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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

BUSTING OUT OF THE BASEMENT After seven losing seasons, Kernels look to return to the top of Class AA By Nick Sabato Mitchell Republic It has been a while since the Corn Palace has been a miserable place for opposing teams to play. A raucous crowd driven by consistently formidable Mitchell High School boys basketball teams made opponents understand it was going to be difficult to leave with a win. In the last seven seasons, however, the Corn Palace has been more of a safe haven than a haunted house. After seven seasons without a trip to the state tournament, Mitchell’s once-dominant aura has faded and new Class AA basketball powers have emerged and the current batch of Kernels are looking to stop that before it is too late. Mitchell posted seven wins last season, nearly eclipsing its eightwin total in the previous four years combined. But a 68-50 thumping from Sioux Falls Roosevelt in the SoDak 16 left players yearning for a taste of the

state tournament. “We need to have the mentality that we are the best team out there and every team has to bring their best against us,” MHS forward Caden Hinker said. “We have to go into every game thinking we’re the favorite, no matter what anyone says. This team can do anything, we just need to show it.” A state tournament drought that brought 125 losses in seven seasons— including the first seven to start last year — made moral victories commonplace within the program. But as Mitchell accumulated wins last year, moral victories were no longer acceptable. Seventeen of 33 losses the last two seasons have come by single-digits, but the Kernels slowly began to despise being on the cusp of winning, particularly after losing on buzzer-beating heaves against Brandon Valley and Watertown last season. When Todd Neuendorf

KERNELS BBB: Page 4

Nick Sabato / Republic

The returning letterwinners for the Mitchell High School boys basketball team include, front, from left, Jonah Schmidt, Caden Hinker, Zane Alm and Gavyn Degen. Back row: Lucas Moller, Dylan Soulek and Ben Helleloid.

KERNELS TO RELY ON RETURNING EXPERIENCE Mitchell brings back four senior starters this season By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic After an offseason interrupted by COVID-19, it’s expected that the Mitchell High School girls basketball team has some rust and needs time to get back into a groove on the hardwood. The Kernels missed five girls at various points during their first week of practice. The return of four senior starters can lessen the blow, but not completely shove aside the missed time. “Initially, we are definitely behind. We are way behind,” Mitchell coach Cole Knippling said. “… (It’s expected) anytime you have a year like that, where we basically had no summer to establish our team bonding, our camaraderie, our X’s and O’s and establish our roles. …

going to be a key important piece.” The Kernels also focused on working on fundamentals and building its identity on both sides of the court during the shortened offseason. Knippling is pleased with Mitchell’s guard depth, which should allow him to have a deeper rotation and implement a fullcourt press. Last season, the Kernels relied on their half-court defense. “We’re going to really try to pressure full court a little better,” Knippling said. “Last year, I thought we got back and got solid. The goal is going to be to apply pressure on the ball-handlers for the entire length of the court. It’s a lot easier to do that if we score.” Offensively, the Kernels Photography Unlimited return a good base. Kempf The Mitchell High School girls basketball team. can score from anywhere on the court, while Haley I’d like to think by the end his system. Compared to in scoring last season, lineups where she can be and Krogman were both of December, all of that last year’s team needing allows Knippling to exper- plugged in wherever needconsistent 3-point shootlost time will be made up to replace its entire six- iment with the final started. ers. Plastow lowered her for.” man rotation, the Ker- ing spot. The senior for“When you have some- turnovers through the Heading into his second nels return starters Macy ward can play in the post, one like her, it’s valuable season and improved as a season, Knippling expects Kempf, Avia Haley, Adaya but also is a good enough because you can play mul- facilitator, as well. Mitchell’s experience to Plastow and Camryn Kro- shooter and playmaker tiple types of lineups,” Still, Mitchell wants to shorten the learning curve gman. to play on the perimeter, Knippling said. “She can as they make tweaks to Kempf, who led the team allowing for numerous make them all work. She’s KERNELS GBB: Page 7

Seasoned Kernel wrestlers eye different final outcome this season Mitchell looks to avoid late-season slide By Nick Sabato Mitchell Republic In a season where the end could come at any moment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mitchell High School wrestling team is looking to avoid fading away down the stretch. The Kernels started last season strong, winning their first four Eastern South Dakota Conference duals, only to hit a late-season skid to finish 10-7 overall and missed the Class A state dual tournament.

With 12 returning letterwinners and 16 wrestlers that won at least 15 varsity matches last season, Mitchell is seeking a top-six spot on the podium at the state tournament and finishing in the top-eight during the regular season to qualify for the state dual tournament. “Our toughest part of the schedule was the last week of the season,” MHS head coach Andy Everson said. “We were young and that had a lot to do with running into those

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buzzsaws and not reacting the way I’d like the kids to react. We had a lot of sophomores and now those sophomores are upperclassmen. That maturity on the team will make a big difference.” Mitchell lost state placewinners Kyler Bauder and Ryan McGinnis to graduation, but it also returns four placewinners in Beau Foote, Joe Van Overschelde, Tucker Vilhauer and Wyatt Winter. Foote has produced the

WRESTLERS: Page 3

Nick Sabato / Republic

The returning letterwinners for the Mitchell High School wrestling team include, front, from left, Brandon Sparks, Quincey Young, Joe Van Overschelde, Jagger Tyler, Kendell Fick and Kaileb Hubbard. Back row: Spencer Eldeen, Wyatt Winter, Beau Foote, Tyson Degen, Tucker Vilhauer and Brock Sparks.

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

HIGH GOALS FOR KERNEL GYMNASTICS Mitchell expects to compete for state title By Ryan Deal Mitchell Republic Expectations are again high for the Mitchell High School gymnastics team. The powerhouse Kernels finished second in the Class AA last season and have won four state titles since 2014. Mitchell will again be gunning for the Class AA state title in February. “We always set our goals high and I feel like it’s a good way to teach the kids to always achieve their goals,” Mitchell coach Audra Rew said. The Kernels return a host of gymnasts with statemeet experience, and Rew said that helps with the expectations placed upon the team.

“We do have some newcomers, but it just makes things smoother where they know how to follow along with the older girls,” Rew said. “I had a large class of freshmen and now they are sophomores. They are just older, more mature, less emotional. It is kind of nice as everybody gets older they are able to step up in competition and handle the pressure of competing better.” Masy Mock is the team’s lone senior and will again lead the Kernels on and off the competition floor. “It’s awesome having such a nice kid be a good leader for the girls and she supports them and cheers them on and helps give them pointers,” Rew said. “She helps in a lot more ways than just her gymnastics role on the floor. It’s awesome having a kid like Masy on anybody’s team.” Emily Moody posted a third-place finish in the vault at state last season.

and it’s just a matter of putting all the puzzle pieces together, keeping everybody healthy and actually getting to go to competitions,” Rew said. “We are taking one day at a time. We are happy to

Kyra Gropper finished fifth in the uneven bars. Joslyn Summerville, Bentley Bates, Chelsey Mohr, Tabitha Sadler and Maddi Lord are also among the top returners. “We’ve got a great team

CONFIDENCE IS CRUCIAL FOR MITCHELL CHRISTIAN HOOPSTERS THIS SEASON Golden Eagles replace leading scorer for second consecutive season By Nick Sabato Mitchell Republic Mitchell Christian School did not score its first boys basketball win until the 19th game of the year last season, but head coach Jesse Tolsma was more concerned about his team’s progression. The Golden Eagles finished 1-21 last year as they attempted to regroup after losing the point production of Alec Nelson to graduation. Offense was inconsistent all season, but the team continued to improve in the eyes of Tolsma. Last year’s leading scorer Joey Feiner has graduated, so Mitchell Christian will once again undergo some turnover, particularly after missing most of its summer program due to the COVID19 pandemic. “We’re going to have some youth, we’re going to have some inexperience, but we have to have the ability to adapt this year,” Tolsma said. “We thought we were going to have more of

Anderberg are also projected to chip in on offense. “We won’t be a team where you can take away one guy,” Tolsma said. “We’ve got a balanced team. We’ve got a lot of kids that have been working. The big thing is just gaining that confidence as the year goes on and playing with confidence.” Once again, Tolsma is not concerned with his team’s record early in the season. But as the year progresses, he expects Mitchell Christian to be confident enough to believe they can win each game it plays. “Our goal is to compete in every game,” Tolsma said. “We’ve got a lot of defensive goals and we want to play with confidence every time we step on the floor. You have to step on the floor with the expectation to win. It’s going to be a challenge, but it’s going to be a growing experience. Our goal is to play our best basketball at the end of the season.”

Nick Sabato / Republic

The returning letterwinners for the Mitchell Christian boys basketball team include, from left, Max Reynen, Micah Frey and Nathanael Anderberg. a summer program, but things changed quickly. But we’re still working to make the best out of it. We talk about the ability to adapt and make the best out of any situation.” Mitchell Christian returns four players that saw significant time last season in Max Reynen,

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Nathanael Anderberg, Micah Frey and Anders Enga. Reynen and Anderberg have seen plenty of minutes the last few seasons and the Golden Eagles will not rely upon one player to carry the scoring load. Underclassmen Aiden Lieber and Nahum

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get to compete at all.” Rew also anticipates Abby Helleloid, Olivia Prunty and Kyanna Gropper to bolster the lineup. “I feel like this is an incoming group of seventh graders that poten-

WRESTLERS From Page 2

most success of the group, as the junior placed third at 285 pounds in the state tournament, a year after finishing as runner-up as a sophomore. The 285-pound division appears to be up for grabs, with the graduation of runner-up Gus Miller, of Brookings, and Chamberlain’s Nash Hutmacher, who had a stranglehold on the weight class with four consecutive state championships. “It’s 100 percent going to come down to Beau himself,” Everson said. “He can work hard and when he chooses to work hard he does really good things. If we can convince him to do that on a consistent basis, Beau is going to be the guy to beat at heavyweight.” Bauder and McGinnis were the most consistent wrestlers for the Kernels last season, but Everson will be looking to a variety of wrestlers to fill in this year. Van Overschelde (170), Vilhauer (145) and Winter (220) each took seventh at the state tournament and have been consistent performers in the varsity

tially could compete in varsity,” Rew added. The Kernels are expected again to battle it out all season with Eastern South Dakota Conference foe and defending state champ Watertown.

lineup for two seasons. Juniors Brandon and Brock Sparks are also entering their third seasons as varsity regulars, with Brock two years removed from placing in the state tournament at 106 pounds. Tyson Degen also showed promise at 160 last year, going 27-14 in his first full varsity campaign. “Different moments of the season in the next three months are going to fall on different guys,” Everson said. “I don’t think there’s going to be one or two that stand out like Kyler and Ryan did last year. … Most of the guys I had on varsity last year, I’m going to look at and say, ‘Which one of you is going to step up today?’” Mitchell defeated Chamberlain 51-24 in the season-opening dual meet.

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

MITCHELL CHRISTIAN EYES CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT DESPITE SHORT BENCH Golden Eagles to rely on defense to offset depth concerns By Nick Sabato Mitchell Republic Depth and defense will be the focal points for the Mitchell Christian School girls basketball team throughout what is assured to be an uncertain winter. The Golden Eagles return five players from a 7-13 squad a year ago and they will garner most of the crucial minutes this season. Mitchell Christian will not have the luxury of offering significant rest during games like some of the top teams on the schedule, so relying on defense when fatigue impacts shooting late in games is key. With nine players on the roster, the Golden Eagles are also vulnerable to potential COVID-19 outbreaks, which could bring

the season to a screeching halt at any moment. “If we have two or three girls out, we’re done for two weeks,” Mitchell Christian head coach Chris Nebelsick said. “It’s definitely a challenge, but we’re not focusing our team around that. If something happens, something happens. But we have to coach like we’re going to be playing every game and we’re all going to be healthy and we don’t have any room to spare.” Mitchell Christian averaged 35.6 points per game last season and lost leading scorer Anna Cooper from offense that was often boom or bust. The Golden Eagles averaged 48.4 points in wins, but 31.8 in losses. Junior Audrey Hofer steps into the role of

go-to offensive player and the 5-foot-8 forward has shown an ability score in bunches, with a 33-point performance against Iroquois/Doland last season. Staci Wolbrink returns as the point guard after missing last season with an illness, while Maggie Reynen has been a consistent contributor the last two seasons. Guard Keely O’Neill moves into the starting lineup this season, while fellow junior Whisper Eben rounds out the starters. Consistent shooting has been a struggle for Mitchell Christian, but Nebelsick says the girls cannot let an off night discourage them. “Sometimes we shoot amazing, sometimes we don’t,” Nebelsick said.

Nick Sabato / Republic

The returning letterwinners for the Mitchell Christian girls basketball team include, from left, Staci Wolbrink, Maggie Reynen, Audrey Hofer, Whisper Eben and Keely O’Neill. “Our girls play their hearts out all the time and sometimes the shots just don’t go in and that’s frustrating. But we’re happy with the way things went last year with the situation we were in. As long as the girls are having fun, I don’t care. I just want them to have the mentality of a winning team.” Region 4B could offer

the Golden Eagles a difficult schedule, particularly with Ethan and Howard, both of whom qualified for the state tournament last season. But the goal for Mitchell Christian is to hit a .500 record and to play with confidence heading into playoff time. “Once we get to regions, anything can happen,” Nebelsick said. “So, if

we’re doing good, playing confident and having fun, it doesn’t matter what team you come up against. If you do the right things, anything can happen. … Our girls have talent, so if we can coach them up, they’ve got a chance.” Mitchell Christian dropped its season opener to Gayville-Volin, 45-35, on Dec. 7.

MARLIN GIRLS FEATURE YOUTHFUL, EXPERIENCED LINEUP By Ryan Deal Mitchell Republic Familiar faces abound for the Mitchell Marlins girls hockey team. The Marlins finished third at last year’s state tournament and they return key contributors across the board. Mitchell has no seniors and only two juniors. “I’ve coached a lot of them actually since they’ve been little kids,” Mitchell coach Chris

Tronnes said. “It’s really fun watching them grow from the first couple of years they were in our U14 varsity program until now. I think over the next couple of years we will be a pretty good team with this group of girls.” As it pertains to this group, junior forward Kelsey Amick is the leading returner in points (40), goals (25) and assists (15). “It’s awesome to have her around,” Tronnes said. “She dedicates a lot of time to hock-

ey in the offseason. Her and her sister (Reese) both and it really shows when she gets out there.” Forward Brynlee Sabers (15 points/8 goals) will also bolster the offensive attack. The Marlins scored 108 goals last season — the third most in the state. “We will be all right up front yet, too,” Tronnes added. “Just some girls will have to fill in some roles that they didn’t have to last year.”

YOUNG MARLINS FOCUS ON LEARNING SYSTEM By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic The Mitchell Marlins boys hockey team is young, so this season the focus is set on learning the system and getting an inexperienced bunch playing time. Nicholas Lord and Eric Biggerstaff are the Marlins’ only seniors, as they and six juniors try to help mesh the younger and older players into the system. Mitchell went 5-13-2 a season ago. “We have a lot of inexperienced kids coming up, so we try to mold them,” Mitchell coach Bill Hamilton said. “The veterans step in and try to teach them, as well. Just trying to get these kids to adapt to the system we’re trying to run. That’s the main thing, trying to put the effort in to learn the new system.” There will be a learning curve this year, which has led to early-season losses for the Marlins. “We’re young. We got

a lot of work ahead of us after this weekend,” Hamilton said. “We got a lot of effort out of the kids. That’s what we ask for — they come out and work as hard as they can.” Dailey, a freshman forward, is one of multiple underclassmen Hamilton highlighted as players who should see significant time on the ice this season. Forward Tyson Sabers and defenseman Nathan McCormick are both freshmen and starting goalie Drake Jerke is entering his sophomore season. “We don’t got a lot of players, so hard work is the biggest thing,” Hamilton said. “Trying to get some chemistry between the lines. Bringing a new group of kids in and trying to fit them in with kids who have been here. Getting some chemistry will be important.” Despite its youth, Mitchell still returns production from last year’s team. Biggerstaff had 12 goals and seven assists, which

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are both the most among returning players. Lord scored twice and assisted on four goals, while Josh Grosdidier added two goals and two assists last season, as well. Ashton Reimnitz had three assists. When asked about expectations, Hamilton of course wants to win during Mitchell’s 20-game slate. But it’s also about building a foundation for the future. “We just want kids to learn the system, put in the time. They’ll get playing time,” Hamilton said. “Win as many games as we can.”

Sadie Kludt returns as the team’s goalie after blocking 313 shots last season. She finished with three shutouts and allowed 57 goals. “Last year was her first year starting varsity and she did really well,” Tronnes said. “We have her for a few more years yet, too. So it will be nice to watch her continue to improve and grow.” The Marlins finished fourth in the league standings last season. They lost to eventual state

KERNELS BBB From Page 2

first became head coach four years ago, it was positive to be in the game at halftime. The second year, the goal was to be within striking distance in the second half and last season Mitchell hoped to win. The Kernels now believe they are going to win, regardless of the opponent. “These kids have put in a lot of time in the weight room and the basketball court and now the time is right,” Neuendorf said. “Everybody knows about our upper group, but we have some

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champ Aberdeen in the state semifinals and finished third for the third consecutive season. Tronnes anticipates Aberdeen and Sioux Falls, which finished as state runner-ups, will be among the favorites again. “They are both going to be really good again this year,” Tronnes said. “Those will be the ones we will have to step up and compete with. I think the rest of the state it’s kind of a toss up. It could be anyone’s night when you play them.”

younger kids that are going to help us out. I think for the first time, teams are going to have to gameplan for us.” Mitchell has reason for optimism with four of five starters returning from last season, led by Hinker. The 6-foot-6 junior has led the team in scoring the last two seasons, including posting 17.1 points per game a year ago. Second-leading scorer Carter Jacobsen was lost to graduation, but Zane Alm is hoping to add more of a scoring punch after emerging as one of the top rim protectors in the state last year. Ben Helleloid also returns at point guard, while Lucas Moller and Gavyn Degen return at

guard. Sophomore Dylan Soulek moves into the starting lineup and can bring some of the athleticism lost from Jacobsen. Meanwhile, forward Jonah Schmidt became a valuable asset off the bench with an ability to guard and rebound in the paint. For seniors like Alm, Helleloid and Moller, putting an end to losing expectations is the top priority this winter. “I really want to go to the state tournament,” Alm said. “That’s my No. 1 goal right now, is getting to the state tournament. Hopefully we win it, but we need to get to the state tournament this year. It’s a big thing for me and the rest of the seniors, too.”

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

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AREA BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Colome boys basketball team, includes front row, The returning letterwinners for the Hanson boys basketball team, includes front row, left left to right: Alec Thieman, Kaden Pechota, Caden Munroe and Hayden Thieman. to right: Kade Waldera, Isaac Tuschen and Luke Haiar. Back row: Hayden Bahmuler, Back row: Joseph Laprath, Kash Heath, Nathaniel Hansen, Michael Supik and Billy Noah Price, Riley Ferry and Ethan Cheeseman. Looking Cloud. Not pictured. Rhet Bertram.

Coach: Jason Hein Region: 6B Last year’s record: 8-14 Top returnees: Trent Herrboldt, 12, 6’1, guard/forward; Carter Uecker, 11, 6’4, guard/forward; Nate Hall, 11, 5’10, forward/center; Jordan Reynolds, 12, 5’10, guard/

Burke

Coach: Clayton Steele Region: 6B Last year’s record: Top returnees: Ben Witt, 11, 6’0, guard; Bryce Frank, 11, 6’1, guard/ forward; Daniel Rodriguez, 11, 6’, forward; Baptiste Reimel, 11, 6’, forward; Brogan Glover, 11, 6’, forward; Lucas Eastlund, 11, 6’, forward; Johnny Rozeboom, 12, 6’5, center. Top newcomers: Reed Benter, 9, 5’11, guard/forward; Sawyer Tietgen, 10, 5’5, guard; Nick Nelson, 10, 6’1, forward; Isaak Koenig, 9, 5’3, guard; Dawson York, 9, 5’10, forward/center; Jaden Swan, 10, 6’2, forward/center.

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Ethan

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Coach: Adam Nelson Region: 6A Last year’s record: 11-11

Colome

Coach: Scott Hannon Region: 6B Last year’s record: 1-20 Top returnees: Alec Thieman, 10, guard/forward; Kaden Pechota, 10, guard/forward; Caden Munroe, 11, guard/forward; Hayden Thieman, 11, guard/forward; Joseph Laprath, 9, guard/forward; 10, guard/forward; Kash Heath, 10, guard/ forward; Nathaniel Hansen, 12, guard/forward; Michael Supik, 12, guard/forward; Billy Looking Cloud, 10, guard; Rhet Bertram, 12, forward/center.

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Coach: Mike Tuschen Region: 6B Last year’s record: 15-6 Top returnees: Brendan Wentland, 12, 6’, guard; Jaylen Kemp, 12, 6’, uard; Kande Knudson, 11, 5’9, guard; Cole Feenstra, 11, 5’11, guard; Caden Van Drongelen, 11, 5’9, guard; Trever Burke, 12, 6’1, forward; Adam Joachim, 12, 6’, forward; Hayden Plamp, 12, 6’1, forward; Taylor Feenstra, 11, 5’10,

Coach: Bryce Roth Region: 4B Last year’s record: 15-6 Top returnees: Josh Bartscher, 12, 6’4, center; Eric Gustafson, 12, 6’3, forward; Jay Storm, 11, 6’4, guard; Riley Endres, 10, 6’, guard; Kaden Klumb, 11, 6’1, guard; Wyatt Sinkie, 10, 6’2, forward. Top newcomers: Kody Klumb, 10, guard; Logan Koch, 10, guard; Kory Storm, 10, guard; Brody Riggs, 10, forward; Rylan Gerlach, 9, guard; Drake Gustafson, 9, forward. Coach comments: We will have a great group of experienced players returning for us and will have high expectations. We will look to improve defensively from last season, and to continue to be balanced on the offensive end. Our region is extremely deep and talented this year and we will have to use our depth to compete.

Freeman

Coach: Will Massey Region: 5B Last year’s record: 1-20 Top returnees: Jacob Swensen, 11, 5’11, forward; Justin Wollman, 11, 5’10, guard; Tegan Derry, 12, 5’10, guard; Collin Helma, 12, 6’1, forward; Bradey Kaufman, 11, 6’3, forward.

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605-487-7321 ANDES STATE 800-208-8587

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440 East Lake Street Lake Andes, SD

Coach: Austin Unruh Region: 5B Last year’s record: 16-6 Top returnees: Quincy Blue, 11, 6’1, guard; Thalen Schroeder, 11, 6’5, guard; Dylan Johansen, 11, 5’11, guard; Payton Arbach, 12, 6’2, forward; Connor Epp, 10, 5’11, guard; Donte Butler, 11, 5’7, guard. Coach comments: Last year saw the program’s best record in its fourth year, losing a close game to Canistota in the Region 5B finals. The team graduated a very talented 6-foot-7 senior in Gavin Pankratz, but four starters and two key reserves all return, including potential all-state level players in Quincy Blue and Thalen Schroeder. This team has the potential to do great things this year and I’m excited to see where they go.

Avon Lumber

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Family Dentistry C. Nolan Carson III, DDS

Whalen Law Office, PC

Freeman Academy/ Marion

COMMUNITY BANK Avon, SD 286-3213

Support the COMMUNITY Pirates!

OF AVON BANK Independent Community Bankers of S.D. Assn.

118 N Main St. Avon, SD 605-286-3213

Schultz Redi Mix LLC

Concrete, Gravel, Sand & Rock

Chad & Lisa Peters

Septic Tanks

119 North Poplar, Avon, SD 605-286-3225

40623 SD HWY 50 Avon, SD

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THE FLOWER SHOP 3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: Tyndall Ace Hardware

Owners: Wayne & Peg Winckler

218 White Swan Dr., Pickstown 605-487-7641

LAKE ANDES FARMERS COOP BUILDING CENTER

802 Main Street Tyndall,SD

100 West 7th St, Platte 605-337-9502

•For your home and farm•

605-487-7530

605-589-4700

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605-487-7681

231 NW Lake Street, Wagner 605-384-5332

CAROL AND VERN TOLSMA, Owners 503 Pine Street Avon, SD 57315 605-286-3638 or 605-660-0661 All occasion fresh flowers and plants, bedding plants and fresh veggies in season.

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• For all your ag needs.•

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MENSCH RETAIL GREENHOUSE

LAKE ANDES FARMERS COOP

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Bon Homme

Coach: Scott Schultz Region: 5B Last year’s record: 11-11 Top returnees: Tyler Kjetland, 12, 6’4, forward; Rylee Schultz, 12, 6’3, forward; Bodie Burnham, 12, 5’10, guard; Camden Dye, 12, 6’3, guard; Brandon Jansen, 12, 6’4, forward; Koby Kayser, 11, 5’10, guard. Top newcomers: Sam Hofer, 10, 5’11, guard; Sutton Arend, 10, 6’1, guard; Aguer Van Sickle, 10, 6’4, forward; Hunter Uptagrafft, 12, 6’3, forward; Hunter Bailey, 11, 5’10, guard; Aaron Horvath, 10, 6’, forward. Coach comments: The Huskies are excited to get the season started. The Huskies return a solid nucleus from last season. We will need to replace two starters and solidify our bench if we are going to compete with the top teams in our region. The region will be very strong, with Canistota and Viborg-Hurley leading the way.

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Coach: Eric Olson Region: 6B Last year’s record: 8-13 Avon Coach: Bailey Lagge Region: 6B Last year’s record: 2-19 Top returnees: Ashton Frank, 12, 6’5, forward; Lincoln Thury, 11, 6’2, forward; Riley Rucktaeschel, 11, 6’3, forward; Eli Watchorn, 11, 5’11, guard; Kley Heumiller, 10, 6’2, forward; Jaden Stahl, 10, 5’7, guard; Dalton Gramkow, 10, 6’, forward. Top newcomers: Noah Watchcorn, 9, 5’8, guard; Trace Pelton, 6’, forward; Christian Doom, 9, 5’11, forward. Coach comments: This year we will have a lot of new faces out there, as we graduated four starters. We will look to take steps in the right direction to put us in a solid position come the end of the year. It’s important this season to establish a winning culture as this group of players are laying the foundation for the program. We have a lot of young players who are invested in what we are doing and excited to see how much we can progress this season. We have some great leadership from upperclassmen who will make sure everyone is putting out the best they can.

Bridgewater-Emery

Region: 5B Last year’s record: Top returnees: Tate Tieszen, 12, 5’10, guard; Isiah Rpbertson, 11, 5’9, guard; Tyce Ortman, 12, 5’11, guard; Chase Merrill, 12, 6’2, guard/forward; Connor Hutcheson, 11, 5’9, guard; Logan Katzer, 12, 6’2, forward; Blake Anderson, 12, 6’1, forward; Cole Papendick, 12, 6’2, center; Riley Heiberger, 11, 6’3, center. Top newcomers: Will Ortman, 10, 6’2, forward; Tye Merrill, 10, 5’9, guard; Noah Kleinsasser, 10, 6’, forward; Tage Ortman, 9, 5’10, guard; Trace Ortman, 10, 5’11, forward; Cayden Scott, 9, 5’10, guard.

11, 6’2, guard; Carson Klundt, 11, 6’0, guard; Daniel Mitchell, 9, 6’6, forward. Coach comments: We will be relatively young this year with no seniors on the roster. Our success will depend on how well and how fast our newcomers pick up on things along with how our returners will step into the leadership roles.

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 218 White Swan Dr., Pickstown 605-487-7641 100 West 7th St, Platte 605-337-9502 231 NW Lake Street, Wagner 605-384-5332

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Andes Central/ Dakota Christian

forward; Karsten Kozak, 11, 6’5, forward/center.

Top newcomers: Jorgen Baer, 9, 5’6, guard; Rocky Ammann, 9, 5’7, guard; Christopher Flores, 10, 5’10, forward; Blake Rumelhart, 9, 6’2, forward; Jayden Jacobsen, 10, 6’1, forward; Ethan Balvin, 10, 6’1, guard; Evan Scherberg, 9, 6’, guard.

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By Mitchell Republic

Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff:

forward; Taven Burke, 11, 6’2, forward; Caleb Krogstad, 12, 6’5, forward. Top newcomers: Carter Wright, 9, 5’10, guard; Shad Bosma, 10, 6’, forward; Lucas Krogstad, 10, 5’10, forward. Coach comments: We have a team that can be very competitive when the postseason comes around. We have to improve tremendously on the defensive side of the court. We don’t have a lot of size, but we have the athleticism to play good defense. We just have to develop the passion to want to play defense. We got beat in the Region semifinal last year and hope to be playing in the third week of March.

2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

AREA BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

good strength at the guard position. Whalen is a very hard worker that is always around the ball and will give us great minutes. Nachtigal is another guard and Olsen, a forward, that look to step up and contribute at the varsity level. We will have good athletes, good depth, experience returning, and hope to use that to our advantage.

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Kimball/White Lake boys basketball team, includes, from left to right: Dawson Miller, Brady Westendorf, Bennett Namanny, Jaxon Christensen and Ky Becker.

Coach: Kamden Miller Region: 6B Last year’s record: 8-14 Top returnees: Dawson Miller, 10, 5’11, guard; Brady Westendorf, 12, 5’10, guard; Bennett Namanny, 12, 6’0, guard; Jaxon Christensen, 10, 6’2, forward; Ky Becker, 12, 6’2, guard. Coach comments: As a group, the WiLdKats will be undersized. We will have to improve defensively and find new scorers. Most of all, we need to mature physically to make up for lack of experience.

McCook Central/ Montrose

Coach: Jeff Heisinger Region: 5A Last year’s record: 12-10 Top returnees: Gavin Gordon, 11, 6’4, guard; Cody Miles, 11, 5’10, guard; Micaj Van Ruler, 11, 6’6, center. Top newcomers: Kane Muth, 12; Kyle Schoon, 11; Jackson Grady, 10; Kolt Koepsell, 9. Coach comments: We’re returning one starter from last year’s team, but we are mixing in a new group of young athletes and we’re hoping to be playing our best basketball come tournament time.

Menno

Lyman

Coach: Cooper Garnos Region: 7B Last year’s record: 16-7 Top returnees: Tyson Floyd, 12, 6’, guard; Cruz Garnos, 12, 6’3, guard; Sam McClanahan, 11, 6’1, guard; Stockton McClanahan, 11, 6’2, forward; Toby Estes, 11, 6’6, forward; Colton Collins,

Coach: Kory Foss Region: 5B Last year’s record: 6-15 Top returnees: Levi Bender, 12, 6’, guard; Brady Fergen, 12, 5’11, guard; Caden Fischer, 12, 6’4, forward; Josh Heckenlaible, 12, 6’3, forward; Tyler Massey, 11, 6’1, forward; Austin Pillsbury, 11, 5’10, guard; Treyton Sayler,

GOOD LUCK

CHAMBERLAIN

FROM THESE SUPPORTIVE BUSINESSES! Best of Luck Cubs for Your 2020-2021 Season Chamberlain, SD

605-734-5523 605-730-1626

Towing Wreck & Recovery Service Truck Parts & Service Road Service New & Used Tires

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11, 6’1, forward. Key players: Ajay Herrboldt, 10, 5’10, guard; Hayden Mcninch, 10, 6’, guard; Cody Munkvold, 10, 6’5, forward; Blake Rames, 19, 6’4, forward; Maverick Smith, 10, guard, 5’9; Kadeyn Ulmer, 10, 6’, guard.

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton

Coach: Eric Denning Region: 5A Last year’s record: 6-16 Top returnees: Kolby Kayser, 12, 6’3, guard/forward; Reed Rus, 10, 6’3, guard; Lincoln Klooz, 11, 5’10, guard; Thomas Stange, 12, 5’11, guard; Rylee Deinert, 12, 5’9, guard; Ryan Chapman, 11, 6’3, guard/forward; Nathan Hohn, 12, 6’5, forward/center; Parkston Coach: Craig Bruening Region: 5A Last year’s record: 12-9 Key players: Cole Prunty, 11, 5’10, guard; Max Scott, 11, 6’4, forward. Top newcomers: Kaleb Weber, 10, guard; Sam Benson, 10, guard; Brayden Jervik, 9, guard; Chase Wickersham, 11, for-

ward; Ethan Poore, 11, guard; Gordon Seppala, 11, forward; Troy Norden, 11, forward; Reid Leischner, 10, center; Jesse Newton, 10, guard. Coach comments: We will be young and inexperienced to start the year, but we feel we have the tools to be competitive come tournament time. We only have two returners with any experience, but have good numbers to create competition that hopefully will allow us to grow quickly.

Platte-Geddes

Coach: Frank Cutler Region: 6B Last year’s record: 20-3 Top returnees: Kelby VanDerWerff, 12, 6’5; Brody Boltjes, 12, 5’9; Will Miller, 12, 6’1; Nate Whalen, 12, 6’2; Brady Sprik, 12, 6’; Caden Foxley, 11, 6’4; Jackson Neuman, 11, 6’; Hayes Rabenberg, 11, 5’10; Cade Nachtigal, 11, 5’11; Jackson Olsen, 11, 6’1. Coach comments: We return 10 letterwinners with plenty of varsity playing experience. We return our leading scorers and rebounders in VanDerWerff and

609 S Highway 81 Freeman, SD

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YOUR SUCCESS IS OUR BUSINESS! Chamberlain, SD 605-234-6055

215 South Main Street Chamberlain, SD 605-734-5272 email: dhfuneral@midstatesd.net

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BRALEY LAW OFFICE 120 South Pleasant View Ave Corsica, SD

605-946-5255

We make deliveries to Bridgewater and Menno.

Charlotte Brown Jim Brown Deb Dethlefsen Marilyn Reimnitz Agents

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605-999-1838 605-449-4241

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PREMIUM AG SERVICES 215 Industrial Road Emery, SD 605-449-4230

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

Over 15 Years of Experience Carpentry • Stamped/Decorative Concrete • All Flat Concrete

Sandy’s Bar 100 South 3rd Street Emery, SD

Darrell VandenHoek

Home 605-946-5699 Cell 605-999-6325

Sales & Service Our Family Serving Your Family Since 1946 001617722r1

Bridgewater

At The Ranch!

Rocky Niewenhuis

Lodging & Event Center

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

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The

605-729-2532

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285 Main Street Corsica, SD 57328

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Your Local Independent Insurance Agency Carla Plamp, Agent

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Midwest Cheese Tom Gerlach

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Heather Terveen 605-933-0178

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Residential-Commercial Industrial & Municipal

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GOOD LUCK CORSICA/STICKNEY

GOOD LUCK

Redi-Mix Inc. 100 Paul Gust Rd., Chamberlain, SD

Foxley, respectively. Boltjes, Miller, Neuman, and Rabenberg all handle the ball and give us

Coach: Matt Henriksen Region: 4B Last year’s record: 13-10 Top returnees: Tryce Slykhuis, 11, 6’2, guard; Noah Wormstadt, 11, 6’0, guard; Clay Olinger, 11, 6’0, guard; Andrew Lindgren, 12, 6’1, guard.

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Kimball/White Lake

11, 6’, guard; Isaac Thomas, 11, 6’1, forward; Jacob Sazue, 11, 5’10, guard; Declan Cleveland, 12, 6’1, forward. Top newcomers: McCall Garnos, 12, 6’4, forward; Damian Abrahamson, 10, 6’1, forward; Ryker Choal, 10, 6’, forward. Coach comments: We are a veteran team with 10 returning letterwinners. This group has played together and developed their basketball skills over the years. They are a close-knit, competitive group that has put in many hours in the offseason. We are excited about the upcoming season.

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Coach: Nick Koepsell Region: 4B Last year’s record: 16-5 Top returnees: Sam Aslesen, 12, 6’7; Tisyn Spader, 12, 6’4; Jace Sifore, 11, 6’4; Ryder Erickson, 10, 5’9. Top newcomers: Sam Callies, 12, 6’2; Brayden Hinker, 11, 6’3; Luke Koepsell, 8, 6’2. Coach’s comments: We have the talent and experience to make a deep postseason run this season if we stay healthy. Sam Aslesen & Tisyn Spader are two of the top players in Class B and with the emergence of Jace Sifore we will rely heavily on them to lead us this season.

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Howard

The returning letterwinners for the Platte-Geddes boys basketball team includes, front row, left to right: Brody Boltjes, Hayes Rabenberg, Jackson Neuman, Will Miller and Brady Sprik. Back row: Jackson Olsen, Caden Foxley, Kelby VanDerWerff, Nate Whalen and Cade Nachtigal.

Sanborn Central/ Woonsocket

PUNT TRUCKING Roger & Robert Punt Stickney, SD

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605-946-5258

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The

Full Service Full Service Bank Bank SECURITY

Chisum Peterson PO Box 498 Chamberlain, SD 605-234-4214 petersonlandauction.com

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 218 White Swan Dr., Pickstown 605-487-7641 100 West 7th St, Platte 605-337-9502 231 NW Lake Street, Wagner 605-384-5332

N 3rd St. 117 N 3rd117 St.BANK STATE PO Box 245 PO Box 245

Full Service Bank Emery, SD Emery, SD Full Service Bank

117 N 3rd • St PO Box 245 605-449-4261 605-449-4261 N 605-449-4261 3rd St. Emery 117 SD • PO Box 245 Emery, SD

J.L. Arend Insurance 605-449-4261

117 North 3rd Emery, SD

605-449-4261

TrioTel www.TrioTel.net

THE APPLIANCE CENTER 260 East Main • Corsica, SD 605-946-5883

We are here to help you with all of your appliance and computer sales and services!

3 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU: 218 White Swan Dr., Pickstown 605-487-7641 100 West 7th St, Platte 605-337-9502 231 NW Lake Street, Wagner 605-384-5332

2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

AREA BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Tripp-Delmont/Armour boys basketball team, includes front row, left to right: Braden Hawley, Dylan VanDerWerff, Trey Sparks, Courtesy photo Logan VanPelt, Colby Brown, Carson Koehn and Kandon Bialas. The returning letterwinners for the Winner boys basketball team, front row, from left to right: Landon Thieman, Jackson Vesely and Jesse Colson. Back row: Elijah Scotland Tripp-Delmont/ Wagner Peterson, Evan Farner, Blake Volmer, Ethan Bartels and Brady Fritz. Coach: Bryan Fuks Region: 5B Last year’s record: 7-15 Top returnees: Keenan Souhrada, 12, 6’4, forward; Lucas Dennis, 11, 6’2 guard/forward; Dawson Bietz, 11, 5’10, guard; Conner Odens, 11, 6’2, forward; Nick Harrington, 11, 6’2, forward; Kalen Maruska, 11, 6’, forward; Cole Friederich, 10, 5’10, guard/ forward; Trenten Skorepa, 10, 6’5, forward; Stephen Johnson, 10, 6’1, forward. Top newcomers: Parker Hachstein, 9, 5’11, forward; Jayce Wallach, 9, 5’9, forward; Ben Kavanagh, 9, 5’9, guard; Brandon Souhrada, 9, 5’11, forward; Dylan Fuerst, 9, 5’10, forward; Kade Odens, 9, 5’9, forward.

Armour

Coach: Craig Holbeck Region: 6B Last year’s record: Top returnees: Carson Koehn, 11, 6-1, guard; Logan Van Pelt, 12, 6’0, guard; Trey Sparks, 11, 5’8, guard; Colby Brown, 10, 6’2, guard/forward; Kandon Bialas, 11, 6’1, guard; Dylan Van Der Werff, 12, 6’1, forward. Coach comments: I am very excited about this years team. We are not a big team, but will look to run, push, and find easy points in transition. Our focus is on playing aggressive defense, causing turnovers, and turning them into easy points. We have some play makers along with some really good shooters. We should be able to compete with anyone in our region.

KERNELS GBB

come is going to allow us to be better offensively.” From Page 2 The hope is the tweaks propel Mitchell back to the state tournament look different on offense, after a one-year absence. too. Knippling hopes to The Kernels fell 65-48 to have a more structured Sioux Falls Washington in offense, whereas it relied the SoDak 16 last year, as on a motion offense last they finished 8-13. season. “I’m excited for this “This year we’re going year because I feel our to use a little bit more offense and our defense, of a continuity-style the plan we have this year offense,” Knippling said. — I think we learned a “We still have a lot of lot from last year — and good motion concepts in I like how we’re going to it. There’s going to be be structured this year,” a lot of action. The ball Knippling said. “I think is going to move side- it really complements to-side. … I think the the personnel we have. structure of them know- I think as the year goes ing where the screens are on, it’s going to be a good going to come and where brand of basketball that is the shots are going to fun to see.”

GOOD LUCK

ETHAN

Coach: Josh Davies Region: 5A Last year’s record: 5-16 Top returnees: Jaden Peters, 12, 6’, forward; Nolan Carda, 12, 6’1, forward; Simon Freier, 12, 5’9, guard; Toby Zephier, 11, 5’10, guard; Dustin Honomichl, 11, 6’, guard/forward; Camden Roth, 11, 6’2, forward; Chris Nelson, 10, 5’10, guard. Top newcomers: Marcus Zephier, 11, 5’9, guard; Matt Link, 10, 5’8, guard; Ted Slaba, 10, 6’1, guard/forward. Coach’s comments: We will be undersized and can hopefully make up for that with team speed and athleticism. We will try to push the ball and get easy baskets in transition. We will have to be fundamentally sound in order to compete with bigger and

deeper teams on our schedule.

Wessington Springs

Coach: Joey Mitchell Region: 3B Last year’s record: 13-8 Top returnees: Jacob Messmer, 12, forward; Mason Schleske, 11, forward; Tyler Kole, 12, guard; Cooper Hainy, 12, guard/forward. Top newcomers: Dylan Schimke; Lane Olinger; Gerritt Bradenburg; Cade Mohling; Draven Thompson; Blake Larson; Bryce Kopfmann; A.J. Neely. Coach’s comments: Spartans will look to have another successful season after they will return with almost their entire roster from the previous year; only losing one letterman. We will be

a senior-led basketball team with our big man, Messmer, holding down the middle on both ends of the court. We have a great group of committed guys that will continue to work hard day in and day out. Ultimately, looking to continue to improve as a team preparing ourselves for playing our best team basketball come February.

Winner

Coach: Brett Gardner Region: 7A Last year’s record: 16-6 Top returnees: Brady Fritz, 6’2, guard; Blake Volmer, 6’1, guard; Jackson Vesley, 6’1, forward; Evan Farner, 5’11, guard; Ethan Bartels, 6’2, forward; Jesse Colson,

GOOD LUCK

DAKOTA CHRISTIAN

12, 10, 11, 12, 10, 12,

5’8, guard; Landon Thieman, 12, 5’10, forward; Elijah Peterson, 11, 6’, guard/forward. Top newcomers: Slade Cournoyer, 11; Finn Bartels, 11; Michael Olson, 11; Kade Watson, 11; Kolbie Osborn, 11; Ashton Klein, 11; Kyler Meek, 11; Aiden Barfuss, 9. Coach’s comments: We lost a lot from last year, so many players will have to step up and prove themselves. We are excited to see the growth as the year goes on. We have a very competitive schedule that we are looking forward to challenging ourselves with every opportunity we get.

GOOD LUCK

FREEMAN

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Farmer Owned,

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

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

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GEDDES FARMERS GEDDES CO-OP GEDDES FARMERS FARMERS CO-OP 1008 INDUSTRIAL STREET COOP 605-925-4999 Feeds All types of Grain Dry Fertilizer

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Geddes Dan Schulte, Manager 337-2561

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FROM THESE SUPPORTIVE BUSINESSES!

Good Luck to all Athletic Sports Teams!

All Your Needs, One Location!

GO RUSTLERS & SEAHAWKS!

RANDY KOERNER

KOERNER

117 W Ash • Ethan, SD 605-227-4224

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CONSTRUCTION

MON-FRI 8:00AM-6:30PM • SAT 8:00AM-4:00PM

General Contrators Metal Buildings | Excavating Hauling | Demolition

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155 West 1st St. Dimock, SD 605-928-3833 www.dimockdairy.com

Chris Nelson General Manager

27905 436th Avenue Freeman, SD 57029 builder55@goldenwest.net Phone: 605-925-7585 Cell: (605) 660-0700

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LOCATIONS IN Platte•Chamberlain•Kimball•Winner

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general contractor

609 S Highway 81 Freeman, SD 605-925-4510 • 605-925-4781

Platte

Body Shop

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Norm Kaufman 389 S Main Street Freeman, SD

605-337-3552 26455 SD HWY 37•Ethan, SD 605-999-1382

605-925-7059

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HOHN & SONS CONTRACTING, LLC. Experienced ~~~ Reasonable Prices

Dana, Matt & Jake Hohn 770-8114, 770-2207 770-8114 & 770-8238

DAKOTA CROP INSURANCE 1140 Spruce St. Alexandria, SD

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dakcrop@triotel.net 001621217r1

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

RINGLING

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Ry’s Automotive Service West Hwy 44 Platte

337-3152 Rylan Dyk, Master Mechanic

605-925-7135 1-800-477-7135 www.RuralMfg.com Home of Quality Livestock Equipment 820 N. U.S. Hwy. 81 P.O. Box Q Freeman, SD 57029

Robert Korn Owner

PO Box 118 I Freeman, SD 57029 W 605.925.7438 or 800.598.2131 C 605.660.0057

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Proud Supporters since 1982.

Ethan 227-4215 Parkston 928-7956

Norm’s Thrifty White Pharmacy

Bryan Buhl 418 Pennsylvania Ave. Platte, SD

Insurance & Real estate

2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS By Mitchell Republic

Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff:

Andes Central/ Dakota Christian

Coach: Shane Niewenhuis Region: 6B Last year’s record: 11-11 Top returnees: Mackenzie Muckey, 12, 5’11, forward; Lexie VanderPol, 11, 6’1, center; Sonya Hansum, 11, 5’5, guard.

Avon

Burke

Coach: Ron Determan Region: 6B Last year’s record: 10-10 Top returnees: Bobbi Jo Wischmann, 12, 5’8, guard; Sally Hakin, 12, 5’8, guard; Ramee Hanson, 12, 5’6, guard; Elenna Koenig, 11, 5’8, forward.

Canistota

Coach: James Strang Region: 5B Last year’s record: 9-15 Top returnees: Mckenzy Krinke, 12, 5’8, forward; Mykkah Krinke, 12, 5’8, forward; Sydnee Engbrecht, 11, 5’8, forward; Alexia Tieszen, 12, 5’4, guard.

Chamberlain

Coach: Zack Nelson

Colome

Coach: Shelley Heath Region: 6B Last year’s record: 4-16 Top returnees: Toree Ringing Shield, 10, 5’9, guard/forward; Maura Luedke, 9, 5’7, guard; Libbie Petersek, 10, 5’8, guard/ forward; Jordyn Ring, 10, 5’3, guard; Sophie Hofeldt, 10, 5’8, sophomore; Landi Krumpus, 10, 5’3, guard; Katie Welker, 11, 5’7, guard; Makayla Shippy, 12, 5’2, guard; Clarissa Ringing Shield, 12, 5’6, guard/forward; Baylie Hoffine, 12, 5’8, guard/forward; Saydee Heath, 12, 5’8, guard/forward; Elizabeth Yeaman, 11, 5’9, forward.

Coach: Tom Young Region: 4B Last year’s record: 22-1 Top returnees: Hannah Bartscher, 11, 5’8, forward; Ava Lingemann, 9, 5’6, guard; Lexi Lingemann, 12, 5’7, guard; Maddy Bartscher, 9, 5’7, guard; Alexis Myers, 11, 5’8, guard. Top newcomers: Anna Buenning, 10, 5’10, forward; Bella Nesheim, 11, 5’6, guard. Coach comments: We are in a somewhat of a rebuilding mode and very young. I love our girls energy, effort, and attitudes. I am expecting definite improvement as the season progresses.

HOWARD

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GOOD LUCK

Corsica-Stickney

Coach: Lorisa Broughton Region: 6B Last year’s record: 24-0 Top returnees: Morgan DeLange, 12, 5’9, forward; Payton DeLange, 10, 5’9, guard; Morgan Clites, 11, 5’8, guard; Paige Wright, 12, 5’8, guard; Sutten Eide, 10, 5’4, guard; Mara Lagge, 10, 5’3, guard; Raven Barse, 12, 5’11, forward/ center; Avery Broughton, 10, 6’0, sophomore; Casey Tolsma, 11, 5’9, forward/center; Lauren Bruinsma, 12, 5’8, forward; Kendall

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Chamberlain girls basketball team, includes from left to right: Jayd Chmela, Jayslee Petersen, Mya Knippling, Caycee Guinn, Emma Powers, Jayna Handel, Kinsey Evans and Abby Hutmacher.

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Coach: Jessie Yttreness Region: 5B Last year’s record: 12-10 Top returnees: Cara Meyer, 11, 5’5, guard; Taylor Schallenkamp, 11, 5’9, guard; Kerrigan Schultz, 12, 5’9, guard; Julia Weber, 11, 5’7, guard; Morgan Uptagrafft, 11, 5’9, forward; Casey Meyer, 11, 5’5, guard; Chloe Schmitt, 11, 6’0, center. Coach’s comments: We have a core group of girls who have played together since grade school. We look to use that closeness to put together a successful season.

Ethan

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Bridgewater-Emery

Olawsky, 10, 5’7, forward; Rachel Gerlach, 11, 5’10, guard/forward. Top newcomers: Ashlyn Lefers, 9, 5’7, forward; Jacey Kemp, 9, 5’8, forward; Cassidy Woerner, 9, 5’4, guard. Coach comments: We want to focus on one game at a time and continue to improve every game.

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Coach: Tara Jensen Region: 6B Last year’s record: 4-18 Top returnees: Camille Sykora, 11, 5’5, guard; Kenzie Carson, 12, 5’11, forward/center; Hannah Cuka, 12, 5’7, guard; Jenae Alberts, 12, 5’9, guard.

Region: 6A Last year’s record: 11-11 Top returnees: Caycee Guinn, 12, 5’11, guard/forward; Emma Powers, 12, 5’7, guard; Jayd Chmela, 11, 5’7, guard; Jayslee Petersen, 11, 6’0, forward; Mya Knippling, 11, 6’1, center; Kinsey Evans, 9, 5’4, guard; Jayna Handel, 9, 5’7, guard/forward; Abby Hutmacher, 11, 5’4, guard. Coach comments: We’re excited to build off of a strong finish to the year last season. The girls put in a good amount of work in the off-season and have improved in areas of need. Everyone on the team has at least some varsity experience, and that has helped us hit the ground running in practice to start the season. If we can continue to steadily improve, we’re confident that we can have a shot at extending our season into March.

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Bon Homme

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Avon girls basketball team, includes front row, left to right: McKenna Kocmich, Courtesy photo Sarah Swier, Katie Gretschmann, Makayla Kopp, The returning letterwinners for the Bridgewater-Emery girls basketball team, includes Courtney Sees. Back row: Mallory Miller, Samantha front row, left to right: Cara Meyer, Morgan Uptagrafft and Casey Meyer. Back row: Brodeen, Shalayne Nagel, Maddie Kocmich, Tiffany Taylor Schallenkamp, Kerrigan Schultz, Chloe Schmitt and Julia Weber. Pelton, Alexa Sees, and Hanna Miller.

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Coach: Brad Poppe Region: 6B Last year’s record: 14-8 Top returnees: Ali Sees, 12, 5’9, guard; Maddie Kocmich, 12, 5’9, forward; Hanna Miller, 11,6’, guardian Sammi Bradeen, 11, 5’7, guard; Katie Gretschmann, 11, 5’6, guard; Tiffany Pelton, 11, 5’11, forward; Makayla Kopp, 11, 5’6, guard; Shalayne Nagel, 10, 5’11, guard/forward; Mallory Miller, 10, 6’4, forward; Courtney Sees, 9, 5’6, guard. Coach comments: I feel we have a chance to be very competitive come season end. We have a lot of experience and a great work ethic. We just need to be consistent at both ends of the floor.

2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

Prairie Portraits Photo

The returning letterwinners for the Colome girls basketball team, includes front row, left to right: Toree Ringing Shield, Maura Luedke, Libbie Petersek, Jordyn Ring, Sophie Hofeldt and Landi Krumpus. Back row: Katie Welker, Makayla Shippy, Clarissa Ringing Shield, Baylie Hoffine, Saydee Heath and Elizabeth Yeaman.

Courtesy photos

Above: The returning letterwinners for the Hanson girls basketball team, includes front, from left to right: Kate Haiar, Vanessa Doyle, Annalyse Weber and Karlie Goergen. Back row: Erin Dewald, Grace Weber, Sadie Oltmanns and Shelby Hernandez. Below photo: Andrea Thelen and Mekiah Campbell.

11, 5’4, guard; Abby Connor, 12, 6’0, forward/center; Kate Connor, 10, 6’1, forward/center. Coach comments: We are excited to be back in the gym and getting an opportunity to play. We got a taste last year of playing in March and the girls have set high expectations for themselves with hopes of making another deep postseason run.

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Corsica-Stickney girls basketball team, includes back row, from left to right: Avery Broughton, Morgan DeLange, Lauren Bruinsma, Casey Tolsma, Payton DeLange, Raven Barse, Rachel Gerlach and Paige Wright. Kendall Olawsky, Cassidy Woerner, Ashlyn Lefers, Sutten Eide, Morgan Clites, Mara Lagge and Jacey Kemp

Freeman

Coach: Curtis Sage Region: 5B Last year’s record: 13-9 Top returnees: Rijjy Peterson, 12, 5’8, forward; Cara Maske, 12, 5’5, guard; Mesa Mehlhaf, 12, 5’8, forward; Kate Miller, 10, 5’10, forward; Erin Uecker, 10, 5’11, guard; Alyssa Dent, 10, 5’6, guard; Ashlyn Jacobsen, 9, 5’8, guard; Cami Fransen, 9, 5’6, guard. Coach comments: Graduated four starters from last year that accounted for a large percentage of our offense. With that said, I think we have the potential to become a well-rounded team on both ends of the floor by the time post-season begins. We will go through some growing pains early but should be competitive as we move through the season.

Freeman Academy/ Marion

Coach: Nathan Epp Region: 5B Last year’s record: 0-21 Top returnees: Jada Koerner, 10 5’9, forward; Alivea Weber, 10, 5’3, guard; Kristen Wieman, 12,

5’7, forward; Leah Goodwin, 10, 5’9, forward; Alexa Gortmaker, 9, 5’2, guard; Maria Cortes, 11, 5’6, forward; Sarah Cremer, 9, 5’5, forward; Hadley Luke, 9, 5’5, forward; Hailey Stahl, 9, 5’6, forward. Coach comments: We will still be a very young team. We made some significant improvements the second half of the season last year and we hope to build on that. We will need to be better offensively as a team. In order for that to happen, we will need greater offensive contributions from several of the returning starters.

Gregory

Coach: Kevin Myrmoe Region: 6B Last year’s record: 12-10 Top returnees: Jessy Jo VanDerWerff, 10, 5’8, guard; Brooklyn Kenzy, 11, 5’11, forward; Gracie Kenzy, 11, 5’9, forward; Morgan Opbroek, 9, 5’7, guard. Top newcomers: Sierra Rencountre, 11, 5’8, forward; Sapphire Kenzy, 10, 5’4, guard; Jordan Svatos, 9, 5’6, guard. Coach comments: Only have seven high school girls out. Players will log a lot of minutes. Will

have to bring up middle school girls for a JV team. After posting a winning season last year, (we) look again to be competitive. Young team with no seniors.

Hanson

Coach: Jim Bridge Region: 4B Last year’s record: 14-8 Top returnees: Vanessa Doyle, 11, 5’7, guard; Mekiah Campbell, 12, 6’0, forward; Shelby Hernandez, 12, 5’9, forward; Annalyse Weber, 10, 5’8, guard; Grace Weber, 12, 5’10, forward; Sadie Oltmanns, 12, 5’7, forward; Andrea

Kimball/White Lake

Thelen, 12, 5’11, forward; Taylor Schroeder, 11, 5’6, forward. Coach comments: Hanson will welcome back three starters from last year’s team. We lost two girls to graduation, but we have some younger girls that are ready to step into leading roles. We return a nice group of girls that bring energy and enthusiasm to the team. Our schedule once again will be very difficult, but we feel that will make us better in the postseason. We plan to play an up-tempo style

and take full advantage of our team’s depth. Our team will have a decent balance between post and perimeter players working together and this will be the key to our success.

Howard

Coach: Wade Erickson Region: 4B Last year’s record: 20-4 Top returnees: Saddie Palmquist, 12, 5’4, guard; Kenedy Koepsell, 12, 5’7, guard; Emma Rudebusch,

Coach: Tacey Dykstra Region: 6B Last year’s record: 15-8 Top returnees: Sidney McCord, 12, 5’6, guard; Alison Sinclair, 12, 5’9, guard/forward; Kennedy Leiferman, 12, 5’11, guard/forward; Dani Deffenbaugh, 10, 5’8, guard. Coach comments: We return a good group of experienced players that will mesh well with our newcomers. This group of kids works well together and play hard. We return the nucleus of our scoring with Kennedy Leiferman in her senior season. We will be athletic and quick and need to use that to our advantage.

GOOD LUCK

KIMBALL/ WHITE LAKE

FROM THESE SUPPORTIVE BUSINESSES!

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Gregory girls basketball team includes, from left to right: Gracie Kenzy, Brooklynn Kenzy, Jessy Jo VanDerWerff and Morgan Opbroek.

Aurora Brule Care & Rehab

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS Parkston

Coach: Brooke Seiler Region: 5A Last year’s record: 15-7 Key players: Emma Yost, 10, 5’11, forward; Tiah Holzbauer, 12, 5’3, guard; Allison Ziebart, 11, 5’8, guard; Abby Hohn, 10, 5’9, guard/forward; Brielle Bruening, 11, 5’9, guard/forward. Top newcomers: Faith Oakley, 10, 5’10, forward; Lindsey Roth, 11, 5’7, guard; Kianna Hargens, 10, 5’4, guard. Coach comments: We will spend early parts of the season defining roles, but I hope to be a top contender in Region 5A come March. We have a talented group who works hard daily.

Platte-Geddes

Courtesy photo

Coach: Brooke Bonte Region: 6B Last year’s record: 3-18 Top returnees: Taryn Starr, 12, 5’5, guard; Cadence VanZee, 9, 5’10, forward; Karly VanDerWerff, 9, 5’10, forward.

The returning letterwinners for the Howard girls basketball team, includes back row, from left to right: Trinity Palmquist, Josephine Brok, Abby Connor, Riley Laible, Kate Connor and Rylee Rudebusch. Front row: Landree Callies, Canyon Kidd, Saddie Palmquist, Kenedy Koepsell and Emma Rudebusch.

Sanborn Central/ Woonsocket

Courtesy photo

Coach: Tim McCain Region: 4B Last year’s record: 11-10 Top returnees: Trista White, 11, 5’9, forward; Trinity Boschee, 11, 5’8, forward; Brooke Doering, 11, 6’0, center; Teya Moody, 11, 5’6, guard; Morgan Schmiedt, 12, 5’4, guard; Ellie Voneye, 12, 5’8, forward; Dayton Easton, 11, 5’6, guard. Top newcomers: Jeslynn Moody, 10, 5’9, center; Kailynn Eagleston, 10, 5’8, forward; Ellie Evans, 10, 5’7, forward; Jaycee Baruth, 9, 5’10, forward. Coach comments: We are hoping for a good season. We have good team speed and hope to utilize that to play uptempo both offensively and defensively. We return some experienced players from last season and look to build on that to be competitive with teams on our schedule.

The returning letterwinners for the McCook Central/ Montrose girls basketball team, includes, from left to right: Ashtyn Wobig, Madisen Koepsell and Riley Morrison. will be looking to them for their leadership as there will be a lot of new faces on the court this year. Our schedule is full of very good teams, so we will need to be ready to play at a high level every game.

Menno Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Kimball/White Lake girls basketball team, includes from left to right: Sidney McCord, Kennedy Leiferman, Alison Sinclair, Kate Havlik and Dani Deffenbaugh. Coach: Mike Kieffer Region: 7B Last year’s record: 15-7 Top returnees: Tanna Wells, 12, 5’10, forward/center; Aaliyah Jones, 11, 5’9, forward/center.

McCook Central/ Montrose

Coach: Doug Durfee Region: 5A Last year’s record: 16-5 Top returnees: Maggie Miles, 12, 5’4, guard; Riley Morrison, 12, 5’6, guard; Courtney Vander

Woude, 12, 5’9, forward; Ashtyn Wobig, 12, 5’9, guard; Lauren Stiefvater, 12, 5’4, guard; Katelyn Lueth, 11, 5’10, forward; Madisen Koepsell, 12, 6’0, forward. Coach comments: This season we return two starters and two players who played a lot of varsity minutes last year. We

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton

GOOD LUCK

Coach: Preston Kristensen Region: 5A

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Coach: Doug Hall Region: 5B Last year’s record: 13-9 Top returnees: Carly Herrboldt, 12, 5’7, guard; Morgan Edelman, 12, 5’7, guard; Jesse Munkvold, 12, 5’10, guard; Grace Nusz, 11, 5’6, guard; Bridget Vaith, 11, 6’1, guard/forward; Paityn Huber, 11, 5’5, guard/forward; Raygen Diede, 11, 5’8, forward/center; Adrian Nusz, 11, 5’8, senior.

Last year’s record: 15-7 Top returnees: Hallie Schimdt, 12, 5’6, guard; Maria Baker, Maria Baker, 11, 5’10, forward; Shyla Tobin, 11, 5’5, guard; Emilee Fox, 9, 5’7, guard. Top newcomers: Christa Glanzer, 11, 5’6, guard; Morgan Boyd, 11, 5’5, guard; Nyomi Mahrt, 11, 5’10, forward; Kyia Schmidt, 9, 5’6, guard; Reagan Rus, 8th, 5’7, guard. Coach comments: We have some new faces that will step into bigger roles for us this year. The biggest thing we are focused on is improving everyday and playing our best basketball come region time.

all our athletes!

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

AREA GIRLS BASKETBALL PREVIEWS

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Sanborn Central/Woonsocket girls basketball team, includes from left to right: Teya Moody, Trinity Boschee, Trista White, Brooke Doering, Courtesy photo Ellie VonEye, Morgan Schmiedt and Dayton Easton. The returning letterwinners for the Winner girls basketball team, front row, from left to right: Emma Jorgensen, Joselin Kludt, Maggie LaCompte, Katherine Jankauskas Scotland and Ellie Brozik. Back row: Bella Swedlund, Shannon Calhoon, Kelsey Sachtjen, Aryn Coach: Kevin Janish Meiners, Jenna Hammerbeck and Kalla Bertram. Region: 5B

Coach: Marc Reiner Region: 6B Last year’s record: 14-8 Top returnees: Ashlee Gerber, 12, 5’11, forward; Bailey Spaans, 12, 5’8, guard; Ally Bertram, 12, 5’7, forward; Faith Werkmeister, 12, 6’, forward; Megan Reiner, 9, 5’9, guard. Top newcomers: Emma Faller, 11, 5’8, forward; Anna Bowers, 11, 5’6, guard; Emma Fink, 11, 5’4, forward; Jayden Johnson, 11, 5’5, guard; Raevin Castle, 11, 5’6, forward; Hannah Stremick,

Wessington Springs

Courtesy photo

The returning letterwinners for the Tripp-Delmont/Armour girls basketball team includes, from left to right: Gracey Schatz, Bailey Spaans, Hannah Stremick, Ally Bertram, Emma Faller, Faith Werkmeister and Megan Reiner. Not pictured: Ashlee Gerber. 10, 5’8, guard; Gracey Schatz, 10, 5’9, forward; Navaeh Morgan, 9, 5’6, guard; Maykayla Fuess, 9, 5’6, guard. Coach comments: We have four returning seniors this year that we will look to for leadership. We also have a good group of younger players who will continue to develop and help the team. We play in a very strong region and hope to improve and be competitive at the end of the season.

Wagner

Coach: Michael Koupal

GOOD LUCK

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Region: 5A Last year’s record: 8-13 Top returnees: Abby Brunsing, 12, 5’10, guard; CayDynce Olson, 12, 5’6, forward; Eve Zephier, 10, 5’6, guard; Macy Koupal, 9, 5’7, guard/forward. Top newcomers: Avari Bruguier, 10, 5’7, guard; Jessica Kocer, 11, 5’9, forward; Sydney Cournoyer, 9, 5’9, forward; Kya Kjeldgaard, 9, 5’10, forward; Jayla Bruguier, 9, 5’7, guard; Ashlyn Koupal, 7th, 5’9, guard. Coach’s comments: We will be very young as we are only returning one starter from a year ago. We play a very competitive

Coach: Jason Kolousek Region: 3B Top returnees: Grace Gran, 12, 5’8, guard/forward; Angela Paulson, 12, 5’7, guard/forward; Madison Privett, 12, 5’2, guard. Winner Coach: Larry Aaker Region: 7A Last year’s record: 22-0 Top returnees: Kalla Bertram, 12, 5’8, guard; Bella Swedlund, 11, 5’8, guard; Maggie LaCompte, 12, 5’8, guard; Ellie Brozik, 11, 5’8, guard; Kelsey Sachtjen, 11, 5’10, forward; Katherine Jankauskas, 12, 5’7, guard; Jenna Hammerbeck, 11, 5’9, forward; Joselin Kludt, 10, 5’5, guard; Shannon Calhoon, 12, 6’, center. Top newcomers: Karlee Brozik, 9, 5’9, forward; Ava Craven, 8, 5’11, forward. Coach’s comments: We feel like our schedule will prepare us for the postseason. As always we hope to be playing our best basketball during the postseason.

Region: 7A Last year’s record: 22-0 Top returnees: Kalla Bertram, 12, 5’8, guard; Bella Swedlund, 11, 5’8, guard; Maggie LaCompte, 12, 5’8, guard; Ellie Brozik, 11, 5’8, guard; Kelsey Sachtjen, 11, 5’10, forward; Katherine Jankauskas, 12, 5’7, guard; Jenna Hammerbeck, 11, 5’9, forward; Joselin

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Last year’s record: 13-9 Top returnees: Grace Fryda, 12; Kennedy Bietz, 12, 5’8, guard; Makayla Friederich, 12, 5’11, forward; Delanie VanDriel, 11, 5’11, forward; Audrey Sayler, 11, 5’11, forward; Bailey Vitek, 10, 5’3, guard. Top newcomers: Allisyn Baker, 12, 5’8, forward; Claire Janish, 10, 5’4, guard; Jenna Vitek, 10, 5’7, forward; Martina DeBoer, 10, 5’8, forward; Kalley Vitek, 9, 5’5, guard; Jaden Dockendorf, 10, 5’9, forward. Coach comments: We have a nice set of older players that have a good amount of experience that they have gained over the last five years. We hope that experience pays off and the team gels. Hopefully by postseason we are playing our best basketball.

2020 Winter Sports Preview

AREA WRESTLING PREVIEWS

AFTER MONTHS OF PRACTICE, RIPTIDE GET BACK TO SWIMMING SEASON Riptide to host 12-and-under state champs in March By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic The Dakota Riptide are back in the swing of a semi-normal schedule, swimming in the Watertown Candy Cane invite on Dec. 5-6. It was the Riptide’s first competition since last March. The Riptide have been practicing since June, despite the long course season being canceled. They hope to race in as many as four more competitions during the short course season before the team championship meets. Mitchell is one of six towns able to host a meet, along with Watertown, Brookings, Pierre, Sioux Falls and Sturgis. Along with hosting an intrasquad meet in November, the Riptide are also hosting the 12-and-under state championship meet on March 5-7. “It allowed for us to work out the kinks for what is a swim meet during the COVID times,” coach Clyde Smith said about the intrasquad meet. In order to promote social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Riptide limit practices to under 16 swimmers and fewer than four swimmers to a lane. They’ve also split their older swimmers into two practice groups, as well

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Information was submitted by coaches or compiled by The Daily Republic’s sports staff:

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as require them to wear a mask outside of the pool and space out on the bleachers during practice. The Riptide have still maintained normal participation going back to the summer. Smith said they have 86 swimmers, including two seniors set to swim collegiately next year. Stella Bullis will swim at Northern State University and Emma Bradley is slated to attend the University of Mary (N.D.). “When I look back on it with the dedication of the team to be viable and return to a kind of sense of normalcy, I think that’s something we were able to provide for some of the kids throughout the summer,” Smith said. “I thought our numbers were going to be way lower this summer than they ended up being in Mitchell, and we were pretty close to what a typical summer roster size looks like.” The Riptide had been focusing on the technical side of swimming as they awaited their first meet back. With more meets on the schedule, Smith hopes to see participation continue to increase. “Now that we’re able to say we have swim meets on the schedule, it’s a lot easier to get them motivated to be in the pool,” he said. “We’re starting to see an increase in the attendance and everyone is getting excited to be a part of what they were excited for before the pandemic hit.”

Coach: Greg J. Nielsen Region: 3B Key wrestlers: Carlin Hopkins, freshman; Hunter Loeffler, eighth-grader; Apollo Weddell, junior; Mason Stone, eighth-grader; Ty Garcia, eighth-grader.

Bon Homme/Scotland/ Avon

Coach: Darren Kriz Region: 3B Last year’s state finish: Fifth Top returnees: Jordan Gall, senior; Turner Nicholson, junior; D.J. Rueb, junior; Isaac Crownover, sophomore; Brady Bierema, sophomore; Tyrus Bietz, sophomore; Jaymison Bjorum, sophomore; Landon Smith, sophomore; Logan Winckler, sophomore; Jackson Caba, freshman; Brock Kotalik, freshman; Tyler Tjeerdsma, freshman; Kolton Vlcek, eighth-grader; Peyton Hellmann, eighth-grader; Jackson Kaul, eighth-grader; Kashius Tucker, seventh-grader; Britney Rueb, seventh-grader; Caden Zomer, seventh-grader; Luke Guthmiller, seventh-grader; Payton Nielson, seventh-grader.

Burke/Gregory

Coach: John Hansen Region: 3B Last year’s state finish: Fourth Key wrestlers: Owen Hansen, sophomore; Jackson Bauld, junior; Kort Schonebaum, senior; Tyler Spencer, junior; Jordan Vosika, senior; Mason Hood, junior; Mason Peck, junior; Tucker Even, senior; Taron Serr, junior; Rhoss Oliver, senior.

Chamberlain

Coach: John Donovan Region: 3A Last year’s state finish: Sixth. Top returnees: Gabe Skustad, senior; Dominic Santiago, junior; Trey Neilan, senior; Garret Ristau, senior; Noah Hutmacher, sophomore; Gunner Ristau, senior. Top newcomers: Devyn Anderson, freshman; Quinn Long, sophomore; Thomas Powell, junior; Swade Reis, sophomore; CJ Yost, sophomore; Wyatt Powers, junior; Jackson Soulek, senior; River Burkard, senior; Canyon Burkard freshman.

Coach comments: Last season saw the Cubs come home with a sixth-place finish at the state wrestling meet the highest finish since 1978. The team graduated five seniors led by 4-time state champion Nash Hutmacher, Josiah Thompson, Remington Rossow, Cody Skustad and Ruger Forester. The team returns lots of experience and looks to finds a place as a team on the podium at state. The Cubs should have a full roster again this season as well as a full JV team. That competition in the practice room will help the team and individuals reach their goals.

Howard

Coach: Corbin Surat Region: 2B Last year’s state finish: 11th Key wrestlers: Riley Genzlinger, senior; Kieffer Klinkhammer, senior; Lane Miller, senior; John Callies, junior; Ty Beyer, junior; William Rentz, senior. Kimball/White Lake/Platte-Geddes Coach: Thomas Konechne Region: 3B Key wrestlers: Chase Varilek, junior; Spencer Hanson, senior; Levi Nightingale, junior; Kasen Konstanz, freshman; Kyler Konstanz, senior; Lucas Lenz, eighth-grader; Grayson Hanson, junior; Holden Havlik, eighth-grader; Johnny Lenz, freshman; Roger Duba, junior; Kameron Styles, junior.

Lyman

Coach: Chad Johnson Region: 4B Last year’s state finish: 27th Key wrestlers: Blake Brodrecht, junior; Shilo Mowry, junior; Tristan Penny, junior.

Marion/Freeman

Coach: Chris Sayler Region: 2B Last year’s state finish: 25th Key wrestlers: Clayton Smith, senior; Grant Anderson, senior; Tim Epp, junior; Ethan Ortman, senior; Jeremy Waldner, senior.

McCook Central/ Montrose

Coach: Scott Andal Region: 2B Last year’s state finish: Sixth Top returnees: Weston Remmers, eight-grader; Jackson Remmers, freshman; Jacobi Krouse, senior; Dakota Buck, senior; Carter Randall, freshman.

Top newcomers: Austin Hoiten, sophomore; Mason Pulse, sophomore; Trystan Traupel, eighth-grader; Dylan McGregor, eighth-grader. Coach comments: We graduated six wrestlers and had one move away. So our numbers are down from past few years. We will still put a solid team on the mat this year. We will fill almost every weight class but will not have depth for injuries or illness like we have had the past five years.

Mount Vernon/ Plankinton/ Corsica-Stickney

Coach: Josh Geppert Region: 3B Last year’s state finish: 12th Key wrestlers: Brandon Bosworth, senior; Kellen Cassidy, junior; Drew Gerlach, sophomore; Austin Hauge, junior; Cole Pranger, junior; Reece Risseeuw, junior; Griffin Tobin, junior; Hadley Tobin, junior.

Parkston

Coach: Dan Bonte Region: 3B Last year’s state finish: 15th Key wrestlers: Porter Neugebauer, sophomore; Logan Heidinger, senior; Lane Johnson, junior; Noah Mahoney, junior; T.J. Schmidt, senior; Landon Sudbeck, senior.

Wagner

Coach: David Kocer Region: 3B Last year’s state finish: Ninth Top returnees: Karstyn Lhotak, freshman; Jhett Breen, freshman; Brayden Kreber, seventh-grader; Riley Roberts, freshman; Gannon Knebel, seventh-grader; Kahl Hill, eighth-grader; Tim Bouza, freshman, junior. Top newcomers: Sam Blaha, eighth-grader; Brennan Leines, junior; Slaten Podzimek, seventh-grader; Steven Langdeau, sixth-grader. Coach comments: We have a very young and small team this year after a big graduating class last year. We have brothers (Bradyn and Karstyn Lhotak) on the team that are hard working leaders. Bra-

dyn, our only senior, and Karstyn, a freshman continually strive to push themselves and the people around them to get better each day. Brennan Leines is one of the few new addition to the team this year. Brennan is junior and will be our starter as heavyweight. Brennan is a hard working kid with an awesome drive. I am excited to work with Brennan because of his willingness to learn. Brennan is constantly working on new moves and is picking up on them at a rapid pace. This season we have three seventh graders that will likely crack the line up in one fashion or another. These kids are excited and hungry for the opportunity to compete on the varsity team.

Wessington Springs/ Woonsocket/ Wolsey-Wessington

Coach: Kevin Haider Region: 3B Last year’s state finish: 20th Key wrestlers: Keegan Haider, sophomore; Quinten Christensen, junior. Winner Area Coach: Spencer Novotny. Region: 3A Last year’s state finish: 2nd. Top returnees: Sam Kruger, senior; Kaden Keiser, sophomore; Riley Orel, sophomore; Achilles Willuweit, junior; Jack Kruger, sophomore; Preston Norrid, senior; Kaleb Osborn, junior; Aaron Gilchrist, senior; Maxton Brozik, freshman; Charley Pravecek, junior; Joey Cole, junior. Top newcomers: Karson Keiser, eighth-grader; Konner Osborn, eighth-grader; Riley Shippy, junior. Coach comments: We are excited about this group of guys. We hope we can build on what we been achieving. We lost three of our leaders to graduation, but only one returning state placer. We have some kids coming back that will add depth to our lineup and hopefully we will pull in a few MS kids that I did not put on the roster to fill a couple lower weights. It is exciting to get back on the mat.

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

Matt Gade / Republic

Dakota Wesleyan University’s Koln Oppold (1) makes a move to the basket as Northwestern’s Jay Small defends during a Great Plains Athletic Conference game on Wednesday at the Corn Palace.

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The Dakota Wesleyan University men’s basketball team is again hanging its hat on defense. Through the early part of the season, the Tigers are tops in the Great Plains Athletic Conference in scoring defense (68.2 points per game). DWU recently held Northwestern, which is the top scoring team in the GPAC, to 76 points and it also limited high-scoring Briar Cliff to a season-low 53 points. “What I think has been a big key for us has been our defense,” Wilber said. “We’ve gotten some really key stops down the stretch in our wins and gotten some stops and rebounds.” This comes after graduating defensive stalwarts Collin Kramer and Sam McCloud, too. DWU’s defensive prowess has been keyed by versatile and bouncy forward

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tensen said. “I can’t just focus on wins and losses. We have to learn to compete and get better, and hoping that’s what I see this weekend.”

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replace a lot of production and are ushering in a new system to set the groundwork for future success, too. “I have to be patient with this group,” Chris-

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his team is a “work in progress” before the season, but given the unusual offseason and youth, the mantra seems more true this year than in the past. The Tigers have to

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Dakota Wesleyan University’s Kaylee Kirk (2) drives to the basket as Northwestern’s Devyn Kemble defends during a Great Plains Athletic Conference game on Dec. 9 at the Corn Palace.

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There’s a lot of change to the Dakota Wesleyan University women’s basketball team this season. It extends beyond needing to replace four key seniors, including three stalwarts in the starting lineup. The slower-paced, tough half-court style that has become a staple under coach Jason Christensen has transitioned to an up-and-down, fullcourt press team. Using experience from previous young teams he’s coached, Christensen wants them to play fast, aggressive and not overthink. “It’s going to be a work in progress,” Christensen said. “I think we have a lot of talent. I think we have a lot of athleticism, but it’s a wait and see.” The Tigers are also very young. Kaylee Kirk has tried to step up as a leader, with the most playing time under Christensen. The junior 5-foot-5 point guard carved a valuable role as an excellent rebounder, defender and distributor over the past two seasons. With their top-four

scorers graduated, who will score for the Tigers this year? Rynn Osthus had promising moments when she cracked the rotation last year and Tripp native Matti Reiner started nine games. Haylee Mork started three games, as well. However, like many aspects of the Tigers, it’s hard to tell heading into the season. “For me to pick a leading scorer right now, I couldn’t pick one,” Christensen said before the season. “… I think it’s going to be a wait and see thing.” He also noted Presentation transfer Jada Campbell as a consistent scorer in practice. She averaged 16.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and two blocks per game en route to being named the North Star Athletic Association defensive player of the year and all-conference second team member. She was third in the NAIA in rebounding. Freshmen Haidyn Pitsch and Hannah Berens have also shown the ability to score in practice, as they make up two of the 14 freshmen on the roster.

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By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic

Saturday, December 19, 2020

2020 Winter Sports Preview

Ryan Deal / Republic

Dakota Wesleyan University’s Marcus Urban, right, wrestles during the Great Plains Athletic Conference duals last season at the DWU Sports and Wellness Complex.

DWU WRESTLING TO FEATURE YOUNG LINEUP By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic

this year, but that’s part of making the jump from The Dakota Wesley- high school to college.” Freshmen Kyle Mulan University wrestling laney (heavyweight) and team’s youth has coach Casey Mouw excited for Coby Eikenhorst (149 the future, but also for pounds) headline the class the immediate impact his thus far, though Mouw six-wrestler recruiting has been pleased with the flashes the entire recruitclass can make. DWU is young this sea- ing class has shown in the son, featuring one senior, preseason. That includes a redshirt-junior and Mitchell native Ryan eight underclassmen. It McGinnis. While the Tigers are will lead to potentially every freshman seeing the young and could rely on mat at some point this their freshmen at times, they return talent from year. “Since I’ve been here, last year. Plankinton native Marthis is the first real solid class that we’ve been able cus Urban is coming off to bring in,” Mouw said. back-to-back all-GPAC “… I think talent-wise, second team honors, as they’re definitely going to he finished second at be able to handle it. The 165 pounds at the Great younger guys are probably Plains Athletic Conference going to take some lumps championships to qual-

ify for the NAIA championships. Now a senior, Urban has set an example for the young wrestling room with his training habits and demeanor. He’s also ready to put a bow on a stellar career. “I think he knows the career is starting to wind down for him,” Mouw said. “There’s definitely a sense of urgency there, and I would say another level of intensity and focus that we haven’t even seen from him yet.” Cole Halouska (174) and Mitchell native Carter Max (197) both return after qualifying for the GPAC championships a year ago, as well. Max went 10-14 and took fifth at 197 pounds during his freshman season. Mitchell Messersmith (157) is

also expected to make an impact. They enter the season on the heels of an unprecedented offseason due to COVID-19, which cut into their mat time and forced some of them to return home to train. It took a few wrestlers a couple of

weeks to get conditioned once preseason started, but Mouw is pleased with where his team is at physically. “We have a handful of guys that came back from the last couple of years, and you can see the maturation and development

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that you would expect to see,” Mouw said. “… Really pretty pleased with where we were able to pick up in September in the preseason given that regular mat time wasn’t a thing. A lot of these guys that had to go home, their training situation was off.”

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2020 Winter Sports Preview

Saturday, December 19, 2020

BACK TO FULL HEALTH DWU WOMEN FACED SDSU returns MONTH-LONG HIATUS the versatile Selland after AT START OF SEASON missing most of last season By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic BROOKINGS — Myah Selland returned home this offseason. The Letcher native went back to her roots, playing one-on-one with her older sister, Shelby, in the family barn. They played pickup games like when growing up, and as Myah dealt with a foot injury that kept her Selland out of most of her junior season, Shelby was there for her to lean on. Shelby, a former standout at Augustana University, could relate to sitting out a season and overcoming an injury. She redshirted her freshman season, and then tore her ACL as a senior. Now, with Myah entering her redshirt-junior season after being granted a medical hardship for the 2019-20 season, Shelby was there by her side. “My sister got to move home, so kind of got to go back to the place where I fell in love with the game,” Selland said. “Went back and played some pick-up games in the barn with Shelby like the good old days. It was fun to go back home and find that love again for basketball.” “She’s someone I’ve always looked up to and always seems to have the answers I don’t,” Selland

later said. “I definitely leaned on her a lot during that time.” The return of Myah Selland is a boost for South Dakota State University. Even as she mentioned multiple times the team-oriented playstyle coach Aaron Johnston has installed, the Jackrabbits lost its most versatile player last year. The former all-Summit League honorable mention forward averaged 13.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 steals per game in nine starts last season. Her return gives SDSU more options on the offensive end due to her shooting, passing and playmaking, but equally as many on the defensive side, too. So far, that’s been the case in the 2020-21 season, as well. As of Dec. 15, Selland is leading the team in scoring with 17.7 points per game and rebounds at 6.2 per contest. That has included two double-doubles and leading the Jacks in scoring four times in the first six games. “Myah is as versatile as any player we’ve had,” Johnston said. “... She’s the kind of player we have to find a lot of ways to have her involved. As we practice and go back and watch practice on film, when she’s involved in plays, they’re just a little bit better. That doesn’t mean we’re going to design everything around Myah, but we need to find ways to showcase her talents.” The rest of the Summit League knows her impact, too. The SDSU captain was named to the preseason all-conference first team. But now, the rest of the conference will be seeing her as healthy as she’s been since arriving in

Brookings. “It’s hard to call Myah Selland a new face, but getting her back in the lineup is a huge lift for everybody,” Johnston said. “She’s a really talented leader. She’s a talented player. I think anybody who watches her play this year gets a chance to see Myah Selland healthy for maybe the first time in several years.” Selland and the Jackrabbits have had an interesting start to the season, defeating 15th ranked Iowa State in the season opener and No. 18 Gonzaga in overtime for a 3-0 start to the season. It earned the Jackrabbits the No. 22 ranking in the Associated Press poll on Dec. 7, but SDSU then dropped road games at Kansas State and Northern Iowa to fall back out of the poll. Regardless of the national status, in-state rival University of South Dakota will be the primary challenge during the Summit League schedule. The Coyotes defeated SDSU, 63-58, in the Summit League tournament championship last season, which still looms in the Jackrabbits’ mind. The two teams will meet on back-to-back days on Feb. 5 and 6 in Brookings under the conference’s revamped schedule this season due to COVID-19. “It was a tough way to end the year last year, with the championship and also the season just ended so abruptly,” Selland said. “It’s been kind of a motivator to see where we want to be at the end of the season. I think we’ve had a good attitude coming into this long preseason.”

By Jeremy Karll Mitchell Republic After the Dakota Wesleyan University women’s basketball team received positive COVID-19 tests in mid-November, the season took a sudden halt. The Tigers sent home their players for 15 days to quarantine. They postponed three games, and then saw their expected return to the court against the College of St. Mary (Neb.) on Dec. 5 postponed, as well. By the time DWU stepped back on the hardwood for a 77-59 win over Doane (Neb.) on Dec. 6 at the Corn Palace, it had been over three weeks since its last contest on Nov. 11. “I didn’t know what to expect taking that much time off,” DWU coach Jason Christensen said. “It’s not like when people take time off playing a game, we took time off. We were without a basketball in our hands for 15 days because we sent our kids home and they were in quarantine.” The Tigers ended up having seven days of practice to prepare for Doane. They treated it like preseason 2.0, trying to ease everyone back into shape

and still trying to learn the strengths and weaknesses of the young team. They had a 1-hour, 15-minute practice in the morning and afternoon to try to avoid injuries. “Right when we got back, it felt like a new preseason,” DWU starting point guard Kaylee Kirk said. “It felt like a whole new season because we had been gone for so long. … It took us a few days, but then we were back to normal.” The hiatus comes in the middle of a year DWU is trying to settle on a rotation that’s replacing four starters, including two All-Americans, from last year’s team. The emergence of freshman guard Haidyn Pitsch and development of Tripp native Matti Reiner helps solidify a couple of more starting spots. But the rest of the rotation is still a work in progress, one Christensen tinkers with every game. “We still honestly don’t know who to play,” Christensen said. “The positive thing is we have a lot of talented players. I really like this freshman class. I like what my older kids are doing. I like this group a

lot, but it’s going to be a learning process.” Along with figuring out the rotation, the Tigers implemented a faster-paced system. They try to get on the fastbreak and apply ball pressure full court. On Sunday, it started to switch on screens more often, too. The scrappy Kirk has benefited the most from the full-court press, with a team-high 11 steals. Pitsch also has eight steals. “I love it. That’s my game,” Kirk said. “I like to get up and pressure, so I’m all for it.” Now in full swing, Christensen simply wants to continue playing games, even if it means continuing to alter its schedule. DWU has 24 scheduled games, but Christensen wants to get to the maximum of 25 contests. “I didn’t really expect rust because we had a week of practice,” Alexandria native Jada Campbell said. “Everyone was so excited to get back, and everyone was locked in and engaged. It’s really important when a team can come back from a three-week break and be ready to play.”

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Mitchell Republic

Published on Dec 16, 2020

Sports Preview Winter 2020

Check out the Winter 2020 edition of the Sports Preview by The Mitchell Republic. Preview the area school's fall sports teams. #sports #high...

Sports Preview Winter 2020

Published on Dec 16, 2020

Check out the Winter 2020 edition of the Sports Preview by The Mitchell Republic. Preview the area school's fall sports teams. #sports #high...

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