baas, 11, 152; Gavin Braun, 9, 113; Dalton Deffenbaugh, 8, 220; Roger Duba, 12, 170; Grayson Hanson, 12, 170; Holden Havlik, 9, 182; Hayes Havlik, 8, 126; Jayden Kahler, 11, 195; Kasen Konstanz, 10, 120; Kenyon Kuiper, 8, 113; Carter Lenz, 11, 145; Lucas Lenz, 9, 138; Johnny Lenz, 8, 126; Iden Myers, 9, 132; Levi Nightingale, 12, 195; Adley Reindl, 8, 170; Jace Soulek, 8, 138; Kameron Styles, 12, 285; Tate Surat, 9, 106; Chase Varilek, 12, 138; Garret Westendorf, 8, 152
Lyman
Coach: Chad Johnson Region: 4B Last year’s record: Class B state duals qualifier Top returnees: Shilo Mowry, 12, 138; Tristan
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Coach: Chris Sayler Region: 2B Key wrestlers: Harley Crooks, 10, 195; Caleb Downs, 9, 113; Owen Eitenmiller, 11, 160 Tim Epp, 12, 160; Brody Gossen, 7, 106; Chris Kessler, 11, 182; Finley McConniel, 9, 126; Logun Pankratz, 7, 106; Josh Popkes, 7, 120; Keaton Prehiem, 9, 120; Zac Sayler, 11, 145; Caden Tieszen, 9, 113.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
Saturday, December 18, 2021
13
AREA WRESTLING PREVIEW CAPSULES McCook Central/Montrose
Coach: Scott Andal Region: 2B Last year’s record: 20-4, Class B state duals qualifier; seventh in team points Top returnees: Jackson Remmers, 10, 145/152; Trystan Traupel, 9, 113/120; Weston Remmers, 9, 152/160; Dylan McGregor, 9, 132/138; Carter Randall, 10, 152/160; Kade Grocott, 10, 182/195; Austin Hoiten, 11, 220; Mason Pulse, 11, 170/182; Logan Raap, 9, 170/182; Isaak Pulse, 11, 195/220; Elliot Chase, 12, 285. Coach comments: I look for us to be a solid team again. We should be able to hold our own in duals, as long as we can get some wrestlers spread out. We hope to avoid the injury bug that we had last year, because if we’re at full strength, we can push for Big East Conference dual and team titles. As a coaching staff, we are focused on qualifying for the state Dual Tournament again, as well as pushing for a top six finish on the individual side. As for our MCM team, we will be near the top of the Big East, region, and state tournaments, pending on how healthy we are.
Mount Vernon/Plankinton/CorsicaStickney
B
Coach: Josh Geppert Region: 3B Last year’s record: 9th in team points in Class
Key wrestlers: Mason Bosworth, 10, 106; Landon Boyd, 10, 138; Kellen Cassidy, 12, 285; Drew Gerlach, 11, 145; Austin Hauge, 11, 132;
Fastnacht, 10, 138; Cale Mohling, 12, 138; Joey Hoverson, 11, 145; Tyson Eddy, 9, 152; Braydin LaBore, 11, 160; Keegan Haider, 11, 170; Carter Grohs, 12, 182; Camden Jost, 11, 195; Quinten Christensen, 12, 285.
Jonathon Jones, 9, 160; Cole Pranger, 12, 220; Charlie Prien, 11, 195; Reece Risseeuw, 12, 182; Hadley Tobin, 12, 126; Griffin Tobin, 12, 152; Tate Tolsma, 9, 138
Parkston
Winner Area
Coach: Dan Bonte Region: 3B Key wrestlers: Gage Reichert, 8, 106; Breckin Culbert, 9, 170; Kaden Holzbauer, 9, 113; Lane Johnson, 12, 195; Kolter Kramer, 9, 160; Noah Mahoney, 12, 182; Kash Neugebauer, 9, 132; Porter Neugebauer, 11, 126; Riley Neugebauer, 10, 120; Carter Sommer, 9, 120; Zach Vanzee, 9, 138; Ragen Weber, 12, 170.
Coach: Spencer Novotny Region: 3B Last year’s record: 19-1, second in Class B state duals; second in team points. Top returnees: Maxton Brozik, 10, 113; Karson Keiser, 9, 120; Kaleb Osborn, 12, 126; Kaden Keiser, 12, 145; Jule Sargent, 10, 152; Riley Orel, 11, 160; Joey Cole, 12, 170; Jack Kruger, 11, 182; Charley Pravecek, 12, 195; Achilles Willuweit, 12, 220; Jack peters, 11, 152. Top newcomers: Ash Kaiser, 7, 106; Konner Osborn, 9, 132; Gus Bartels, 9, 138; Austin Blare, 9, 138; Kellen Brozik, 9, 145; Rylee Orel, 8, 160; Kamryn Meek, 11, 170; Logan Radant, 9, 170; Hunter Osborn, 11, 220; Stetson Shelbourn, 10, 285. Coach comments: I hope that our guys can continue to develop at all levels. We lost some awesome seniors last year, so we will need the younger guys to step up and try to fill those roles. As a team, we will be alright, but we have a log jam of athletes at the middleweights. Hopefully, they will be able to spread out and field a competitive team for duals this year. At tournaments, we will need to remain focused on bonus points. If we want to push teams like KWLPG, Canton, and Phillip Area, it will take a complete team effort.
Wagner
B
Coach: David Kocer Region: 3B Last year’s record: 13th in team points in Class
Key wrestlers: Vincent Bechen, 10, 138; Owen Bekanich, 10, 138; Tim Bouza, 10, 170; Jhett Breen, 10, 132; Nolan Dvorak, 12, 195; Kahle Hill, 9, 160; Gannon Knebel, 8, 152; Brayden Kreber, 8, 152; Brennan Leines, 12, 285; Karstyn Lhotak, 10, 113; Rowdy Meyer, 8, 138; Slaten Podzimek, 8, 126; Riley Roberts, 10, 145; Daniel Soukup, 10, 138; Deke Weddell, 10, 145
Wessington Springs/Woonsocket/W-W
Coach: Kevin Haider Region: 3B Last year’s record: Class B state duals qualifier; sixth in team points. Key wrestlers: Kaydin Carter, 10, 132; Troy
NUMEROUS HOOPS CLASSICS ON THE WINTER BASKETBALL SCHEDULE By Mitchell Republic
Basketball classics are among the most popular events on the high school sports calendar each winter, with the elite teams visiting the best venues in the state for top matchups. Here is a list of the classics taking place in the Mitchell and Sioux Falls regions that will be on the schedule for 2021-22. NOTE: The information below was compiled from event organizers and the state’s high school basketball scheduling database. Classics without complete schedules will announce matchups closer to the event date.
Hoop City Classic
All games are boys games unless noted. Tuesday, Dec. 28 At Corn Palace 9 a.m.: Bridgewater-Emery girls vs. Campbell County (Wyo.) 10:30 a.m.: Gregory vs. Canistota Noon: First Assembly Christian (Tenn.) vs. DeLaSalle (Minn.) 1:30 p.m.: Yankton vs. Campbell County (Wyo.) 3 p.m.: Bridgewater-Emery vs. Waubay/Summit 4:30 p.m.: Mitchell girls vs. Thunder Basin (Wyo.) 6 p.m.: Houston (Tenn.) vs. Totino-Grace (Minn.) 7:30 p.m.: Mitchell vs. Thunder Basin (Wyo.) 9 p.m.: White River vs. Aberdeen Christian Wednesday, Dec. 29 At Corn Palace 3 p.m.: Mitchell girls vs. Campbell County (Wyo.) 4:30 p.m.: Mitchell vs. Campbell County (Wyo.) At Sanford Pentagon 12:30 p.m.: Howard vs. Freeman Academy/Marion 2 p.m.: Lower Brule vs. Viborg-Hurley 3:30 p.m.: Garretson vs. Lennox 5 p.m.: Thunder Basin (Wyo.) vs. DeLaSalle (Minn.) 6:30 p.m.: Sioux Falls Jefferson vs. Houston (Tenn.) 8 p.m.: Sioux Falls Christian vs. First Assembly Christian (Tenn.) Thursday, Dec. 30 At Sanford Pentagon 2 p.m.: Canton vs. Enderlin (N.D.) 3:30 p.m.: Brandon Valley girls vs. Thunder Basin (Wyo.) 5 p.m.: First Assembly Christian (Tenn.) vs. Aberdeen Christian 6:30 p.m.: Brandon Valley vs. Thunder Basin (Wyo.) 8 p.m.: Houston (Tenn.) vs. St. Thomas More
Hanson Classic
Jan. 15 — Hanson Girls Classic, at the Corn Palace Class A: Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Flandreau, Florence/Henry, Hanson, Lakota Tech, Lennox, Parkston, St. Thomas More, Wagner, West Central, Winner. Class B: Bridgewater-Emery, Corsica-Stickney, Deubrook Area, Ethan, Highmore-Harrold, Viborg-Hurley, Wolsey-Wessington. Jan. 22 — Hanson Boys Classic, at the Corn Palace Class A: Clark/Willow Lake, Dakota Valley, Hanson, St. Thomas More, Sioux Valley, Tea Area, West Central. Class B: Aberdeen Christian, Bridgewater-Emery, De Smet, Ethan, Lyman, Platte-Geddes, Potter County, Waubay/Summit, White River.
DWU Classic
DWU Classic, at McCook Central High School, Salem Girls (Feb. 11): Aberdeen Christian, Bridgewater-Emery, Burke, CorsicaStickney, Dell Rapids St. Mary, Ethan, Howard, Lyman, McCook Central/ Montrose, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Sioux Falls Christian, St. Thomas More, Viborg-Hurley, White River Boys (Feb. 12): Aberdeen Christian, Bridgewater-Emery, Dell Rapids, Gregory, Hanson, Howard, Lower Brule, Lyman, McCook Central/ Montrose, Potter County, St. Thomas More, Viborg-Hurley, White River. Wolsey-Wessington.
Sacred Hoops events
Jan. 8 — Sacred Hoops Corn Palace Classic, at the Corn Palace Boys: Crow Creek, Custer, Kimball/White Lake, Lennox, Lower Brule, Madison, Parkston, West Central, White River, Winner. Girls: Crow Creek, Custer, Kimball/White Lake, Lower Brule, Madison, Pine Ridge, West Central, White River. Jan. 29 — East River Sacred Hoops Girls Classic, at the Elmen Center, Sioux Falls Canton, Colman-Egan, Dakota Valley, Ethan, Florence/Henry, Luverne (Minn.), Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Platte-Geddes, Tri-Valley, Wagner, Waubay/Summit, Winner Feb. 12 — Central South Dakota Classic, at the Chamberlain Armory Boys: Crazy Horse, Crow Creek, Dupree, Flandreau Indian, Pine Ridge, St. Francis, Takini, Timber Lake. Girls: Crazy Horse, Crow Creek, Dupree, Jones County, St. Francis, Takini.
Other Pentagon events
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Hoophall Central Invitational All boys games Friday, Dec. 17 4:30 p.m.: Minneapolis North (Minn.) vs. Simeon Career Academy (Ill.) 6 p.m.: Totino-Grace (Minn.) vs. Corona Centennial (Calif.) 7:30 p.m.: De Smet vs. Dream City Christian (Ariz.) 9 p.m.: Kenwood Academy (Ill.) vs. Sunrise Christian Academy (Kan.) Saturday, Dec. 18 11:30 a.m.: Dream City Christian (Ariz.) vs. Simeon Career Academy (Ill.) 1 p.m.: Bellevue West (Neb.) vs. Corona Centennial (Calif.) 2:30 p.m.: Kenwood Academy (Ill.) vs. Sioux City East (Iowa) Dec. 31 10:30 a.m.: Girls — Chamberlain vs. Canton 12 p.m.: Girls — Sioux Valley vs. Hill City 1:30 p.m.: Girls — Red Cloud vs. Vermillion 3 p.m.: Boys — Red Cloud vs. Tiospa Zina 4:30 p.m.: Girls — Madison vs. White River 6 p.m.: Girls — Dakota Valley vs. Sisseton 7:30 p.m.: Girls — Corsica-Stickney vs. Tea Area Feb. 5 Boys: De Smet, Florence/Henry, Little Wound, Lyman, Minneapolis North (Minn.), Moorhead (Minn.), St. Thomas More, Sioux Valley, ViborgHurley, West Central
Other notable events
Dakota State Classic, at Madison Girls (Jan. 8): Deubrook Area, Elkton-Lake Benton, Flandreau Indian, Garretson, Hill City, Howard, Irene-Wakonda, Lakota Tech, St. Francis Indian, Rapid City Christian Boys (Jan. 29): Arlington, Baltic, Menno, Howard, Langford Area, Little Wound, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, St. Francis Indian, Wakpala. Great Plains Conference Clash Girls (Feb. 12 at Alcester) and Boys (Feb. 19 at Corsica): AlcesterHudson, Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Avon, Burke, Centerville, Colome, Corsica-Stickney, Freeman Academy/Marion, Gayville-Volin, Marty, Tripp-Delmont/Armour
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Dec. 28 Parkston Classic, at Parkston Boys: Corsica-Stickney, Dakota Valley, Parkston, Platte-Geddes, McCook Central/Montrose, Sully Buttes. Girls: Corsica-Stickney, Dakota Valley, Menno, Parkston, Redfield, Sully Buttes. Dec. 29 Huron Classic, at Huron Arena: Girls (Dec. 29): Chester Area, Colman-Egan, De Smet, Howard, Iroqouis/Doland, James Valley Christian, Lower Brule, Lyman, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, Warner. Boys (Dec. 30): Burke, Clark/Willow Lake, Faulkton Area, Redfield, Elkton-Lake Benton, James Valley Christian, Jones County, Iroquois/ Doland, Langford Area, McIntosh, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, Wessington Springs
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
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Saturday, December 18, 2021
Marlins boys look to develop as season unfolds By Marcus Traxler Mitchell Republic
who are getting key playing time this season, Hamilton said. “We brought almost everyone from last year The Mitchell Marlins are growing on the fly. back,” the coach said. “We brought up seven For the 2021-22 season, that meant learning players and they have a good work ethic. We’re early. Among the team’s first five games young and there’s not a lot of varsity experience were showdowns with the state’s best teams, on the team but they’re working and they’re including two against Rushmore on the road getting better every day.” and home games with Oahe and Brookings, In the defensemen role, Reimnitz and Arnold both perennial powers in South Dakota boys are among the top players the Marlins will look hockey. toward for key minutes. Marlins coach Bill Hamilton said the team Marcus Traxler / Republic In net, Drake Jerke returns to the crease has taken its lumps and expects to show signs Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell Marlins for Mitchell off a season where he was 3-13 a of growth over the course of winter, already include, front row from left, Will Elfstrand, Drake season ago with a .861 save percentage. In the fighting off injuries and working to get some Jerke, Connor Hohn, Nathan McCormick, Daniel early part of the new season, ninth-grader Ian key players back into the lineup. Laufman, Caden Ziehl and Kaden Contreras. Vaughan has played the majority of the time “It’s been a slow start,” Hamilton said. Back row: Garrett Arnold, Connor Delehant, in net, while Jerke works his way back from a “We’ve had some injuries right off the bat and Ashton Reimnitz, Tanner Puetz, Josh Grosdidier, broken hand. we’ve seen some signs of improvement. We’re Mick Dailey, Tyson Sabers, Victor Contreras and “We’re glad we’ve got him back,” Hamilton getting some guys back, so we have some things Jacob Goldhammer. said of Jerke. looking up for us.” As a team, Hamilton said the group plays with The Marlins bring back most of their lineup season, with Grosdidier serving as a four-year the effort he likes to see and will give the team from a season ago, when they were 3-17 and player for the Marlins that the team leans on, a chance for success this season. He said the first finished in a tie for 10th place in the 11-team goal for Mitchell is to reach the eight-team state Hamilton said. varsity division. tournament for the first time since 2018. Puetz is the leading returner for goals scored The seniors on the team include William “Our focus is always to make the state Elfstrand, Tate Dailey, Josh Grosdidier, Ashton (10) and points scored (18), while Elfstrand has a tournament,” Hamilton said. “We have a team Reimnitz and Garrett Arnold. Elfstrand, pair of goals in the first five games this season. that our goal is to finish midpack. It’s attainable. Grosdidier and junior Tanner Puetz are the Sophomore Levi Loken and freshman Parker With our work ethic and building some team leaders in the forward group that return this Denne are among the promising young forwards chemistry, I think we can execute that.” ₪
Mitchell girls hockey starts with a flurry of scoring By Landon Dierks Mitchell Republic If early-season successes are any indication, it’s likely to be another season near the top of the standings for the Mitchell Marlins girls varsity hockey team. The Marlins, who have been practicing since early October, are already 4-0, and they have no designs on slowing down. Through four games, Mitchell has scored 39 goals and surrendered just seven, and experience likely has a great deal to do with it. Everyone from the Marlins’ squad that placed third at the state tournament last year returns in 2021-22, and they’ll have two key contributors — Brooke Jarman and Kate Nash — for a full season in 2021-22 after they joined the team midway through last season. Already this season, Jarman has 14 goals and four assists. Nash and Kelsey Amick — the leading scorer from a season ago — each have seven goals to go with three and nine assists, respectively. In all, seven different Marlins have put the puck past an opposing goalie at least twice so far, and nine have at least two assists. In addition to the forward line that’s led Mitchell to 199 shots in four games, coach Chris Tronnes expects a strong defensive core to be another strength and believes varsity depth is only going to improve during the season. “I’d like to be able to roll all three lines in consistently to save our legs a little bit, but some of our younger girls are coming along,” Tronnes said. “I think we’ll be alright as the season progresses.” In net, Sadie Kludt has saved 56 of 63 shots faced for a .889 save percentage. The focus moving forward for the Marlins is
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to keep improving in preparation for what they hope to be another state tournament appearance. In each of the past three seasons, Mitchell has finished third at state, with Aberdeen proving to be the hurdle on which the Marlins have stumbled on each occasion. This season, though, Tronnes is optimistic about the team’s ability to take that next step. “I think what they’re really striving for is beating the teams like Aberdeen and Sioux Falls — those teams that we’re close to but haven’t quite got over the hump,” Tronnes said. “Hopefully this year, we can make that happen.” If the Marlins perform well in those contests, it will be a boost of confidence at an early stage of the season. Regardless, the end goal remains to reach the state tournament and perform at a high level. “There’s some expectations for the team this year when talking to people around the state, so hopefully they can live up to it, and I think they will,” Tronnes said. ₪
Landon Dierks / Republic
Returning letterwinners from the Mitchell Marlins girls hockey team include, from left to right (kneeling): Sadie Kludt, Tristen Zimmer; (crouching): Samantha Kludt, Kelsey Amick, Mya Tupper, Olivia Nockels, Katie Hohn, Tiffany Hatwan; (standing): Brooke Jarman, Brynlee Sabers, Kate Nash, MaKenna Tronnes, Jaylie Zoss and Katelynn Laufman
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
15
Stingy defense leading to efficient offense for DWU women Tigers rank highly for several defensive statistics Matt Gade / Republic
Dakota Wesleyan University’s Kaylee Kirk steals the ball against Bellevue University on Dec. 8 at the Corn Palace.
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By Landon Dierks Mitchell Republic
nchored by staunch defense and steady, balanced offense, the Dakota Wesleyan women’s basketball team has roared out to a 10-2 start and won seven-straight contests dating back to Nov. 21. Through 12 games, DWU boasts a defense ranked in the top-40 nationally of 235 NAIA teams in points allowed (58.7) and opponent field goal percentage (35.5%), as well as being top-30 in rebounding margin (8.3). “We’re not a real flashy team,” said coach Jason Christensen. “... We really pride ourselves on defense and I keep telling our kids
that if we can hold teams around 60 points, we should be in games.” Christensen’s 60-point marker has proven to be a winning one, as the Tigers are 6-0 when holding opponents below 60 and 9-0 when opponents score less than 65 in regulation this season. Most recently, DWU won its first game of the season allowing more than 70 points by knocking off 22nd-ranked Dordt on its home court on Dec. 11. Senior guard Kaylee Kirk, whose 3.1 steals per contest is tied for 17th-best in NAIA this season, believes that while defense has been the Tigers’ strength, they can do even better on that end of the floor moving forward. “I think the biggest thing for us is keeping adjustments and staying solid on defense all four quarters,” Kirk said. “It just seems like we take
a quarter off here or there and [the opponents] start making a run. We just want to be consistent, especially in our defense, throughout the entire game.” Another area where DWU excels is with its offensive efficiency. Just as the Tigers’ scoring defense ranks in the top-40, so, too, does their team field goal percentage (43.4%). Almost without exception, this efficiency comes from a balanced offensive approach where Christensen says his team doesn’t have a true “go-to” player. In 12 games, five different Tigers have led the team in scoring. At least four players scored eight points or more in each victory, with four reaching double-digits in points during the same game on six of those occasions. All five starters — Rynn Osthus, Isabel Ihnen, Kirk, Jada Campbell and Matti Reiner — average between 7.5 and 13.3 points per game, and the three most used players off the bench — Aspen Hansen, Lacey Sprakel and Natalie Gottlob — average between 5.8 and 6.7 points per game. “It’s really important and hard to guard,” said Kirk, who has been the Tigers’ leading scorer in two contests. “... How do you lock down just one person? As soon as you take someone out, we have someone else stepping up, and that’s huge.” Added Christensen: “We play 10 kids a lot in the first half and try to get comfortable with whoever is playing well and then move to a seven or eightperson rotation. That seems to be working and I think our kids are doing a really good job of sharing the basketball.” “We’re never satisfied with where we’re at, but we’re feeling good and finding ways to win games,” Kirk said. “We’re showing up every day, taking it one team at a time, focusing on what we need to do in that game and then moving on to the next.” ₪
Matt Gade / Republic
The Dakota Wesleyan University bench celebrates a basket with a called foul that occurred on Matti Reiner during a Great Plains Athletic Conference game against Hastings College on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at the Corn Palace.
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2021 Winter Sports Preview
16
Saturday, December 18, 2021
DWU men’s basketball seeks steady scoring and consistency Matt Gade / Republic
Dakota Wesleyan’s Jeffrey Schuch puts up a shot during an Oct. 27, 2021 game against Dakota State at the Corn Palace.
By Branden Hull Mitchell Republic
Corn Palace, including a 25-point win over a trending Doane team. coring has been harder to come But as DWU averages 70.3 points per by for the Dakota Wesleyan game — the lowest in coach Matt University men’s basketball Wilber’s tenure as head coach — the team this season. Tigers are looking for consistency, After finishing with a record 2-6 especially on the road. on the road in November, the Dakota “The way we run our offense, we Wesleyan men’s basketball team get a lot of open looks and our guys registered three games scoring less do a good job of moving the ball, but than 60 points for the first time since in games that we really struggled, the 2013-14 season. we haven’t handled ball pressure The Tigers (6-6, 3-2 GPAC) steadied well,” said coach Matt Wilber. “For the ship with two wins over Hastings us, we’re not a high possession and Doane to start December at the basketball team so our scores are
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naturally going to be lower. … We’re not a high transition team and we don’t shoot early in the shot clock, so it’s a combination of things.” What’s also contributed to DWU’s low scoring outputs have been the amount of turnovers. In its six losses this season, DWU has averaged 14.5 turnovers per game, which Wilber called a “historically astronomical number” since he first began coaching the team in 2013. “We’ve been a pretty good defensive team this year and that has to travel,” Wilber said. “You’ve got to be a good defensive team on the road and a huge key for us is going to be taking care of the ball. If you turn the ball over on the road, you’re going to get beat. Then when you talk about getting to the free throw line and rebounding, those two things are really key on the road as well and getting to the free throw line is an area of concern for us.” DWU has not had many problems at home, where the Tigers have been 4-0 so far this season and have won by an average margin of more than 22 points. In the two wins over Hastings and Doane, DWU combined for 14 turnovers and set its seasonhigh for 3-pointers made twice. Dakota Wesleyan made a season-high 12 3-pointers against Hastings on Dec. 3 and topped that the following day by making 13 3-pointers with only five turnovers against Doane on Dec. 4. “They were ready to play and we had a lot of fight and grit in us,” Wilber said. “Combined with us making a lot of shots, it really just came down to that. We got good looks, our guys took care of the ball all on offense and we played with some toughness and intelligence on the defense. … We put a heavy emphasis on protecting the Palace and our guys are comfortable there
just like most college teams are when they’re on their home court.” DWU has tried four different lineups this season and Wilber said the team is still sorting out who will play certain minutes as the season continues on, with attitude and production as main factors to decide who will be playing. “For us this year, this is as deep into the season as we’ve been where guys are really still fighting for minutes,” Wilber said. “That’s also a day-to-day discussion as well where our guys know internally that they’re competing for those minutes. That’s going to be up to them and it’s always been that way, but this year, we’re deeper into the season looking for those guys that are going to come off the bench at the guard spot and the big spot and dominate those minutes.” ₪
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Matt Gade / Republic
Dakota Wesleyan’s Alan Kikwaki maneuvers under the basket during an Oct. 27, 2021 game against Dakota State at the Corn Palace.