2016 Winter Sports Preview

Winter 2016 2017

SPORTS PREVIEW SPEARFISH SPARTANS I BHSU YELLOW JACKETS I LEAD-DEADWOOD GOLDDIGGERS I BELLE FOURCHE BRONCS BASKETBALL : WRESTLING : INDOOR TRACK & FIELD : CHEERLEADING

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

Lady Spartans face rebuilding year

Members of the 2016-17 Spearfish High School girls’ basketball team are: Front row left, Madison Gould, Jewel West, Jalyn Carter, and Brooke Heairet. Middle row left, Alexsis Kemp, Elaina Sparrow, Kennedy Kaitfors, and Morgan Sandidge. Back row left, Lauren Cermak (manager), Olivia Hoffman, Cora Tobin, Lauren Hight, Sam Wood, Kenni Easton, Josee Barth (manager), and head coach Eric Lappe. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish High School girls’ basketball team finished 15-7 during the 2015-16 season.

Lady Spartans head coach Eric Lappe credited the six seniors on that team for their success.

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“Last year we instituted a new offense and I thought we were slow in the beginning just trying to learn that a little bit, but by the end of the season I thought we were playing really well,” said Lappe. “You know it helped having six seniors to get us through those growing pains and build through the season. I thought we were playing really well. Overall I was

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happy with the season. Fifteen wins, it’s kind of hard to complain about that.”

This year’s team may lack in experience, but they don’t lack in hard work and determination.

“We’ve just got a lot of inexperience on the varsity level. The kids put in a lot of time

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LADY SPARTANS and worked real hard in the summer and did a lot of things in the off season to get better and get ready, but we are inexperienced right now. We may go through some growing pains,” Lappe said.

Lappe said the team is adapting better to the new offense implemented than last year’s team.

“The offense looks a lot crisper than it did a year ago at this point, which is great, kind of one less thing for us to worry about,” said Lappe. “It’s a different level playing varsity versus JV. It’s just going to take us some time to figure out who we want where in what situations and that kind of stuff not only for the kids, but the coaches as well.”

Lappe said the first two weeks of practice have gone well.

“Offensively, we are more of the nuances of the offense, so I’m pretty happy with that. We’ve got some work to do defensively. A lot of that is because we are young. That usually comes when kids get older and understand the defensive principles a little bit, but we’re getting there,” Lappe said.

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 3

Lappe said the approach to this season has been the same as it has been in years past.

“It’s the same thing I say every year, it’s a process and we want to be better at the end of the year than we are at the beginning. Looking forward to seeing the season kick off here pretty soon,” Lappe said.

Lappe said he was impressed with the team’s shooting at practice and the overall depth of the team.

“I feel like we are shooting it really well, and that we are getting a lot of good looks. We’re moving the basketball much more fluidly than we did last year offensively,” said Lappe.

Lappe added,” We have 13 or 14 kids that we can throw out at any given time.

I think we have a lot more depth than we had last year, so hopefully we can wear teams down a little bit that way too.”

Spearfish kicks off its 2016-17 basketball season on Dec. 9 at home against Custer.

“We’re just going to try and fine tune a few things here and there. We’re always looking to press and make it a full court game and speed it up, but with the inexperience we kind of have to fine tune a few things so that it gets corrected in that aspect,” Lappe said.

Spearfish girls’ basketball schedule Dec. 10 hosting Red Cloud 5 p.m.

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

Dec. 20 at Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Chadron Tourney TBA Jan. 3 hosting Rapid City Stevens 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Douglas 5 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at Hill City 6 p.m.

Jan. 20 hosting Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting St. Thomas More 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Rapid City Central 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Mitchell 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Huron 1:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 hosting Harrisburg 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting Belle Fourche 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Douglas 6:30 p.m.

Spearfish guard Alexsis Kemp looks for a teammate to pass to during the 2015-16 basketball season. Pioneer file photo

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Winter 2016-17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spearfish boys’ basketball team faces rebuilding year

Members of the 201617 Spearfish Spartans boys’ basketball team are: Front row left, Tayven Aga, Jace Engesser, Boyce Harr, Taylor Janovy, and Alec Lapov. Middle row left, Cauy Jennings, Taylor Woods, Dawson Sundsted, Lorenzio Tobar, Tyler Barkley, Jaxon Rosencranz, and Donovan Balsley. Back row left, Jake Allen Braun, Brady Greger, Michael Chaffin, Devan Fox, Corey Hoffman, and Walker Sundsted. The Spartans are coached by Luke Enos. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans boys’ basketball team faces a rebuilding year after losing seven seniors to graduation from a team that went 15-5 in 2015-16, losing to St. Thomas More in the region 8A finals.

“I thought we had a good season last year. It’s hard to see that group of seniors go, because they did a lot for our program and they are a hard working group

of guys,” said Luke Enos, entering his third season as the Spartans head basketball coach. “Obviously the season ended a little bit shorter than we wanted it to, we reached the region championship. I thought we had a good season all along and I’m looking forward to getting to work with this group of guys we have this year.”

The Spartans are beginning their second week of practice and Enos said he is pleased with how things have gone so far.

“I thought we really had a good first week of practice. I’ve been happy with our guys effort. I think we are further along at this point than we have been in years past. A lot of that is because I’ve been here for now, entering my third year, and we’ve had more time to implement what we want to do both offensively and defensively,” Enos said.

Enos said he likes the way his team has hustled at practice.

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SPEARFISH BOYS’ “We’ve done a good job of bringing the effort every single day. That’s huge, especially early on in the season,” said Enos. “You know you have to have mental focus and a lot of effort early on in order to make those strides we have to make,” said Enos. “I think we have a pretty talented group.

So, I think we’ve shown a lot of flashes of how good we can be.

We’re far from a finished product, but I like where we are at so far.”

Enos said the team is just learning the basic offense and defense.

“We’re just kind of implementing the basis of who we are both offensively and defensively. It’s just kind of the general concepts.

Some guys have it down pretty good. Our upperclassmen are doing a good job of it,” Enos said.

Enos added, “In the lower levels some of the guys are stepping into new rolls, so we’re just trying to bump up their comfort level a little bit.”

Page 5

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER Enos was asked what it’s going to take to get back to the region championship game again.

“We just have to keep building on what we did last year,” said Enos.

“We’ll have almost a completely different team than we did last year.

We have one or two guys that got varsity minutes last year, so we’re going to have to have guys step into new roles and settle into those roles as the new year goes on, but I think we are fully capable of doing that.”

The Spartans opened their 201617 season Friday, Dec. 9, with a home game against Custer, and they play on Saturday, Dec. 10, at home against Red Cloud.

“I just want to see the progress that we’ve made in practice the last week get carried over into the game.

If that happens I think we will have a high chance for success,” Enos said.

Enos added, “It’s a whole new group and a lot of guys haven’t played varsity minutes yet, and so there’ll be a little bit of an adjustment, but I just want to see them carry over the things we’ve gotten better at in practice and carry that over to the games.”

Spearfish boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 10 hosting Red Cloud 7 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Dec. 29 at Chadron Tourney TBA Jan. 3 hosting Rapid City Stevens 8 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Hot Springs 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Douglas 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 at Belle Fourche 7:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 20 hosting Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting St. Thomas More 8 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Rapid City Central 8 p.m.

Jan. 31 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 hosting Huron 7 p.m.

Feb. 4 at Alliance, Neb. 7 p.m.

Feb. 10 hosting Harrisburg 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 hosting Belle Fourche 8 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Douglas 8 p.m.

Spearfish’s Devan Fox, No. 14, blocks a shot of a Belle Fourche player during a game against the Broncs in the 2015-16 season, in Spearfish. Pioneer file photo

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

Young Lady Diggers concentrating on journey

The Lead-Deadwood girls’ basketball team includes, back row left, Shanda Madsen, Hannah Campbell, Natalie Janssen, Grace Campbell, Olivia Rogers, Anna Campbell; front row left, Kaali Allmendinger, Carly Mehlberg, Blake Mehlberg, Jaci Petsch, and Saige Van Tassel. Rebecca Groeger, Kanicee Gilmore-Bears, assistant coach Samantha Grant, and head coach Tim Hansen are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood girls’ basketball team will bring a “focus on the journey, not the destination” philosophy into a season that began Dec. 9 in Box Elder against Douglas.

Thirteen players are in the program as of press time. First-year head coach Tim Hansen said all will be on the varsity.

Two seniors are returning to the court for the first time in five years. They are 5-foot-6 center Kanicee Gilmore-Bears and 5-4 center Shanda Madsen.

The group also includes three juniors. They are 5-2 point guard Jaci Petsch, 5-10 center Grace Campbell, and 5-6 wing/forward Saige Van Tassel.

Kaali Allmendinger, a 5-8 post player, is one of three sophomores on the roster. The others are 5-5 guard Carly Mehlberg and 5-5 guard/wing Olivia Rogers.

Five ninth-graders round out the roster. Those athletes are 5-10 wing/forward Anna Campbell, 5-8 wing/forward Hannah Campbell, 5-4 guard Rebecca Groeger, 5-6 guard/forward Natalie Janssen, and 5-3 guard Blake Mehlberg.

“Hopefully, our calling card will be our defense,” Hansen said. “We’re trying to establish a new culture.”

He described that culture as one of aggressive defense that hopefully sets the program’s base.

What will the Golddiggers need to work on as the season progresses?

“Mostly, it’s just about experience,” Hansen said.

“It’s about them keeping their poise and confidence as they gain experience.”

Hansen said there would be times when players face stressors and pressures different from what they are used to facing.

“It’s about getting to a consistent level of play,” Hansen said. “Our goal is to establish ourselves, each game.”

Lead-Deadwood forged a 17-5 record last season.

The Golddiggers’ campaign ended with a 51-49 overtime loss to Belle Fourche in a Region 8A tournament semifinal.

Eight seniors graduated from that squad: Miranda Gallagher, Jade Derby, Hanah Cerkoney, Hannah Rogers, Ashley Sandidge, Sydnee Hamann, Maddisen Larsen, and Evelyn Groeger.

The Golddiggers’ 2016-17 schedule closely compares to that of past seasons, with most of the games against Black Hills Conference and Region 8A op-

Dec. 10 hosting Harding County 1 p.m.

Dec. 13 hosting Newell 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 hosting Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 17 hosting Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 22 hosting Bennett County 3 p.m.

Jan. 3 hosting Sturgis Brown 5:30 p.m.

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

Jan. 9 hosting Douglas 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Hill City 6 p.m.

Jan. 17 hosting St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Jan. 19 hosting Hill City TBA Jan. 21 at Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting Belle Fourche 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Red Cloud 6 p.m.

Jan. 31 hosting Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Philip 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 hosting Hot Springs 6 p.m.

Feb. 14 at Hill City 6 p.m.

Feb. 17 hosting Rapid City Christian 6 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Custer 5:30 p.m.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Golddiggers continue to rebuild

Members of the Lead-Deadwood boys’ basketball team include, back row left, Max Nelson, Jacob Alley, Gavin Haefs, Luke Fish, Chris Lipp, Zach Murray; front row left, Brett Mattson, Wyatt VanDeVelde, Caleb Percy, Carter Nelson, Kayd Varland, and Arthur Ng. Head coach Jonathan Lane and assistant coach Ward Anderson are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — The Lead-Deadwood varsity boys’ basketball team returns almost everyone from a 2015-16 team that finished 1-20.

Last year’s Golddiggers did not graduate any seniors from a team that fell 66-40 to Spearfish in a Region 8A tournament contest. That will not be the case this time around.

Three seniors are on the roster as of press time. They are 5-foot-11 guard Max Nelson, 5-11 guard Brett Mattson, and 5-10 guard Caleb Percy.

Gavin Haefs is a 6-3 wing player and one of four juniors. The others are 5-11 guard Zach Murray, 6-1 wing player Jacob Alley, and 6-1 wing player Chris Lipp.

Three sophomores round out the roster: 5-8 guard Carter Nelson, 6-3 center Luke Fish, and 5-10 guard Wyatt VanDeVelde.

When asked about the strong suits of the Golddiggers, head coach Jonathan Lane quickly recited four words: “Hard work, dedication, quickness.” The third-

year coach said time would tell about the on-court strengths.

The Golddiggers play five of their first six games at home. Oelrichs comes to Lead-Deadwood for the Dec. 9 season opener, with Harding County arriving the next day.

Lead-Deadwood hosts the Stateline Shootout on Dec. 16-17, followed by a Jan. 3 home game against class AA Sturgis. The Shootout features LeadDeadwood and Belle Fourche along with Sundance, Wyo. and Newcastle, Wyo., with each team having two games.

Lead-Deadwood plays 20 games during the regular season. Eleven of those are at home inside the LeadDeadwood High School gym in Lead.

“Scoring is the biggest thing we have to work on,” Lane said. “Defensively, we were actually pretty strong (last season).”

The Golddiggers’ 2016-17 schedule is similar to that of past seasons. It includes a total of nine games against fellow Region 8A opponents Belle Fourche, Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs, Spearfish, and St. Thomas More.

“It is a stacked conference,” Lane said when asked about the Black Hills Conference race. He sees St. Thomas More, Red Cloud, and the class AA schools (Sturgis and Douglas) as contenders.

Lane was told St. Thomas More and Red Cloud regularly battle for the top spot and said, “I do not see that changing.”

How does Lane see the Golddiggers matching up against the conference teams?

“We’ll see,” he said. “For now, we’re focusing on what we do.”

Official preseason workouts started Nov. 28. Shooting and other basic skills have dominated the early going.

“Our vision as a team is to get better,” Lane said.

What can Lead-Deadwood use from last season to start setting a foundation for this season? “The emotion with not being where we want to be,” Lane said.

When asked about improvements to be made from last season to now, Lane said, “Probably the main thing is scoring. We also need to cut down turnovers.”

Lead-Deadwood boys’ basketball schedule Dec. 9 hosting Olerichs 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 10 hosting Harding County 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 13 hosting Newell 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 hosting Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 17 hosting Stateline Shootout TBA Jan. 3 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Jan. 5 at Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 hosting Douglas 7 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting Custer 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 hosting Hill City 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Hot Springs 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 hosting Belle Fourche 7 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Red Cloud 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Philip 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Bison 7 p.m.

Feb. 12 at Custer 7 p.m.

Feb. 21 hosting Rapid City Christian 7 p.m.

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

Bronc boys return experienced team to court for 2016-17 season

Belle Fourche’s varsity boys’ basketball team includes, back row left, Zach Lange, Jon Peterson, Louis Budmayr, Jake O’Byrne, Noah Nixon, Jakota Moore; front row left, Tate Hostetter, Bryce Nicholas, Taten Fox, Jackson Mailloux, and Dylan Burns. Head coach Clay Pottorff is not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche welcomed Hill City to Edwin Petranek Armory in Belle Fourche for a Dec. 9 game to tip off the 2016-17 boys’ basketball season.

Seven players seeing substantial varsity time last season return for head coach Clay Pottorff’s squad. He is beginning his second

season as the Broncs head coach.

Four of those returning players are seniors this season. They are 5-foot-11 guard Jon Peterson, 6-0 wing-forward Louis Budmayr, 5-10 guard Zach Lange, and 6-3 center Jake O’Byrne.

Dylan Burns is a 6-0 junior forward and one of three returning underclassmen for Belle Fourche. Sophomores Tate Hostetter

(5-9 point guard) and Bryce Nicholas (5-11 guard-forward) also return.

Four other players are on the varsity squad as of press time. They are 5-10 senior center Noah Nixon, 5-10 senior guard Jakota Moore, 5-11 forward Taten Fox and 5-8 sophomore guard Jackson Mailloux.

Belle Fourche finished 12-10 last sea-

son and fell 56-39 to St. Thomas More in a Region 8A tournament semifinal. Ryan Nelson, Breck Young, Jace Horman, Bryson Westland, and Jalen Powers graduated from that squad.

“We are looking to replace a lot of production,” Pottorff said. “Toughness will be BRONC BOYS Pg 9

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Pottorff was asked about the Broncs’ strongest on-court characteristics going into this season.

“They play well together and get the best shot for the team,” he said.

“They read each other well.”

A lack of height will serve as Belle Fourche’s main concern this season.

“Focus will be on rebounding and being as tough as we can,” Pottorff said.

He added the Broncs must play defense as a team, and everyone needs to perform their respective roles.

Rebounding and team defense are required for Belle Fourche to experience success this season, Pottorff said.

Belle Fourche’s schedule is similar to that of past campaigns. The opener against Hill City is one of nine home contests on a 20-game, regular-season slate.

“We play four AA schools and mix in three or four B teams,” Pottorff said. “There are no slouch-

Page 9

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER es in our region.”

Belle Fourche plays two games each against AA schools Sturgis and Douglas. Region 8A consists of Custer, Hill City, Hot Springs, Lead-Deadwood, Spearfish, and St. Thomas More as well as Belle Fourche.

Pottorff said Sturgis has a good chance to contend in the Black Hills Conference race. He added St. Thomas More and Red Cloud are unknown entities but have a lot of tradition.

“With no offense to St. Thomas More, we have a chance to beat every team,” Pottorff said. “We are trying to develop a culture of not fearing anyone. It’s time for us to go out and start expecting wins.”

Pottorff said the success Belle Fourche experienced last season increased the players’ confidence.

He added the roster has players who are able to compete.

What are some of the biggest improvements Pottorff would like to see the team make from last season?

He cited handling pressure better, taking better care of the ball, and getting good shots.

Belle Fourche boys’ basketball schedule

Dec. 13 hosting Sturgis Brown 7 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Lead-Deadwood Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 17 at Lead-Deadwood Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 27 at Chamberlain East/West Classic TBA Dec. 30 at Lemmon 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosting Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Red Cloud 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting Spearfish 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 hosting Wright, Wyo. 4 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Hot Springs 7 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Lead-Deadwood 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Sturgis Brown 8 p.m.

Jan. 31 at St. Thomas More 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Newell 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 hosting Custer 7 p.m.

Feb. 14 at Spearfish 8 p.m.

Feb. 21 at St. Thomas More 7:30 p.m.

The Belle Fourche varsity boys’ basketball team will work to improve on last season’s 12-10 record.

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Page 10

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

Experience returns for Bronc girls

Members of the Belle Fourche High School girls’ varsity basketball team are: back row left, Payson Birkeland, Ashley Byrd, Mandee Williamson, Shayla Howell, Kortni Grubb, Raymie Keegan, student manager Heaven Lane; front row left, Alyssa Juelfs, Taylor Hanson, Jayce Williams, Jade Burr, Rylee Young, and Hannah Juelfs. Assistant coach Angie Hunsley, assistant coach Scott Slotten, and head coach Bill Burr are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Belle Fourche will rely on a core group of juniors during the 2016-17 girls’ high school basketball season.

Six of those juniors for head coach Bill Burr’s squad received extensive playing time a season ago. They are 5-foot-6 point guard Taylor Hanson, 5-10 guard-forward Raymie Keegan, 5-9 guard-forward Kortni Grubb, 5-10 center Shayla Howell, 5-10 forward-center Mandee Williamson, and 5-2 guard Jade Burr.

“This group’s been together for a long time,” said coach Burr, who is beginning his fifth season in Belle Fourche. “They have good speed. They like to get down the court and play hard.”

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Alyssa Juelfs, a 5-7 forward-center, represents the senior class. Other juniors on the varsity as of press time are 5-5 guard Jayce Williams and 5-4 guard Hannah Juelfs.

Coach Burr said three sophomores could also make significant contributions off the bench. They are 5-10 center Ashley Byrd, 5-10 center Payson Birkeland, and 5-6 guard Rylee Young.

Coach Burr said one of the fun things about this season’s team is the familiarity the players have with one another.

Aggressiveness and team speed are strengths for this season’s team.

“We will be aggressive up front and like to be aggressive on the bottom side,” coach Burr said. He added the team has some size from a width standpoint.

“We’re always working on our shooting,” coach Burr said when asked about the things Belle Fourche needs to improve on for this season. “Also communication: we want them to be more vocal.”

Belle Fourche dropped a 67-40 decision to St. Thomas More in the Region 8A tournament title game last season.

Tori Anderson, Jordan Hanson, Emily Monier, and Tera Williamson graduated from a Broncs’ team that finished with a 16-7 record.

How does coach Burr see the Black Hills Conference race shaping up?

“We must be ready to play each game,” he said. “That’s what’s so fun about this conference.”

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Page 11

from Pg 10

BRONC GIRLS More as the conference favorite and said every other team also brings something to the table.

He added the Broncs will be tough in the loop.

The Hill City opener on Dec. 9 is one of nine home dates on a regular-season schedule of 20 contests.

One long trip comes on Dec. 28, when the Broncs travel to Brookings to face Waubay-Summit.

How will Belle Fourche spell success this season?

“We’ll be out there just trying to improve daily,” coach Burr said. Goals include shooting percentages around the 40 percent mark, the team being more of a 3-point shooting threat, and achieving certain numbers of rebounds and forced turnovers per game.

Preseason practices began Nov. 21 with two-a-day workouts.

Players worked on fundamentals like shooting, ball handling, footwork, and spacing on the floor.

Coach Burr recalled the Broncs continued to play hard last season, no matter what. He would like to see the team do so this year.

Going back to last season, coach Burr cited a game against Newcastle, Wyo. in which Belle Fourche won 58-57 in overtime after trailing by seven points in regulation’s final minute.

“We were in so many close games last year,” coach Burr said.

He added the Newcastle triumph put a spring in the players’ collective step.

Coach Burr said communication would continue to be an emphasized point, along with boxing out and keeping the mentality of team defense.

Scott Slotten and Angie Hunsley are serving as assistant coaches.

Belle Fourche girls’ basketball schedule

Dec. 13 hosting Sturgis Brown 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Lead-Deadwood Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 17 at Lead-Deadwood Stateline Shootout TBA Dec. 28 at Brookings 12:45 p.m.

Dec. 30 at Lemmon 4 p.m.

Jan. 5 hosting Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 at Red Cloud 6 p.m.

Jan. 10 hosting Spearfish 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Douglas 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 hosting Wright, Wyo. 2:30 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Hot Springs 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 24 at Lead-Deadwood 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 at St. Thomas More 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Douglas 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 7 at Newell 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 hosting Custer 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 at Spearfish 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 21 at St. Thomas More 6 p.m.

Above, Lady Broncs guard Taylor Hanson drives past a Lead-Deadwood defender during a game against the Lady Golddiggers in Belle Fourche during the 2015-16 girls’ basketball season. Left, Lady Broncs head coach Bill Burr talks with a player during a game in the 20152016 basketball season.

Pioneer file photos

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Page 12

Winter 2016-17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Lady Jackets off to slow start

Members of the 2016-17 Black Hills State University women’s basketball team are: Front row left, Julia Seamans, Alyssa Marinez, Abby Switzer, Hanah Cass, Cortez Standing Bear, and Haley Schneider. Back row left, head coach Mark Nore, Gabby Haefs, Remi Wientjes, Cheyenne Balster, Kassidy Scott, Sierra Toms, Taylor Trohkimoinen, Rachel Erickson, Dylan Wright, Rebecca Stevenson, Keely Bertram, assistant coach Taylor Cummings, and assistant coach Nate Vogel.

Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — Black Hills State University women’s basketball team has endured a rough start to the women’s basketball season. The Lady Yellow Jackets are off to a 0-6 start to start the 2016-17 women’s NCAA Division II basketball season.

The Lady Jackets opened its 2016-17 Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule with losses at the ColoradoColorado Springs, 77-53, and at Metro State Denver 66-52.

“We’re playing some really good

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teams, and I think those teams have really exposed some things,” Black Hills State head coach Mark Nore said of Northern State and Cal Poly Pomona. He is in his 15th season as the Lady Jackets head coach.

Nore said he needs to look at things, and the team must evaluate what it is doing. He added that process is one of preseason’s benefits.

“We’ve had so many injuries this year,” said Nore, whose team suited up only seven players against Cal Poly Ponoma and 10 the following day against Northern State. “So we had to look at

changing how we were guarding and our style.”

Nore said the players continue to give all-out effort, and things will get figured out.

“We’re excited now to have a few days of practice here coming up,” Nore said on Monday.

He added the idea now is to wait on some players to get healthy.

Sierra Toms and Cheyanne Balster have played well in the post, according to Nore. He said Julia Seamans has LADY JACKETS Pg 13

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LADY JACKETS enjoyed success at the point guard spot.

Toms and Balster are 6-foot-1 senior forwards. Seamans is a 5-6 sophomore.

Players seeing action so far this season are 6-foot senior guard Taylor Trohkimoinen, 5-11 junior guard Rachel Erickson, 5-11 senior forward Kassidy Scott, 5-10 sophomore forward Keely Bertram, 6-1 freshman guard Dylan Wright, 6-0 freshman guard Hannah Cass, 5-8 freshman guard Alyssa Martinez, and 5-11 freshman guard Abby Switzer.

“Defensively, I think our whole team has done a nice job,” Nore said. “We’re holding teams to about 60 points a game.”

Nore said toughness is a strong suit of this season’s team. He added getting players the right shots is a concern.

The Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule is no different from past years. Nore said the league is very competitive, and current preseason games prepare the Yellow Jackets for those 22 RMAC games.

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 13

Nore said CSU-Pueblo, Colorado Mesa, Regis, and UCColorado Springs have very solid teams.

He added Black Hills State should be very competitive in conference play.

“Success is doing the best you can physically and mentally, and preparing yourself,” Nore said.

“I don’t think success is gained by wins and losses. It’s gained on achievements within the game.”

Nore said he would like to see the team improve and gain confidence during this week’s home stand.

Black Hills State reached the second round of the NCAA Division II tournament last season, with a 21-8 record. The Yellow Jackets finished 17-5 in RMAC play to win the conference’s Rocky Division title.

Nore said the returning players worked very hard this summer and did what was needed.

“Now, it’s just a matter of us as coaches putting them in the right spots,” he said.

Rebounding is important for the Yellow Jackets, and Nore said they are improving. He added they need to work on getting more free throw attempts.

BHSU womens’ basketball schedule Dec. 10 hosting Colorado Christian 4 p.m.

Dec. 16 hosting Regis College 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 hosting Chadron State 4 p.m.

Dec. 30 at Colorado State - Pueblo 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 31 at Colorado Christian 5 p.m.

Jan. 6 hosting New Mexico Highlands 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 hosting Colorado State-Pueblo 4 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Fort Lewis College 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Adams State 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at S.D. School of Mines 4 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Westminster (Utah) 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Colorado Mesa 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 hosting Western State Colorado 4 p.m.

Feb. 3 hosting Metro State Denver 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 Hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs 4 p.m.

Feb. 11 hosting S.D. School of Mines 4 p.m.

Feb. 18 at Colorado Mesa 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 at Regis College 5 p.m.

Above, Black Hills State’s Taylor Trohkimoinen looks for a teammate to pass to in a game earlier this season against Minnesota State-Mankato. Left, Cheyanne Balster of Black Hills State goes up for a shot in the lane during a game earlier this season against Minnesota StateMankato.

Pioneer file photos

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Page 14

Winter 2016-17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Young BHSU men’s team begins season

Members of the 2016-17 Black Hills State University men’s basketball team are: Front row left, Joe Cameron, Stefan Desnica, Sam McCloud, Max Mueller, Antonio Capley, Kain Morehead, Fraser Malcolm, and Hoyt Nicholas. Back row left, Zach McLemore, Connor O’Hearn, Spencer Ederhoff, Elijah Coleman, Logan Dreier, Patrick Mendes, Jonas Anderson, LaDarius Thomas, and Wyatt Krogman. The Yellow Jackets are coached by head coach Jeff Trumbauer, assistant coaches Ryan Thompson, graduate assistant Brady Cameron, and student assistant coaches Thomas Bush, James Knutson, and Deontae Thorn. Photo courtesy BHSU Sports Information Department

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University men’s basketball team is off to a 3-5 start to begin the 2016-17 basketball season.

The Yellow Jackets started the season with losses to Texas A&M-Kingsville 7559, Texas A&M-International 72-42, and

Northern State 82-76. They won three games in a row, defeating Yellow Stone Christian 86-77, Presentation College 7252, and Johnson and Wales 82-46.

Black Hills State opened its Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule on the road, losing to Colorado-Colorado Springs 78-57 and Metro State 57-40.

“We’ve played like we have a lot of new faces, and we’re getting to know each other,” said Yellow Jackets’ head coach Jeff Trumbauer, who is in his third season here. “Eight of our top 12 are new faces and mostly young faces.”

Trumbauer said the team showed progress in Saturday’s 82-76 overtime loss to Northern State, but added the youthfulness reared its collective head.

Max Mueller, a 6-foot-9 center, is the only senior on the Yellow Jackets’ roster.

Other returning players from last year

include 5-8 junior guard Wyatt Krogman, 6-4 junior guard Joe Cameron, 6-3 sophomore guard Patrick Mendes, and 6-6 sophomore guard Fraser Malcolm.

Krogman returns the most experience and understanding of what the team wants to accomplish, according to Trumbauer. Malcolm has collected a pair of double-doubles this season (10 or more points and rebounds in a game) and a team-high 27 rebounds so far.

Trumbauer said junior guard Zach McLemore is another of the Yellow Jackets’ key players. The transfer from Colorado Christian scored 26 points against Northern State and has collected 45 points in the last three games.

Six others suited up for Black Hills State against Northern State. They were 6-3 sophomore guard Jonas Anderson, 6-1 freshman guard LD Thomas, 6-2

freshman guard Elijah Coleman, 6-7 freshman forward Sam McCloud, 6-7 forward Stefan Desnica, and 6-11 freshman center Antonio Capley.

Strengths going into this season are currently hard to measure.

“When you are young and you are learning, you don’t necessarily play up to your abilities,” Trumbauer said.

He added the stats are not an accurate reflection of the team’s talent, or its strengths and weaknesses. “All it indicates is that we’re not quite comfortable yet.”

Black Hills State averages 59 points per game compared to 76.3 points for its opponents. The Yellow Jackets average 34.3 rebounds per game compared to 38.0 for opponents.

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BHSU MEN’S Trumbauer is pleased with the team’s defense thus far.

“I think we have some ability at that end to defend at a high level,” Trumbauer said. “We’re still working on that, and I think we’ll improve as the season goes along.”

As far as offense, Trumbauer said it is taking time to figure out. He added players’ games change from one level to another, and high school strengths do not necessarily translate to college.

Players are trying to figure out their roles, he said.

Black Hills State enjoys more athleticism, length, and size from past years, Trumbauer said.

The 22-game Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference schedule will pose a challenge, and Trumbauer said the league’s lower tier is improving.

“You look at the league right now; teams are all over the map,” Trumbauer said. He cited Fort Lewis, Metro State-Denver, Colorado Mines, and CSU-Pueblo as contenders and said Chadron State and Regis are improving.

“I think we’re going to be very competitive,” Trumbauer

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Page 15

said of how he sees Black Hills State matching up against RMAC teams. “This team has a great deal of potential.”

Trumbauer uses the phrase “are we improving” when asked how he and the team will define success this season.

“We’re really trying to use the motto of focusing on the process, not the product,” Trumbauer said.

“If we’re process-oriented, that’s going to get us to where we want to be.” He added the wins and losses will take care of themselves.

Black Hills State’s next step is to qualify for the RMAC tournament, Trumbauer said. The top eight teams earn berths to that single-elimination event. The Yellow Jackets placed ninth the past two year’s.

“That means having the ability to protect our home court a little better than we have in years past, and being a tougher road opponent as well,” Trumbauer said about the requirements to take that next step.

Trumbauer said the Yellow Jackets are focusing on increased offensive efficiency. Black Hills State has shot in the mid-40s from the field, and he would like to see that number reach the high-40s or low 50s.

BHSU mens’ basketball schedule Dec. 10 hosting Colorado Christian 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 hosting Regis College 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 hosting Chadron State 6 p.m.

Dec. 30 at Colorado State- Pueblo 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 31 at Colorado Christian 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 hosting New Mexico Highlands 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 7 hosting Colorado State-Pueblo 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Fort Lewis College 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Adams State 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 17 at S.D. School of Mines 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Westminster (Utah) 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Colorado Mesa 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 28 hosting Western State Colorado 6 p.m.

Feb. 3 hosting Metro State denver 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 4 Hosting Colorado-Colorado Springs 6 p.m.

Feb. 11 hosting S.D. School of Mines 6 p.m.

Feb. 18 at Colorado Mesa 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 at Regis College 7 p.m.

Patrick Mendes, No. 3, of Black Hills State, goes strong to the basket in a game earlier this season against Northern State, in Spearfish. Pioneer file photo

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Winter 2016-17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Spartan wrestling team has new coach, new style

Members of the 2016-17 Spearfish High School wrestling team are: Front row, Tashon Clark, Clay Donovan, Triston Fierbach, Max Sailor, Derick Dower, and David Zacher.

Second row, Bridger Janvrin, Peyton Rommen, Noah Ryan, Ethan Warnock, Jacob Zacher, Matt Ackerman, and Eli Zuniga. Third row, Rylan Nunez-Murray, Zach Thoresen, Alex Prillwitz, Tyler Waterson, Reese Hansen, John Trimble, and Evan Hehr. Back row, head coach John Bokker, assistant coach Cody Powers, assistant coach John Bice, Keithan Funk, Jordon Brinson, Keegan Brunssen, Justin Campbell, Tavian Ashurst, Jacob Johnson, Marc Williams, Zailin Irion, assistant coach Joel Martin, and assistant coach Chase Tyson. Pioneer photo by Dennis Knuckles

By Dennis Knuckles Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Spearfish Spartans wrestling team is gearing up for the 201617 season.

Wrestling practice began two weeks ago, and Bokker said the team is working hard.

“I definitely do practices different than they did in the past. We have a high tempo all the time and the guys weren’t used to it, so it’s taken some time to adjust to, but I think they are getting used to it after two weeks. For a couple of days they

Good Luck Diggers on a Winning Season!

were sore and tired, but after they adjusted they got into the swing of things,” Bokker said.

Bokker said he wants his team to be competitive.

“I want to see them be competers and finishers. My teams in Arizona were always pinners and finishers,” said Bokker.

“We don’t mess around, we just take care of business.”

Bokker said the Spartans have a lot of talent on this year’s team.

“We have quite of bit of talent on the team for sure. There’s some young guys

that I think that can go real far and some older guys that have proven themselves, that’s for sure,” Bokker said.

Bokker wants to see his team working hard at all times.

“I think just working hard at all times has been one of the weaknesses I saw, but we are getting stronger on that now,” he said. “I’m hoping to see a lot of grit from them and a lot of toughness, and a lot of putting guys away and taking care of that business,” Bokker said.

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SPEARFISH WRESTLERS John Bokker takes over for Mike Abell, who stepped down in May to become the head wrestling coach at Sturgis Brown High School.

Bokker said returning to South Dakota was always his plan.

“I had always planned on coming back here by the time I turned 40,” said

Page 17

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER Bokker, who recently reached that age milestone. “I would like to spend more time with my grandparents, who live in the Spearfish area and are in their 90s.”

Bokker grew up in Gregory, and graduated from high school there in 1995.

He wrestled for five years and earned all-conference honors twice.

It was then off to Black Hills State University in Spearfish, where he played on the football team before graduating in 2001.

“It is a big community, but it feels

small and tight-knit,” Bokker said in describing Spearfish.

Bokker then moved to Holbrook, Ariz., where he taught fifth grade and served as an assistant wrestling coach for the first two years.

He then was the program’s head wrestling coach for 10 years. His teams earned top-10 state finishes in eight of those seasons.

The 2009 Holbrook team earned runner-up honors at state; 11 wrestlers placed. Holbrook won the Division 3 state

championship in 2014.

Holbrook earned conference coach of the year honors four times and twice earned the Navajo Times coach of the year nods. His teams won a total of 197 duals.

“I like to attack, be aggressive, dominate, and make something happen,” Holbrook said of his coaching philosophy.

Spearfish wrestling schedule

Above, Derick Dower tries to take take down his opponent during the 2015-16 wrestling season.

Right, Max Sailor shoots on his opponent in a wrestling dual against Belle Fourche during the 2015-16 wrestling season. Pioneer file photos

Dec. 10 at Rapid City Invitational 9 a.m.

(Rapid City Civic Center) Dec. 15 hosting Rapid City Central 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Madison Tournament TBA Dec. 27 at Rumble on the Red at Fargo, N.D. 9 a.m.

Dec. 28 at Rumble on the Red at Fargo, N.D. 10 a.m.

Jan. 5 at Hill City Quadrangular 4 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Douglas 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Hot Springs 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 14 hosting Spearfish Dual 7 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Chadron, Neb. Tournament 9 a.m.

Jan. 26 hosting Moorcroft, Wyo. TBA Jan. 27 at Belle Fourche Tournament 1 p.m.

Jan. 28 at Belle Fourche Tournament 9 a.m.

Jan. 28. at Brookings Invitational 9 a.m.

Feb. 2 hosting Sturgis Brown 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 at Black Hills Conference (Lead-Deadwood) 10 a.m.

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Page 18

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

L-D wrestling program has high expectations

Lead-Deadwood’s wrestling team has started a season that includes three home events. Squad members include, back row left, Joey Ingham, Kadden Dillman, Max Johnson, Pratt Williams, Brigham Williams, Wyatt Hess, Gage Mau, Alex Kruske, Ethan Foerster; middle row left, Nathan Chipman, Carson Pinske, Coltan Radensleben, Trinity Brady, CJ Murray, Rob Lester; front row, Dylin Johnson. Assistant coach Joe Barrett and head coach Beau Voegeli are not pictured. Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

LEAD — Lead-Deadwood’s wrestling squad opened its 2016-17 season Dec. 3 at the Custer Invitational. It launched a three-month season set to end Feb. 24-25 at the state tournament in Sioux Falls.

Third-year head coach Beau Voegeli said four athletes are taking high expectations into the season: junior Dylin Johnson, junior Alex Kruske, sophomore Carson Pinske, and ninth-grader Max Johnson. Dylin Johnson qualified for last season’s state B tournament at 120 pounds.

“We have a lot of other good contributors, and our strongest point is our character,” Voegeli said. He cited senior Coltan Radensleben, junior Wyatt Hess, junior Brigham Williams, and ninth-grader Rob Lester. Voegeli said this group helps teammates work harder on and off the mat.

Getting back to this season, Voegeli said technique is always something for wrestlers to address.

“The guys are getting most of the technique down,” he said. “We hope the high expectations of performance will help them take the next step.”

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Voegeli and assistant Joe Barrett are guiding a team that features 16 athletes as of press time.

That roster includes eight other athletes. They are junior Nathan Chipman; sophomores Trinity Brady and CJ Murray; ninth-graders Ethan Foerster, Kadden Dillman, Joey Ingham, and Pratt Williams; and eighth-grader Gage Mau. “It is a long season, and all wrestlers know its ups and downs,” Voegeli said. He added one of the biggest challenges is for the athletes to keep

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SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER from Pg 18

WRESTLING level heads and always compete at a high level.

Rapid City and Belle Fourche tournaments are included on a schedule featuring numerous schools in both classes: A and B. Voegeli said his athletes must gain confidence against the class B schools.

Lead-Deadwood is a class B school in wrestling. Voegeli said the matches against class A foes will help his team get ready for the region tournament, set for Feb. 18.

Voegeli said Douglas and Spearfish will lead the way in the Black Hills Conference race.

Lead hosts this season’s tournament on Feb. 11.

“It is a nine-team conference, and we expect to have a winning dual season,” Voegeli said. “We hope to get four or five to the conference finals, and five or six to state.”

Success for Lead-Deadwood this season is about being able to prove it to the athletes, Voegeli said.

He added athletes have been able to double or triple their win

totals from one season to the next.

“We believe the train will keep going,” Voegeli said in describing a program in its fourth season since being reintroduced.

“We now have depth at some weights.”

The Black Hills Conference tournament is one of three events Lead-Deadwood will host. A triangular is set for Dec. 15, along with a dual on Jan. 10.

Preseason practices began Nov. 14, with drills and conditioning playing prominent roles in morning workouts. Athletes are also performing Character Counts! work.

Lead-Deadwood placed eighth in the 17-team field at last season’s Region 4B tournament. Voegeli recalled how a lot of people did not expect the Golddiggers to finish that high.

“Finishing in the top one-half of the region last year shows we’re ready to start winning,” Voegeli said. He added hard work would be key.

What are one or two of the biggest improvements Voegeli would like to see from last season to this season? “We will hope to grind out close matches,” he said.

Lead-Deadwood wrestling schedule

Top, Lead-Deadwood wrestler Robby Lester gains the advantage over his oppenent during a home wrestling match in January of 2016, in Lead. Above, Trinity Brady of Lead-Deadwood attemps a pin during the Belle Fourche Tournament in January of 2016. Pioneer file photos

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Dec. 10 at Rapid City Invite (Civic Center) 9 a.m.

Dec. 15 hosting triangular 4 p.m.

Dec. 16 17 at Hot Springs Tourney noon Dec. 17 at Hot Springs Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 6 at Presho Tourney noon Jan. 7 Presho Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 10 hosting dual 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Newcastle Tourney 3 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Newcastle Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 19 at Hot Springs triangular 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Belle Fourche Tourney noon Jan. 28 at Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 31 at Newell Tourney TBA Feb. 4 at Hill City Tourney 9 a.m.

Feb. 9 at Rapid City triangullar TBA

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Page 20

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

Hard-working Bronc wrestlers take to the mat

Members of the 201617 Belle Fourche High School wrestling team are: back row left, student manager Makenna Ward, Jesse Thybo, Corey Hockenbary, Tate Gatzke, Bailey Lawrence, Jayden Newlander, and student manager Lauren Christy.

Middle row left, Michael Streeter, Walker Horn, Chase Bickerdyke, and Tye Davis. Front row left, Tee McAmis, Joe Hanson, Jaredon Dosch, and Jett Blakeman. Morgen Garrett, Jeremy Peters, Justis Quenzer, assistant coach Josh Schleusner, and head coach Bill Abell are not pictured. Pioneer photo

by Jason Gross

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

BELLE FOURCHE — Hard work has been a staple of the Belle Fourche wrestling program in past years, and this season’s squad is no exception.

Head coach Bill Abell had said the 201415 team was the hardest-working squad he had ever guided. That reputation followed suit last season and shows no signs of slowing down heading into this season, which began Dec. 1 against Sturgis.

“It’s been a very productive preseason,” Abell said in describing recent practices that started Nov. 14. “We also have the middle school wrestlers practicing at the middle school, and that allows me to cinch things down.”

Abell said practices have been more productive than in past years.

The fourth-year Broncs’ head coach added many athletes have spent a lot of time in the weight room, and they hiked Crow Peak for a very beneficial team building exercise.

Seniors Corey Hockenbary, Bailey Lawrence, and Tate Gatzke are leading the Broncs onto the mat this season. Lawrence and Gatzke qualified for last season’s state A tournament at 160 and 182 pounds, respectively. Hockenbary is recovering from recent injuries.

“Corey (Hockenbary) is the hardest-working kid I’ve ever coached,” Abell said. The coach added Lawrence is more driven than he was last season and attributed the attitude to what happened at state.

“Tate (Gatzke) was one minute short of placing at state,” Abell said. “From there, he has been in the weight room and is doing the right things.”

Sophomore Joe Hanson, sophomore Jaredon Dosch, ninth-grader Chase Bickerdyke, ninth-grader Michael Streeter, and sophomore Jesse Thybo are other letter winners returning for this season. Thybo qualified for last season’s state tournament BRONC WRESTLERS Pg 21

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Page 21

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER from Pg 20

BRONC WRESTLERS

Belle Fourche’s Jesse Thybo, left, locks up with an oppent during a wrestling match with an opponent during the 2015-16 wrestling season. Pioneer file photos

from Pg 6

LADY DIGGERS ponents. Eleven of the 20 regular-season games are at home: the Lead-Deadwood High School gym in Lead.

Lead-Deadwood will host the Stateline Shootout on Dec. 16-17. Teams from Lead-Deadwood, Belle Fourche, Sundance (Wyo.), and Newcastle (Wyo.) play two games apiece during that weekend.

“It is not an easy schedule with Spearfish, Sturgis, the AA schools, and Douglas,” Hansen said. The slate includes two games against archrival Belle Fourche.

Hansen suspects the usual teams like St. Thomas More and Spearfish will battle for top honors. As he put it, “We have our work cut out for us.”

Finding an identity will take time as everyone gets used to a new coach and system.

“It will be a challenge for us in the first half of the season as we get our feet wet,” Hansen said. He added the goal is to find this identity in the season’s latter portion.

Success for this season is about the journey and trying to establish that new culture, Hansen said. He added the wins and losses would take care of themselves.

The players will find their roles on the team, Hansen said, with leaders being needed. He added varsity play is quite different from eighth-grade to junior varsity competition, and the journey is a grind.

Preseason practices officially began Nov. 21, with fundamentals taking center stage. Hansen said his philosophy on offense includes aggressive play, taking quality shoots, setting screens, and being confident.

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at 285 pounds.

“Jaredon (Dosch) is really solid and stepping up,” Abell said.

“Chase (Bickerdyke) is looking to build on last year.”

Seven other athletes are in the program as of press time. They are seniors Jeremy Peters and Jayden Newlander; sophomores Morgan Garrett, Tee McAmis, and Tye Davis; and ninth-graders Jett Blakeman and Walker Horn.

Belle Fourche graduated Cody Tupper, Tevin Gomez, Brody Stewart, Kelly Montgomery, Kory Gabert, and Trinity Tippmann from last season’s squad. Tupper qualified for state in the 120-pound weight class.

That work ethic is the Broncs’ strong suit heading into the season.

“We’re pushing them pretty hard,” Abell said of himself and assistant coach Josh Schleusner. “Their attitudes are great, and they are picking each other up.”

Technique serves as the biggest item needing work. Abell said the team is young and inexperienced; they are trying to work technique into drills.

Belle Fourche’s schedule is largely similar to that in past years.

Following the Sturgis dual, the Broncs compete at the Dec. 3 Custer Invitational and the Rapid City Invitational on Dec. 9-10 to highlight the early part of the slate.

In assessing the Black Hills Conference race, Abell said Spearfish and Douglas graduated quite a few athletes from last year.

“I think we’ll be able to hold our own,” Abell said in describing the Broncs against those conference teams and others. He added the team is stronger at the top end, which refers to the upper weights.

How will Abell and the Broncs define success this season? He described it as athletes having fun and being very disappointed when the season ends. Region placings and state qualifiers also fit into the “success” equation.

Abell would like to see Broncs’ wrestlers compete like it is their last match, and to take nothing for granted. He said this is also the biggest improvement he wants to see from last season.

Belle Fourche wrestling schedule

Dec. 10 at Rapid City Invite (Civic Center) 9 a.m.

Dec. 15 at Lead-Deadwood 5 p.m.

Dec. 17 at Dickinson, N.D. 9 a.m.

Jan. 5 at Hill City 4 p.m.

Jan. 6 at Presho Tourney 10 a.m.

Jan. 7 at Presho Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 13 at Philip Tourney 2 p.m.

Jan. 14 at Philip Tourney 9 a.m.

Jan. 19 hosting a quadrangular 4 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Chamberalain 4:30 p.m.

Jan. 21 at Chamberalain 9 a.m.

Jan. 26 at Hot Springs 5 p.m.

Jan. 27 hosting Belle Fourche Tourney noon Jan. 28 hosting Belle Fourche Tourney 9 a.m.

Feb. 11 at Lead Black Hills Conference 10 a.m.

Page 22

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

2016-2017 Spearfish cheerleaders

Members of the 2016-17 Spearfish High School cheerleading squad are: back row left, Taea Albonico, Savanna Sewell, Emily Shuck, and Ashley Burr, manager. Front row left, Alivia Ruff, Blake Williams, and Samantha Lacey. The Spearfish cheerleading advisor is Pam Waterson. Courtesy photo

Helping You Compete at Your Best Good Luck Athletes!

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Brandie Rainboth, DPT, OCS • Lana Dacar, DPT Tara Domkawski, DPT • Dan Jensen, DPT

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Winter 2016-17

Page 23

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

2016-2017 Lead-Deadwood cheerleaders

Lead-Deadwood’s cheerleading squad for the 2016-17 winter sports season includes, back row left, Kaylyn Taborski, Katerina Marlow, Kyra Mack, Annie Pearson; front row left, Kaitlynn Zellers, Kiyah Austin, Mackenzie Wetz, Ashtynn Gibson, and Kaitlyn Meade. Paige Price, Kaelin O’Leary, and advisor Wendy Rogers are not pictured.

Pioneer photo by Jason Gross

2016-2017 Belle Fourche cheerleaders

Belle Fourche’s cheerleading squad for the 2016-17 winter sports season features, back row left, Kennedy Ager, Rebecca Summers, Destanie Miranda; front row left, Monique Ramirez and Clara Hoffman. Advisor Denise Horman is not pictured.

Courtesy photo

Good Luck Spartans!

We hope you have a ball this year! We applaud your hard work and dedication both on and off the field, and we wish you much success in the coming season.

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Page 24

SPORTS PREVIEW / BLACK HILLS PIONEER

Winter 2016-17

BHSU track begins indoor season

By Jason Gross Black Hills Pioneer

SPEARFISH — The Black Hills State University indoor track and field teams combined to win nine events at the season-opening Yellow Jacket Holiday Open that ended Dec. 3 in Spearfish.

Black Hills State collected five victories in the men’s division.

Ryan Mehalick cleared the bar at 14 feet 1.75 inches to win the pole vault. Tristan Hepp won the high jump after soaring 6-4.75.

Keegan Her Many Horses won the 800-meter run in 2 minutes 0.81 seconds.

That time was close to his personal best.

Jake Iverson’s time of 9:04.16 in the 3,000 run was good for top honors.

The Yellow Jackets also boasted the firstplace team in the men’s 4x400-meter relay.

Mark Fruechte, Kyler Flock, Garrett Snook, and Hepp combined for a time of 3 minutes 32.29 seconds.

Cailey Roth claimed top honors in the women’s 800-meter run for Black Hills State. Her time was 2 minutes 30.22 seconds.

Alexandra Richards soared a personal record 11 feet 3.75 inches to win the pole vault. Kaitlyn Hadley’s top effort in the triple jump covered 34-10.25.

The women’s one-mile run featured

Christine Thorn, who finished first in 5 minutes 24.61 seconds.

Last season Black Hills State ‘s women’s team finished sixth while the men finished fifth at the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference IndoorChampionships.

This season, the teams are looking to improve on those finishes.

“We would like to finish higher than last year,” said head track coach Seth Mischke.

“Our ultimate goal is to be more competitive in each event, and we have some potential high-scoring people.”

The men’s team is returning quite a few people in numerous events like Jonah Theisen for distance and Laketon McLaughlin and Bryce Boser for throws and pole vault, respectively.

“We are returning three point scorers in the vault and looking to improve along with adding a couple new faces,” said Mischke.

Payton Holloway returns as a triple jumper, and Hepp joins the squad this year in high jump.

“Both have a chance of being competitive right away, and we have moved a couple athletes back over to jumps, but this is definitely an ability for us,” Mischke said about the jumpers.

On the women’s side of jumpers, the Yellow Jackets return Hadley, who is a very competitive athlete. The team will be looking for her to bring her skill back to the table again this year along with adding in some new faces.

Atlanta Lundstrom is the main returner for the Yellow Jackets in throws. She finished in the top 10 at three different meets last season and scored three season bests in three different throws at those meets.

“We will be looking to see big things from her,” said Mischke about Lundstrom.

Mischke is looking to see some big improvements in sprints, though, as that is the

toughest event to try and score in at the conference meet.

“We are looking to garner some points at the championship and see what competition is out there. We have some potential point scorers, and if you can score in our league, then you are a good athlete and that is one event we are looking to improve upon,” Mischke said about the sprinters.

On the women’s side for sprinting, the Yellow Jackets return three seasoned sprinters but add a few new faces as well.

“Janae Bjorgum could definitely be a competitor for us, along with Shayna Soderstrom and Heidi VanLishout. Taylor Arsaga came very close to scoring last season, so we are looking for improvement from her. She seems faster and stronger already,” Mischke said.

It looks like there are going to be a lot of expectations out of the sprinters this season to try and improve the Yellow Jackets’ place in the conference championship at the end of the season.

Distance-wise, there are a lot of new faces and some recognizable ones like Theisen.

“We have a lot of athletes that can score so we definitely want to represent there, but it is tougher to score in distance,” Mischke said.

The All-American distance medley relay team composed of Fruechte, Alec Baldwin,

Theisen, and Levi Fried qualified for the NCAA Championships last season. With the loss of Baldwin, the team is going to need to fill the void.

The last event is the heptathlon and pentathlon multi events. The team is training a few new athletes in this event and has seen some improvement from a couple returners.

The void of Alex Anderson is going to be hard to replace.

“We are going to give Ryan Olsen a chance, and Allie Richards is growing and will have some success in it,” said Mischke about the training of these athletes for the multi events.

Olsen represented the Yellow Jackets in the heptathlon in Spearfish. He finished second with 4,034 points.

The Yellow Jackets next compete at theMyrle Hanson Open scheduled for Jan. 13 at the Young Center Fieldhouse.

On Jan. 21 the Yellow Jackets will host the Dave Little Alumni Mile.

The team will then travel to Brookings for the Jackrabbit Classic on Feb. 10 and 11 before returning to the Young Center for the Stinger Open on Feb. 18. Black Hills State hosts the Indoor RMAC Championships on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24 and 25.

BHSU indoor track and field schedule Jan. 13 hosts Myrle Hanson Memorial Open Jan. 14 hosts Stadium Sports Grill High School Classic Jan. 21 hosts Dave Little Alumni Mile Feb. 10 at Jackrabbit Classic at Brookings Feb. 12 at Jackrabbit Classic at Brookings Feb. 20 hosts Stinger Open Feb. 24 hosts RMAC Indoor Championships at Chadron Feb. 25 hosts RMAC Indoor Championships at Chadron March 10 at NCAA DII Indoor Championships at Pittsburg, Kan. March 1 at NCAA DII Indoor Championships at Pittsburg, Kan.

Left, Black Hills State’s Christine Thorn leads the pack in the women’s mile race at the BHSU Holiday Open Saturday in Spearfish. Above, Taylor Arsaga, left, of Black Hills State clears a hurdle at the Saturday, Dec. 3 meet in Spearfish. Pioneer photos by Jason Gross