Winter Sports Preview 2016 by Mitchell Republic

2016 WINTER PREVIEW SPORTS

C M Y

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

New challenges await defending gymnastics champion Kernels Three-time winners return with experience, question marks By Marcus Traxler The Daily Republic

It’s a new season for the Mitchell High School gymnastics team. And that brings about new challenges for the three-time defending Class AA state champions. The Kernels bring back seven members of the 2016 championship team — including three of them that finished in the top 10 of their respective individual event at the state meet. But Mitchell’s two seniors a season ago, Quinci Herll and Emily Prill, won four of the five individual championships at the state meet, which is individual production that will be difficult to replicate or replace. Instead, the 2016-17 campaign will be one of youth and growth and a team finding its way, all with the goal of still standing atop the team podium at season’s end at the state meet in Aberdeen Feb. 10-11. “It’s going to be probably until the end of the year before I have things exactly where I want them,” said Mitchell coach Audra Rew. “But that’s what you want, you want to be at your best at the end of the year. “This is a year that is probably going to be a bit more up and down for us and we’ve been able to dominate quite a bit in the last few years,” she added. “I don’t think this is going to be a bad year but I think this is going to be a year where the teams are going to be a lot closer.” As a team a year ago, Mitchell won a third-straight championship and the fifth in the last 10

years with 146.075 team points, finishing nearly five points ahead of second place Sioux Falls O’Gorman. Mitchell hasn’t lost a varsity meet of any kind in dating back three seasons. “Audra always says that all the meets during the year are practice and that we’re building for state,” said Josie Dierks. “But we haven’t lost a meet since I was an eighth-grader and so we’re always pushing. We haven’t lost in forever and I don’t want to start now.” This season, the team will unquestionably be led by Dierks, who is the lone senior on the roster of 14 gymnasts. Dierks was fourth on the uneven bars and finished in the top-10 of four of the five individual categories, including eighth in the all-around. Rew said Dierks is looking “fantastic” in early practices but said she will be just as important in bringing more of the team’s seven seventh-graders along. “In the past, I have used my seniors as junior coaches, of sorts,” Rew said. “They are the bridge between the team and the coaching staff. … We’ve already paired her with some of the younger kids that are working on similar skills and Josie is a great kid and a great leader for our younger gymnasts to follow.” Also back for the Kernels is junior Bailey Roden, who was a top-10 finisher in the uneven bars. Sophomores Mackenzie Gauger, Kailee Hengelfelt and Maria Krall were all on the championship team a year ago, along with freshman Caitlin Ostbye and

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell gymnastics include, front row from left, Maria Krall, Josie Dierks and Bailey Roden. Back row: Masy Mock, Kailee Henlefelt and Mackenzie Gauger.

eighth-grader Masy Mock. Krall was sixth in the Class AA individual all-around a year ago, is the top Kernel returner in that category, powered by a second-place finish on the balance beam. “I feel like even though ability-wise, we might have some kids with a ton of potential, they haven’t been in that position where they’ve led the team yet,” Rew said. “Until they are that position and we get some meets under our belt, we’re not going to exactly what we have. But I can see them improving at a faster rate than maybe what we’ve seen in the past.”

The Kernels’ seven seventh-graders include Roma Rahman, Gracie Czmowski, Alyssa Hughes, Chesley Mohr, Sydney Lemer, Heaven Brinker and Emma Dicus. Dierks said the team will be there for support to help the young gymnasts along. “We’re going to need all of those kids,” Dierks said. “Maybe they’ll be quiet now, but when state rolls around they’ll all be as excited as we are and they’ll be ready to go.” The Kernels opened the season with the Mitchell Invitational Nov. 28 at the MEGA Gymnastics Center. Mitchell’s annual premier home event, the Jill McCor-

mick Invitational, will take place Dec. 16 and 17 at MHS. Rew said the Class AA field will be more open than it has been. She specifically mentioned Rapid City Stevens, Sioux Falls O’Gorman, Watertown, Yankton and Rapid City Central all as teams that are capable of competing for a top state spot. And Mitchell would certainly remain in that category as well. “This is a group that will be improving,” Rew said. “I think that’s exciting and it’s a little bit different from what we’ve had in the past we’re just going to keep after it and see where we end up. I know we’ll figure it out.”

With young team, DWU wrestling building for success

By Ryan Deal The Daily Republic

Nick Hutcheson and the Dakota Wesleyan wrestling program is starting to build a foundation, and it starts with a young core. Hutcheson, who was named the head coach in March after serving as the interim head man last season, leads a young Tiger squad this year. DWU has just one senior (Trevor Peter) and a host of underclassmen. “It is good as far as getting the foundation of some young guys and then just building on that,” Hutcheson said about the youth. Peter, a heavyweight, looks to build off of last

year’s sixth place finish at the NAIA North National Qualifier a season ago. Peter has battled injuries the past two seasons, but this season he’s been healthy and it has shown early on. “He has only wrestled a few matches so far, but he is getting that confidence of having more mat time under him, feeling a little bit more confident with the stuff he is trying to do and it is showing,” Hutcheson said. “He is getting more offensive when he is out there.” Junior Alex Osborne wrestled in the 165-pound weight class last season, but has dropped down to

“

Obviously, we want to win duals and do well at tournaments but each event is a training event for them to be ready in February for the region tournament. Nick Hutcheson DWU wrestling coach HUTCHESON

157 pounds this season. Osborne struggled as a 165-pounder last season with a 4-16 record, the but the move down could benefit him. “He was a little undersized there and he decided to drop a weight class this year and he looks really, really good at 157 and we are hoping he can keep that rolling,” Hutcheson said. Sophomore Tanner Wernsman competed in three different classes

DR. JEFFREY R. SCHMIDT, D.P.M.

”

(165, 174 and 184) last season. He packed on some muscle during the offseason and projects to settle into the 174-pound class. “He is actually a goodsized 174-pounder, where as last year he was kind of a little smaller and not as strong as those guys he was wrestling there,” Hutcheson said. Sophomore 197-pounder Matt Schirado had the second-most wins last season with a 9-18 record. He went 4-0 at the Univer-

G E T BACK

501 S. Ohlman, Mitchell, SD 57301

605-996-8171

GAME

Locally Owned LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF 5TH& SANBORN Mitchell, SD • 996-1010 HOURS: Sunday thru Thursday • 10:30 a.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday • 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Studelska

Chiropractic & Acupuncture

Satellite Offices: Salem - Armour - Platte - Wess. Springs - Huron - Howard Parkston – DeSmet - Chamberlain

996-0191

Cheering you on since 1936 1400 North Main 996-7508

001466806r1

001466866r1

950 Commerce Street, Suite 102 Mitchell, SD 57301

the team’s 141-pounder. Schleuter finished his high school career with 115 wins. “He has shown the potential to do really well as long as he keeps improving,” Hutcheson said. DWU will have four total events in December before hitting it hard in January. The Tigers will be at NAIA power Dickinson State in a dual and will close out the month at the Great Plains Athletic Conference Duals in Hastings, Nebraska. The tough slate figures to prepare the Tigers for the regional qualifier in February. “Obviously, we want to win duals and do well at tournaments,” Hutcheson said, “but each event is a training event for them to be ready in February for the region tournament.”

PROUDLY SUPPORTS ALL LOCAL SPORTS!

IN THE

Complete Family Footcare • Ingrown Toenails • Heel Pain/Spurs • Sprains • Bunions • Corns and Callouses Diabetic Nail Care CALL TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT

sity of Nebraska-Kearney Duals. “He had an OK freshman year last year,” Hutcheson said, “but we are hoping he can kind of have a breakthrough year this year.” Sjon Snitily and Brady Schleuter highlight the freshmen class and they will be thrown into the fire right away. Snitily, who is from Auburn, Washington, will be the team’s 149-pounder after finishing with a career high school record of 85-31 and a fourth-place finish at state last season. “He has shown some flashes of some real talent and I think he if he can adapt well to the college style, he should have a pretty good year,” Hutcheson said. Schleuter, who hails from Garretson, will be

Dr. Rebecca Studelska

d o o G k c u L ! n o s a e S O n Yo u r

GOOD LUCK TEAMS! corinsurance.com Agencies in Mitchell, Artesian, Letcher, Mt Vernon, Aberdeen, Bowdle, Freeman, Leola, Pierpont, Sioux Falls, Vermillion, Webster & Yankton 001462600r1

Mithell, SD • 996-8616 www.paulsonair.com

Your locally owned Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning Contractor since 1990.

001466482r1

Just one senior returns for Tiger grapplers

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

KERNEL GIRLS BOAST DEPTH, BALANCE IN NEW SEASON MHS hopes to build on state run By Marcus Traxler The Daily Republic As the 2015-16 Kernel girls basketball season came to an end, Mitchell coach Wes Morgan issued a challenge to his team to take the opportunity of the offseason to improve. In the early days of the season, it appears that challenge has been met. Bringing back 12 returning letterwinners from a team that made the Class AA state tournament, the Kernels have a mix of depth and experience and a team Morgan expects to be balanced. “The balance and the depth (stand out),” Morgan said. “Those freshman kids from last year have grown up and they’re sophomores and the time that they’re willing to put in, they’re going to reap the benefits.” Morgan said it’s a team full of players that have taken advantage of their chances since March haven’t been afraid to put the work in. “I think these kids really like basketball,” he said. “I think they’re really enjoying it. We’ve got a good mix of size and got some dribblers, we’ve got some ball-handlers.” The Kernels have three inside players that return with experience from the starting lineup in sophomore Mackenzie Miller and seniors Jenna Weich and Kendra Brewster, who both double as team captains. Weich said the team has focused extensively on its offense, which

averaged less than 40 points per game a year ago. “We know we had our issues scoring last season, so that’s been our focus,” she said. “I think we’ve got the players to make some more shots this season.” Weich was the team’s leading scorer in 2015-16, averaging 8.3 points per game. Miller led the team in field goal percentage and rebounds. “We’ve done a lot of conditioning and weightlifting to get ourselves ready for the season,” Brewster said. “I think that will pay off for us.” Mitchell graduated two guards in Erin Farnham and Brenna Morgan from last year’s team. Sophomores Jordyn Cranny, Tess Limberg and Mandy Schmidt each got extensive playing time a year ago, hopefully making the transition to a new season a bit more seamless. “For me, the big thing is putting it all together and trying to put a quality product on the floor and to be in every game,” Morgan said. “That’s one of our goals, we want to be in every game.” Last season was mostly sour for the Kernels, who were 6-20 and had lost 10 games at one point. But it was the finish that counted the most, as Mitchell won four of its final five games and qualified for the state tournament, which Morgan said served as motivation. “It showed where we were at and how far we’ve come and how we’ve

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell girls basketball team include, front row from left, Tess Limberg, Mandy Schmidt, Payton Morgan, Jordyn Cranny. Middle row: Shianne Hiemstra, Brittany Robinson, Chelsea Brewster, Bailey Kahler. Back row: Carly Haring, Kendra Brewster, Jenna Weich, Mackenzie Miller. still got to go,” he said. “If we put the time in, this is where we can go. We have to get sophomores to play like upperclassmen and that’s a tough thing to do but I think the state tournament trip was a motivational factor for this offseason.” Morgan mentioned Aberdeen Central, Brandon and Harrisburg as being the favorites in the Eastern South Dakota Conference. At the

same time, Morgan said he expected the games to be tight once again in the league. “If you don’t put your hat on the right way, you can get beat,” he said. Five of the first seven games are on the road for Mitchell. The home opener is Dec. 22 against Yankton and the back half of the schedule is more friendly, with five

of the final eight games at the Corn Palace. Weich said the team has had a strong set of practices and is motivated to return to the state tournament again. “It’s helped to push ourselves to get back to that point again this year and maybe even do a little better,” Weich said. “We want to show people what we have.”

Mitchell wrestling team ‘excited’ for season Kernels return four state qualifiers By Eric Mayer The Daily Republic It’s been a quick turnaround for many Mitchell High School wrestlers. The transition from football to wrestling season was instant with wrestling practice starting two days after Mitchell won the state football championship game. “There was no break,” Mitchell wrestling head coach Travis Carpenter said. “For a lot of the kids, I gave them a couple of days off to refresh. The kids are doing a great job, we’re excited about the season and we’ll see where we go.” With four state qualifiers returning — Briggs Havlik, Cole Gehrke, Carson Max and Kyle Foote — Mitchell will field a team mixed with experience and youth. Foote was the Kernels’ top and only place-winner at the state tournament in 2015-16, taking eighth at 160 pounds last year. As a team, Mitchell finished in 22nd place with nine points as Havlik and Max each had one win at the state tournament last year. Carpenter said all of his wrestlers, including last year’s state qualifiers, will have the same goal of improving and qualifying for the state meet. “We don’t put anybody above anybody, it’s all team stuff,” Carpenter said. “Those kids with experience is great and we had a lot of kids that were (so) close to making into the state meet (last

year). There is a lot of drive and a lot of hunger with the kids in the room.” The Kernels have 29 wrestlers listed on the varsity roster for the 2016-17 season, with five seniors. Eleven of those wrestlers were on the state championship football team. Carpenter said his team is focused on working on fundamentals. “In wrestling, it’s all about basics early,” he said. “As you get into competition, then you start to figure out what you need to work on. We step on the mat with the No. 1-rated team in the state right off the bat and we’ll see where we’re at.” The Kernels opened the season with a 54-21 loss to Pierre in the season opening dual and placed sixth at the Watertown Duals on Dec. 3. Mitchell will host four duals this season, along with two triangulars and the annual Jerry Opbroek Invitational on Jan. 14. The Region 3A championship will be hosted in Mitchell on Feb. 18 and both Class A and Class B wrestlers will meet at the state wrestling tournament Feb. 24-25 at the Premier Center in Sioux Falls. “I think we are going to grow and get a lot better,” Carpenter said about his outlook on the season. “Our younger kids have grown up a little bit, they’ve been on the mat a lot of for us the past couple of years.”

Muscle spasms and back pain can quickly take the fun out of any activity, leading to injuries requiring professional chiropractic care.

996-0661

001468711r1

605.996.5983 414 E. Juniper Ave. Mitchell, SD 57301 www.patzerwoodworking.com

Rhoads Chiropractic Clinic R001836389

NW Corner of 5th & Main Bldg • Mitchell, SD 57301

716 N. ROWLEY • 990-2894

Best Burgers, Steaks, and Prime Rib in town!

Tus - burger night, Wed - Wing night, Thurs - CBS night; Fri/Sat - prime rib

HAPPY HOUR 4-7 DAILY 001299518r1

for the game!

1007 N MAIN ST • MITCHELL

605-292-3003

001467487r1

001460363r1

GOOD LUCK TEAMS!

Returning letterwinners for the Mitchell wrestling team include, front row from left, Sutton Carpenter, Logan Sparks, Kyler Bauder. Middle row: Barry Browning, Briggs Havlik, Ryan McGinnis, Cole Gehrke. Back row: Carter Max, Cade Carpenter, Zeb Parsons and Carson Max.

Is Pain Turning You Into A Bad Sport?

Good Luck this Season!

FUEL UP

Eric Mayer/Republic

Offering a full range of financial and investment products and services for institutions and individuals. 721 West Havens Avenue Mitchell, SD 57301

MUST PRESENT COUPON AT TIME OF SALE. ONE COUPON PER CUSTOMER. NOT VALID WITH OTHER OFFERS.

Ph 605.990.6300 • 855.978.5814 Member SIPC/FINRA

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Mitchell Christian girls return strong core Golden Eagles looking to use experience

defenders.” The team opens its season against Wolsey-Wessington on Tuesday in Mitchell and plays four games before Christmas. Through the first nine days of practice, Van Laecken said the team has been working hard. “We’re working on all the fundamentals like most schools do,” Van Laecken said. “Then we will go into our offense and our defense and try and get as much going as we can in the short time frame.” With plenty of newcomers set to gain varsity experience alongside the four seniors, Van Laecken said the team will approach the season one game at a time. “Our biggest goal is trying to improve with each game,” Van Laecken said.

MCS alum Tolsma set to coach boys basketball team By Eric Mayer The Daily Republic A familiar face will be on the Mitchell Christian boys basketball team’s bench this season. Jesse Tolsma, a former standout for the Golden Eagles and Northwestern College graduate, has returned to his alma mater as the team’s head coach. Tolsma, who worked as an assistant coach with the team last year, will enter his first season as a head coach in 2016-17, replacing Dennis Martin, who stepped down as the team’s coach. “I get to come back and coach at my alma mater and that’s something that’s really cool,” Tolsma said. “I’m excited, hopefully the kids are excited and hopefully the school’s excited.” Tolsma takes over for a team that went 9-11 last year and lost all-stater Majok Kur and Ethan Cooper to graduation. “We have a fun group,” Tolsma said. “We lost two key pieces from last year, but these kids have put in a lot of time and effort this summer, so we’re ready to take that next step up.” The Golden Eagles will return starters sophomore Alec Nelson, junior Riley O’Neill and senior Zach Bosworth. Tolsma said the team will count on those players throughout the season.

“Alec had a really nice year as a freshman and we’re looking for him to step up again this year and look for him to continue to improve,” Tolsma said. “Zach Bosworth is our lone senior and we’ll look for a lot of leadership from him.” Tolsma also mentioned TOLSMA O’Neill and Christian Cooper as players MCS will look to and mentioned there’s plenty of younger players looking to make an impact for the team. “The biggest goal is improving each and every day,” Tolsma said. “Wins and losses are what you look at, but if you do the little things right, those things will take care of themselves.” MCS had a 85-9 record in the four years Tolsma played under then-head coach Tom Young. The former Daily Republic player of the year hopes to see steady growth out of his young team this season. “We don’t want to be at our peak in game one, we want to improve each game and be peaking at the right time, tournament time, and at the end of the year,” Tolsma said. “It’s a lot of hard work, but I think it’ll pay off for this group.”

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwiners for the Mitchell Christian boys basketball team include, from left, Zach Bosworth, Ty Vander Pol, Alec Nelson, Christian Cooper and Riley O’Neill.

Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.

Returning letterwiners for the Mitchell Christian girls basketball team include, from left, Colette Haag, Charlotte Haag, Carlie Vander Pol, Taylor Lepke and Alyson Vander Pol.

Girls games added to Mike Miller Classic in 2016

11 of the 17 games to be held at the Corn Palace over two days By Ryan Deal The Daily Republic Another year, another new wrinkle for the Mike Miller Classic. The seventh annual Mike Miller Classic is Dec. 29 and Dec. 30 and will feature 17 games between high school and college basketball teams and for the first time, it will include two girls’ prep games. Twenty teams will represent seven states at the classic. The Corn Palace will host 11 games during the two-day event, while the Sanford Pentagon’s Heritage Court will have six games on the final day. “South Dakota has two of the most unique and best venues in high school basketball to offer,” Mike Miller Classic President Ernie Kuyper said. “It is just fun to call and try to get teams all over the country to come to South Dakota.” The classic has expanded each year and did again this year, with the addition of two girls’ games. Waconia, Minnesota, will play Sioux Falls O’Gorman on Dec. 29 at the Corn Palace in the first ever girls’ game of the classic. Aberdeen Central will then play Waconia at the Sanford Pentagon on Friday. Waconia is coached by Mitchell graduate Carl Pierson, who was a member of the 1994 Class AA boys’ state championship team. “It has kind of been his dream to come back and coach in the Palace,” Kuyper said. “It was just a perfect fit. He has a great program, great tradition. We found two teams in the state of South Dakota that like the matchup.” Kuyper added the hope is to add more girls’ games in the future. “We want to grow this thing and just help the boys and girls and the kids of South Dakota,” Kuyper said. The kids of South Dakota will again go up against some of the best teams from around the country at the event. Both the Mitchell and Mitchell Christian boys’ teams will play in the classic. Mitch-

Life Insurance

001467138r1

Michelle Sheesley* FIC Michelle Sheesley* FIC Michelle Sheesley* FIC 1125 N. Sanborn Blvd., Mitchell, SD 57301 1125 N. Blvd., Mitchell, 57301 N. Sanborn Sanborn Blvd., Mitchell, SDSD 57301 B.1125 605-996-2675 • C. 605-999-0811 605-996-2675 • •C.C.605-999-0811 B.B.605-996-2675 605-999-0811 Michelle.Sheesley@mwarep.org

Michelle.Sheesley@mwarep.org Michelle.Sheesley@mwarep.org

*Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America.

Armour, Delmont, Geddes, Gregory, Kadoka, Kennebec, Mitchell, Onida, Pierre, Rapid City, Selby, Tripp, Vivian, Winner Member FDIC

Dr. Brett Farnham

Good Luck Athletes! 2110 N Minnesota St | Mitchell, SD 57301

this Season! 600 South Burr, Mitchell

www.iversonchrysler.com

1-866-441-8361 • 605-996-5683 Mon-Fri 8am–6pm, Sat 8am–5pm, Also Available by Appointments

GAME DAY

DESTINATION

At Dental Designs we offer comprehensive family dentistry. Dr. Brett Farnham works to help improve your oral health and help you maintain a healthy smile.

• Big Screen TVs all over • NFL Sunday Ticket • 38 Taps 001465121r1

www.bankwest-sd.com | 1-800-253-0362

YOUR

Best of luck to all this season!

Convenient. Connected. Committed.

See CLASSIC, Page M5

Iverson

*Securities offered through MWA Financial Services Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Modern Woodmen of America.

Helping Customers Succeed and Communities Prosper

ell Christian will play the first game of the classic Dec. 29 against Patrick Henry from Minnesota. The Kernels will then play Sioux Falls O’Gorman at the Corn Palace that night during the first game of the Coach Gary Munsen Tournament. Munsen, who died in January, is a former Mitchell High School basketball coach who amassed more than 900 wins and 12 state championships coaching the Kernel boys and girls. Game two of the Coach Gary Munsen Tournament features DeLaSalle, Minnesota, against IMG Academy (Florida) at 8 p.m. on Thursday at the Corn Palace. DeLaSalle has played in the classic in recent years and features small forward Goanar Mar, who has verbally committed to play at Division I George Mason in Virginia. IMG is new to the classic and is led by power forward Isaiah Stokes, who reportedly has offers from Florida, North Carolina and Tennessee. IMG junior forward Emmitt Williams is a four-star recruit, according to Rivals.com. “IMG Academy out of Florida will be really, really good,” Kuyper said. “That 8 p.m. game that first night — DeLaSalle vs. IMG Academy — will be great.” National power La Lumiere from Indianapolis will play Aberdeen Central at 8:30 p.m. on Friday at the Pentagon. La Lumiere was the national runner-up last season and is expected to be No. 1 in the USA Today preseason rankings. The Lakers — who have become Mike Miller Classic regulars over the years — boast four players in the ESPN 100 rankings, including forwards Brian Bowen and Jaren Jackson. “La Lumiere is an explosive team,” Kuyper said. Sioux Falls Washington will play St. Anthony (Texas) at 7 p.m. Dec. 30 at the Pentagon. St. Anthony is powered by 6-foot10 Charles Bassey, who last year was named the country’s top freshman by Fab 50. He’s No. 1 ranked recruit in 2019, according to

d o o G Luck

Life Insurance Life Insurance Retirement Planning Retirement RetirementPlanning Planning Financial Services Financial FinancialServices Services

~ 1 Corinthians 9:25 805 West 18th Avenue • Mitchell, SD 57301 605-996-8861

Eric Mayer/Republic

001460372r1

Haag and Taylor Lepke. Junior Charlotte Haag is also a returning letterwinner and the team will welcome in a strong eighth-grade class. “It’s going to be a team effort this year, but we have some height inside,” Van Laecken said. “Taylor Lepke will be looked at for her outside game and the Vander Pol girls will be looked at for the post game.” After the four seniors, MCS will be looking for newcomers to step up into different roles on the team. Van Laecken said the team will use the first games of the season to find a rhythm. “It’ll take these first few games to see where we are at and who our starters will be,” Van Laecken said. “The main goals will be to keep those turnovers down and be good

001467578r1

By Eric Mayer The Daily Republic A solid core of returning players has the Mitchell Christian girls basketball team ready for the upcoming season. The Golden Eagles went 10-11 last year and lost standout Emily Reynen to graduation, but enter the 2016-17 season with plenty of experience. “We have returning seniors this year, so we’re pretty excited about that,” MCS head coach Jackie Van Laecken said. “We also have a lot of young girls coming up that are doing a great job as well. We’re excited to see where the season will lead us this year.” Returning for MCS are seniors Carlie Vander Pol, Alyson Vander Pol, Colette

2100 Highland Way

605-995-5095

www.blarneyssportsbar.com

001462618r1

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Kernel boys ready to compete

Off five-win season, Mitchell returns four starters this year By Eric Mayer per game, while Pommer The Daily Republic had 34 assists and played in There won’t be any shortevery game for the Kernels age of leadership for the last year. Mitchell High School boys Junior Carter Cavanaugh basketball team this season. also returns for the Kernels That’s encouraging news after seeing plenty of playing for Erik Skoglund, who will time as a sophomore. Cavaenter his fourth year as the naugh averaged 5.8 points head coach of the Kernels. per game and was a reliable “These guys have had 10 3-point shooter. outstanding practices and “Those guys are so skilled it’s a tribute to our senior and have a great work ethic,” leaders, who haven’t let the said Skoglund about his top underclassmen get down on four returning players. “That themselves or let exhaustion is why they are so successful creep into their game,” said in other sports like football Skoglund, mentioning many and baseball. Their athletof his players were a part of icism and understanding the state champion football what team sports are all team. “Their about will leadership help lead has shown this team.” in our first Cody The will to win will keep us 10 practices Reichelt, playing hard and keep us in and our first Ryland games. week.” Mitchell senior DeVries and After a seaConnor Morgan Sam Mock son of strugall return as gles and a letterwin5-18 record, ners and SkMitchell is oglund said hoping to build off last year’s all of his players will share a growing pains. Despite have variety of responsibilities on so few wins, the Kernels the court this season. only fell one game short of “Everyone does shooting reaching the Class AA state drills, everyone does dribtournament. bling drills, everyone does “We are seeing guys playpost drills and everyone does ing together and knowing passing drills. These guys are their roles,” said Connor players,” Skoglund said. “We Morgan, who emerged as are putting more pressure Mitchell’s top scoring threat off the ball movement rather last year. “We are focused on than our dribble-drive. We’ll playing basketball the right be attacking, attacking, atway.” tacking and we’re only going Morgan, who averaged to get better.” 10.8 points per game as a After averaging 51 points junior, is one of three reper game and allowing 63 turning starters for Mitchell, points per game, Mitchell along with Jed Schmidt and will be looking to create Elijah Pommer. Schmidt led more offense and lock down the team with 66 assists last defensively. year and added 5.3 points “We have been stressing

“ ”

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mitchell boys basketball include, front row from left, Carter Cavanaugh, Jed Schmidt and Elijah Pommer. Back row: Sam Mock, Cody Reichelt, Ryland DeVries and Connor Morgan. our new read-and-react offense,” Skoglund said. “We have to get more open inrhythm layups and we have to get more open threes.” Skoglund added his team will stress ball movement and finding the open shot. On defense, the Kernels will throw a variety of looks, but

will also have to work hard for every rebound. “It’s always team defense,” Skoglund said. “If you can’t knock it down from the outside, you’re going to struggle against our pack-line defense. We’ll have to see how long we can play man-toman, how long we can play

Corn Palace and then will face either DeLeSalle (Minnesota) or IMG Academy (Florida) on Dec. 30 at the Sanford Pentagon. “We may be undersized, but our hearts are bigger,” Morgan said. “The will to win will keep us playing hard and keep us in games.”

zone and then we’ll trap.” Mitchell opens the season with four straight home games, with the opener against Aberdeen Central on Dec. 13 at the Corn Palace. The Kernels will also compete in the Mike Miller Classic, facing Sioux Falls O’Gorman on Dec. 29 in the

Area basketball classic listings Below is a list of basketball classics in the Mitchell region or featuring area teams. Information was compiled from the South Dakota High School Activities Association schedules and event organizers.

COMBINED EVENTS

Dec. 28 East-West Classic, at Chamberlain Armory, Chamberlain: Girls teams: Chamberlain, Douglas, Ethan, Philip Boys teams: Belle Fourche, Centerville, Chamberlain, Douglas, Lower Brule, West Central Dec. 29 Big Bo Classic, at Wolsey Girls teams: Herreid/Selby Area, Iroquois, James Valley Christian, Kimball/White Lake, Potter County, Wolsey-Wessington Boys teams: Kimball/White Lake, James Valley Christian, Iroquois, Platte-Geddes, Potter County, Wolsey-Wessington Dec. 30 Snowball Classic, at Winner Armory, Winner: Girls teams: Colome, Hill City, St. Francis Indian, Winner Boys teams: Canton, Colome, Gregory, Hill City, Hot Springs, Winner. Jan. 14 Heritage Classic, at Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls 8 a.m.: Red Cloud girls vs. South O’Brien (Iowa); 9:30 a.m.: Arlington boys vs. South O’Brien (Iowa); 11 a.m.: Trinity Christian (Iowa) girls vs. Central Lyon (Iowa); 12:30 p.m.: Trinity Christian (Iowa) boys vs. Central Lyon (Iowa); 2 p.m.: Sioux Falls Christian girls vs. Sisseton; 3:30 p.m.: McLaughlin girls vs. Platte-Geddes; 5 p.m.: Clark/Willow Lake boys vs.

CLASSIC

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dec. 28 Huron Classic, at Huron Arena, Huron: Ethan, Faulkton Area, Gayville-Volin, Hitchcock-Tulare, James Valley Christian, Marty, Miller, Potter County, Rapid City Christian Dec. 29 Parkston Classic, at Parkston Bon Homme, Canistota, Corsica-Stickney, Dakota Valley, Flandreau, Hanson, McCook Central/Montrose, Parkston, Sully Buttes, Warner, West Central Dec. 31 Samaritan’s Feet Barefoot Classic, at Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls 11:30 a.m.: Leola-Frederick vs. Waverly-South Shore; 1 p.m.: Canistota vs. Warner; 2:30 p.m.: Dakota Valley vs. Mount Vernon/Plankinton; 4 p.m.: Vermillion vs. Little Wound; 5:30 p.m.: O’Gorman vs. Minneapolis North (Minn.); 7 p.m.: Washington vs. Sioux Falls Christian; 8:30 p.m.: Roosevelt vs. Tea Area. Jan. 14 Tri-Valley Conference Classic, at Cimpl Arena, Yankton Alcester-Hudson, Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Bridgewater-Emery, Burke/South Central, Canistota, Centerville, Gayville-Volin, Freeman Acad-

Martin is a former DWU men’s basketball coach, who led the Tigers to four conference championships. Kuyper said it was an easy sell to the college teams and the high school teams about playing in the event. “They want to come be a part of it,” he said. “It is pretty easy on my end to make the phone call to see if the teams like to come and play against DWU and Dakota State, with DWU’s tradition it just makes it a pretty easy phone call. It seems like all the teams want to be a part of it and come see the Corn Palace, the Pentagon. They just love it.”

Ci��’� L�r�es� Outdo�� Pa�i�

reakServing B and fast, Lunch Dinner y@ Open Dailm 10:00 a

emy/Marion, Irene-Wakonda, Parker, Scotland, Viborg-Hurley Jan. 21 Hanson Classic, at Corn Palace: Aberdeen Roncalli, Bridgewater-Emery, Chester Area, Corsica-Stickney, Hanson, Langford Area, Parkston, Platte-Geddes, Sioux Valley, St. Thomas More, Tea Area, Tri-Valley, Warner, Winner, White River, Wolsey-Wessington Jan. 28 Midco Sports Shootout, at Madison: Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Bon Homme, Colman-Egan, Colome, Gayville-Volin, Irene-Wakonda, Little Wound, Madison, Mitchell Christian, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, St. Francis Indian, Truman/Martin Luther/ Granada-Huntley-East Chain (Minn.); Viborg-Hurley, Wolsey-Wessington Feb. 4 Pentagon Classic, at Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls 9 a.m.: Aberdeen Christian vs. Parker; 10:30 a.m.: Parkston vs. West Lyon (Iowa); 12 p.m.: Corsica-Stickney vs. Sisseton; 1:30 p.m.: Red Cloud vs. Milbank Area; 3 p.m.: Moorhead (Minn.) vs. Sergeant Bluff-Luton (Iowa); 4:30 p.m.: Sioux Valley vs. Crosby-Ironton (Minn.); 6 p.m.: Remsen St. Mary’s (Iowa) vs. West Sioux (Iowa); 7:30 p.m.: St. Thomas More vs. Western Christian (Iowa); 9 p.m.: Sioux Center (Iowa) vs. LeMars (Iowa)

Feb. 11 DWU Classic, at Corn Palace

THURSDAY, DEC. 29 At the Corn Palace 11 a.m. — Mitchell Christian vs. Minneapolis Patrick Henry (Minn.) 2 p.m. — Prairie Seeds Academy (Minn.) vs. First Assembly Christian School (Tenn.) 3:30 p.m. — Girls: Sioux Falls O’Gorman vs. Waconia (Minn.) 5 p.m. — Bridgewater-Emery vs. Chester Coach Gary Munsen Tournament: 6:30 p.m. — Mitchell vs. Sioux Falls O’Gorman 8 p.m. — DeLaSalle (Minn.) vs. IMG Academy (Fla.)

FLO RIS

RY IVE EL

CTED MEMB

Teleflora top 1000 flower shop FTD ®

001465205r1 FTD ®

FRIDAY, DEC. 30

At the Corn Palace 7 pm - Bridgewater-Emery vs. Prairie Seeds Academy (Minn.) Doug Martin Classic: 5:30 p.m. — Dakota State University vs. York College (Neb.)

Check us out on Facebook, search Nepstad’s Flowers & Gifts

8:30 p.m. — Dakota Wesleyan University vs. Southeastern University (Fla.) At the Sanford Pentagon 2:30 p.m. — Girls: Aberdeen Central vs. Waconia (Minn.) 4 p.m. — Patrick Henry (Minn.) vs. First Assembly Christian School (Tenn.) 5:30 p.m. — Sioux Falls Washington vs. St. Anthony (Texas) 8:30 p.m. — Aberdeen Central vs. La Lumiere (Ind.) Coach Gary Munsen Tournament 1 p.m. — Third-place game 7 p.m. — Championship game

• Tailored to the needs of the athlete and the demands of his or her sport(s). • Focuses on speed, quickness, and agility as well as improving core stability, strength and injury prevention.

GET THE GRIT!

We offer flexible scheduling and will work with your athlete to ensure the appointments work with his or her schedules. Powered by

Flowers & Gifts LE

Doug Martin Classic: 12:30 p.m. — Dakota State University vs. Southeastern University (Fla.) 9:30 p.m. — Dakota Wesleyan University vs. York College (Neb.)

Sport Enhancement Program

Flower shop quality, service & guarantee.

605-996-4323 • 1-800-966-4323 1122 N. Main, Mitchell www.nepstadsflowers.com

Hanson Classic, at Corn Palace Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Avon, Crofton (Neb.), De Smet, Dell Rapids, Ethan, Flandreau, Freeman, Hanson, Howard, McCook Central/Montrose, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, St. Thomas More, Sully Buttes, Warner, Webster Area DSU Classic, at DSU Fieldhouse, Madison Elk Point-Jefferson, Freeman Academy/Marion, Hamlin, Little Wound, Irene-Wakonda, Ipswich, Mitchell Christian, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Tri-Valley; Viborg-Hurley, West Central, Winner Jan. 28 Tri-Valley Conference Classic, at Cimpl Arena, Yankton Alcester-Hudson, Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Bridgewater-Emery, Freeman Academy/Marion, Gayville-Volin, Irene-Wakonda, Platte-Geddes, Scotland, Viborg-Hurley, Wagner Feb. 4 Action Club Classic, at Highmore Chamberlain, Colome, Eureka/Bowdle, Herreid/Selby Area, Highmore-Harrold, Jones County, Lower Brule, Wessington Springs DSU Classic, at DSU Fieldhouse, Madison Alcester-Hudson, Andes Central/Dakota Christian, Howard, Scotland, St. Francis Indian, Waverly-South Shore Feb. 10 DWU Classic, at Corn Palace Bridgewater-Emery, Burke/South Central, Ethan, Hanson, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Parkston, Pine Ridge, Wagner

Mike Miller Classic Schedule

522 N. Main • Mitchell • 605-996-9488

Stop by and see us for all your floral needs •Balloons •Candy Bouquets •Floral Arrangements

FTD

Dec. 17 Edith Sanford Breast Center Classic, at Sanford Pentagon, Sioux Falls: 10:30 a.m.: Hanson vs. Avon; noon: Dakota Valley vs. Aberdeen Roncalli; 1:30 p.m.: Parker vs. Wynot (Neb.); 3 p.m.: O’Gorman vs. Western Christian (Iowa); 4:30 p.m.: Moorhead (Minn.) vs. St. Thomas More; 6 p.m.: Washington vs. Crofton (Neb.); 7:30 p.m.: Lincoln vs. St. Michael-Albertville (Minn.); 9 p.m.: Roosevelt vs. Worthington (Minn.) Dec. 27 Huron Classic, at Huron Arena, Huron: Chester Area, Colman-Egan, Elk Point-Jefferson, Faulkton Area, Hitchcock-Tulare, Iroquois, James Valley Christian, Jones County, Marty, Mitchell Christian, Potter County, Wolsey-Wessington Dec. 30 Parkston Classic, at Parkston Dell Rapids, Ethan, Gayville-Volin, Hanson, McCook Central/Montrose, Menno, Parkston, Platte-Geddes, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, Sully Buttes, Tea Area, Wagner Jan. 14

“Where You Always Know the Score!”

Good Luck Teams & Players!

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Home of “The Half Pound Burger”

001444035r1

ANSWORLD ' TR D TS

Aberdeen Roncalli, Bridgewater-Emery, Chamberlain, Chester Area, Corsica-Stickney, De Smet, Dell Rapids, Irene-Wakonda, Langford Area, Mount Vernon/Plankinton, Pine Ridge, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, Sioux Falls Christian, St. Thomas More, White River

001514882r1

Continued from Page 4 rivals.com. Bassey is the No. 2 recruit by ESPN. “He will be a heck of a player to watch this year,” Kuyper said about Bassey, who has offers from Baylor, Kansas and Tennessee, among others. For the second straight season, college teams will also play in the event. Dakota Wesleyan University, Dakota State University, York College (Nebraska) and Southeastern University (Florida) will all play in the classic as part of the Doug Martin Classic.

Platte-Geddes; 6:30 p.m.: Lennox girls vs. Milbank Area; 8 p.m.: Lennox boys vs. Aberdeen Roncalli; 9:30 p.m.: Madison boys vs. St. Thomas More.

www.trueﬁtnessmitchell.com

Dakota Physical Therapy is a multidisciplinary facility specializing in pain relief and recovery through the use of today’s latest physical therapy techniques and technology. With years of hands-on experience, we’re dedicated to getting you back in the game.

• Workouts are in larger groups as well as smaller groups to more speciﬁcally meet the demands of the individual sport as well as the position the athlete performs within that sport. • INTENSE, but fun workout, with the ultimate goal of improved dynamic and functional athletic performance to give you the edge over the competition. • Offered to the Junior High through College athlete.

912 South Edgerton • Mitchell, SD • 990-3610 Located on the south end of the Dakota Physical Therapy building

Josh Moody

Physical Therapist

Steve Van Genderen Physical Therapist

910 S. Edgerton, Mitchell

996-4778

www.dakota-pt.com

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Andes Central/Dakota Christian boys basketball, front row from left, Clay Brouwer, J.B. Bruguier and Chase Pheifer. Back row: Michael Maas, Jacey Garcia and Daaron Tronvold.

DECEMBER 2016

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Andes Central/Dakota Christian girls basketball, front row from left, Brianna Deurmier, Megan Mudder and Lillian Flying Hawk. Back row: Shaylin Stotz, Ahna Vander Pol, Sidney Muckey and Beulah Black Cloud.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Avon girls basketball, front row from left, Ashley Cap, Hannah Reeves, Hanna Powers and Courtney Buchholz. Back row: Tori Schryvers, Jill Bertus, Kacie Mudder, Lauren Sees, Cheylee Nagel and Livi Jurrens.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Denielle Dvorak/For The Daily Republic

Returning letterwinners for Bon Homme boys basketball, front row from left, Chase Kortan, Colin Adams, Cole Uecker and Joey Slama. Back row: Josh Schmidt, Bryce Scieszinski and Christian Uecker.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Bon Homme girls basketball, from left, include, Brecken Bullard, Rachel Sestak and Emily Cap.

WRESTLING Information was submitted by coaches or complied by Republic sports staff:

KIMBALL/WHITE LAKE/PLATTE-GEDDES Coach: Thomas Konechne Year coaching: Fifth Record last year: 8-9 Letterwinners returning: 12 Top returnees: Wyatt Talbott, 9, 113; Corydon Hanson, 11, 120;

001124642r1

• Debit Cards • Free checking • Free Internet Banking • Loans of all types 213 Main St. • Lake Andes

CHANNEL 103

For all your ag needs.

487-7681

Lake Andes Farmers Co-op Building Center For the Home & Farm

487-7530 001124699r1

Member FDIC

Ron Beukelman Agency 811 Main Ave Armour S, 57313 (605)724-2554

Vogt’s Repair Sales - Service South Highway 261 Armour, SD 605-724-2400

KEVIN’S SEED & FEED

605-487-7799 001303447r1

Wishing all a winning season!

AGRICULTURAL SEEDS BIRD FEEDERS GIFT ITEMS

Good Luck Athletes!

709 1st St, Armour 724-2459 A proud supporter of all school activities

www.bankwest-sd.com • 1-800-253-0362 Armour, Delmont, Geddes, Gregory, Kadoka, Kennebec, Mitchell, Onida, Pierre, Rapid City, Selby, Tripp, Vivian, Winner Member FDIC

G D C

rosz

WILSON’S

rilling

True Value

29174 383rd Ave Lake Andes, SD 1st & Main, Armour 724-2468

Tripp Good Samaritan Center 300 N Dobson St, Tripp, SD 57376 (605) 935-6101

KRULL’S MARKET

LET US GIVE YOUR DREAMS THE SUPPORT THEY DESERVE.

001467299r1

Ronfeldt Electric

001124700r1

001303158r1

605-487-7611 1-877-487-7611 Fax 605-487-7613 andesstatebank.com

514 S. Hwy 37 605-935-6106 • Tripp

802 Depot St. Armour, SD 605-724-2401

BOB’S FARM SERVICE 605-724-2105

www.bobsfarm.com

700 Main Street Armour, SD 605-724-2796

001306697r1

WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

001124696r1

001464949r1

LA Farmers Co-op

See WRESTLING, Page M7

Fairway Seed

ANDES STATE BANK

605-487-7321 local # 800-208-8587 toll free

Coach: Chad Johnson Year coaching: 14th Record last year: 12-4 in duals Letterwinners returning: 8 Top returnees: Jade Collins, 9, 106; Jacob Hoffer, 10, 126; Robbie Johnson, 11, 160; Jack Miller, 11, 152, Cameron McManigal, 12, 220; Jadeon Biggers, 10, 285; Docy Uthe, 8, 132 Top newcomers: Shilo Mowry, 7, 106; Tristan Penny, 7, 106; Blake Brodrecht, 7, 132; Ty Oldenkamp, 10, 120; Bryson Muirhead, 9, 106; Dalton Moore, 7, 182; Quinton Larson, 8, 160

Coaches: Scott Andal, assistants: BJ Havard and Josh Blindert Year coaching: 23rd Conference: Big East Record last year: Finished sixth as a team at the Class B state tournament with 78 points. Key wrestlers: Lane Huls, 8, 106; Jayden Wolf, 9, 113; Cody Sechser, 11, 120; Tate Reiner, 11, 126 (finished seventh in 2016 at 113); Bryce Smart, 11, 132; Paul Lauck, 11, 138 (second in 2016 at 132); Parker Scheier, 9, 138; Jacob Cheeseman, 9, 145; Blake Gessner, 9, 152; Dawson Hopkins, 12, 160; Tanner Peterson, 10, 160;

Tripp-Delmont/Armour

Andes Central

440 East Lake Street Lake Andes, SD

LYMAN

MCCOOK CENTRAL/MONTROSE

001468864r1

Coach: John Hansen Year coaching: 43rd Record last year: 6-3, finished eighth as a team at Class B state tournament with 74 points Letterwinners returning: 11 Top returnees: Colten Nelson, 12 (third in Class B 2016 at 285); Vladik Johnson, 12; Cade Fortuna, 11; Ridge Oliver, 11; JJ Beck, 10 (seventh in 2016 at 152); Tyler Murray, 10; Jackson Eklund, 9 (third in 2016 at 113); Finn Hanson, 9; Frank Evan, 9; Jordan Vosika, 8; Rhoss Oliver, 8.

Coach: John Donovan Conference: Big Dakota Years coaching: 13 Number of letterwinners returning: 7 Top returnees: Max Donovan, 10, 113; Collin Powell, 10, 120 (fourth in 2016 Class A at 106); Dilen Anderson, 11, 126; Tyler Sorensen, 10, 145; Tommy Redig, 11, 160; Ruger Forester, 9, 220; Nash Hutmacher, 12, 285 (fifth in 2016 Class A at 285). Top newcomers: Gabe Skustad, 8, 106; Jett Evans, 11, 152; Josiah Thompson, 9, 160; Remington Rossow, 9, 170; Hunter Foltz, 9, 152; Deion Stork, 9, 170. Coach’s comments: We have a very young squad that has a lot of experience. That may not sound right but these guys have been wrestling each other all the way through AAU, middle school and have been wrestling in varsity tourna-

Coach: Chris Sayler Number of returning letterwinners: Five Key wrestlers: Dalton Bodewitz, 11 (finished sixth in 2016 at 126); Daniel Cremer, 9; Jett Dubs, 11; Austin Hofer, 11; Ernie Johnson, 11; Connor Koppenmann, 8; Kyle Lemme, 9; Ethan Ortman, 8; Clayton Smith, 8

ompany

001304323r1

BURKE/GREGORY

CHAMBERLAIN

MARION/FREEMAN

001125951r1

Coach: Darren Kriz Year coaching: Second Record last year: 8-2, finished seventh as a team at Class B state tournament with 76.5 points Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Kaleb Crownover, 11, 126 (fifth in 2016 at 113); Stas Sutera, 12, 138 (was 2016 Class B champion at 126 for Canton); Zach Sykora, 12, 145 (state qualifier in 2016); Josh Crownover, 9, 152 (sixth in 2016 at 145); Sam Caba, 12, 160 (eighth in 2016 at 152).

Coach: Evan Meyer Year coaching: First Conference: Big East Top returnees: Evan Kizer, 11, 195 (fourth in 2016 at 195); Mitch Kramer (2016 state qualifier), 11, 152; Aidyn Feldhaus, 11, 160-170 (2016 state qualifier); EJ Leetch, 10, 182 (2016 state qualifier); Top newcomers: Lane Miller, 8, 106; Isaac Feldhaus, 9, 132138; Zach Pardy, 10, 126-132; Paul Winker, 9, 126-132; Logan Schlim, 9, 132-138; Trevor Tetrik, 10, 220; Carter Calmus, 10, 120 Coach’s comments: We have good numbers and a lot of young talent in the room.

Coach’s comments: We will be very young and inexperienced but hope to make up for it with heart and hard work.

001303161r1

BON HOMME/SCOTLAND

HOWARD

Spencer Hanson, 8, 120; Jackson Nockels, 11, 126; Sam Kruger, 8, 132 (second in 2016 at 106); Ty Namanny, 10, 145 (sixth in 2016 at 132); Cody Westendorf, 10, 145; Kade Konstanz, 10, 152; Warren Soulek, 8, 182; Tyler Resick, 10, 195; Bo Donald, 10, 220; Austin Moore, 12, 285 (seventh in 2016 at 285). Top newcomers: Grayson Hanson, 7, 106; Caden Lenz, 9, 138; Coach’s comments:We have a very talented team with a good mix of young wrestlers and upper classmen. We will look to be very competitive in both duals and tournaments this year.

001466568r1

Coach: Charles Hopkins Key wrestlers: Gabe Baas, 9; Ethan Black Cloud, 11; Riley Boettcher, 7; Matthew Bryant, 12; Beau Greger, 11; Joe Hart, 11; Leo Hopkins, 12; Alec Kiyukan, 12; Jacob Meynard, 10; Apollo Weddell, 7.

Top newcomers: Tucker Even, 7; Taron Serr, 7; Mason Hood, 7; Dimitri Davis, 9; Hunter Cordova, 10. Coach’s comments: We will struggle to fill all of the weight classes this year, so being competitive in duals will be a challenge. We do have some great individual talent returning and expect to fare very well in tournament competition.

001303251r1

ANDES CENTRAL

ments since they were in seventh and eighth grade. I am excited for the season as they have spent the offseason attending camps and lifting weights in the Cub Power program over the summer. I am very happy with the offseason work they put in and look forward to coaching this team.

Returning letterwinners for Avon boys basketball includes, front row from left, Tyler Kopp, Damond Pohl, Jimmy Schuurmans and Jacob Cihak. Back row: Logan Schuurmans, Kory DeJong, Tate Wynia, Sam Eben, Levi DeJong, Dylan Raysby and Brady Cameron.

Drilling & Repairing water wells since 1909 Terry Grosz, Delmont 605-779-2801 Cell 605-661-1476

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

EECEMBER 2016

Denielle Dvorak/For The Daily Republic

Returning letterwinners for Bon Homme/Scotland wrestling include, from left, Joshua Crownover, Sam Caba, Zach Sykora, Kade Hellman, Stas Sutera, Jordan Rueb and Kaleb Crownover.

Returning letterwinners for Bridgewater-Emery boys basketball include, front row from left, Dustin Weber, Jamin Arend, Cole Gassman, Colton Plagmann and Connor Tuschen. Back row: Sam Arend, Sawyer Schultz, Duot Van Sickle, Cade Schmitt, Carter Dye and Mason Potter.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Burke/Gregory wrestling include, front row from left, Tyler Murray, Vladik Johnson, Jackson Eklund, Frank Even and Jordan Vosika. Back row: Cade Fortuna, J.J. Beck, Colten Nelson, Ridge Oliver, Rhoss Oliver and Finn Hanson.

Returning letterwinners for Burke/South Central girls basketReturning letterwinners for Burke/South Central boys basketball include, front row from left, Teah Serr, Lexie Fernau and ball include, from left, Jaden Frank and Donald Irvin. Lacey Person. Back row: Ryanna Schweigert, Tressa Bull, Taylee Indahl and Madison Wischmann. Eric Mayer/Republic

PARKSTON Coach: James Boehmer, assistants: Ryan Meyer, John Gilman, Tyler Welch

Avon

RODNEY TSCHETTER

TRUCKING, LLC 740 E. 6th St. Bridgewater, SD

511 SD Highway 262 P.O. Box 263 Emery, SD 57332 605-449-4255 001303373r1

BERNDT FARM EQUIPMENT

001303176r1

GO PIRATES!

Schultz Redi Mix LLC

COMMUNITY BANK Avon, SD

001470780r1

J.L. Arend Insurance

729-2471

605-286-3525

001464238r1

40623 SD HWY 50 Avon, SD

117 North 3rd Emery, SD

GOOD LUCK TEAMS!

J C

Dennis & April Powers P.O. Box 375 Avon, SD 57315

Christopher Ruden 25852 426th Ave. Emery SD 57332

PORT-A-POTTY

001466569r1

Daily Noon Specials! Sunday Specials!

POWERS

605-491-0519

For All Your Commercial, Residential, and Farm Electrical Needs

Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1946 Bridgewater 605-729-2532 1-800-727-2532

FREE ESTIMATES

220 Industrial Rd. Emery, SD 57332 Chad Eddy, Owner

001129438r1

001303277r1

Cell 605-999-1838

SECURITY STATE BANK

605-449-4261

Total Stop Food Store 380 SD Highway 262 Emery, SD

605-449-4755

Diamond Care Center 729-2525

Full Service Bank Member FDIC

901 N. Main, Bridgewater, SD

Bridgewater, SD 605-729-2546 Cell 605-929-2098

001125565r1

001124684r1

Concrete, Gravel, Sand & Rock

Dennis Powers-Owner PO Box 375 Avon, SD 57315 605-491-0519

605-770-3014

The

Bridgewater

286-3213

MYER’S SANITATION

341 Hanson Street Emery, SD

WILDCAT INN

Support the Pirates!

Independent Community Bankers of S.D. Assn.

Emery, SD Carl Nordwald

Bridgewater 605-729-2744 Freeman 605-925-4510

Sales & Service

Business: 605-770-2957 Home: 605-449-4939

Excavation & Utility Construction of All Types

001124692r1

605-286-3216

251 N. Main, PO Box 46, Bridgewater, SD (605) 729-2381

SCHULTZ ELECTRIC

Eddy Electric

CMC EXCAVATION, INC.

Income Tax Preparation & Accounting

Your Equipment Headquarters! Located 1 mile West of Hwy 37 on Hwy 46. 605-286-3233 - 800-551-6286 001303454r1

117 North Main Avon, SD

Coaches: Bruce Schmiedt and Dominic Schmiedt Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Wyatt Stevens, 12, 126; Riley Schmiedt, 12, 285; Rylie Stevens, 10, 182; Allen Schaller, 12, 195. Top newcomers: Landon Wolter, 9, 132, Seth Tebay, 9, 138; Tyler Eddy, 8, 152

605-449-4830 or 605-999-1014

605-729-2570 Good luck from

Presuhn Agency Inc. Power's Furniture & Appliance

Coach: Brad Lhotak Key wrestlers: Bradyn Lhotak, 8, 106; Lance Soukup, 9, 113; Devon Medricky, 9, 120; Nolan Dvorak, 7, 126; Ben Soukup, 12, 126; Calvin

WESSINGTON SPRINGS/ WOONSOCKET

Coach: Spencer Novotny Year coaching: First Conference: Big Dakota Key wrestlers: Kaden Keiser, 7, 106; Wyatt Turnquist, 10, 113 (eighth in 2016 at 106); Atlas Willuweit, 11, 120; Trevor Peters, 9, 126; Aaron Gilchrist, 8, 132; Landon Debus, 9, 128; Tristan Watzel, 12, 145; Noah Cerv, 12, 142; Avery Gilchrist, 12, 160; Kayleb Brozik, 12, 170 (fourth in 2016 at 170); Riggin Shippy, 10, 170; Achilles Willuweit, 12, 182; Jayden Schroeder, 12, 195 (eighth in 2016 at 195); Nick Blare, 12, 220; Chet Bryan, 12, 285; Tre’zen Doren, 12, 285 (second in 2016 at 285 while at Andes Central).

Bridgewater/Emery

001303451r1

Farmers Coop Elevator 605-286-3297 Farmers Coop Fuel 605-286-3797 Farmers Farm & Ranch 605-286-3698 Avon, SD

WAGNER

WINNER AREA

001303266r1

Top returnees: Layne Lewis, 11, 113; Hunter Pranger, 9, 120; Matt Koch, 9, 126; Marcus Urban, 12, 152 (finished fifth in 2016 at 138); Thomas Baker, 9, 160; Jed Vissia, 12, 182; Tanner Risseeuw, 12, 195

001464222r1

Coach: Josh Geppert Year coaching: Second Conference: Big East Letterwinners returning:

McBride, 11, 132; Tony Bruguier, 9, 145; Colton Frei, 11, 152; Evan Heth, 11, 160; K.J. St. Pierre, 9, 170; Cole Soulek, 12, 182; Jace Johnson, 11, 220; Truman Ashes, 12, 285 (won Class B title in 2016 at 285); Dawson Lensing, 10, 285.

001303271r1

MOUNT VERNON/PLANKINTON/ CORSICA-STICKNEY

Eric Mayer/Republic

001303399r1

Gessner, 9, 152; Dawson Hopkins, 12, 160; Tanner Peterson, 10, 160; Caleb Krouse, 12, 170 (seventh in 2016 at 160); Tanner Grocott, 11, 195; Logan Dalton, 11, 220.

001126300r1

Continued from Page M6

9; Landon Sudbeck, 8, Logan Heidinger, 8; Noah Mahoney, 7; Ragen Weber, 7; Jerry Kohler, 7. Coach’s comments: The Parkston Trojans return a strong core of senior and underclassmen wrestlers. What the Trojans lack in depth they will try to make up with talent to shoot for a high team finish in the state championships. The team will lean on senior leadership and add team points from underclassmen.

001303372r1

WRESTLING

Year coaching: Third Record last year: 7-4 in duals, finished second as a team at Class B state tournament with 117.5 points Letterwinners returning: 11 Top returnees: Kyler Holzbauer 12 (fifth in 2016 at 138), Logan Mahoney 12 (second in 2016 at 120), Noah Riechert 12, Blake Bietz 12 (Class B state champion in 2016 at 152, three-time state champion overall); Dawson Semmler, 11 (third in 2016 at 145); Tucker Bigge, 11; Brady Schoenfelder, 11; Luke Bietz, 10 (fourth in 2016 at 160); Slayton Neugebauer, 10; Riley Weber, 9; Cordell Murtha, 9. Top newcomers: Tucker Murtha, 11; Rocky Berg, 10; Glenn Stifflemire,

(finished fifth in 2016 at 170); Jesse Hastings, 9, 220 (finished sixth in 2016 at 195). Coach’s comments: We have a mixed bag of older and younger wrestlers but most of these ninth graders have been wrestling most of their life and have a lot of experience under their belts. Most of these wrestlers have gained experience through camps and national tournaments in the offseason. We have high expectations going into this season, both individuallly and as a team. I think there are 6-to-8 state qualifiers on this team.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Bridgewater-Emery girls basketball include, front row from left, Abigal Arend, Andrea Gorriz and Kadra Kayser. Back row: Miah Schallenkamp, Tessa Burnham, Hannah Harberts, Jada Wethor and Kennedee Weber.

Emery, SD 449-4261

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Canistota boys basketball include, front row from left, Jacob White Lance and Trey Ortman. Back row from left to right: Scott Jolley, Carson Roshone, Xavier Ward and Andrew Weber.

Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun photo

Returning letterwinners for Chamberlain boys basketball include, front row from left, Carson Powers and Tiegen Priebe. Back row: Joden Matthews, Seth Friesz, Dodge Knippling and Rich Marone. (Not pictured: Riggs Priebe)

Returning letterwinners for Canistota girls basketball are, from left, Skylar Bultje, Noelle Hofer, Jordan Engbrecht, Kenzie Kirby, Harley Cormany and Kalli Ortman.

Submitted photo via Chamberlain/Oacoma Sun

Returning letterwinners for Chamberlain wrestling include, front row from left, Dylan Anderson, Colin Powell and Max Donovan. Back row: Tommy Reading, Ruger Forrester, Nash Hutmacher and Tyler Sorenson.

Submitted photo

Returning letterwinners for Chamberlain girls basketball are, front row from left: Makenzie Sorensen and Avany Long. Back row: Sierra Kenobbie, Alayne Daly, Paige Reuer and Mady Handel.

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate

Returning letterwinners for Colome boys basketball include, front row from left, Isaac Kortan, Kelly O’Bryan, Will Cahoy and Andrew Laprath. Back row: Jackson Kinzer, Holden Thieman, Layton Thieman and Beau Bertram.

Dates to know for winter sports season Feb. 10-11: State gymnastics meet, Aberdeen Feb. 18: Region wrestling championships (Region 3A at Mitchell; Region 2B at Beresford; Region 3B at Wagner) Feb. 24-25: State combined wrestling tournament, Sioux Falls Feb. 28: GPAC basketball tournament championship games March 2-3: Girls basketball Class A Sweet

Corsica-Stickney

On & Off Sales

732-4264

001303458r1

161 East Main St Corsica, SD

605-946-5888

R001784068

Lisa Z. Rothschadl 001464568r1

MR. GOLF CAR, INC.

001464575r1

art &

Call Wayne Hajek 605-660-3806

001464585r1

P.O. Box 476 1719 Main Street Tyndall, SD 57066 605-589-3333

Good Luck ! Teams

collectibles

Charlotte Brown Jim Brown Deb Dethlefsen Marilyn Reimnitz Agents

(605) 369-2625

001126287r1

SPRINGFIELD, SD

Open Wednesday through Saturday Main Street-Tyndall, SD • 605-589-4050

Chamberlain

170 Airport Rd Chamberlain

605-234-5771

Hoffman Gas & Grill

001306702r1

103 E Lawler Ave, Chamberlain, SD (605) 734-5613 • 605vision.com

001466479r1

(605) 946-5481 001466572r1

680 East 1st Street, Corsica, SD

BRALEY LAW OFFICE Your Local Independent Insurance Agency Carla Plamp, Agent

P.O. Box 333 White Lake, SD Stickney, SD 57375 1-800-567-6542 605-732-4265 605-249-2150

225 S INDUSTRIAL AVE CORSICA, SD

605-946-5258 001466535r1

Neugebauer Seed

001303402r1

Construction Les & Wade Groeneweg - Owners PO Box 243 Corsica, SD

605-946-5425

140 E. Main Corsica, SD

R001784063

G&G

Good Luck This Season!

115 E Main St Corsica SD 57328

STUM B L E I NN Home 605-946-5699 STICKNEY, SD Cell 605-999-6325 732-4646

605-946-5820

605-946-5550

001303457r1

Construction

27289 N Highway 281 Corsica, SD

175 South Highway 281 Corsica, SD

605-946-5467

Darrell VandenHoek

Jerry & Jerod Star - Owners

001464789r1

001464757r1

Chamberlain, SD 605-234-6055

001303386r1

Byre Brothers

732-4448

Corsica, S.D. 57328

D&L

Star Manufacturing, Inc

001464784r1

Best Of Luck Cubs For Your 2016-2017 Season

455 North Dakota Ave.

Corsica Corsica Lumber Hardware

Dakota Toms Sandwich 605-946-5123

We can take care of your hydraulic needs

Custom Framing • Original Jewelry Art & Collectibles

Member F.D.I.C.

280 Main Street Corsica, SD

Stickney, SD • 732-4235 GOOD LUCK TO THE TEAMS!

GALLERY

Your friendly community bank.

210 Main St Stickney, SD 57375

001124613r1

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Stickney South Dakota 57375

001466483r1

BOTTLE SHOP

Ron’s Market 001126742r1

Zieser & Rothschadl Law Ofﬁce

F armers State Bank

001129314r1

Bon Homme FLYING COLOR

ball tournament, Point Lookout, Missouri March 9-11: State girls basketball tournament (Class A in Brookings; Class B in Huron) March 16-18: State Class AA basketball tournament (Rapid City) and boys basketball tournaments (Class A in Sioux Falls; Class B in Aberdeen)

001471382r1

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate

Returning letterwinners for Colome girls basketball include, from left, Rayne Hermsen, Kaydee Heath, Callie Heath and Jaclyn Laprath.

16 games and Class B region championship games March 4-7: Summit League basketball tournament, Sioux Falls March 7: Boys basketball Class A Sweet 16 games and Class B region championship games March 8-14: NAIA Division II women’s basketball tournament, Sioux City, Iowa. March 8-14: NAIA Division II men’s basket-

770-9799 Les 770-7382 Wade

Dennis & Mary Neugebauer 220 North Industrial Road Corsica, SD

605-770-7074

“Celebrating 15 yrs in Business”

120 South Pleasant View Ave Corsica, SD

605-946-5255

Also located in Parkston.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Ethan boys basketball include, front row from left, Derek Storm, Tanner Hines, Reed Gerlach and Evan Weeman. Back row: Brady Hawkins, Sam Comp, Tyler Van Roekel and Abiah Plastow.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Freeman boys basketball include, front row from left, Bryce Dannenbring, Levi Waldhauser and Eric Fuhrmann. Back row: Charles Harberts, Braxton Schmidt and Dausyn Pravecek.

CHAMBERLAIN

Coach: Sherri Knippling Record last year: Finished second in Class A in 2016 Letterwinners returning: Four Top returnees: Tynia Zeman, 12; Ciara Hough, 11; Mikayden Weston, 10; Kazney Knippling, 8; Ashton Frederick, 11; Jerica Steckelberg, 11; Sydney Andera, 9; Alaina Bairey, 9; Journey Hickey, 9; Grace DuVall, 8; Mianna Tveit, 9; Alyssa Allen 8 and Kathrinn Hopkins, 8. Top newcomers: Macey Valandra, 9; Shannon Brown, 9; Dusty Colombe, 7; Lydia Day, 7; Alexia Moctezuma, 7; Zeta Naser,

7; and Cassandra Salisbury, 7. Coach’s comments: We have an inexperienced team, but all these girls have a ton of heart, dedication and determination. We are hopeful for this season and look for the returning girls to bring in our top scores. The younger girls will need to step up and earn varsity spots. We cannot predict what other teams may have, but if we do our part and work diligently, we should be pretty competitive.

PARKSTON/ETHAN/HANSON

Coach: Bridget Muntefering Year coaching: Third Record last year: Finished seventh in Class A in 2016

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Freeman girls basketball include, front row from left, Hannah Eberts, Josie Fuhrmann, Jaimie Glanzer and Ashley Glanzer. Back row: Dayna Roth, Emily Miller, Erika Sage, Journey Mehlhaf and Karli Maske.

WAGNER/BON HOMME

Coach: Cherie Petry Record last year: Finished third in Class A in 2016 Letterwinners returning: Three Top returnees: Alexis Dion, 12; Joanna Soukup, 10; Jensen Holzbauer, 12. Top newcomers: McKeely Merkwan, 12; Sawyer Goeden, 8; KeAnna Ligtenberg, 8; Ivy Hopkins-Cournoyer, 7; Ibanez Hopkins, 10;

Go Rustlers & Seahawks

ETHAN COOP LUMBER Midwest Building Capitol

Ethan, SD 605-770-4505

Rocky Niewenhuis

605-227-4224

KEEP IT LOCAL WITH

Wishing the Rustlers and Seahawks the best for the 2016-2017 Season!

605-946-5606

001303421r1

605.933.0185

PO BOX 21 ETHAN, SD

Dimock, SD 605-928-3833

rson’s Oil & LP Co .

605-337-3009

Visit us online at:

plattepowersports.com

Proud Supporters since 1982.

Ethan 227-4215 Parkston 928-7956

GOOD LUCK!

WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

CHANNEL 106

206 E Highway 42 Ethan, SD

605-227-4231

001303431r1

Stop in and visit our showroom!

Bob & Gus Middendorp 12 E. 7th Street Platte, SD

East Hwy 44 Platte, SD 605-337-2110

001303419r1

001464813r1

120 Main Street Platte, SD 337-3681 Gas – Diesel – Propane LP Cylinders Filled

001464861r1

Insurance & Real estate

001303974r1

ve Se

Ethan, SD • 605-227-8344

285 Main Street Corsica, SD 57328

001133538r1

1-800-337-2655 PO Box 905 Platte, SD 57369

At your service for your construction needs.

Farming is your livelihood, and it’s our business to help protect that. 001466593r1

PLATTE LIVESTOCK MARKET

and confidence. With one sophomore letterwinner returning and two returning senior letter winners we are really looking to these girls to be leading the team in all aspects of the meaning of being a leader. We are very anxious to see how much these young girls all learn and who ends up competing in the final meets of the season. We have a lot of growth needed to be competitive this year.

Ethan

Dakota Christian 001464826r1

Mahto Raymond, 11; Alaina Bechen, 7; Kaitlyn Willis, 8; Analy Garcia, 8; Maicee Lamphear, 9; Faithleigh Podzimek, 8; Shai Schmejkal, 7; Tawi Stars Come Out, 7. Coach’s comments: This year we have three seniors, McKeely Merkwan from Bon Homme, Alexis Dion and Jensen Holzbauer from Wagner. We are working with a very young team this year. Working to build skills

001464850r1

Information was submitted by coaches or complied by Republic sports staff:

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Ethan girls basketball include, front row from left, Mollie Miiller, Callie Hohn, Patience Nesheim, Rhena Hohn, Jessica Endres and Maddie Miiller. Back row to right: Janae Gustafson, Kacey Bartscher, Karly Gustafson, Ellie Hohn, Rachel Hawkins and Amanda Miiller. Not pictured: Jessica Bartscher.

001303425r1

GYMNASTICS

Letterwinners returning: Two Top returnees: Tyra Zens, 9; McKenzie Prunty, 10 Top newcomers: Maelie Culbert, 7; Sadie Lindeman, 7 Coach’s comments: PEH is coming into the 20162017 season with a positive outlook on a great building year. We have suffered a few setbacks in the offseason with injuries but that is not deterring this young team! We have two new seventh graders who are doing gymnastics for the first time ever and are picking things up quickly. I contribute a lot of their eagerness to learn from our great leadership in their veteran teammates. While still being considered a new program, along with being self-funded, we have built a program to be proud of and are eager to see flourish in the years to come.

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Corsica-Stickney girls basketball include, front row from left, Brooke Wieczorek, Kassidy Clark, Jenna Bamberg, Raven Barse and Alexis Tilton. Back row: Courtney Menning, Bridget Burke, Heather Johnson, Haley Johnson and Haley Keizer.

001464865r1

Returning letterwinners for Corsica-Stickney boys basketball include, front row from left, Clayton Menning, Blake Moke, Jaden Barse, Gavin Zomer, Cole Gerlach and Landon DeBoer. Back row: Josh Moser, Jacob Joachim, Reed Baan Hofman, Landon Bruinsma, Kyle Menning, Cordel Menning, Hunter Johnson and Bryce Plamp.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Marion/Freeman wrestling include, front row from left, Ethan Ortman and Danny Clemer. Back row: Dalton Bodewitz, Clayton Smith and Austin Hofer.

Returning letterwinners for Freeman Academy/Marion girls basketball include, front row from left, Amy Ptak, Kaitlynn Epp, Tiana Schroeder and Emily Heeg. Back row: Destini Miller, Annie Carlson, Andrea Wollman and Michele Schoenwald.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Gregory boys basketball include, from left, Jayd VanDerWerff, Robert Vomacka, Max Klundt, Aaron Voigt and Dylan Borszich.

Returning letterwinners for Gregory girls basketball include, front row from left, Allison Elroth, Lauren Svatos and Addy Nelson. Back row: Emma Schweigert, Hannah Juracek and Megan Warnke.

GIRLS BASKETBALL Information was submitted by coaches or complied by Republic sports staff:

ANDES CENTRAL/DAKOTA CHRISTIAN

Coach: Shane Niewenhuis Years coaching: 6 Conference: Little Missouri Valley and South Central Record last year: 14-7 Letterwinners returning: 8 Top returnees: Ahna Vander Pol, 12, G/F; Megan Mudder, 11, G/F; Benlen Blackcloud, 11, F/C; Lilly Flying Hawk, 11, G; Brianna Deurmier, 10, G, Sidney Muckey, 10, C; Shaylin Stoltz, 12, G/F; Annie Houseman, 10, G. Top newcomers: McKensie Muckey, 8, F/C; Sada Delange, 11, G; Isabelle Pheifer, 9, F. Coach’s comments: (We) graduated a lot of seniors. Our success will depend on how fast our younger players step up. Coach: Brad Poppe Years coaching: 22 Conference: Little Missouri Valley Record last year: 19-7, finished fourth in Class B Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Lauren Sees, 10, G, 5’9”’ Cheylee Nagel, 11, G. 5’7”; Kacie Mudder, 11, F, 5’10”;; Hanna Powers, 12, G, 5’1”; Ashley

BRIDGEWATER-EMERY

Coach: Jeff VanLeur Years coaching: 6 Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 4-16 Letterwinners returning: 11 Top returnees: Kadra Kayser, 12, G, 5’5”; Hannah Harberts, 12, G, 5’7”; Miah Schallenkamp, 12, F, 5’7”; Andrea Gorriz, 11, G, 5’5”; Abbi Arend, 10, G, 5’7”; Tessa Burnham, 10, F, 5’8”; Jada Wethor, 10, G, 5’7”; Katlyn Kotas, 10, F, 5’7”; Joslyn Schrank, 10 G, 5’5”. Top newcomers: Marta Quintans, 11, F, 5’9”; Kennedee Weber, 9, F, 5’6”; Sophia Potter, 9, G, 5’6”; Kerrigan Schultz, 8, F, 5’6”. Coach’s comments: The girls have worked hard over the offsea-

son and will need to bring that work ethic into the season.

BON HOMME

Coach: Tara Ronke Years coaching: first Conference: Little Missouri Valley and Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 3-18 Letterwinners returning: 4 Top returnees: Brecken Bullard, 11; Desirae Sanders, 12; Rachel Sestak, 11; Emily Cap, 10; Macy Hajek, 10. Top newcomers: Ciera Himes, 9; Abby Crites, 9; Lauren Bastemeyer, 9; Kayli Jelsma, 9. Coach’s comments: We have a young team this year, but we have a great group of girls that work hard every day.

BURKE/SOUTH CENTRAL

Coach: Ron Determan Years coaching: 41 Conference: South Central Record last year: 12-10 Letterwinners returning: 8 Top returnees: Madison Wischmann, 12, G, 5’6”; Ryahna Schweigert, 11, G, 5’6”; Lexie Fernau, 11, G, 5’6”; Teah Serr, 11, F, 5’7”; Tressa Bull, 11, C, 5’10”; Ahna Matucha, 10, F, 5’8”; Lacey

Coach: James Strang Years coaching: 4 Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 7-14 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Kalli Ortman, 12, G, 5’8”; MiKenzi Kirby, 10, F, 5’9”; Jordan Engbrecht, 10, F, 5’7”; Harley Cormany, 9, G, 5’8”. Top newcomers: Noelle Hofer, 10, G, 5’8”; Skylar Bultje, 9, F, 5’8”. Coach’s comments: Expect to be highly competitive with a fast paced offense and pressure defense.

COLOME

Coach: Lori Kalenda Conference: South Central Record last year: 7-14 Top returnees: Callie Heath, 12, F, 5’11”; Alexa McKenzie, 10, G, 5’3”; Matrix Noteboom, 10, G, 5’4”; Rayne Hermsen, 10, F, 5’9”; Kaydee Heath, 10, F, 5’10”; Jaclyn Laprath, 10, G, 5’6”

CHAMBERLAIN

Coach: Jeff Neuharth Years coaching: 7 Conference: Southeast South Dakota and Big Dakota Record last year: 10-12 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Sierra Kenobbie, 11, G, 5’8”; Alayne Daly , 11; G-F, 5’8”; Avany Long, 109, G, 5’6”; Mandy Handel, 10, C-F, 5’11”; Paige Reuer, 11, C, 5’11”; Brenna Comfert, 11, g, 5’5”; Makenzie Sorensen, 10, G, 5’5”.

CORSICA-STICKNEY

Coach: Lorisa Broughton Years coaching: 19 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway See GIRLS, Page M11

S&O Hay

‘first class banking on a first name basis’

Larry Shavlik-Owner

Southern Dakota Insurance Sercives P.O. Box 380 933 Main St., Burke, SD 605-775-2097 1-888-213-2097

605-835-8023

001467444r1

S. Main & Hwy. 18, Gregory, SD Ph: (605) 835-9207 001467483r1

605-835-8203

605-835-8433

605-835-9415 3r1

00146747

001467482r1

203 West Highway 18 Gregory, SD

605-835-8751 001467450r1

001467457r1

001467447r1

kotrba-smithfh@goldenwest.net

www.countrypridecoop.com 888-325-7743

Ron Wendell-Owner

613 Main St. Gregory, SD

Mr. Automotive

AU TO PA RT S 120 Main Street Gregory, SD

Annette Wagner-Owner

404 Main Street Gregory, SD Hours: M-F - 9:00 am-5 pm

ROSEBUD

605-835-9111

B & F Variety

Melissa PetersenOwner

Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home 101 Gerkin Drive Gregory, SD

605-835-8775

Tee-Riffic Creations

on a Great Season Gorillas!

R001947599

307 East Highway 18 Gregory, SD

001467470r1

GOOD LUCK Freeman 605-925-4510 Bridgewater 605-729-2744

Rose Wolf-Owner

33618 285th St. Gregory, SD

Tony Opbroek, Manager Janet Determan, Agent

605-842-3260 | Fax 842-1989

Member FDIC – Equal Housing Lender

Anson Insurance dba

001467468r1

Also Offices in White River, Platte, Burke & Valentine

001467475r1

Burke - Bonesteel - Colome Gregory - Murdo - Platte - Winner

001468856r1

Box 430, 141 W. 3rd St. Winner, SD 57580

First Fidelity Bank

Farm • Home Life • Health Commercial • Crop Auto

GREGORY

LANES 308 Main St. | Gregory, SD

605-835-8131

001467459r1

Insurance Of All Kinds

001464897r1

Freeman, SD 57029

CANISTOTA

001127239r1

Shop our online store 24 hours, 7 days a week!

Home of Quality Livestock Equipment

Top newcomers: Hannah Anderson, 9, F, 5’11”; Taylor Toering, 9, G, 5’6”; Treyan Sitting Bear, 10, G, 5’5”; Breanna Rademacher, 10, F, 5’10”; Shayla Struwe, 12, f, 5’10”; Kayla McCloskey, 11, F, 5’9”; Makenzy Mutziger, 9, G, 5’6”; Maggy Pickner, 9, C, 5’11”; Justina Brouse-GrassRope, 9, G, 5’6”; Taysa Hutmacher, 10, F, 5’7”; Taylor Sharping, 12, G-F, 5’7”; Coach’s comments: Our schedule is filled with some very good basketball programs. We gained a lot of valuable varsity experience last season. We will look towards that experience as we play many senior led ball clubs this season. I expect us to compete and play with a high level of effort each night. We will take the season game by game and look to improve as we go along.

Person, 9, G, 5’7”; Taylee Indahl, 9, F, 5’8”. Top newcomers: Sierra Swan, 10, F, 5’10”; Sammi Bull, 9, C, 5’9”; True Edoff, 9; Shawntel Sharpfish, 11, F, 5’8”. Coach’s comments: We do not have the size of last year, but we do have some experience.

Gregory

Freeman 605-925-7135 www.ruralmfg.com

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Howard wrestling include, front row from left, Paul Winker, Carter Calmus, Zach Pardy, Logan Schlim and Lane Miller. Back row: Isaac Feldhaus, Trevor Petrick, E.J. Leetch, Aidyn Feldhaus, Mitchell Kramer and Evan Kizer.

001467461r1

AVON

Cap, 12, G/F, 5’5”; Jill Bertus, 12, F, 5’4”; Livi Jurrens, 11, F, 5’11”; Hannah Reeves, 12, G, 5’2”. Top newcomers: Tori Schryvers, 10, F, 5’5”. Coach’s comments: We feel we can be very competitive come district time if we come every day looking to get better. We need to become a good rebounding team.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Freeman Academy/Marion boys basketball include, from left, Brennan Haggerty, Thaniel Schroeder, Stephen Waltner and Jesse Balzer.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Terry Janssen/Alexandria Herald

Ryan Deal/Republic

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Hanson boys basketball are, front row from left to right: Donnie Weber, Blake Klinkhammer, Nathan Stewart, Thomas Arend and Matt Kayser.

Returning letterwinners for Kimball/White Lake boys basketball include, front row from left: Carter Fredericksen, Chandler Fredericksen and Javen Holan. Back row: Josh Taylor, Kory Peters, Devon Munsen and Garrett Wessel.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Howard girls basketball include, front row from left, Josie Erickson, Hilary Albrecht, Citori Rentz and Maggie Connor. Back row: Bailey Rudebusch, Sarah Borgers, Cayla Koepsell, Martina Albrecht, Macy Erickson and Jessica Burghardt.

Ryan Deal/Republic

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Howard boys basketball include, from left, Kalub Carmichael, Keaton Hoyer, Tate Schwader, Connor Hamilton and Carter Schwader.

Returning letterwinners for Kimball/White Lake girls basketball include, front row from left: Heather Munsen, Randi Grussing and Whitney Hinker. Back row: Brooklyn Donald, Nicole Reuland, Carly Beckmann and Darby Deffenbaugh.

Lucy Halverson/Lyman County Herald

Returning letterwinners for Lyman girls basketball include, front row from left, Jacey Miller, Kayt Garnos, Kacie Wagner, Betty Jo LaRoche, Hanna Thiry and Haley Booth. Back row: Ashton Smith, Shelby Schindler and Brooklyn Halverson.

Record last year: 2-18 Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Brooke Wieczorek, 11, F, 5’7”; Haley Keizer, 11,G, 5’3”; Courtney Menning, 10, G, 5’7”; Bridget Burke, 10, F, 5’6”; Haley Johnson, 10, C, 5’9”; Heather Johnson, 10, C, 5’9”; Kassidy Clark, 10, G; Alexis Tilton, 9, G, 5’7”; Jenna Bamberg, 9, F, 5’6”; Raven Barse, 8, G, 5’8”. Coach’s comments: We need to learn to compete for four quarters. If we can get multiple girls to score consistently, we should be competitive.

ETHAN

Coach: Tom Young Years coaching: 25 total, 3 at Ethan Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway

FREEMAN

Coach: Curtis Sage Years coaching: 5 Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 17-6 Letterwinners returning: 9 Top returnees: Erika Sage, 12, G, 5’6”; Karli Maske, 11, G, 5’7”; Ashley Glanzer, 11, F, 5’9”; Josie Fuhrman, 10, G., 5”6”; Hannah Eherts, 10, F, 5’8”; Journey Mehlhaf, 10, F, 5’9”; Dayna Roth, 10, G, 5’5”; Jamie Glanzer, 9, G, 5’4”; Emily Miller, 9, F, 5’9” Coach’s comments: Strengths: shooting, quickness, work ethic and girls of

great character. Weaknesses: size

FREEMAN ACADEMY/MARION

Coach: William Massey Conference: Tri-Valley Record last year: 0-20 Top returnees: Michele Schoenwald, 11, G, 5’9”; Amy Ptak, 11, G, 5’9”; Annie Carlson, 11, F, 5’10”; Tiana Schroeder, 12, G, 5’6”; Andrea Wollman, 10, F, 5’9”; Destini Miller, 10, F, 5’9” Coach’s comments: Freeman Academy/Marion is a new team this year so it’s hard to know exactly how things will go. I think this season will be very good for us. Both schools struggled last year, but being together I think we have potential to be a very good team. We have a lot of players with a lot of varsity experience. We may struggle at first because of the two schools coming together but we have a lot of talent and I think we will start to jive early on in the season. We also have a team

that is slightly taller than average and I think that will help us throughout the season. As the new head coach, I am hoping to put together a successful team that will end up playing late in the playoffs.

GREGORY

Coach: Kevin Myrmoe Years coaching: first Conference: SCC Record last year: 1-20 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Allison Ekroth, 12, C, 5’9”; Hannah Juracek, 12, F, 5’9”; Lauren Svatos, 12, G, 5’8”; Emma

AJ's

Alexandria Locker Lyle Tegethoff-Owner

Good Luck to All our teams!

605-772-5885 001464927r1

Food Store, Inc. Highway 34, Howard, SD

605-772-4742

605-239-4721

Howard Auto Clinic

405 S. Main St. Howard, SD

(605) 772-5308

001464930r1

24 HR. TOWING SERVICE

(605) 933-9221

J C

www.horizonhealthcare.org 001469046r1

HOMESTEAD BUILDING SUPPLIES

431 Main Street P.O. Box 7 Alexandria So. Dak 57311

FURNITURE

Alexandria – Mitchell Since 1888

Phone: 605-239-4335 Fax: 605-239-9335 Email:

HOFFMANNINSURANCE@TRIOTEL.NET

Christopher Ruden 25852 426th Ave. Emery SD 57332 001468436r1

109 N Main Street PO Box 99 Howard, SD 57349 605.772.4525

605-772-4511 001133107r1

Cell 605-999-1838

J.R. Davies

• 24 hour Wrecker Service • Towing and Recovery

Attorney at Law

Alexandria daviesj@triotel.net

Best Wishes for a Winning Season Mitchell - 996-6900 Alexandria - 239-4311

Tom’s Auto Clinic • Complete Exhaust Service

605-239-4321 605-239-4320

HOWARD

001464618r1

001466570r1

“For All Your Insurance Needs”

HOURS: Monday-Saturday 7:00 am-7:00 pm Sunday 9:00 am-12:00 pm

See GIRLS, Page M12

R001783464

• Light, Medium & Heavy Towing

Tom Steilen, Owner

Alexandria, SD

001468432r1

ASSISTED LIVING CENTER 700 S MAIN HOWARD, SD

Sports Bar & Grill

Downtown Alexandria

HOFFMANN INSURANCE AGENCY

001466578r1

R001783901

Whispering Winds

Rusty’s

Fresh Cut Meat, Fresh Produce, & Hot Lunches Daily

Coach: Jim Bridge Years coaching: 31 Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 17-5 Letterwinners returning: 13

Hanson

001464539r1

108 S Main Howard, SD 605-772-5581

HANSON

Top returnees: Ashley Moe, 12, F, 5’8”; Hannah Marquardt, 12, G, 5’5”; Tayah Waldera, 12, G, 5’7”; Caroline Weber, 12, F, 5’7”; Brooke Slaba, 11, G, 5’7”; Jada Campbell, 11, F. 6’3”; Brooke Weber, 11, G, 5’7”; Heather Kayser, 11, G, 5’5”; Allison Bahmuller, 11, F, 5’10”; Tessa Zens, 11, G, 5’6”; Megan Guericke, 10, F, 5’10”; Ellie Tuschen, 10, G, 5’7”; Amber Thelen, 11, F, 5’7”

239-4767

Howard Rafferty Robbins Drug Store

Schweigert, 11, G, 5’8”; Megan Warnke, 10, G, 5’8”. Top newcomers: Sydney Svatos, 9, G, 5’8”; Addy Nelson, 10, F. 5’9”. Coach’s comments: We will rely on our senior leadership with all of their experience.. Our younger girls will fill any roles that are needed.

001124691r1

Continued from Page M10

Lucy Halverson/Lyman County Herald

Returning letterwinners for Lyman wrestling, front row from left, Jade Collins and Bryson Muirhead. Back row: Jack Miller, Camron McManigal, Jadeon Biggers, and Jacob Hofer.

(605) 351-6638

granitespringssd.com

001464610r1

GIRLS

Record last year: 21-5 (finished 2nd at state tournament) Letterwinners returning: 12 Top returnees: Jessica Endres, 11, G, 5’8”; Rachel Hawkins, 12, G, 5’8”; Janae Gustafson, 12, F, 5’11”; Ellie Hohn, 12, F, 5’11”; Kacey Bartscher, 12, F, 5’9”; Amanda Miller, 12, C, 5’11”; Rehna Hohn, 12, F, 5’7”

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Kimball/White Lake/Platte-Geddes wrestling include, front row from left, Spencer Hanson, Wyatt Talbot and Jackson Nockels. Middle row: Sam Kruger, Ty Namanny, Cody Westendorf, Kade Konstanz. Back row: Tyler Resick, Corydon Hanson, Bo Donald, Austin Moore and Warren Soulek.

605-239-4511 605-770-1974 Alexandria, SD

001464595r1

Returning letterwinners for Hanson girls basketball include, front row from left: Tessa Zens, Tayah Waldera and Ellie Tuschen. Middle row: Brooke Slaba, Heather Kayser, Hannah Marquardt and Amber Thelen. Back row: Caroline Weber, Ashley Moe, Jada Campbell, Megan Guericke, Allison Bahmuller and Brooke Weber.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for McCook Central/Montrose wrestling include, front row from left, Jacobi Krouse, Cade Entwisle, Cody Sechser, Parker Scheier, Blake Gessner, Jayden Wolf and Dakota Buck. Back row: Tanner Peterson, Trustyn Wolf, Paul Lauck, Tanner Grocott, Dawson Hopkins, Caleb Krouse and Tate Reiner.

GIRLS

Continued from Page M11

Top newcomers: Jacy Waldera, 10, G, 5’5”; Isabelle Riggs, 10, F. 5’10”; Maddi Mayer, 10, F, 5’5”; Morgan Huber, 9, F, 5’7”; Elizabeth Arend, 9, F, 5’8”; Hanna Robinson, 9, G, 5’3”; Jada Tuttle, 9, G, 5’5”. Coach’s comments: I am very encouraged by the start of the season. We return experience blended with new comers which gives the Beaverettes a chance to play an up-tempo style of play. We have a tough and competitive schedule which will prepare us for the post season.

HOWARD

Coach: Wade Erickson Years coaching: 2 Conference: Big East and Cornbelt. Record last year: 14-8 Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Bailey Rudebusch, 12, F, 5’9”; Macy Erickson, 12, F, 5’10”; Cayla Koepsell, 12, F, 5’11”; Josie Erickson, 10, G, 5’6”; Hilary Albrecht, 12, F/G, 5’8”; Sarah Borgers, 12, F, 5’10”; Martina Albrecht, 12, F, 5’9”; Citori Rentz, 11, G, 5’6” Top newcomers: Maggie Connor, 11, G, 5’6”; Jessica Burghardt, 11, C, 5’8” Coach’s comments: We bring back all but one girl from last year’s team. We are coming into this season with high expectations and hope to be playing our best basketball come the end of the year. We will need to be at our best if we want to get out of our tough district with Ethan and Hanson.

KIMBALL/WHITE LAKE

Coach: Tacey Dykstra Years coaching: 4 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway Record last year: 11-11 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Whitney Hinker, 12 G, 5’1”; Brooklyn Donald, 12, F, 5’9”; Carly Beckmann, 11, F, 5’9”; Nikki Reuland, 12, G, 5’7”; Heather Munsen, 10, G, 5’3”; Randi Grussing, 12, G, 5’4”. Top newcomers: Grace Konechne, 9, F, 5’11”; Randa Vandenhoek, 9, C, 6’1”; Darissa Overweg, 11, F, 5’8”; Sage Pulse, 11, G, 5’8”; Kennedy Leiferman, 8, G, 5’8”.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for McCook Central/Montrose boys basketball include, front row from left to right: Trevor Wilkinson, Caleb Wobig, Kohl Miller, Kyle Tuschen and Joey Eickman.

Coach’s comments: Return a lot of talent and depth to the team. Looking to compete with every team played. Will be quick and look to push the ball. Worked on our shooting game and looking to capitalize on that.

LYMAN

Coach: Brittany Reuman Years coaching: 2 Conference: Western Great Plains Conference Record last year: 15-7 Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Shelby Schindler, 12, C, 6’1”; Brooklyn Halverson, 12, F, 5’10”; Ashton Smith, 12, F, 5’10”; Haley Booth, 12, G, 5’6”; Hanna Thiry, 12, G, 5’5”. Top newcomers: Carly Uthe, 12, G, 5’6”; Betty LaRoche, 11, G, 5’6”; Kacie Wagner, 9, G, 5’7”; Kayt Garnos, 9, F, 5’7”; Jacey Miller, 9, F, 5’7”; Brittany Langerban, 11, G, 5’6”; Coach’s comments: We are looking forward to another successful season. Our senior leadership and experience will be the driving force behind all that we do. Coming off a great volleyball season we are hopeful that that momentum will continue to help us surge forward and continue competing each night and at a high level.

MCCOOK CENTRAL/MONTROSE

Coach: Doug Durfee Years coaching: 13 Conference: Big East Record last year: 18-4 letterwinners returning: 5 Top returnees: Rachael Laetsch, 12. G, 5’7”; Morgan Koepsell, 11, P, 6’1”; Danielle Hansen, 12, G, 5’10”; Natalie Gottlob, 11, P, 6’; Nicole Bies, 12, G, 5’7”; Leah Kappenman, 12, G, 5’5”. Top newcomers: Morgan Erikson, 10, G, 5’8”; McKenna Kranz, 10, F, 5’7”; Rachel Schwans, 12, P, 5’8”; Leslie Kolbeck, 11, P., 5’9”; Anna Heinz, 11, G, 5’10”; Haylie Tysdal, 11, G, 5’4”; Denna Dunn, 11, P, 5’9”; Jacy Pulse, 9, G, 5’7”. Coach’s comments: this season we return all of our starters and letterwinners. We play a very tough schedule, so we will need to be ready to play well every night to be competitive. We have a great group of girls that work hard and play well together.

MENNO

Coach: Doug Hall Years coaching: 3

Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 11-13 Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Courtnee Edelman, 12, G, 5’7”; Marisa Buechler, 12, G, 5’4”; Paige Heckenliable, 11, F, 5’10: Breanna Mehlhaf, 11, F, 5’5”; Ashten Vaith, 11, G, 5’7”; Hailey Fergen, 11, G, 5’5”; Eisley Sayler, 10, F, 5’6”; Jaedyn Oplinger, 10, F, 5’6”; Tess Oplinger, 10, G, 5’5”; Klara Nusz, 10, C, 5’8”; Morgan Edelman, 8, G, 5’5” Top newcomers: Hailey Handel, 10, F, 5’5”; Jesse Munkvold, 8; G, 5’5”; Trinity Kocourek, 9, G, 5’6”. Coach’s comments: We have a nice returning group of girls that should compete in a tough district led by Freeman. We need someone to step up and lead this team and bring them together. If we can do that it will be a fun year.

MOUNT VERNON/PLANKINTON

Coach: Bill Marquardt Years coaching: 4 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 20-2 letterwinners returning: 3 Top returnees: Erin Denning, 12, W, 5’7”; Stephanie Faulhaber, 12, PG, 5’5”; Destiney Haak, 11, P, 5’10”; Cammie Walz, 11, W, 5’5”; Grace Bultsma, 11, W, 5’7”; Tay Westendorf, 11, G, 5’5”; Mikaela Cassidy, 10, W, 5’8”; Hailey Walz, 10, G, 5’5”; Kat Briggs, 9, P, 5’11”. Top newcomers: Sammy McQuarie, 12, W, 5’7”; Sydney Tlam, 10, W, 5’5”; Saydi McGhee, 10, W, 5’6”; Alexis Guild, 10, W, 5’5”; Anna Baker, 9, 5’5”; Mallory Bohr, 9, 5’6”; Reagan Klooz, 9, 5’5”; Rebecca Gerlach, 9, 5’6”; Dacey Rihanek, 9, 5’5”; Coach’s comments: We need to replace most of our lineup and almost 90 percent of our scoring from last season. We have some girls who have waited for their turn and if they have improved offensively we feel like we have a chance to have a good season. Biggest concerns are our offensive consistency and perimeter shooting. Our rebounding has been consistently disappointing, but we have enough athletic kids to be decent on the boards. We;ll have to make some defensive adjustments to compensate for our loss of a dominant 6’3” post.

PARKSTON

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for McCook Central/Montrose girls basketball include, front row from left to right: Danielle Hansen, Leah Kappenman and Rachael Laetsch. Back row: Kenna Kranz, Morgan Koepsell, Nicole Bies and Natalie Gottlob.

Coach: Brooke Seiler Years coaching: first Conference: Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 9-10 Top returnees: Paige Semmler, 11, F; Lauren Reiner, 11, G; Kailee Schnabel, 11, G; Molly Schoenfelder, 12, F; McKenzie McKean, 12, C; Jayden Bormann, 11, G; Maysa Davidson, 11, F/C. Top newcomers: Sydney Wickersham, 9, G; Bennett McIntosh, 9, F; Amber Albrecht, 9, G; Ellie Weidenbach, 9, G; Izzy Hohn, 9, G. Coach’s comments: We have a good group of girls with some great potential. We had a great first week of practice, the kids worked hard and are eager to learn. Coach (Tony) Kinneberg and I are really looking forward to having a great year.

PLATTE-GEDDES

Coach: Brooke Bonte Conference: Southeast South Dakota and SCC Record last year: 13-10 Top returnees: Alexis Peterson, 12, C, 6’1”; Jada Nelson, 12, F, 5’10”; Hallie Hallock, 12, G, 5’8”; Katie Spawn, 12, G, 5’2”; Emma DeNeui, 12, G, 5’10; Sarah Erickson, 11, G, 5’7”; Hailey Wagner, 11, F, 5’10”; Candice Knudson, 11, F, 5’6”; Maddi Miller, 10, G, 5’5”; Dominique Girton, 10, F, 5’8”; Sawyer Naasz, 10, F, 5’8”; Courtney Neuman, 10, G, 5’2”; Tori Weins, 10, C, 6’; Haliey Hoffman, 9, G, 5’4”; Alayah Nachtigal, 9, G, 5’5”; Miranda Chaney, 9, G, 5’7”; Raegan Stegmeier, 9, G, 5’6”. Coach’s comments: I am very excited for the upcoming season. Our girls have been playing together now for four seasons and are finally getting a feel for what we need to do to be successful. We have some very talented seniors who I hope will take some leadership roles. We also have a very talented junior and sophomore class in which I hope can step up to the plate when needed. We have some speed and some girls that are very tough defensively. I hope that we can put all of this together and have a very good season.

SANBORN CENTRAL/WOONSOCKET

Coaches: Tim McCain and Rob Baruth Years coaching: 23 and 13 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and 281

Record last year: 21-5, finished third in Class B Letterwinners returning: 14 Top returnees: Myah Selland, 12, G, 6’1”; Kayla Olson, 12, G, 5’8”; Maddie Vermeulen, 12, G, 5’8”; Abby Doering, 11, C, 6’; Tristan Ziebart, 11, F, 5’9”; Sarah Morgan, 11, F, 5’8”; Megan Poyer, 10, F, 5’9”; Tesa Jensen, 10, F, 5’10”; Alissa Ball, 11, G, 5’6”; Top newcomers: Abby Vermeulen, 10, G, 5’6”; Madi Moody, 10, G, 5’6”; Catherine Bechen, 11, F, 5’8”; Sydney Zeller, 11, F, 5’9”; Erica Howard, 10, F, 5’9”; Katie Schmit, 9, G, 5’7”; Samantha Dean, 9, G, 5’6”; Kaylee White, 9, G, 5’6”; Jessa Fischer, 9, F, 5’9”; Taryn Ziebart, 9, F, 5’9”; Mariah Jost, 9, F, 5’10”; Taylor Lindsey, 9, G, 5’7”; Megan Linke, 9, G, 5’6”; Coach’s comments: We return three starters and three others who played extensively last year. We are expecting to have a very successful year this year, but will also play some very good competition throughout the year that will challenge us. We will play in the Hanson Classic, Parkston Classic, Redfield Classic and also have Ethan, Hanson and Mount Vernon/Plankinton on our regular season schedule. Myah Selland returns to lead our team and will bring along an excellent high school career to a close. We return an experienced team and still look to continue to improve throughout the season and be prepared for the post season.

SCOTLAND

Coach: Kevin Janish Years coaching: 20 Conference: Little Missouri Valley Record last year: 6-15 Letterwinners returning: 7 Top returnees: Shannon Fanning, 12, G, 5’1”; Tayler Bauder, 12, G, 5’6”; Taylor Bretz, 11, G, 5’7”; Tayla Gall, 11, F, 5’9”; Kelsi Noomey, 10, G, 5’2”; Bella Vitek, 9, C, 6’ 2” Top newcomers: Anadia Gibson, 10, 4, 5’5”; Ashlyn Simandel, 9, G,, 6’3”; Grace Fryda, 8, G, 5’4”; Kennedy Brete, 8, G, 5’6”; MaKayla Friedrich, 8, F, 5’9”; McKensie Sedlacek, 8, F, 5’9”; Desirae Rowe, 8, G, 5’3”; Anna Kalhoon, 8, G, 5’5”.

See GIRLS, Page M14

001465017r1

Kimball/White Lake Bickner Electric

LAND AND CATTLE, LTD

605-249-2444

Kris’ Beauty Shop

Ron’s Market

410 W. Railroad St. White Lake

112 S Main St White Lake, SD 57383

001465033r1

605-249-2322

AUTOMOTIVE UPHOLSTERY 117 N Main, Kimball, SD 605-680-3479

Kimball 605-550-4107

249-2314

001465027r1

WiLdKats! BROOKS HARDWARE & AUTOMOTIVE

Bill & Patty Konechne

605-778-6370

Art & Martha Winsky Kimball 605-778-6283

Harold Bickner

Kimball • 778-6103 R001945344

• 24/7 Nursing • Therapeutic Staff Diets • Social • Inpatient and Services Outpatient Therapy • Daily Activities • Medicare & Medicaid • On-site Certified Beautician Call today to schedule a tour! 605-249-2216

001465008r1

207 S. Main White Lake

001303470r1

605-680-3063 605-249-2719

001466462r1

Kimball Phone: 605-778-6537 Fax: 605-778-6160 judy@clcdakota.com

A&M Market Your Home Town Grocer!

001129325r1

25770 370th Ave. White Lake, SD

Commercial Residential Farm

001469839r1

MOHNEN ANGUS

Aurora-Brule Nursing Home

Charlotte Brown Jim Brown Deb Dethlefsen Marilyn Reimnitz Agents

Stickney, SD • 732-4235 GOOD LUCK TO THE TEAMS!

408 S Johnston St., White Lake, SD

Herb Gossel & Sons Kimball, So. Dak. Phone 778-6245

507 S Main White Lake

605-249-2212 Purina

001303468r1

Maynard Konechne

After The Game Stop In For Our “Game Specials”

103 S. Main White Lake 605-249-2600

PO Box 326 • Kimball, SD Office 605-778-6939 Cell 605-730-0432

23539 365th Ave. Kimball

Specializing in excavation work, construction & excavating contractors 001470104r1

GOOD LUCK WILDKATS!

Horseshoe K Ranch

001303467r1

605-778-6714

001303466r1

Konechne Digging

KIMBALL GRAIN COMPANY

Diner

801 S. Main • Kimball

605-778-6567

001470093r1

R001783222

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Menno boys basketball include, front row from left to right: Spencer Schultz, Trey Bohlmann, Jacob Hertz, Kyle Munkvold and Logan Klaudt.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Menno girls basketball include, front row from left, Breanna Mehlhaf, Courtnee Edelman, Marissa Buechler and Hailey Fergen. Back row: Eisley Sayler, Kiara Nusz, Paige Heckenlaible and Ashton Vaith. Not pictured: Morgan Edelman.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mount Vernon/Plankinton/CorsicaStickney wrestling include, front row from left, Thomas Baker and Hunter Pranger. Back row: Marcus Urban, Jed Vissia and Tanner Risseeuw. Not pictured: Jesse Hastings and Layne Lewis.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mount Vernon/Plankinton boys basketball include, front row from left to right: Kaden Karst, Devin Rihanek, Austin Graves, Hayden Schmidt and Dane Rihanek. Back row: Kyle Glanzer, Taylen Trisco, Tony Stoltz, Jacob Clark and Cody Muilenburg.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Schmitt, 12, Center, 6’4”; Colton Plagmann, 12, G., 6’; Cole Gassman, 11, G, 5’9”; Sawyer Schultz, 10, G, 6’3”; Jamin Arand, 10, G, 6’. Top newcomers: Mason Potter, 11, G, 6’2”; Duot VanSickle, 11, Center, 6’4”; Carter Dye, 10, F, 6’3” Dustin Weber, 11, F, 6’1”; Connor Tuschen, 11, G, 5’10”. Coach’s comments: We are excited to get the year started. We return four starters from last years team and 11 letterwinners total. We will be working hard on having a solid bench and hopefully using our depth and experience to help us be competitive by district tournament time.

Information was submitted by coaches or complied by Republic sports staff:

ANDES CENTRAL/DAKOTA CHRISTIAN

Coach: Aaron Timmermans Record last year: 8-9. Key players: Clay Brouwer, J.B. Bruguier, Chase Pheifer, Michael Maas, Jacey Garcia and Daaron Tranvold.

AVON

Coach: Jeff Haenfler Year coaching: Conference: Record last year: 2-19 Key players: Jacob Cihak, 11, G, 5’10”; Dylan Raysby, 12, G, 6’; Sam Eben, 12, F, 6’; Jimmy Schuurmans, 11, F, 6’3”; Levi DeJong, 11, F, 6’1”; Tate Wynia, 11, F, 6’1”; Tyler Kopp, 10, G, 5’10”; Logan Schuurmans, 9, F, 6’5”; Kory DeJong, 9, F, 6’2”. Coach’s comments: We will have about the same guys as last season, losing only one player to graduation. These got some good

experience last season and we will look to build on that this year. Brady Cameron, who will be out for the season due to injury, was a big part of our team. We will look to a couple of juniors and even some freshmen to fill in this post this season. We have an athletic group that will work hard and play good defense. This will be key, knowing we are coming off a season where we struggled to score.

BON HOMME

Coach: Zach Wevik Years coaching: First Conference: SESD, Little Missouri Valley Record last year: 7-14 Top returnees: Chase Kortan, 12, G, 5’10”; Cole Uecker, 12, G, 5’10”; Bryce Scieszinski, 11, F, 6’4”; Colin Adams, 11, 5’9”; Joey Slama, 10, G, 6’2”; Mace Merkwan, 11, G/F, 6’; Nathan Schenke., 12, F,

6’1”; Josh Schmidt, 10, F, 6’2”; Christian Uecker, 10, F, 5’11”. Coach’s comments: We return everyone back off of a 7-15 team. We play a tough schedule where we will need to compete night in and night out. We won’t have a lot of size, but we hope to make up for that with our athleticism. We want to be known as a team that gets up and guards people. If we go through the season with a sense of urgency to constantly improve day in and day out, we want to be competitive into march.

BURKE/SOUTH CENTRAL

BRIDGEWATER-EMERY

Coach: Scott Schultz Years coaching: 27 Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 15-6 Letterwinners returning: 11 Top returnees: Sam Arend, 12, G, 6’1”; Cade

Coach: Clayton Steele Record last year: 12-9. Letterwinners returning:

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Mount Vernon/Plankinton girls basketball include, from left, Erin Denning and Stephanie Faulhaber. Not pictured: Destiney Haak.

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Parkston wrestling include, front row from left, Luke Bietz, Dawson Semmler, Brady Schoenfelder and Riley Weber. Back row: Noah Reicherl, Logan Mahoney, Kyler Holzbauer, Slayton Neugebauer and T.J. Bigge. Not pictured: Blake Bietz.

Key players: Jaden Frank, 9, G, 6’1”; Donald Irvin, 12, G/F, 6’; Kray Pearson, 11, F, 6’1”; Daniel Johnson, 11, C, 6’4”; Darrin Witt, 11, 6’.

CHAMBERLAIN

Coach: Adam Nelson Years coaching: Nine (third year at Chamberlain) Conference: Big Dakota and Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 18-7, finished fourth in Class A Top returnees: Seth Friesz, 12, G, 6’1”; Tiegen Priebe, 12, G, 5’9”; Dodge Knippling, 12, F, 6’3”; Rich Marone, 12, F, 6’3”; Carson Powers, 11, G, 5’10”; Riggs Priebe, 11, G, 5’10” Top newcomers: Joden Matthews, 12, F, 6’3”; Marc Schwenk, 11, G, 5’9”; Jared Houska, 12, F, 6’3” Coach’s comments: Expectations are high this year as we return several key players from last year’s

fourth place team. We will look to continue to develop our leaders and to play as a unit. We must be able to control teams defensively and finish the possession with the rebound. We will rely on our defense to dictate the tempo of the game that will allow us to win big games as we hope to make another deep run into the postseason.

CANISTOTA

Coach: Pat Jolley Years coaching: 30 Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 20-3 Letterwinners returning: 5 Top returnees: Xavier Ward, 12, C, 6’3”; Scott Jolley, 11, F, 6’0”; Jacob White Lance, 12, G, 5’7”; Andrew Weber, 11, F, 6’0”. Top newcomers: Cole Anderson, 12, G, 5’9”; Jordan Lee, 11, G, 5’11”; See BOYS, Page M15

Mt. Vernon

Lyman

R001945351

Good Luck Athletes! Insurance products are not deposits, not FDIC insured, not insured by any federal agency, not guaranteed by any bank. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

KINZLEY

FUNERAL HOME

•Ready-mixed Concrete •Precast Septic Tanks •Concrete and Haydite Block •Fill Gravel and Black Dirt •Washed Sand and Rock •36Z-Meter Pump Truck Salem 425-2821 Mitchell 996-8371 1-800-300-8371

Andy Kinzley Laura Boecker R001783784

Pet Food • Companion Animal Care

001469806r1

001468848r1

001466595r1

605-425-2020

001468581r1

US Highway 81 & 38 Intersection Salem, SD

630-1970

http://betterlivingsd.com

Serving the Community Since 1949

Salem Veterinary Service

Shay Johnson

221 N. Main, Salem, SD (605) 425-2140 Call for appointment

Mitchell Concrete Products Co.

500 North Main • Salem, SD 605-425-2621 605-425-5647

ALAN R. SCHROEDER-OWNER

Mt. Vernon

Bryan Schierholz, RPh

001468579r1

MT. VERNON, SD 605-770-6639

Tires, Batteries, Hardware, Minor Repairs, Bradford Built and Hillsboro Truck Beds

999-9295

001298394r1

140 W. Vermont Ave. in Salem 605-425-3101 • www.bankwest-sd.com

Full Service Gas & Fuel Bulk Deliveries

SNAK SHAK

Adam Smith

Specializing in Circulation Therapy, Pain, Allergy and Detox Treatments!

William Roth, Pharmacist/Owner Eric Grocott, PharmD 300 North Main - Salem, SD 605-425-2827 www.salemdrug.com

SCHROEDER’S

Steve Gerlach 1641 South Main Mt. Vernon, SD 605-770-8135

McCook Central/Montrose

Mount Vernon Gas & Oil

Good Luck Mt. Vernon Teams!

2800 W. Havens • Mitchell, SD 996-7704 1-800-952-2308 www.scottsupplyco.com

Kim & Tammy Lorang, owners 605-236-5369

600 S Sanborn Mitchell, SD

605-996-6282 www.palacemotosportsinc.com 001469813r1

R001783276

FARMERS ELEVATOR CO. OF MT. VERNON We Buy, Sell and Store Grain “Top Prices Paid” Grinding-MixingFertilizers & Service

Call

236-5233 or 236-5222

Lynn Deinert, Mgr., Mt. Vernon, SD

Mount Vernon

Brian Dodd, Owner 24699 395th Ave., Mt. Vernon

001469825r1

Kennebec 869-2251

MUSTANG WELDING

CHANNEL 105

001465104r1

Member FDIC

RON VOLMER – 381-2501 CODY VOLMER – 222-9270 Owners & Operators Presho, SD www.presholivestock.com

R001783317

001129005r1

Presho 605-895-2595 Draper 605-669-2401 Ft. Pierre 605-223-2337 www.dakotaprairiebank.com

Halvorson Oil & Repair

001470753r1

001465096r1

Sales Every Thursday 605-895-2553

Serving your Community Since 1906

R001783261

310 East 3rd ∙ Mt. Vernon 605-236-5315

001470743r1

Presho Livestock Auction

001303476r1

WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

605-236-5218 001469836r1

605-236-5755

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Parkston boys basketball include, front row from left, Alex Scott, Returning letterwinners for Parkston girls basketball include, front row from left, Sydney Brayden Leischner and Brady Albrecht. Back row: Kellan Culbert, Trenton Weber and Jordan Wickersham, Ellie Weidenbach, Jayden Bormann, Lauren Reiner and Jordyn Lippert. Back McKean. row: Bennett McIntosh, Paige Semmler, Maysa Davidson, McKenzie McKean and Molly Schoenfelder.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Platte-Geddes boys basketball include, front row from left, Jarod Severson, Ricky Knecht, Malachi Girton and Sawyer DeGroot. Middle row: Xavier Marshall, Trevor Sprik and Jackson Johnson. Back row: Cole Nachtigal, Riley Hoffman and Cooper Kanthak.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Platte-Geddes girls basketball include, front row from left, Katie Spawn, Courtney Neuman, Sarah Erickson and Maddi Miller. Back row: Dominique Girton, Tori Weins, Jada Nelson, Hailey Wagner and Hallie Hallock. (Not pictured: Alexis Peterson and Sawyer Naasz.)

GIRLS

Continued from Page M12

Coach’s comments: We have a nice core of returning players that all have at least two years of experience. Our success will depend on how our younger players develop.

TRIPP-DELMONT/ARMOUR

Coach: Kristi Allen Years coaching: 3 Conference: Little Missouri Valley Marcus Traxler/Republic Returning letterwinners for Sanborn Central/Woonsocket boys basketball include, front row Conference from left, Garrett Dean, Trey Weber, Trevor Olson and Trent Kingsbury. Back row: Jared Record last year: 11-11 Goldammer, Wyatt Feistner, Shaun Snedeker and Logun Feistner. Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Erica Koster, 11, F, 5’9”; Mattilynn Reiner, 10, F, 5’11”; Brooklyn Brouwer, 11, G, 5’5”; Kiana Payer, 9, G, 5’8”; Brianna Stoebner, 11, G, 5’8”; Ripley Schafers, 11, 5’9”. Top newcomers: Paige Neugebauer, 11, F, 5’9”; Haley Dufek, 11, F, 5’10”; Alyssa Whitney, 10, G, 5’6”; Bella Knife, 11, F, 5’9”; Baylee Gerber, 10, G, 5’7”/ Coach’s comments: This year TDA returns four varsity starters. We will have some varsity experience, however we are still young with no seniors on the roster. Allconference award winners, Erica Koster and Mattilynn Reiner will be expected to provide leadership and lead both offensive and defensive effort. Height will be our disadvantage this year and we will have to make Marcus Traxler/Republic up for it with our quickness and athleticism. Returning letterwinners for Sanborn Central/Woonsocket girls basketball include, front row from left, Maddie Vermeulen, Sarah Morgan and Kayla Olson. Middle row: Madi Moody, Alissa Ball, Catherine Bechen, Abby Vermeulen and Megan Payer. Back row: Erica Howard, Sydney Zeller, Tesa Jensen, Myah Selland, Abby Doering and Tristan Ziebart.

WAGNER

Coach: Mike Koupal

Conference: Little Missouri Valley and Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 16-6 Top returnees: Kristan Soukup, 12, G, 5’8”; Marquel Holiday, 12, P, 5’7”; Abby Freier 11, G, 5’5”; Jaslyn Bruguier, 11, G, 5’6”; Janae Patterson, 11, P, 5’8”; Faith Tyler, 10, G, 5’8”. Top newcomers: Bethany Sully, 12, G, 5’5”; Gabby Flute Player, 10, P, 5’10”; Cheyanne Greger, 12, G, 5’10”; Bella LeBeaux, 9, G, 5’9”; Taylor Eitemiller, 11, G, 5’6”; Josi Bouza, 11, G/P, 5’10”; Kaylie Kocer, 9, G, 5’8”. Coach’s comments: Young and inexperienced at the varsity level. We have very athletic girls that can create on their own. Defensively we need to control the game to give us more opportunities. Offensively we will need to fill the void of all the scoring that left a year ago.

WESSINGTON SPRINGS

Coach: Melissa Mebius Years coaching: 2 Conference: 281 Record last year: 6-16 Letterwinners returning: 4 Top returnees: Jaycee Hohn, 12, F; Sierra Swenson, 11, G; Cadee Schelske, 11, F; Chasity Vissia, 10, G/F. Top newcomers: Karsyn Kraise. 11, G/F; Maria Alonsa, 10, G; Talli Heim, 11, C,; Makayla Dornbusch, 9, G/F; Chloe Munsen, 9, G. Coach’s comments: We have made changes in our program and it will be exciting to see the girls execute them on the floor. We See GIRLS, Page M15

Parkston R001783948

MURTHA REPAIR

501 South SD Highway 37 Parkston, SD

Dimock Dairy

001303502r1

S & T Trucking Logistics, LLC

– SPECIALIZING IN –

Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Rural & Roll-Off Boxes

102 South Depot Parkston, SD 605-928-7954

Larry Petrik, Owner Office: 605-990-3116 1-800-732-3598 Cell: 605-933-0111

001303498r1

petriksanitation@mitchelltelecom.net

“Go With the Bank That Leads the Way”

Good Luck Teams

KAYLOR

605-928-7991

605-583-4471

120 W. Main, Parkston

FULTON 605-996-5731

CHANNEL 101

Parkston

Werning Chiropractic P.C. Mark A. Werning, D.C.

Ethan Office 605-227-4215

605-928-3077

001303521r1

001465137r1

109 Main Street Parkston, SD

103 W. Glynn Drive Parkson, SD 57366 605-928-7777

114 North 1st Street Parkston, SD

605-928-7958

R001784038

Parkston Drug & Gifts

Jessica A. Wolf, D.C. Chiropractor

Oﬃce Hours: M-W-F 7:30-6:00 • T-TH-Sat. 7:30-Noon (Sat. by appointment only.)

Toll Free: 1 (877) 244-7648 1 (877) CHIRO-4U

605-928-7956

Chiropractic Clinic

708 W. Main Street Parkston, SD 57366-2100

304 SD Hwy 37 • Parkston, SD 605-928-7202 001303497r1

Proud Supporters since 1982 Parkston Office

Member FDIC

Phone: (605) 928-3304 Fax: (605) 928-3505 Email: kmwerning@santel.net

BRALEY LAW OFFICE

“Insurance & Real Estate”

WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

605-996-1000

001303493r1

001303499r1

wenzelins@santel.net

MITCHELL

102 W. Main Parkston, SD 57366 (605) 928-3661

112 West Main Parkston, SD

605-928-3125 Gifts for Everyone We support our Youth!

001465134r1

001303478r1

PARKSTON

001465139r1

605-928-3063 1-800-762-1239

001303480r1

Sales And Service For Individual and Groups

www.fsbparkston.com

Pape Automotive

Mitchell • Parkston • Wagner and surrounding areas

R001784052

WENZEL INSURANCE AGENCY

803 South Ben Street Parkston, SD Office 605-928-7770 Fax 605-928-7773 Cell 605-770-6097

Best wishes on a winning season!

001465136r1

605-928-3361

– SERVING –

Precision Nutrition

605-928-3833

605-928-3306

1005 South First Street Parkston, SD 57366

Petrik Sanitation

Daily Republic Fall, Winter and Spring Sports Preview August 2016

001465129r1

SCHEETZ IMPLEMENT

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Scotland boys basketball include, front row from left, J.R. Wagner, Tanner Van Driel and Bryan Vaughan. Back row: Garret Vitek, Braden Wolfe, Tanner Skorepa and Triston Friederich.

Eric Mayer/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Scotland girls basketball include, front row from left, Kelsi Nooney, Anadia Gibson and Shannon Fanning. Back row: Issabela Vitek, Taylor Gall, Taylor Bietz and Taylor Bauder.

Ryan Deal/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Tripp-Delmont/Armour boys basketball include, front row from left, Micah Lau, Cade Gemar and Logan Fechner. Back row: Riley Hrdlicka, Daniel Fuoss, Noah Schafers, Trevor Lau and Tucker Hawley.

Denielle Dvorak/For The Daily Republic

Returning letterwinners for Wagner/Bon Homme gymnastics, from left, Jensen Holzbauer, Emily Duffek, Joanna Soukup and Alexus Dion.

Submitted photo

Returning letterwinners for Tripp-Delmont/Armour girls basketball include, from left, Brooklyn Brouwer, Erica Koster, Kianna Payer, Mattilynn Reiner, Brianna Stoebner and Ripley Schafers.

Denielle Dvorak/For The Daily Republic

Returning letterwinners for Wagner wrestling include, front row from left, Jace Johnson, Tony Bruguier, Ben Soukup and Lance Soukup. Back row: K.J. St. Pierre, Preston Nedved, Cole Soulek, Colton Frei and Dawson Lensing.

GIRLS

BOYS

have four solid returning players and a group of talented freshmen, who saw some varsity minutes as eighth graders. There are three new girls whose skills will be a great addition and I expect them to play a vital role in our program.

Carson Roshone, 11, F, 6’2”; Tristen Pierce, 10, F, 6’0”; Mandre Adams, 12, F, 6’; Jared Tieszen, 10, C, 6’ Coach’s comments: We lost some very talented athletes through graduation and much of our scoring will need to be replaced. As our young players gain experience, we could be competitive at tournament time.

Continued from Page M13

Continued from Page M14

WINNER

Coach: Larry Aaker Years coaching: 3 Conference: Southeast South Dakota and Big Dakota Record last year: 21-5, finished second in Class A letterwinners returning: 9 Top returnees: Chloe Bartels, 12, G, 5’8”; Madyson Frazier, 11, G, 5’6”; Samantha Schuyler, 12, G, 5’6”; Gabriel Kocer, 10, G/F, 5’9”; Abby Marts, 10, F/C, 6’; Kyran Meek, 12, F, 5’7”; Rachel Sherman, 12, F, 5’10”; Sydney Hollenbeck, 12, F, 5’8”; Alexis Richey, 10, G, 5’5”. Top newcomers: Madison Thieman, 10, G, 5’6”; Gracie Littau, 10, G, 5’5”; Morgan Hammerbeck, 9, G, 5’9”; Bella Swedlund, 7, G, 5’7”; Sydney Bohner, 12, G, 5’6”; Elizabeth Duffy, 11, G, 5’6”; Brekkyn Nagel, 11, C, 5’11”. Coach’s comments: We hope to be competitive in both conferences and playing our best basketball come regions.

COLOME

Coach: Drew Weber Year coaching: Third Conference: South Central Record last year: 16-7 Letterwinners returning: 9 Top returnees: Holden Thieman, 12, G, 6’2”; Will Cahoy, 12, G, 5’9”; Kelly OBryan, 12, G, 6’; Jackson Kinzer, 10, F, 5’11”; Layton Thieman, 10, G, 6’1”;

Top newcomers: Beau Bertram, 10, C, 6’3”; Kolton Salonen, 11, C, 6’2”; Andrew Laprath, 11, G/F, 6’; Wyatt Cahoy, 10, G, 5’7”; Chase Dufek, 10, G, 5’8”; Jeremiah Yeaman, 11, F, 6’; Garrett Salonen, 12, C, 6’4”; Calvin Ringing Shield, 10, F, 6”. Coach’s comments: We will have a balanced experience team what will be deeper than we’ve been in the past. We are starting the season banged up and without star player, Holden Thieman, for the first six weeks of the season, but we have a good group of athletes that will be ready to step up and contribute. Our key to success starts on the defensive and will hopefully be our backbone this season. If we can use our athleticism positively on that side of the ball, our experience will provide us enough offense to have a special season.

Coach: Mike Tuschen Year coaching: 32 Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway Record last year: 22-4, fifth place finish in Class B Letterwinners returning: 14 Top returnees: Clayton Menning, 12, G/F, 6”; Josh Moser, 12, G, 6’; Hunter Johnson, 12, G, 6’; Kyle Menning, 12, F, 6’5”; Reed Baan Hofman, 12, F, 6’2”; Landon Bruinsma, 12, F, 6’2”; Cole Gerlach, 12, G, 6’; Cordel Menning, 11, F, 6’5”; Bryce Plamp, 11, G, 6’ Landon DeBoer, 11,G, 6’; Gavin Zomer, 11, G, 5’8”; Jacob Joachim, 11, F, 6’4”; Blake Moke, F, 6’1” Jaden Barse, 10, G, 6’. Coach’s comments: Our main nucleus of varsity players is listed above. They are the 14 letterwinners from last year. We also have some See BOYS, Page M16

CORSICA-STICKNEY

Plankinton 001466586r1

Ron’s Market

LET US GIVE YOUR DREAMS THE SUPPORT THEY DESERVE.

001307589r1

www.centralec.coop

605-942-4455

605-942-7262

605-996-7516 001466765r1

302 E. Davenport Plankinton, SD| 605-942-7701 pl-vc@hotmail.com

Buses always welcomed here. Stop in before or after a game. DRIVERS’ & 2 COACHES’ MEAL IS FREE!

Plankinton, SD 605-942-KIDS (5437)

(605) 942-7138 I-90 & US Hwy 281 PO Box 24 Plankinton, SD 57368

001466580r1

408 South Main Plankinton, SD

001466585r1

605-942-7548

001466583r1

705 South Main Plankinton, SD

38731 US Hwy 16 Plankinton, South Dakota 57368

PLEASANT LAKE VETERINARY CLINIC Dr. Jeff Grosdidier Dr. Mary Grosdidier

John Neuheisel, Owner

Keith Overweg

25487 403rd Ave, Mitchell, SD

001303554r1

001129307r1

ROADSIDE SERVICE

001468843r1

Ron Beukelman Agency 117 N Main St Plankinton SD, 57368 (605) 942-7220

Po Box 122 Plankinton, SD 57368

942-7595

OVERWEG

AUTO, GLASS & FUEL, LLC

JOHNSON FARMS

Mike and Jeremy Johnson & Families 24817 393rd Ave., Plankinton, SD

605-999-1822

001303764r1

001303546r1

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Denielle Dvorak/For The Daily Republic

Returning letterwinners for Wagner boys basketball includes, from left, Nathan Kucera, Zyan Zephier, Mato Perry, Brycen Zephier and Alex Sully.

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate

Denielle Dvorak/For The Daily Republic

Returning letterwinners for Wagner girls basketball include, from left, Jaslynn Bruguier, Janae Patterson, Kristan Soukup, Marquel Holiday and Abby Freier.

Dan Bechtold/Winner Advocate

Returning letterwinners for Winner boys basketball include, front row from left, Trevor Bertram, Drew DeMers, Isaac Naasz and Luke Engel. Back row: William Schroeder, Cameron Kuil, Chase Kingsbury and Brandon Volmer.

Returning letterwinners for Winner girls basketball include, front row, Gabby Kocer, Samantha Schuyler and Alexis Richey. Back row: Abby Marts, Chloe Bartels, Madyson Frazier, Kyran Meek, Rachel Sherman and Sydney Holleneck.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Wessington Springs boys basketball include, front row from left, Noah Hainy, Houston Mees, Florian Genneve. Middle row: John Witte, Coy Fastnacht, Trever Schmidt, Clayton Dornbusch and Chandler Flowers. Back row: Trance Schooler, Isaac Kolousek, Gunnar Brandenburg, Nathan Huisman, Jordan Linn and Jordan Hines.

Marcus Traxler/Republic

Returning letterwinners for Wessington Springs/Woonsocket wrestling include, front row from left, Brock Stevens, Collin Schmiedt, Tyler Eddy and Seth Tebay. Back row: Wyatt Stevens, Landon Wolter, Allen Schaller and Rylie Stevens.

BOYS

but feel we can be very competitive.

freshmen and sophomores that will compete for uniforms and playing time. We lost one senior to graduation last year from a team that finished fifth place at the state tournament. We return a lot of good players from last year so we have high expectations for this year. We have a tough schedule

Coach: Bryce Roth Year coaching: Fourth Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway Record last year: 13-8 Letterwinners returning: 3 Top returnees: Abiah Plastow, 11, G, 5’10”’; Derek Storm, 11, G, 5’10”; Sam Comp, 12, C, 6’3”; Reed

ETHAN

Continued from Page 15

Gerlach, 12, G, 5’10”;Tyler VanRoekel, 12, C, 6’. Top newcomers: Evan Weeman, 10, G, 5’8”; Zach Clauson, 9, G, 5’9”; Coach’s comments: Lots of youth on our team this year that will learn through trial by fire. We have a difficult schedule that will test us early on. Look for us to rely on our quickness and defense.

Coach: Rory Hermsen. Record last year: 7-13. Conference: Cornbelt. Letterwinners returning:

Key players: Braxton Schmidt, 10, F, 6’1”; Levi Waldhauser, 12, G, 5’11”; Charles Harberts, 11, F, 6’; Eric Fuhrmann, 11, G, 5’7”; Dausyn Pravecek, 10, F, 6’; Bryce Dannenbring, 11, F, 5’11”.

FREEMAN

FREEMAN ACADEMY/MARION

Coach: Austin Unruh Conference: Tri-Valley Record last year: 4-17 Top returnees: Brennan Haggerty, 11, G, 5’9”; Stephen Waltner, 11, G, 6’2”; Thaniel Schroeder, 10, 6’2”; Jesse Balzer, 12, F, 6’2”. Top newcomers: Gavin Pankratz, 9, F, 6’4”; TJ Obele, 9, F, 6’1” Coach’s comments: First year of a new sports co-op between Freeman Academy

and Marion, so there are guys playing together for the first time. However, the team has a solid core of returners with experience and young talent that will only grow stronger as the season progresses. Not a deep team but a very young team with lots of drive and great potential for this year and years to come. See BOYS, Page 17

R001783919

GEDDES FARMERS CO-OP Complete Machine Shop Fabricating & Welding Silage/ Grain Truck Boxes Heavy duty land levelers MFS Mixer Wagons

E. of Platte on Hwy 44

plattepowersports.com

YOUR SIOUX STEEL DEALER

620 620 620 E.E.7th E.7th 7th St.St.St. 620 E. 7th St. • Platte, SD Platte, 57369 Platte, Platte, SDSDSD 57369 57369

1-877-742-5402 Toll Free: 1-877-742-5402 Toll Toll Free: Free: 1-877-742-5402 1-877-742-5402

605-337-2260

120 Main Street Platte, SD 337-3681 Gas – Diesel – Propane LP Cylinders Filled

Farm Services Inc. 200 North Main St Platte, SD

605-337-3643

Stop in and visit our showroom!

Josh’s ATV Service

Severson’s Service

27579 366th Ave Platte, SD

605-337-2659 Dr. Jay Alberda Dr. Haley Hoien

601 Main, Platte SD Dennis Severson, owner 337-3751 • Full Service • Tires • Batteries • 24 hr. Towing

BEST WISHES TO ALL OUR TEAMS!

www.ftrandallfcu.com

TURNIS

R001783937

001466589r1

001468845r1

701 East 7th Street Platte, SD

001303799r1

M IDWEST AAGGGCCCENTER ENTER M MIDWEST IDWESTA ENTER

Central Dakota Animal Clinic

Brent Veurink 001466484r1

605-842-3260 | Fax 842-1989

Sioux Grain Bins Sioux Sioux Grain Grain Bins Bins Sioux Grain Bins

Veurink Insurance Agency LLC

Box 430, 141 W. 3rd St. Winner, SD 57580

001466584r1

ATV SERVICE & REPAIR USED ATV SALES

701 E 7th St. Platte, SD

605-337-2154

001303828r1

Visit us online at:

Insurance Of All Kinds

Also Offices in White River, Platte, Burke & Valentine

East Hwy 44 Platte, SD 605-337-2110

001466588r1

n’s Oil & LP C verso o Se

YOUR SIOUX STEEL DEALER YOUR YOUR SIOUX SIOUX STEEL STEEL DEALER DEALER

001303841r1

1-800-337-2655 PO Box 905 Platte, SD 57369

Sioux Calving Pen Sioux Sioux Calving Calving Pen Pen Sioux Calving Pen

605-337-9502

Good Luck Athletes!

PLATTE LIVESTOCK MARKET

001304168r1

See Us For All Your See Us For All Your See SeeUs UsFor ForAll AllYour Your Farm &&Ranch Ranch Needs Farm Ranch Needs Farm Farm&& RanchNeeds Needs

620 W 7th Street Platte, SD 605-337-3313

100 W 7th Street Platte, SD

001466591r1

337-2621 1-800-658-2293

Armour, Delmont, Geddes, Gregory, Kadoka, Kennebec, Mitchell, Onida, Pierre, Rapid City, Selby, Tripp, Vivian, Winner Member FDIC 001470817r1

337-3328 1-888-456-1237

www.bankwest-sd.com | 1-800-253-0362

Platte, S.D.

001466582r1

Dan Schulte, Mgr. Geddes 337-2561

Convenient. Connected. Committed.

001126882r1

West Hwy 44 Platte, SD

001466590r1

Feeds All types of Grain Dry Fertilizer

Helping Customers Succeed and Communities Prosper

001466587r1

Platte-Geddes

001303784r1

36578 SD Highway 44, Platte, SD 57369. JOSH VEURINK 605-337-ATV (2887) Cell 605-680-0362

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

Marlin varsity teams embark with new leaders Boys, girls teams look to build on existing foundation The Mitchell Marlins boys hockey team enters a new season in 2016-17 with a goal of playing a faster and more aggressive style of hockey. The team is under new leadership this season, with Cody Denne transitioning over from the girls varsity to the boys head coach role, replacing Chris Tronnes. “It’s always been my dream to coach the boys varsity, so this is exciting for me,” Denne said. The team has two large offensive holes to fill after

Jacob Thill graduated and Spencer Neugebauer decided not to play this season. Denne said to expect the team’s top two returning scorers to fill those voids. Jake Jarman posted 28 points (14 goals and 14 assists) in 18 games a year ago and Jesse Grosdidier had 26 points, including a team-best 17 goals last season. Bryce Geraets (12 points) and Drew Kitchens (11 points) are also back in the lineup, as well. The team brings back both of its goaltenders from a year ago in Joshua Loecker and Ben Colwell. Both goal-

ies had four wins in the regular season a year ago, splitting time in net. Loecker had a save percentage of about 85 percent, with a goals against average of 5.04, while Colwell stopped 81 percent of the shots he faces and had a goals against average of 6.15. Denne said the Brookings Rangers will be the favorites for the state title again this year. The Marlins were 8-10 a year ago during the regular season and took sixth place. The coach said the Marlins should be a team that can compete with the best teams in the state.

Marlin girls hope to be cohesive squad Much like the boys team, the Mitchell Marlins are also under new leadership, with coach Dennis Schley as the lead coach on the bench. Schley said his focus is for the team to understand the nuances of the game as much as possible, so as

Years coaching: 13 Conferences: Southeast South Dakota and South Central Last year’s record: 16-7 Top returners: Robert Vomacka 12, F, 6’4”; Jayd VanDerWerff, 11, F, 6’2”; Aaron Voigt, 11, G, 6’1”; Max Klundt, 11, G, 5’11” Top newcomers: Triv Vosika, 12, G, 5’8”; Dylan Borszich, 11, F, 6’; Jon Bakke. 11, F, 5’9”; Garret Roeder, 10, F, 5’10” Coach’s comments: We return four out of five starters from last year’s team but we will have to develop some depth. With our returners, we should have good balance offensively but will need to play well on the defensive end of the floor. We will try to play up-tempo when the opportunity presents itself and use our athleticism to make things happen in the open court. Our schedule is difficult once again but that will make us better at the end of the year.

HANSON

Coach: Josh Oltmanns Year coaching: 14 Conference: Cornbelt

Top returnees: Thomas Arend, 12, F, 6’4”; Jaimes Nelson, 12, G, 6’; Eric Craig, 12, F, 6’; Matt Kayser, 11, F, 6’1”; Nathan Stewart. 11, C, 6’5”’ Blake Klinkhammer, 11, G, 5’9”; Donnie Weber, 11, G, 5’9”; Austin Stoltz, 11, F, 5’8”; Craig Lasley, 10, F, 6’; Drew Ferry, 10, F, 6’; Caleb Hernes, 10, F, 6’; Payden Haiar, 10, G, 5’10”; Colter Bartscher, 10, F, 6’. Top newcomers: Marcus Brown, 9; Brody Chivington, 9; Casey Haynes, 9; Payton Schroeder, 9, Reggie Slaba, 9, Simon Weber, 9, Kaylen Hughes, 12. Coach’s comments: We have good size up front this season and hope we can continue to compete with every team we play.

KIMBALL/WHITE LAKE

Coach: Kamden Miller Year coaching: 16th season Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway and South Central Record last year: 7-15 Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Josh Taylor, 12, F, 6’2”; Kory Peters, 11, F, 6’2”;

See MARLINS, Page M18

Coach: Eric Diehm Year coaching: Second Conference: Western Great Plains Record last year: 8-14 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Jesse Schindler, 12, F, 6’2”; Kyle

Welter, 12, C, 6’3”; Brett Holm, 12, G, 6’; Kevin Peterson, 11, G, 6’1”; Tate Wagner, 11, F, 6’2”; Carter Collins, 10, G, 5’10” Top newcomers: Ty Schindler, 9, G, 6’; Kaden Choal, 9, G, 5’10” Coach’s comments: We are looking forward to a good season this year. We lost four seniors off of last year’s team. But return top scorer Kevin Peterson and also Jesse Schindler is back from injury. We have a new transfer in Brett Holm from Chamberlain, who I look to take care of the ball and leadership role. We have some young kids that need to step up and fill our depth. We expect to compete every game and for a district title.

MCCOOK CENTRAL/ MONTROSE

Coach: Jeff Heisinger Year coaching: Fourth Conference: Big East Conference Record last year: 6-15 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Joey Eickman, 12, F, 6’1”; Kyle Tuschen, 11, G, 6’2”; Kohl Miller, 12, F, 6’1”; Trevor Wilkinson, 12, G, 5’7”; Caleb Wobig, 12, F, 6’; Kendall Gassman, G, 5’11”. Top newcomers: Rylee Klinkhammer, 10, G, 5’11”; Koltan Lindstrom, 9, F, 6’2”; Tucker Seamer, 9, G, 5’11”; Spencer Smith, 11, F, 6’3”; Kyle Winberg, 11, C, 6’6”. Coach’s comments: We will be bringing an inexperienced team to the floor to open the season. We See BOYS, Page M18

HOWARD

Coach: Brett Bosn Year coaching: Third Conference: Big East and Cornbelt Record last year: 0-21 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Tate Schwader, 11, F/C, 6’7”; Keaton Hoyer, 12, G, 6’; Carter Swader, 12, F/C, 6’5”; Connor Hamilton,

Sanborn Central Brooks Oil Company Inc.

FISCHER ELECTRIC

Scotland Medical Center & Retail Pharmacy

Bill & Cheryl Fischer 320 Dollard St. • Scotland, SD 605-583-2757

Commercial-Residential-Agricultural

FREE ESTIMATES!

312 N. Main Street • Mitchell, SD 57301 990-CAFE (2233) • www.cafe-teresa.com

LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED FOR OVER 40 YEARS!

Brooks Oil Company Inc.

248-2310 248-2667 248-2107

001124679r1

39758 SD Hwy 34 Woonsocket, SD 57385 605-796-4448

001466594r1

R001783850

INSURANCE 111 S. Dumont Ave Woonsocket, SD 57385

Jim, Trudy, Robert, Susan TELEPHONE 605-796-4471 866-546 HEGG 001469048r1

WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

CHANNEL 107

Shop: 605-527-2250 Home: 605-527-2208

001470812r1

“FROM WHEELS TO FIELDS”

CLAYTON’S REPAIR SHOP 605-248-2344 605-999-4038

TEAM

Hometown Banking With Your Neighbors & Friends

001468594r1

521 Main St.• Scotland 605-583-2330

LETCHER, SD

605-248-2676

EXCELLENT VALUE PERSONAL SERVICE

Hoffman Digging & Well Repair Trenching, Certified Septic Tank Installer, Septic Tank Cleaning, Backhoe Work, Well & Pump Repair

Eddie Hoffman

Home: 248-2235 Cell: 770-0914 P.O. Box 56 Letcher, S.D. 57359

EX pRESS

STOP

LOCATED ON THE WEST END OF MAIN STREET, LETCHER, S.D.

Tim Asche

Check us out on Facebook!

001469055r1

HEGG

001466597r1 001466598r1

Coffeehouse & Cafe

001304157r1

600 Billars Street Scotland, SD 605-583-2226

Breakfast • Lunch • Coffee • Wine Open Monday - Saturday @ 7:00am Daily Specials • Delivery Available Gift Certificates

FOR ALL YOUR FARM DELIVERY, DIESEL FUEL & GASOLINE NEEDS! • Diesel Fuel #2 • Premium Grade • Soy Diesel B2-b99 • Lead Free and Ethanol • LP

Scotland

550 Main Street Monday - Friday: 9:00 A.M. - 4:30 P.M. Saturday: 9:00 A.M. - 12:00 P.M. Box 367 - Scotland, South Dakota 57059 (605)583-2234 • www.fmsbscotland.com

LYMAN

001303857r1

GREGORY

Chandler Fredericksen, 11, G, 5’8”; Javen Holan, 10, G, 5’11”; Top newcomers: Devon Munsen, 12, F, 5’11”; Garrett Wessel, 12, F, 6’1”; Tanner Blasius, 12, G, 5’9”; Dylan Mohnen, 11, G, 5’10”; Carter Fredericksen, 10, G, 5’6”; Coach’s comments: Defense is the biggest key to Wildkat success. We need to hold opponents under 50 points. We should be well balanced as multiple players will have opportunities to contribute

R001783824

Continued from Page M16

R001783863

BOYS

12, G/F, 6’1”; Kalub Carmichael, 11, G, 5’9”; Tisya Spoder, 8, G, 5’6” Top newcomers: Ethan Cramer, 11, G/F, 6’; Michael Hofer, 10 F, 5’11”; Gavin Reisdorfer, 10, F, 5’11”. Coach’s comments: With more guys on the squad this year we have some more depth. Have a good core of returning players. Look to get better every game, hoping to go .500.

they are, we kind of have to go with what we have. It would be nice to bring up a few kids from the junior varsity but that’s not really an option.” Schley said the silver lining is that the team might be small but it has a lot of players with varsity experience and have played together before. “Most the girls have playing together for three or four years, at least,” Schley said. “It helps because you can move players around. They already know each other and have an idea of how they need to play.” Off a 6-15 regular season in 2015-16, the Marlins

Photos courtesy of Photography Unlimited

Pictured are the Mitchell Marlins boys (left) and girls (right) varsity hockey teams.

Record last year: 15-8 Letterwinners returning:

to help the team’s ability to react to situations in the game. “It’s just the philosophy of knowing about the game and understanding how situations can play out,” he said. “We spend some time going over different plays and what to do in situations so they can better understand where we need to be.” The team has just 13 players, and started the season with a few injuries, meaning the Marlins were down to just two lines and a couple of defensive pairs to the start the season. “We’re going to have players that are going to have a lot of ice time,” Schley said. “With the numbers the way

AVIATION

Hwy 34 & Main Street • Woonsocket 605-796-4369

AURORA

Your hard work, dedication and your determination is appreciated. John, Marci & the Crew at MJ Aviation 001466592r1

39759 SD Hwy 34 • Woonsocket 605-796-4444

001469051r1

By Marcus Traxler The Daily Republic

“I just think we have a really talented team that understands the game, understands the team aspect to the game,” Denne said. “It’s a young team that I would expect to have success as the season goes on. “We’re going to play a fast and physical style of hockey,” he added.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Continued from Page M17

hope to consistently build our team into a tough match-up come tournament time.

MENNO

Top returnees: Jacob Hertz, 12, C, 6’8”; Spencer Schultz, 11, G, 6’; Trey Bohlmann, 10, F, 6’2”; Top newcomers: Hunter Huber, 11, F, 6’; Kyle Munkvold, 10, F, 6’6”; Logan Klaudt, 10, G, 5’10”. Coach’s comments: This season we will look to build around our top three scorers from a year ago. Jacob Hertz will be counted on to control the paint while working alongside returning starters Spencer Schultz and Trey Bohlmann. We will need some young players to step into the rotation and gain experience throughout the year. We will also need to find good leadership this year as we graduated a strong core of leaders. Leaning on our defense and rebounding we look to be competitive with every team on our schedule. If each player can find their role and work as a team, it could be a fun season.

MOUNT VERNON/ PLANKINTON

Coach: Eric Denning Years coaching: 20th Conference: Southeast South Dakota and Custer Battlefield Highway Record last year: 16-9, eighth place finish in Class A. Letterwinners returning: 11 Top returnees: Hayden Schmidt, 12, G, 5’8”; Devin Rihanek, 12, G, 5’11”; Austin Graves, 12, G, 5’9”; Taylen Trisco, 12, F, 6’2”; Cody Muilenburg, 12, F, 5’11”; Tony Stoltz, 12, F, 5’11”; Dane Rihanek, 11, G, 5’10”; Jacob Clark, 11, F, 5’10”; Kyle Glanzer, 11, G, 5’9”; Kaden Karst, 11, G, 6’; Nolan Sampson, 10, G, 5’10”.

PARKSTON

Coach: Craig Bruening Years coaching: 16 Conference: SESD and Little Missouri Valley Record last year: 13-10 Letterwinners returning: 6 Top returnees: Jordan McKean, 12, F, 6’1”; Alex Scott, 12, G, 5’10”; Kellan Culbert, 12, F, 6’3”; Brayden Leischner, 11, F, 6’2”; Brady Albrecht, 11, G, 6’; Trenton Weber, 11,G, 6’1” Top newcomers: Tulsa Janish, 10, G, 5’10”; Nathan Boettcher, 9, G, 5’11”; Braden Bruening, 9, F, 6’1”; Nate Doering, 9, F, 6’1”; Rylan Leischner, 9, F, 6’1”; Tyrese Friederich, 9, G, 5’11”: Braydon Hurley, 9, G, 5’9”; Erik Fuerness, 11, F, 6’; Flynn Aldecoa, 10, G, 5’9”; Cole Van Zee, 9, G, 5’10” Coach’s comments: We have a good group of kids returning but will have to fill a large scoring void left by our graduating seniors.

PLATTE-GEDDES

Coach: Frank Cutler Year coaching: 28th Conference: SESD and South Central Record last year: 7-15 Letterwinners returning: 10 Top returnees: Malachi Girton, 12, 6’2”; Ryley Hoffman, 12, 5’10”; Rickey Knecht, 12, 6’2”; Jarod Severson, 12, 6’1”; Cooper Kanthak, 12, 6’4”; Trevor Sprik, 11, 5’10”; Xavier Marshall, 11, 5’10”; Cole Nachtigal, 11, 5’9”; Jackson Johnson, 11, 5’11”; Sawyer DeGroot, 10, 6’2”. Coach’s comments: We return three senior starters plus Severson who played quality minutes off the bench last season and Kanthak, a starter last year. This group plus two juniors in Sprik and Marshall give us plenty of experience for this season as we look to improve on our 7-15 season in which we lost six games by five or less points. We do have some kids that can handle the ball and shoot

South Central

the three. All are athletic and have good court savvy. Girton is very be good at getting the ball to the basket and scoring against bigger opponents and rebounds well. Knecht can shoot ti and play inside and out and Severson is an extremely hard worker that can give us minutes of play and play any role we need him to play. Kanthak has good size and can score from inside and out and gives us some needed size in the paint. Nahtigal gives us good depth at the guard position, Johnson has a knack for the ball and good things happen when he is on the floor and DeGroot is a good athlete that can score and look to play a role for the Black Panthers this season.

SANBORN CENTRAL/ WOONSOCKET

Coach: Troy Olson and Rod Weber Conference: Custer Battlefield Highway, 281 Record last year: 17-4 Letterwinners returning: 7 Top returnees: Trevor Olson, 12, G, 5’10”; Wyatt Feistner, 12, F, 6’6”; Trent Kingsbury, 11, F, 6’1”; Trey Weber, 11, G, 5’11”; Logun Feistner, 12, G, 6’1”; Garrett Dean, 12, G, 5’10”; Jared Goldhammer, 11, F, 6’3”. Top newcomers: Shaun Snedeker, 12, F, 6’7”; Koby Larson, 11, G, 5’10”; Spens Schlicht, 10, G, 5’10”; Tater Moody, 9, F, 6’2”; Noah Dickson, 9, F, 6’2”; Coach’s comments: We graduates seven seniors that were mainstays for multiple years of varsity ball. However, this group of boys are talented in their own right and are eager to step into bigger roles. We will have good speed and size and kids capable of shooting the

001127240r1

Coach: Bryan Fuks Years coaching: First Conference: Little Missouri Valley Record last year: 5-15 Letterwinners returning: 7 Top returnees: Tanner Skorepa, 12, F/C, 6’6”; Chandler Diede, 12, F, 6’1”; Chase Mogck, 12, G, 5’10”; Bryan Vaughan, 11, G, 5’10”; Tanner Van Driel, 11, G, 5’11”; Travis Skorepa 11, F/C, 6’5”; Garret Vitek, 11, F, 6’3”; Braden Wolfe, 11, G, 6’. Top newcomers: Ty Mogck, 9, G, 5’11”; Mason Dennis, 9, F, 6’2”; Derek Pravecek, 9, F, 5’11”; Carson Sundleaf, 9, G, 5’11”; Dallas Fuerst, 10, F, 5’10; Coach’s comments: Only graduated two, plenty of experience coming back. First-year head coach looking to provide a winning record. All conference players Tanner and Travis Skorepa will look to have huge seasons.

TRIPP-DELMONT/ARMOUR

Coach: Craig Holbeck Conference: Little Missouri Valley Record last year: 1-19 Top returnees: Noah Schafers, 12, F, 6’2”; Logan Fechner, 12, G, 5’11”; Trevor Lau, 11, G, 6’1”; Micah Lau, 9, G, 5’11”; Tucker Hawler, 12, F, 5’11”; Cade Gemar, 10, G, 5’9”; Daniel Fouss, 11, F, 6’. Coach’s comments: Our team will need to improve on team defense and find some consistency in our scoring. We need to cut down on our turnovers and have more quality possessions. We have a lot of experience coming back. We will need our upperclassmen to be leaders

and set the tone for the rest of our team. This year our offense should feature more shooters to go with a couple of big bodies down low. If we can work and inside out kind of game and get our shooters some open shots we will be much improved.

WAGNER

Coach: Josh Davis Years coaching: Seventh Conference: Little Missouri Valley, Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 6-15 Letterwinners returning: 3 Top returnees: Alex Sully, 11, F, 5’9”; Brycen Zephier, 12, G, 5’10”; Zyan Zephier, 12, G, 5’10”; Emilio Cournoyer, 10, F, 6’; Tysin Arpan, 10, F, 6’1”; Ryan Cournoyer, 11, G, 6’. Top newcomers: Jace Faulkner, 10, G, 5’10”; Nathan Kucera, 12, G, 5’9”; Mato Perry, 11, G, 5’8” Coach’s comments: We will be a small team this year, hopefully we can make up for our lack of size by taking care of the basketball and being fundamentally sound we will have to defend well and use our speed to our advantage. We play a very good schedule and hope to be competitive. We are going to rely on a lot of new faces to step up into new roles for our team.

WESSINGTON SPRINGS

Coach: Alan Walls Year coaching: First Conference: 281 Conference Record last year: 8-12 No roster information was available at press time.

WINNER

Coach: Brett Gardner Years coaching: Fifth Conference: Big Dakota and Southeast South Dakota Record last year: 19-6, finished seventh in Class A. Letterwinners returning: 9 Top returnees: Drew DeMers, 12, PG, 5’11”; Trevor Bertram, 12, G, 5’9”; Cameron Kuil, 12, G, 6’2”; Isaac Naasz, 12, F, 6’3”; Chase Kingsbury, 12, F, 6’2”; Luke Engel, 12, G, 5’9”; Brandon Volmer, 10, G/F, 6’2”; William Schroeder, 12, G, 6’. Top newcomers: Justus Gregg, 11, F, 6’; Tanner Mueller, 11, C, 6’2”; Shea Connot, 10, G, 5’10”; Nolan Sachtjen, 10, G, 5’11”; Tyson Westendorf, 10, C, 6’6”; Jaren Brown, 9, PG, 5’10”; Phillip Jorgensen, 9, F, 6’1”. Coach’s comments: We will have to use our team speed and athleticism to our advantage. We will need to defend for the full 32 minutes to be competitive. We hope to improve and be playing our best basketball by March.

Wagner Kirwan Design & Landscaping, LLC 11 Grant Avenue SE Wagner, SD 57380 605-830-0300 www.kirwandesignllc.com

CROSBY & JAEGER FUNERAL HOME

Landscaping Sprinkler Systems Lawn Mowing Services

Jim & Julie Jaeger & Chad Peters

124 East Highway 50 Wagner, SD 605-384-3781

JUFFER, INC

WINNING SEASON!

Insurance Of All Kinds

Box 430, 141 W. 3rd St. Winner, SD 57580 Also Offices in White River, Platte, Burke & Valentine 605-842-3260 | Fax 842-1989

✦ INSURANCE ✦ INVESTMENTS ✦ REAL ESTATE 210 S. MAIN AVE BOX 69 WAGNER, SOUTH DAKOTA 57380

Shopko Hometown & Hometown Pharmacy 1140 East 5th Street Winner, SD 57580 605-842-3242

Valley Pump & Casino 800 SD Hwy 46 • Wagner, SD 605-384-3417

605-842-0727 mason@sdfuneral.com 001469871r1

Nebraska Bloomfield (402)373-4449 Hartington (402)254-3908 Wayne (402)375-3325

605-384-5600•• 1-800-762-6933 605-384-5600 1-800-762-6933 FAX 605-384-5657 • www.juffer.com FAX 605-384-5657 www.juffer.com

Wagner & Tyndall

Commercial State Bank

Chiropractic Clinics

Jay J. Fitzgerald, DC, CCSP

Since 1902

South Dakota Winner (605)842-2040 Pierre (605)224-1631 Philip (605)859-2636

625 West 3rd Ave Winner, SD 001466613r1

001466609r1

SCOTLAND

See TIGERS, Page M19

Wishing The Warriors A Successful

LABER INSURANCE 310 Mellette Street Bonesteel, SD 605-654-2635

ball. The Blackhawks worked hard in the offseason and are ready for another successful season.

Herrold, a first team all-Great Plains Athletic Conference and second team NAIA All-American player last year, DWU made news without playing a single game. “It’s always easier to climb the mountain,” said DWU coach Jason Christensen, who pointed out the Tigers surprised a lot people after being picked to finish eighth in the GPAC in 2015-16. “It’s harder to stay atop the mountain.” On the court, Herrold, a senior and Dimock native, is DWU’s

001466654r1

001468858r1

Joe Laber

with the Tiger women winning their first 10 games and picking up the No. 1 national ranking for the first time since 2004. That came after DWU’s women were ranked No. 3 in the preseason national poll and were picked to win the Great Plains Athletic Conference over longtime stalwart Morningside. The Tigers were 27-9 a year ago and made a run to the national quarterfinals in Sioux City, Iowa. Returning a team that didn’t lose a single player to graduation last year and anchored by Erica

Winner

$250,000

Freedom Net Internet Bank 384-3646 • FAX 384-3403 WAGNER, SD Address: www.commercialstate.com E-mail: bank@commercialstate.com

109 SW 1st St. P.O. Box 758 Wagner, SD 57380 P: 605.384.5419 F: 605.384.5410

1065 Main St. P.O. Box 611 Tyndall, SD 57066 P: 605.589.3844 F: 605.589.4844

Petrik Sanitation

Lil’ Feller

Convenience Store

– SERVING –

Member FDIC – Equal Housing Lender

605-775-2625

clausen@sdfuneral.com

800-456-1237 Owner: Brian Schaeffer 502 E 2nd St, Winner, SD 57580 (605) 842-3196

PO BOX 350 • 31406 US HIGHWAY 18 WINNER, SD 57580

– SPECIALIZING IN –

Commercial • Industrial • Residential • Rural & Roll-Off Boxes

Larry Petrik, Owner Office: 605-990-3116 1-800-732-3598 Cell: 605-933-0111 petriksanitation@mitchelltelecom.net

DAKOTA AUTO BODY Casey Carda 001468578r1

‘first class banking on a first name basis’

226 E 8th Street Burke, SD

FRONTIER MOTORS AUTOMOTIVE GROUP, INC

001466634r1

Burke - Bonesteel - Colome Gregory - Murdo - Platte - Winner

Mike Karbo

001469850r1

First Fidelity Bank

Mitchell • Parkston • Wagner and surrounding areas

001470086r1

Coach: Alex Warnke Year coaching: Second Conference: Cornbelt Record last year: 14-9 Letterwinners returning:

By The Daily Republic

Twelve NAIA Division II basketball schools had both their men’s and women’s teams make the national tournament in 2016, with Dakota Wesleyan University as one of the few. It was the first time in school history that the Tigers had done that in the same season. In the opening weeks of the season, the Tigers look like they’re on their way to possibly pulling off the feat once more. Both teams had strong starts in the opening weeks of the season,

001468570r1

BOYS

DWU hoops teams each with strong starts

001466620r1

Coach’s comments: We are very small and have trouble matching up with teams with height. Our success will be determined by how well we can defend and our ability to work together for a good shot.

TIGERS OPEN ON A TEAR

001468838r1

bring back their two primary scorers from a year ago, with Grace Halvorson’s 26 points (21 goals, five assists) and Ashley Jones’s 20 points (12 goals, eight assists) back on the roster. Unfortunately for Mitchell, both players started the season with injuries that have kept them off the ice. “It really hurts to have them out,” Schley said. Ashley Zimmer was the team’s goaltender for most of last season but did the work out of necessity, as the Marlins were without goaltender Katie Uithoven due to injury. This season, Uithoven is back healthy, allowing

001468569r1

Continued from Page M17

001128576r1

MARLINS

Zimmer to return to her skating role. The pair teamed up for five of the team’s six wins in net a year ago. Aberdeen was the team to set the girls’ varsity league on fire a year ago, winning the state championship with an undefeated season and Schley said they’re heavy favorites to do that again. He said Mitchell will focus on its own team and hope to have everyone do their part. “I’m more about the team concept,” Schley said. “I’m really trying to preach the key role of the team. Whether they’re scoring or they’re out there as a line mate and they play those roles, those are all important.”

DECEMBER 2016

001471163r1

39258 West Highway 46 Wagner, SD 605-384-9966

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

TIGERS

Sabers averaged 14 points per game, Ashley Bray averaged 12.5 points per game and Amber Bray averaged 10.9 points per game last year, while Osthus chipped in 7.6 points per game and led the team with 3.9 assists per game. Despite those absences, DWU will welcome back sophomore Chesney Nagel, the Avon native who missed the entire 2015-16 season with a knee injury, as well as a plethora of freshman talent in local standouts: Makaela Karst (Mount Vernon/Plankinton), Kynedi Cheeseman (Hanson) and Sarah Carr (Huron). “Everyone is going to be preparing for us night-in and night-

Continued from Page M18

top returning scorer. The 6-foot1 forward started all 36 games for the Tigers and finished with 16.6 points per game last year, shooting 45.9 percent from field and 34.7 percent from behind the arc. Alongside Herrold, will be fellow senior Kristin Sabers, juniors Amber and Ashley Bray, and sophomore Rylie Osthus. All five of those players played in all 36 games last year for the Tigers. Sophomore Hope Menning and junior Madison Kuehl each saw action in 34 games or more.

Matt Gade/Republic

DWU’s Tate Martin drives with the basketball in a game against Morningside earlier this season at the Corn Palace.

YOUNG

Continued from Page M20

From a non-basketball point, Young said she’s opened up and become less shy. She joked with her former roommate and teammate Chynna Stevens about how Young said roughly “10 words as a roommate and on the basketball team” during her freshman year and about “six words to the whole team.” “I was just so shy and quiet and I’ve become more talkative and have grown as a person,” Young said. “I’ve become stronger and much more confident.” She said the move to college basketball was a challenge, even if Young handled it well in her first year, earning the conference’s Sixth Woman of the Year

Award, which goes to the Summit League’s best player who regularly comes off the bench. “In high school, you might be the standout athlete, but you come to college and you’re whole team is good as good as you are,” she said. “That’s where the skills have to develop further. You have to become a better shooter, a better driver, have a bigger first step. Things like that is where you really have to separate yourself as a college player.” Young’s time at SDSU does have one Kernel link, of course, playing with her long-time friend and teammate Macy Miller. Teammates since the third grade, the two are so closely linked that the two joke about how people often ask Miller about Young and vice-versa.

MAC turns to the future with new coach

out,” Christensen said. “We need to be ready to play. We used to do all the hunting, now we’re the hunted.” For the men’s team, the Tigers opened the year at 8-2 and saw a number of emerging players, featuring five underclassmen in its top eight-man rotation. The Tigers graduated three senior staples last season in Trae Bergh, Jade Miller and Terrell Newton. The trio helped DWU reach the NAIA national tournament the last two seasons, including a national runner-up finish in 2015. Coach Matt Wilber, starting his fourth season at DWU, hopes to see the young team make strides during the season. “We are going to have to be building, building, building all the time to keep getting better with this group,” Wilber said. “Practices are going to have to be as important as games and all that stuff, but I am looking forward to it.” The Tigers started three familiar faces in senior Tate Martin, junior Trae Vandeberg and junior Jason Spicer. Martin, a point guard from Mitchell, was an NAIA Honorable Mention AllAmerican last season and has already broken the school record for career assists this season. Through Dec. 6, Spicer was the team’s leading scorer, averaging 21 points per game and Vandeberg was second with 19.4 per contest. Freshmen Ty Hoglund and Nate Davis have also been in the mix, with Hoglund scoring 15 points per game and Davis hitting 54 percent of his shots and scoring nearly 11 points per game.

Seasoned leader sees potential in team as indoor swim season approaches Comerford has been impressed with four high school swimmers — Lucy Anderson, Gage Nelson, Caleb Swanson and Ethan Huber — so far this season. Anderson is a backstroker. Comerford said she could possibly break current University of Minnesota freshman swimmer and Mitchell grad Tevyn Waddell’s records from last year. Anderson could also potentially qualify for junior nationals. Nelson is a breastroker that Comerford also said has a chance to make junior nationals. Comerford said the swimming team does not have a club motto yet, but the motto he is trying to institute for the program is “Ever To Excel.” “The purpose of the program is to excel and that doesn’t necessarily mean winning,” Comerford said. “What that means is trying to develop excellent people, citizens of this community and of the state, to be not only responsible, but to be actively involved with what is going on around here. We are trying to develop that entire attitude all the way through our system. The club wants to be, and is a very valuable member of what’s going on here.”

By Ryan Deal The Daily Republic

Frank Comerford is working toward building a swimming program for the future. Comer was hired as the Mitchell Aquatic Club coach in October. Replacing Kyle Margheim, he’s been impressed with his swimmers early in the season and sees potential for a strong program. “In the short time I have been here, they have made tremendous strides in not only the quality of swimming and the quantity of swimming, but the club itself is really preparing for the future,” said Comerford, who moved to Mitchell from Regina, Saskatchewan. MAC sent 52 swimmers to the team’s opening meet of the season in Pierre in early December and the team finished second. The swimming club currently has 72 swimmers, ranging in ages 5-through-17. “I am coming in trying to develop a program that is based on excellence all the way through from the ‘Learn To Swim’ program, all the way through to the senior level,” Comerford said. “I am very, very pleased with how they swam.”

“My whole life has been a blessing,” Young said. “She’s made me so much better, I’ve made her better. I’m so grateful for her and we’re a good duo together. It’s going to be sad that this is our last year together but I’m excited to continue to see her continue to improve.” Miller said she almost didn’t have the words to summarize her relationship with her fellow backcourt colleague. “It’s crazy to think about. We’re going to be done playing in a bit and obviously, we know each other pretty well,” Miller said, laughing. In her view, Miller noted Young’s ability to create her own shots to has improved. “She’s a much better all-around player,” Miller said. “She just doesn’t have any flaws in her

Wessington Springs

game and she’s always finding a way to make a shot.” Johnston said the fact that two players from the same town are playing at a high level in unison is special. “I’ve seen them play together a lot, whether it’s in Brookings or back in Mitchell,” he said. “They’re just really great, great players from a great basketball community. That’s such a neat thing to have the support of Mitchell behind those two and it will be cool to see what they can do together one more time on the court.” For one last drive at success, Young said she always tries to approach the season in chunks, starting with the non-conference schedule, then league play and the postseason. The early portion

of the schedule has been successful for the Jacks, starting 6-1 and ranking No. 1 in the women’s basketball mid-major poll, while garnering attention in the Associated Press Top 25. At the same time, the team is motivated by last season’s NCAA tournament second-round loss to Stanford. “It drives us a lot. Coming up short in that game, it was kind of a killer for us,” Young said of the 66-65 loss. “But it motivates us more and more. Basketball season is such a long season and I think most of us, we just think about the end of the season and think about March and the big tournament. For us, for me, we just have to break it up, and focus on a little bit at a time, which really helps us reach our end goal.”

Woonsocket HEGG

INSURANCE Jim, Trudy, Robert, Susan

www.centralec.coop

605-539-0250

001466779r1

TELEPHONE 605-796-4471 866-546 HEGG

001468560r1

D&G Springs

KOCH

Cone Zone

LAW OFFICES

402 Dakota Ave. S Wessington Springs

605-539-9040

205 Wallace Ave. S Wessington Springs, SD 001303919r1

STOP

001306722r1

Greg Heil Phone: (605)796-4072 Fax: (605)796-4073 CELL: (605)350-2263 PO BOX 206 WOONSOCKET, SD 57385

WE ARE PROUD SPORTS SPONSORS!

Basham Funeral Services, Inc. 105 Dakota Ave Wessington Springs

001470801r1

605-539-9095

831 Main Ave. Alpena, SD 605-849-3341

VETERINARY CLINIC

Springs Food Market

102 1st Street NE Wessington Springs, SD 605-539-1040 001303905r1

605-539-1444

001303899r1

ROLLING HILLS

Wessington Springs, SD

605-539-9661 001466707r1

Serving Surrounding Area Since 1913

501 Dakota Ave. South Wessington Springs, SD

001303896r1

Ronald Hawley, Mgr, 539-9774 Wessington Springs, SD Marc L. Olson, Mgr, 796-4465 Woonsocket, SD

39758 SD Hwy 34 Woonsocket, SD 57385 605-796-4448

39759 SD Hwy 34 • Woonsocket 605-796-4444 001303928r1

GO BLACKHAWKS

Agkota Grain Legend Seeds All Feed Grains

Pick-up & Delivery

Located in Woonsocket and Wessington Springs, SD

Orville Harmdirk,Mgr.

001468067r1

Jason Zacher, Owner

Alpena Co-op Service

Family Owned & Operated

001306712r1

HUMM-DINGER INC.

001467262r1

Hwy 34 & Main Street • Woonsocket 605-796-4369

Free Estimates

Carla & Jon Niemeyer P.O. Box 495 Wessington Springs, SD

Dakota Roadhouse 796-4486

EX pRESS

COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL-FARM WATER LINES, TRENCHING

Inn Cafe

001466723r1

CHANNEL 104

HEIL ELECTRIC

605-539-9909

605-539-1250

001128655r1

796-9497

001467272r1

201 1st Street NE Wessington Springs, SD

Alpena Plant Alpena, SD 57312 605-849-8800

001467260r1

605-996-7516

001303913r1

J&M SPECIALTIES

WATCH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ON SANTEL TV

320 South Dumont Ave Woonsocket, SD 605-796-4433 001467269r1

Brookings • De Smet • Huron Madison • Mitchell • Redfield Volga • Woonsocket

796-4121 Woonsocket, SD 001467254r1

719 East 7th Woonsocket,SD “Your Hometown Grocer” 605-796-4125

001467278r1

25487 403rd Ave, Mitchell, SD

001303933r1

111 S. Dumont Ave Woonsocket, SD 57385

www.DakotalandFCU.com

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

DECEMBER 2016

In a leading role: SDSU’s Young soaking up final season By Marcus Traxler The Daily Republic

BROOKINGS — The first three years of Kerri Young’s college basketball career have flown by quickly. Now, the Mitchell native is trying her best to slow down and cherish every moment in her final season at South Dakota State University. If everything goes to plan, it will be the most memorable season of Young’s career, as the Jackrabbit women to seek new heights. The preseason all-Summit League honoree Young steps to the forefront of a Jacks’ team with just three seniors. She’s started her season just 75 points from 1,000 in her college basketball career, surpassing the mark Dec. 3 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff, becoming the 35th SDSU women’s player to reach the 1,000point mark. “It’s crazy. I was just thinking about how crazy it’s been, that four years ago I was just stepping foot on campus and now I’m a senior and my time is winding down,” Young said in an extended interview with The Daily Republic prior to the season. “Right now, I’m trying not to take anything for granted and going out to practice every single day, knowing that I don’t have a lot of practices and games left.” The 6-foot senior guard is cognizant of the moment, with the Jackrabbits returning all five starters with a youthful, talented nucleus of players from a team that was one basket away from advancing to the Sweet 16 for the first time in school history. The Jacks are the overwhelming favorites in the Summit League for a fifth consecutive year and the seventh time in nine years. The plaudits are nice but Young said they don’t add any pressure. “We’re used to being in pressure situations in games,” Young said. “I know we have each other’s backs. The nice thing about our team is that we’re all threats on the team. You can’t just lock up on one player on our team and stop us. We’re an athletic team and we’re versatile.”

SDSU coach Aaron Johnston said Young has matured to the point where she’s ready to lead the team. “Kerri has really grown on the court and off the court,” Johnston said. “This is really her year to lead by example. She’s always been a player that’s been more comfortable in a secondary role and now, we really want Kerri to be someone that’s a leader that can carry us offensively, carry us defensively and be a leader out on the court more than she has been. I think she’s really positioned herself well this year to do that.” Johnston said the road for seniors to take the reins as a leader is tough and usually requires a level of failure before they can build themselves up. “For someone to be a leader or to want that responsibility to carry the team, they have really grow in confidence, they really have to grow as a person,” he said. “They have to be willing to fail and they have to be willing to put themselves out there and that’s a hard thing for young players to want to do. When they get to that point as seniors, that’s pretty cool, as a coach, to see them grow that much.”

Growth on, off the court Young said she would be the first to admit she’s changed in her three-plus years on campus. As a basketball player, she said, that starts with her ability to play defense. “Coming from high school, I don’t think I ever really learned how to play defense until I came here,” she said. “You can play defense, but it’s probably not Division I defense. That was a challenge but I’ve worked hard at it and I think that’s something I’ve gotten better at over the years.” On offense, Young said she was never a big three-point shooter but her offensive arsenal has developed through her time in Brookings, in addition to getting much stronger and developing a physical side to her game. See YOUNG, Page M19

Matt Gade/Republic

Mitchell native and South Dakota State guard Kerri Young dribbles the ball during the first half of a game Dec. 3 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Frost Arena in Brookings, in which she surpassed 1,000 career points.

C M Y