Boys Basketball Preview 2023-2024

boys

Basketball

‘23-24

A comprehensive look at all 18 West Central boys basketball teams fo r the 2023-24 season

saturday, december 9, 20

23

Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.

Wishing all area teams the best of luck this season!

Play hard and have fun!

WWW.CHRISTIANSONCPA.COM Willmar • 320.235.5937 | Litchfield • 320.373.1040 | Paynesville • 320.235.5937

2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

Index

Here’s where to find your team’s season preview: Willmar Cardinals ��������������������������� J2 New London-Spicer Wildcats ���������� J5 ACGC Falcons ������������������������������������ J7 BBE Jaguars �������������������������������������� J8 Benson Braves ��������������������������������� J9 BOLD Warriors ���������������������������������J10 CMCS Bluejays ����������������������������������J11 CCS Eagles ���������������������������������������J12 Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks ���������������J13 KMS Fighting Saints ������������������������J14 LQPV Eagles ��������������������������������������J15 Litchfield Dragons �������������������������J16 MACCRAY Wolverines �����������������������J17 Minnewaska Lakers ������������������������J18 Montevideo Thunder Hawks �����������J19 Paynesville Bulldogs �������������������� J20 Renville County West Jaguars ������J21 Yellow Medicine East Sting ���������� J23 Credits

The West Central Tribune’s Boys Basketball Preview 2023-24 was written, edited and photographed by sports writers Michael Lyne and Joe Brown, sports editor Tom Elliott and photographer Macy Moore.

File photos by Matthew Curry.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Willmar senior Will Sportel spins away from Becker’s Kyan Blomquist and shoots the ball in a non-conference matchup on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at the Big Red Gym in Willmar.

Lots of new faces will lead Cards Willmar replaces all 5 starters from last season’s 11-14 team

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — The Willmar boys basketball team’s transition from 2022-23 to this season is more akin to a line change in hockey.

Out goes the starting lineup. In comes a whole new starting five for the Cardinals.

In total, Willmar graduated

eight seniors from last year’s team that went 11-16 last season. That includes a 4-12 mark in the Central Lakes Conference.

“We will be very inexperienced this season,” said Cardinals head coach Jeff Holtkamp. He’s entering year three on the bench.

“This year’s group played JV together last season and showed

tremendous improvement throughout the year. They gained a lot of confidence and had great team chemistry.

“We have multiple players (who) can drive to the basket and shoot well from the perimeter. They work extremely hard and will improve each day.”

CARDS: Page 3

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CARDS From Page 2

The only player back from the rotation is 6-foot-2 senior guard Will Sportel.

“He has a nice jump shot and good leaping ability,” Holtkamp said of Sportel. “He shot 52% overall last season.”

The Cardinals sport two more 6-2 guards in sophomore Avery Christensen and junior Jackson Schnichels. Also in the backcourt is senior 6-0 guard Tucker Swanson, who Holtkamp believes to be a threat on the perimeter. “(Avery has) the ability to score on drives and from the 3-point line,” Holtkamp said of Christensen. “(He) has great court vision that puts teammates in position to score.”

On Schnichels, Holtkamp added, “(He’s a) strong overall player. (He) will play great on-ball and off-ball defense. (He) gets to the rim and scores or sees the open man. (He) will also be a consistent outside threat.”

Seniors Tyler Evans and Landon Ogdahl, and junior Blake Reiman will vie for time at guard.

Junior Ethan Riemersma is a 6-5 forward who’ll give the Cardinals some size in the lane. Other forwards in the mix are seniors Matthew Mohr and Brady Murphy.

“He’s a hard-working athlete (who) will get many defensive and offensive rebounds,” Holtkamp said of Riemersma.

Willmar was eighth in the nine-team CLC last season. Two Central Lakes teams, Alexandria (3rd, AAA) and St. Cloud Tech (9th, AAA), are ranked in the top 10 of the Class 3A preseason polls.

They are also teams in Section 8AAA with Willmar.

“Keys to a successful season will be to

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Willmar head coach Jeff Holtkamp speaks to his team during a timeout during a Section 8AAA playoff game against St. Cloud Tech in St. Cloud on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. take care of the ball, have quality possessions, get out into transition to get easy baskets, and to out-rebound our opponents,” Holtkamp said. “Our schedule will be tough. The Central Lakes Conference has many quality teams and our non-conference schedule includes a lot of strong opponents.”

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Guarded by Becker’s Mitchell Soltau, Willmar senior Brady Murphy drives toward the basket before passing the ball to one of his teammates in a non-conference matchup on Friday, Dec. 1, 2023, at the Big Red Gym in Willmar.

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4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

Willmar Cardinal Boys Varsity Basketball 2023-2024 Thursday, December 7

Saturday, January 6

Alexandria Area HS

Game 7:15PM ��������������� Sauk Rapids-Rice Game 4:30PM Detroit Lakes Saturday, February 10 Willmar High School Sauk Rapids-Rice HS Game 6:15PM Little Falls Willmar High School Thursday, January 11 Tuesday, December 12 Game 7:15PM ������������������������������������ Brainerd Game 7:15PM ������������������������St� Cloud Tech Tuesday, February 13 St� Cloud Tech HS - Gym Game 7:15PM Sartell Brainerd HS Willmar High School Tuesday, January 16

Friday, December 15

Game 7:15PM Alexandria Area Game 7:15PM St Cloud Apollo Thursday, February 15 Willmar High School Game 5:30PM������������������������������� Monticello Willmar High School Monticello High School Friday, January 19

Saturday, December 16

Game 7:15PM �����������������������������������������Rocori Tuesday, February 20 Tournament 2:30PM�������������������Little Falls Rocori HS Game 7:15PM St Cloud Tech Little Falls High School Willmar High School

Tuesday, December 19

Thursday, January 25

Game 7:15PM Fergus Falls Thursday, February 22 Game 7:15PM �����������������������������������������Sartell Game 7:15PM ��������������������St� Cloud Apollo Willmar High School Sartell High School St� Cloud Apollo HS

Thursday, December 28

Saturday, January 27

Game 2:15PM Brooklyn Center Monday, February 26 Invitational TBD Multiple Schools Willmar High School Game 7:15PM Rocori Willmar High School Willmar High School

Tuesday, January 30

Game 7:15PM Sauk Rapids-Rice Friday, March 1 Game 7:15PM �����������������������������Fergus Falls Invitational TBD Multiple Schools Willmar High School FF Kennedy School - Gold Gym Willmar High School

Friday, December 29 2024 Friday, January 5

Friday, February 2

Game 7:15PM Brainerd Willmar High School

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BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 5

Wildcats start fresh with good size, athleticism

Seven seniors depart from a sub-section runner-up team at New London-Spicer

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

NEW LONDON — The New London-Spicer boys basketball team lost almost all of its core from the season prior and will have plenty of fresh faces competing in 2023-24.

NLS was 8-6 in Wright County Conference play and 16-13 overall in the 202223 season. The Wildcats started slow and finished their campaign by winning 10 of their last 15 games.

The Wildcats lost to Eden Valley-Watkins in the Section 3AA-North championship.

“We’ve got a lot of senior leadership and good team chemistry,” NLS head coach Skip Wright said. “After losing seven of our top nine players from last year, we will be a work in progress.”

Three of those seven departures are Brycen Christensen, Gabe Rohman and Aedan Andresen. Christensen was an

New London-Spicer junior forward Grant Paffrath drives toward the basket with Lac qui Parle Valley junior forward Kaden Molden defending during the Bremer Bank Classic on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at Willmar High School.

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

NLS: Page 6

NLS WILDCATS

Boys Basketball Schedule 2023-2024 Tuesday, December 12 Game 7:15PM…………Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School Thursday, December 14 Game 7:00PM………………….Redwood Valley New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Tuesday, December 19 Game 5:30PM………………….Montevideo New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Thursday, December 21 Game 7:15PM………...….Eden Valley-Watkins New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Thursday, December 28 Invitational TBD…………….Multiple Schools Willmar High School Friday, December 29 Invitational TBD…………….Multiple Schools Willmar High School 2024 Tuesday, January 2 Game TBD……….KMS Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg High School Friday, January 5 Game 5:30PM………………….Rockford Area New London-Spicer High School Main Gym

Friday, January 12 Friday, February 9 Game 5:30PM……….….Glencoe-Silver Lake Game 7:00PM………………….Annandale New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Annandale High School Tuesday, February 13 Tuesday, January 16 Game 5:30PM….Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Game 7:15PM………………….Annandale New London-Spicer High School Main Gym New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Thursday, January 18 Friday, February 16 Game 7:15PM….Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Game 7:00PM………………….Dassel-Cokato Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Dassel-Cokato High School Tuesday, January 23 Tuesday, February 20 Game 7:15PM………………….Dassel-Cokato Game 7:00PM………….….Watertown-Mayer New London-Spicer High School Main Gym New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Friday, January 26 Thursday, February 22 Game 7:00PM…………….Watertown-Mayer Game 7:00PM………………….Melrose Watertown-Mayer High School New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Thursday, February 1 Friday, February 23 Game 5:30PM………………Minnewaska Area Game 7:30PM………………….Rockford Area New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Rockford High School Friday, February 2 Monday, February 26 Game 7:00PM………………….Litchfield Game 7:00PM………………….Litchfield New London-Spicer High School Main Gym Litchfield High School Tuesday, February 6 Game 7:00PM………………….Glencoe-Silver Lake Glencoe-Silver Lake High School

Sponsored by: Rambow Inc West Central Tribune 1000 Rambow Pkwy To Subscribe call 320-235-1154 New London, MN 56273 • 320-354-2570 or visit www.wctrib.com https://rambow.com

Check the schools website for an updated events list

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BOYS BASKETBALL

6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

NLS head boys basketball coach Skip Wright strategizes with his players on the bench during a game in the Bremer Bank Holiday Classic against Willmar at the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School.

“Grant and Mason bring a lot of experience and leadership to our team,” Wright said.

From Page 6 Other players expected to contribute for NLS are: seniors Will Danielson (6-8 All-Area First Team pick who averaged post), Gavin Radabaugh (5-10 guard), 14.0 points, 9,0 rebounds, 2.0 steals and Chi Schneider (6-3 forward), Eli Jacobson (6-2 forward), Luke Knudsen (5-11 2.0 blocks per game. guard), junior Kaden Toutges (6-1 forNLS returns seniors Grant Paffrath ward) and sophomore Burke Maxwell and Mason Delzer. Both are back in the (6-0 guard). starting lineup.

“Our guys put a lot of work in this Paffrath, a 6-foot-3-inch guard/ summer,” Wright said. “We have good forward, was an All-Area Third Team selection. Delzer, a 6-2 guard, was an All- size and athleticism.

“If we can get our players (who) are Wright County Conference Honorable still out nursing football injuries back on Mention. the court and keep improving, we will be Paffrath averaged 18.0 points, 6.0 competitive in our section and our conMichael Lyne / West Central Tribune rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.0 steals per New London-Spicer junior guard Mason Delzer fights for possession of the ball game. Delzer scored 9.6 points per con- ference.”

Wright’s staff includes Jamie Thomptest and led the Wildcats in plus/minus against Morris/Chokio-Alberta senior Kyle Fehr on Wednesday, March 8, 2023, at son, Jeff Paffrath and Pete Hannig. at 5.0. the Big Red Gym in Willmar.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 7

ACGC FALCONS

Boys Varsity Basketball 2023-24 Friday, December 8

Tuesday, January 23

Game 7:30 ................................Buffalo Lake-Hector Buffalo Lake-Hector High School

Game 7:00PM .......................Royalton High School Royalton High School

Game 7:00PM ....................................... Kimball Area Kimball High School

Game 7:00PM ...................................Kimball Area Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:00PM ......................... Eden Valley-Watkins Eden Valley Watkins High School

Game 7:15PM ..................................Redwood Valley Redwood Valley High School

Game 7:00PM………………….Benson Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:00PM ......................Eden Valley-Watkins Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:15PM .............................................. Upsala Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:00PM ......................................... Maple Lake Maple Lake High School

Tuesday, December 12

Thursday, December 14 Tuesday, December 19

Thursday, December 21

Friday, January 26

Tuesday, January 30

Thursday, February 1 Tuesday, February 6 Friday, February 9

2024

Tuesday, January 2

Game 7:00PM ................................Dassel-Cokato Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Thursday, January 4

Game 7:00PM ..................................... Maple Lake Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Saturday, January 6

Game 2:00PM ...................................................... KMS Target Center

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:00PM ............................ Paynesville Area Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Monday, February 12

Game 7:00PM .......................................MACCRAY Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Friday, February 16

Game 7:00PM .........................................Holdingford Holdingford High School

Tuesday, February 20

Game 7:00PM ................................Paynesville Area Paynesville High School

Game 7:00PM ..............Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:00PM .................................... Holdingford Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:00PM ................... Royalton High School Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Game 7:00PM .................Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Game 7:00PM ................................................... CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School

Friday, January 12

Thursday, January 18

Friday, February 23

Tuesday, February 27

Check the schools website for a updated events list Schedule sponsored by:

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Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

ACGC junior Carson Borchert reaches for a loose ball during a Central Minnesota Conference game against Paynesville on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 in Grove City.

Depth the key for ACGC Falcons

Led by senior guard Kyler Pickle, Falcons hope to develop their bench, improve their rebounding

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

GROVE CITY — The Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City boys basketball team will be in search of some depth as it enters the 2023-24 season.

ACGC, which was 6-8 in Central Minnesota Conference play and 11-14 overall, lost two key starters but also return a pair. The Falcons lost to Eden Valley-Watkins in the opening round of the Section 3AA playoffs last season.

The Falcons return All-CMC First Team pick Kyler Pickle as well as Marcus Forsythe. ACGC’s key roster losses are Thor Goerish and Sam Rouser.

Pickle, a 6-foot-1-inch senior guard, averaged 19.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 2.4 steals per game in 202223. Forsythe, a 6-5 junior post, averaged ACGC junior Kyler Pickle, middle, hauls in a defensive rebound during a non10.4 points and 6.6 rebounds per conconference game against Redwood test.

Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 at ACGC: Page 22 Grove City.

8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

BBE seeks a new identity The Lukes — Dingmann and Illies — will lead Jaguars, who lost a lot of top talent

BY MICHAEL LYNE

Anderson. He enters his 10th year with the Jaguars and will be assisted by Mike Brower and Matt Goodwin. “It might BROOTEN — The Belgrade-Brootake us a little time to develop our identiten-Elrosa boys basketball team will ty and find out who we are as a team, but search for a new identity in 2023-24.

After graduating a lot of seniors from a the players we return are very competitive and have high goals in mind.

2022-23 campaign that saw the Jaguars “Our strength of schedule will be very reach the Section 6A-South championchallenging this season and I am hoping ship, finish 12-2 in the Central Minneit will prepare us for the playoffs. We sota Conference and 24-5 overall, BBE is need to find a way to be playing our best excited for what is in store. basketball down the stretch.”

BBE’s roster losses are highlighted by Luke Dingmann and Luke Illies return Kaden Pieper, Tanner Shelton and Brady as starters for the Jaguars. Dingmann, Schwinghammer. Pieper was an All-Area who is a 6-foot-4-inch senior guard/forFirst Team pick who is now a member ward, was an All-Area Second Team pick of the NCAA Division III Concordia Coland an All-CMC First Team selection who lege-Moorhead basketball program. averaged 16.9 points and 10.4 rebounds “We graduated six seniors who all per game as a junior. Illies, a 6-5 junior contributed in a variety of ways for us BBE: Page 22 last season,” said BBE head coach Chris West Central Tribune

BBE junior Luke Dingmann hangs on the rim after dunking the ball during a Section 6A-South playoff game against Ortonville in Brooten on Wednesday, March 8, 2023.

Photos by Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

BBE JAGUARS Boys Varsity Basketball 2023/24 Thursday, December 7

Game 7:00PM………………….Maple Lake Maple Lake High School

Game 7:00PM………………New London-Spicer Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Game 7:00PM……………Royalton High School Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Game 7:00PM………………….Paynesville Area Paynesville Area High School

Game 7:15PM………………….Sauk Centre Sauk Centre High School

Game 7:00PM………………….Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School

Game 7:00PM………………….Paynesville Area Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Tournament 1:30PM………………….Nevis Saint John’s University

Game 7:00PM………………….Browerville Browerville High School

Tournament 3:45PM……………Mountain Iron-Buhl St. Cloud Apollo High School

Game 7:00PM………………….Kimball Area Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Tuesday, December 12 Friday, December 15

Thursday, December 21 Friday, December 29

Saturday, December 30

BBE head coach Chris Anderson communicates with his team out on the court as they play Paynesville in Brooten on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Go BBE JAGUAR Athletes!

Make this your best season ever!

Belgrade-BrootenElrosa Schools

Our Mission is to create a safe and caring climate & culture in which we prepare, engage, educate, empower, and inspire all learners in partnership with their surrounding community to be successful in today’s and tomorrow’s society.

320.254.8211 www.bbejaguars.org

Tuesday, January 23

Game 7:00PM………………….Osakis Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

2024 Thursday, January 4

Game 7:00PM………………….Kimball Area Kimball High School

Thursday, January 25 Friday, January 26

Thursday, February 1

Saturday, February 3 Tuesday, February 6 Friday, February 9

Game 7:00PM………………….Holdingford Holdingford High School

Thursday, February 15

Friday, January 5

Game 7:00PM………………Eden Valley-Watkins Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:00PM………………….ACGC Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Friday, January 12

Game 7:00PM………………Brandon-Evansville Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Tuesday, January 16

Game 7:00PM………………….Maple Lake Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Thursday, January 18

Game 7:00PM………………….Royalton High School Royalton High School

Game 7:15PM………………….Upsala BBE Elementary School Large Gym Game 7:00PM………………….Holdingford Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School Game 7:00PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins Eden Valley Watkins High School Game 7:00PM………………….KMS Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School Game 7:00PM……Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Sponsored by:

Tuesday, February 20

Thursday, February 22 Friday, February 23

Thursday, February 29 Friday, March 1

Game 7:00PM………………….Hancock Hancock High School

Belgrade Brooten Elrosa School - www.bbejaguars.org - 320-254-8211 West Central Tribune - www.wctrib.com - 320-235-1154

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 9

Braves look to be young but talented Four starters are back for a Benson team that shows promise

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

BENSON — Benson returns four starters from last season and they’ll be tasked with replacing one of the area’s top scorers.

Coming off a 6-21 campaign, including a 2-12 mark in the West Central Conference, the Braves boast a young roster hungry for success.

“We will be an extremely young

varsity basketball team this year with a lot of potential,” said third-year head coach Michael Felt. “We will look to our seniors, Blake Brehmer and Joey Pagel, for a lot of leadership on and off the court. As a young team, we have good height combined with athleticism and the ability to shoot from the outside.

“This year we look to make a step in the right direction as a basketball program.”

Gone is Juan Espinoza, who averaged

22.6 points per game last season. The All-West Central Conference pick is now playing collegiately at Ridgewater College in Willmar.

Benson will rely on a bevy of players to match that production.

Brehmer will run the offense at point guard. He averaged 9.0 points and a team-high 4.2 assists per game last season.

“Blake will look to lead our team this year as the player with the most

experience coming in,” Felt said. “Blake will bring leadership, ball handling and aggressive defense to this young team.”

Pagel is a 6-foot-4 forward/center who Felt hopes will add toughness in the post.

Sophomore guard Landon Skarsten is another returning starter and the top returning scorer with 9.1 points per game.

BENSON: Page 24

Benson Braves

Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule 2023-2024 Thursday, December 14 Game 7:15PM………………….Ashby Ashby High School

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 15 & 16 Tournament TBD………………….Multiple Schools Benson High School SH Gym

Tuesday, December 19

Doubleheader TBD………………….ACGC Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Thursday, December 21

Game 7:00PM………………….Ortonville Benson High School SH Gym

2024 | Tuesday, January 2 Game 7:00PM………………….B.O.L.D. B.O.L.D. High School - Bird Island Campus

Thursday, January 4

Game 7:30PM………………….Renville County West RCW (Renville Campus)

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:15PM………………….West Central Area Benson High School SH Gym

Friday, January 12

Game 7:00PM………………….Melrose Area Benson High School SH Gym

Monday, January 15

Game 7:00PM…………….Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Morris Area Elementary School

Tuesday, January 16

Game 7:00PM………………….Lac Qui Parle Valley Benson High School SH Gym

Thursday, January 18

Game 7:00PM………………….Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Benson freshman Harold Habben, left, backs up Ortonville's Jaydon Hughes during a Section 6A-South play-in game on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Benson.

Friday, January 19

Game 7:15PM………………….Border West Wheaton High School

Tuesday, January 23

Game 7:15PM………………….Sauk Centre Benson High School SH Gym

Monday, January 29

Game 7:00PM………………….B.O.L.D. Benson High School SH Gym

Thursday, February 1

Game 7:00PM………………….Montevideo Benson High School SH Gym

Friday, February 2

Game 7:15PM………………….Swanville Swanville High School

Tuesday, February 6

Game 7:00PM………………….Minnewaska Area Benson High School SH Gym

Thursday, February 8

Game 7:00PM………………….Sauk Centre Sauk Centre High School

Tuesday, February 13

Game 7:00PM………………….Melrose Area Melrose Area High School

Friday, February 16

Game 7:00PM………………….Morris Area Benson High School SH Gym

Tuesday, February 20

Game 7:15PM………………….West Central Area WCA Secondary School, Barrett

Friday, February 23

Game 7:00PM………………….Brandon-Evansville Brandon-Evansville

Check the school’s website for an updated events list Schedule sponsored by: BENSON PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE

www.benson.k12.mn.us | 320-843-2710

To Subscribe call 320-235-1154 visit www.wctrib.com

Best of Luck to all Winter Student-Athletes and Coaches!

WE ARE CHEERING YOU ON!!

Benson Public Schools 1400 Montana Ave. • Benson, MN 56215 www.benson.k12.mn.us • 320-843-2710

“Exceptional Opportunities for Every Student’s Success”

10 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

Juniors and sophomores lead the way for BOLD

Warriors’ rotation will be a heavy mix of underclassmen led by Jack Gross

BY MICHAEL LYNE

for postseason success come February/ March,” Brustuen said.

West Central Tribune Jack Gross returns as an All-Area SecBIRD ISLAND — The BOLD boys basketball team will look to the depth within ond Team pick and an All-WCC pick for the Warriors. He is a 6-foot-5-inch guard its junior and sophomore classes for who averaged 15.4 points, 5.8 assists, 5.1 postseason success. rebounds and 2.4 steals per contest.

BOLD had an 18-9 overall record, Also returning as starters are juniors which also saw a 12-game winning Will Penkert and Hudson Vosika. Penstreak, in the 2022-23 season. The kert is a 6-3 forward and Vosika is a 5-10 Warriors were 7-6 in the West Central guard who missed last season due to an Conference. injury but started as a freshman.

“We will be a young team this season Leading BOLD’s sophomore group with six of the seven projected heavy will be Owen Baumgartner, who is a 6-4 minute players being juniors or sophoforward. mores,” BOLD head coach Jake Brustu“Owen will play a big role in the rotaen said. tion this season,” Brustuen said. “He is He enters his eighth season at the an athletic, strong post/forward who helm of the Warriors, has a 127-54 rebounds well and runs the floor hard.” record over that span and will be assisted Key roster losses for the Warriors are

by Matthew Moorse and Thomas Meyers. Ryan King and Andrew Meyers. King “The juniors all have rotational experi- was an All-Area Third Team member a ence over the past season or two, so we season ago, who averaged 19.2 points, are still expecting a team that is going 4.9 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game. to compete with anyone and be fighting

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

BOLD sophomore guard Jack Gross throws down a dunk against New Ulm Cathedral in the Section 2A-North quarterfinals on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Bird Island.

BOLD WARRIORS

Varsity Boys Basketball schedule 2023-2024 Monday, January 29 Tuesday, January 9 Friday, December 8 Game 7:00PM………………….Melrose Area Game 7:00PM……….Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Game 7:00PM………………….Benson B.O.L.D. High School Benson High School Morris Area Elementary School Thursday, December 14 Tuesday, January 30 Thursday, January 11 Game 7:00PM………………….Montevideo Game 7:00PM………………….Minneota Game 5:45PM………………….Minnewaska Area Montevideo High School B.O.L.D. High School Minnewaska Area High School Monday, December 18 Game 7:00PM………………….Mayer Lutheran Friday, February 2 Tuesday, January 16 B.O.L.D. High School Game 7:00PM………………….Melrose Area Game 7:15PM……………….Renville County West Thursday, December 21 Melrose Area High School Renville County West High School Game 8:00PM………………….Springfield Thursday, February 8 Thursday, January 18 Springfield Game 7:00PM………………….Cedar Mountain Game 7:00PM………………….Montevideo Friday, December 29 B.O.L.D. High School B.O.L.D. High School Game 2:45PM………………….Mountain Iron-Buhl St. Cloud Tech High School Monday, February 12 Friday, January 19 Saturday, December 30 Game 7:30PM………………….West Central Area Game 7:00PM………………….Sauk Centre Game 5:15PM………………….Cass Lake-Bena B.O.L.D. High School WCA Secondary School, Barrett St. Cloud Apollo High School Tuesday, February 20 Monday, January 22 2024 Game 7:15PM…………….Yellow Medicine East Game 7:00PM…Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Tuesday, January 2 B.O.L.D. High School Yellow Medicine East High School Game 7:00PM………………….Benson B.O.L.D. High School Friday, February 23 Thursday, January 25 Thursday, January 4 Game 7:00PM……………Buffalo Lake-Hector Game 7:00PM………………West Central Area Game 7:15PM………………….GFW B.O.L.D. High School B.O.L.D. High School G-F-W High School Tuesday, February 27 Saturday, January 27 Friday, January 5 Game 2:30PM……………….Minnewaska Area Game 8:01PM……………New Ulm Cathedral Game 7:30PM………………….Sauk Centre New Ulm Cathedral High School B.O.L.D. High School Sauk Centre High School

*All Varsity Boys home games will be held @ the Bird Island Campus - Large Gym

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

BOLD sophomore William Penkert, left, puts up a shot over Lester Prairie’s Caiden Hermann during a Section 2A-North semifinal game on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Sibley East High School in Arlington.

Check the school website for an updated events list Schedule sponsored by: Dooley’s Petroleum Ervin Well Company, Inc 3101 3rd Ave SW 1312 Depue Ave Willmar, MN 56201 Olivia, MN 56277 320-235-5200 320-523-1621 www.dooleypetro.com www.ervinwellmn.com

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 11

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Left: CMCS junior Ryan Harrington, right, posts up Barnesville's Wyatt Suter at the Bremer Bank Holiday Classic at the Big Red Gym in Willmar. Center: CMCS sophomore Drew Duininck, right, looks to cross over a Dawson-Boyd defender during the Section 3A-North championship on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the R/A Facility in Marshall. Right: CMCS junior Kadin Dehmlow, top, launches a 3-pointer over Barnesville’s Carson Hagen at the Bremer Bank Holiday Classic at the Big Red Gym in Willmar.

CMCS looks for some players to step up Ryan Harrington, Drew Duininck to lead Bluejays, who lost Ethan Bulthuis to graduation

BY MICHAEL LYNE

averages of 13.4 points and 4.1 assists per game.

“Ryan is battling through a significant PRINSBURG — The Central Minnesota knee injury to play his senior year. His Christian School boys basketball team toughness and leadership have a huge had a strong 2022-23 season, but it has lost its top player due to graduation and impact on the team,” said CMCS head will need its returning players to fill that coach Ted Taatjes, who enters his 15th season with the Bluejays. His assistant void.

CMCS was 13-5 in Camden Conference is Travis VanderWoude. “Drew is a true point guard who looks to get his teamplay and finished with an 18-10 overall mates involved in the offense and has record last season. The Bluejays reached developed into a solid defender.” the Section 3A-North championship Taatjes will also look toward Micah game.

Asake’s strong shooting from the perimeEthan Bulthuis was the Bluejays’ top player from 2022-23. He was an All-Area ter. He is a 6-1 sophomore.

“Micah, as a freshman last year, his First Team selection and an All-Camden role increased as the season went on, pick who averaged 20.2 points and 10.4 shooting 46% from three last year,” rebounds per game.

Now, CMCS will lean on veterans Ryan Taatjes said.

Also competing for the Bluejays for his Harrington and Drew Duininck to lead first season after transferring from MACthe way.

Harrington, a 6-foot-4-inch senior for- CRAY High School is Nathan Wieberdink.

He is a 6-6 senior. ward, was an All-Camden selection who “Nathan will bring size and athleticism averaged 16.4 points and 6.9 rebounds and will be counted on for rebounding per contest. Duininck, also an All-Camand controlling the paint,” Taatjes said. den pick and a 6-0 junior guard, posted West Central Tribune

CMCS BLUEJAYS

Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule 2023/24 Friday, January 12 Friday, December 8 Monday, February 5 Game 7:30PM…………Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Game 7:30PM………………….Wabasso Game 7:30PM………………….Ortonville Tracy Area High School Ortonville High School Wabasso High School Monday, January 15 Monday, December 11 Tuesday, February 6 Game 7:30PM………………….MACCRAY Game 7:30PM……Renville County West Game 7:30PM………………….Ortonville Central Minnesota Christian School Central Minnesota Christian School Central Minnesota Christian School Thursday, January 18 Thursday, December 14 Friday, February 9 Game 7:30PM………………….Minneota Game 7:30PM………………….LQPV Game 7:30PM………………….MACCRAY Minneota High School Lac Qui Parle Valley High School MACCRAY High School - Clara City Saturday, January 20 Tuesday, December 19 Tuesday, February 13 Game 1:30PM…Southwest Minnesota Game 7:30PM………Lac Qui Parle Valley Game 7:30PM………………….KMS Christian Central Minnesota Christian School Central Minnesota Christian School Central Minnesota Christian School Thursday, December 28 Friday, February 16 Thursday, January 25 Game TBD………………….Multiple Schools Game 7:30PM………………….KMS Game 7:30PM………………….Yellow Willmar High School KMS High School Medicine East Friday, December 29 Tuesday, February 20 Central Minnesota Christian School Game TBD………………….Multiple Schools Game 7:30PM………………….Dawson-Boyd Monday, January 29 Willmar High School Dawson-Boyd High School Game 7:30PM………………….Canby 2024 Canby High School Friday, February 23 Game 7:30PM………………….Sleepy Eye Friday, January 5 Tuesday, January 30 Game 6:00PM…………Buffalo Lake-Hector Game 7:30PM………………….Paynesville Saint Mary’s School Sleepy Eye Saint Mary’s High School Buffalo Lake-Hector High School Central Minnesota Christian School Tuesday. February 27 Tuesday, January 9 Thursday, February 1 Game 7:30PM………………….ACGC Game 7:30PM………………Dawson-Boyd Game 7:30PM………………….Lakeview Central Minnesota Christian School Central Minnesota Christian School Central Minnesota Christian School Schedule sponsored by: Central Minnesota Christian School 204 School St Prinsburg, MN 56281 320-978-8700 centralbluejays.org Country Pork LLP 7360 195th Ave SW, Prinsburg, MN 56281 320-207-2814 www.facebook.com/p/CountryPork-LLP-100072692940762

Prinsburg Farmers Co-Op 404 Railroad Ave Prinsburg, MN 56281 320-978-8100 www.prccoop.com

Service Oil Enterprises Co. 607 3rd St Prinsburg, MN 56281 320-978-8800 www.serviceoilent.com

Mulder Trucking Co. 509 3rd St Prinsburg, MN 56281 320-978-8160 www.muldertrucking.com

Kim’s Electric 505 3rd St Prinsburg, MN 56281 320-894-3987 kimselectricmn.com

12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

CCS Eagles freshman David Mulder (center, 20) pokes the ball loose and freshman Kody Tollefsrud (left, 3) sprints to pick it up during a game against the Victory Christian Knights on Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, at Community Christian School.

Contributed photo

CCS loaded with lots of new faces Eagles will have 5 new starters and a new coach in Allan Cronen

BY JOE BROWN West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — Community Christian School’s bench is going to look a whole lot different this season.

The Eagles have five brand-new starters on their boys basketball team. They also have a new head coach as Allan Cronen takes over the program.

Last season, CCS was undefeated in the Christian Athletic League in the regular season and finished second in the conference tournament. The Eagles averaged 59 points per game.

They have six points per game returning to the squad. Chief among the losses are 1,000-career point-scorer Jonny Reid and 900-career-point scorer Will Chapin.

A pair of juniors hope to keep the Eagles riding high in Andrew Borstad and Micah Nelson. Borstad is a 6-foot-2 wing, and Nelson is a 6-0 wing/guard.

Sam and David Mulder are both sophomore guards with experience from last year.

The Eagles also had freshman guard/ wing Peyton Mulder, eighth-grade guard Brady Reinertson and seventh-grade wing Zachary Mulder. They were a part of a CCS junior high team that went 26-4 last season.

“We are excited to see where this season goes,” Cronen said. “We are young but have valuable experience. Our team sees the floor well and moves the ball efficiently.”

While playing its normal CAL schedule, CCS has added a pair of Minnesota State High School League-affiliated schools to its schedule. The Eagles will play home and away games with Ortonville and Immanuel Lutheran of Mankato.

CCS opened its season Nov. 27 against the North Metro Blazers.

CCS EAGLES Boys Varsity Basketball 2023-2024 Friday, December 15 Game 7:00PM……Cambridge Christian Community Christian School High School Gym Monday, December 18 Game 7:30PM…………North Metro Blazers Free Lutheran Bible College Thursday, December 21 Game 7:00PM………………South Metro Community Christian School High School Gym

2024

Thursday, January 4 Game 7:30PM………………….Ortonville Community Christian School High School Gym Friday, January 5 Game 7:30PM………….St. Cloud Christian St. Cloud - Youth for Christ (YFC) Thursday, January 11 Game 6:45PM...Fourth Baptist Christian Community Christian School High School Gym

Monday, January 22 Game 6:30PM………Lake Region Christian Lake Region Christian School

Friday, February 9 Game 7:30PM………Cambridge Christian Cambridge Christian School

Tuesday, January 23 Game 8:00PM……Maplewood Academy Community Christian School High School Gym

Monday, February 12 Game 7:30PM………………..KMS/Benson Benson High School

Friday, January 26 Game 8:00PM…………….Rochester Home Immanuel Lutheran School Friday, February 2 Game 6:00PM……Fourth Baptist Christian Fourth Baptist Christian School

Friday, February 16 Game 7:00PM………………….South Metro Guardian Angels Catholic School Tuesday, February 20 Game 8:00PM………Immanuel Lutheran Community Christian School High School Gym

Monday, February 5 Game 7:00PM………Maplewood Academy Maplewood Academy, Hutchinson Tuesday, February 6 Game 7:30PM………St. Cloud Christian Community Christian School High School Gym

Tuesday, January 16 Game 7:00PM…………Immanuel Lutheran Immanuel Lutheran Church

Check the school’s website for a updated events list www.willmarccs.com

Schedule sponsored by:

West Central Tribune To Subscribe call 320-235-1154 or visit www.wctrib.com

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 13

Blackjacks will be young, but talented Top scorers Brayson Boike and Drew Hjelmeland return for a senior-less Dawson-Boyd team

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

DAWSON — The Dawson-Boyd boys basketball team was dominant in the 2022-23 season, reaching the Section 3A championship. And with some returning pieces, the Blackjacks will try to remain atop the Camden Conference.

Dawson-Boyd, which won the Camden with a 15-2 record and was 26-4 overall, lost three starters due to graduation, but return a pair of big ones as well.

The three starters lost are Keegon Wicht, Levi Olson and Aiden Swenson.

Wicht was an All-Area Second Team selection and served as the Blackjacks’ point guard. Olson was an All-Camden pick and Swenson was an All-Camden Honorable Mention.

“We lost a lot of experience but the good thing is we bring back our top two scorers — Brayson Boike and Drew Hjelmeland — from a year ago,” said Blackjacks head coach Cory Larson, who has a 313-153 overall record at Dawson-Boyd. “Those two will shoulder a lot of the workload along with one of our top reserves from a year ago, Gunner Liebl.”

Boike, who is a 6-foot-7-inch junior guard, averaged 20.1 points, 9.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals per contest. He was an All-Area First Team pick and the Camden North Division’s Player of the Year.

Hjelmeland, a 6-6 junior forward, averaged 14.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.1 steals per game. He was an All-Camden Conference selection.

Juniors Kade Solem, Beau Johnson and Gunnar Olson and Liebl, a sophomore, all return as letterwinners for Dawson-Boyd.

The Blackjacks’ list of newcomers features juniors Tanner Johnson and Mitchell Myers, sophomores Nathan Hansen

and Evan Mork and freshmen Carson Stratmoen and Jaxton Hastad.

“With no seniors on this year’s squad, we will look for underclassmen to fill support roles,” Larson said. “Overall, this group brings some excitement and a great work ethic with them heading into the season.”

Keifer Stratmoen and Dustin Hjelmeland will serve as Larson’s assistants.

Dawson-Boyd sophomore Drew Hjelmeland lines up a 3-pointer during the Section 3A-North championship game against CMCS on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the R/A Facility in Marshall.

DAWSON BOYD BLACKJACKS Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule 2023-24 2023 Saturday, December 9 Game 6:30PM………Cass Lake-Bena Hopkins Royal Activity Center

Monday, December 11

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Dawson-Boyd sophomore Brayson Boike throws down a dunk during a Camden Conference game against KMS on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023 at the Dawson-Boyd Community Center in Dawson.

Game 7:30PM…KMS Public Schools Dawson-Boyd High School

Thursday, December 14

Game 7:30PM………………….Ortonville Ortonville High School

Tuesday, December 19

Game 7:30PM…Lac Qui Parle Valley Dawson-Boyd High School

Saturday, January 6 Game 3:00PM…SMC Dawson-Boyd High School

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:30PM………………….CMCS Central MN Christian School - Prinsburg

Friday, January 12

Game 7:30PM………………….Lakeview Lakeview High School - Cottonwood

Saturday, January 13

Game TBD………….TBA White, SD

Friday, January 19

Game 7:30PM…Renville County West Renville County West High School

Thursday, December 28

Game 7:30PM…………Minneota Dawson-Boyd High School

Friday, December 29

Tournament 11:00AM…Rushford-Peterson Rushford-Peterson High School

2024 Thursday, January 4

Game 7:30PM….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Dawson-Boyd High School

Friday, February 16

Game 7:30PM………………….CMCS Dawson-Boyd High School

Wednesday, December 27

Tournament 3:00PM……………Hayfield Rushford-Peterson High School

Tuesday, February 13

Game 7:30PM…………….Ortonville Dawson-Boyd High School

Tuesday, January 16

Game 7:15PM…………Montevideo Montevideo High School

Tournament 4:30PM…Baldwin-Woodville Rushford-Peterson High School

Friday, February 9

Game 7:30PM…….KMS Public Schools Kerkhoven

Game 7:30PM….Lac Qui Parle Valley Lac Qui Parle Valley High School

Friday, December 22

Game 7:30PM……….Pipestone Area Pipestone Area High School

Tuesday, February 6

Game 7:30PM…………………MACCRAY MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Tuesday, February 20

Thursday, January 25 Saturday, January 27

Game 3:00PM……NLA-Woodbury St. Paul, High School for Recording Arts

Monday, January 29

Game 7:30PM….Yellow Medicine East Yellow Medicine East High School

Thursday, February 1

Game 7:30PM………………….Canby Dawson-Boyd High School

Schedule sponsored by: GREATER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION 711 6th St, Dawson 320-769-2908

WEST CENTRAL TRIBUNE

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14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

KMS will have a different look this season Fighting Saints return DeAndre Holloway and Jared Cortez but must deal with injuries to Hunter Kallstrom and Malaki Lee

BY MICHAEL LYNE

9.7 rebounds points per contest last season. Lee, a 6-1 forward, averaged 6.6 KERKHOVEN — The Kerkhoven-Mur- points and 3.4 rebounds per game.

KMS also lost Isaac Rudningen due dock-Sunburg boys basketball team to graduation. He was an All-Area Third will need some fresh faces to step up throughout the 2023-24 season.

Team member who did it all for the The Fighting Saints, who are fresh off Fighting Saints. He averaged 10.8 points, a 21-6 season that included a 14-4 record 6.4 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 2.4 steals in the Camden Conference, have four per game. He is currently a part of the returning starters back. However, two of University of Sioux Falls football prothem are currently injured and KMS will gram. also have to make up for the loss of one “We return some key pieces from last major piece. year’s team,” KMS head coach Matt FraKMS returns 6-foot-8 senior forward godt said. “Some of the key pieces are DeAndre Holloway and 6-0 senior guard injured right now from football. There is Jared Cortez. hope of getting them back at some point, Holloway, who was an All-Area First but it isn’t looking great. This gives some Team pick and an All-Camden Conferof our younger guys a chance to step up.” ence selection, returns as KMS’ most Fragodt noted Carter Auspos and valuable player. He averaged 23.0 points, Landen Bratsch are players to watch.

8.8 rebounds, 3.1 blocks, 2.3 steals and Auspos is a 6-0 senior forward and 1.7 assists per game.

Cortez, who missed the majority of his Bratsch is a 5-11 senior guard.

The two seniors are just a pair of many junior season with a leg injury, averaged within the Fighting Saints program.

9.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.9 steals and “We have 12 seniors out that will 1.4 assists per game. provide some experience, but we will be The Fighting Saints will be without returning starters Hunter Kallstrom and looking at some younger players to step up also,” Fragodt said.

Malaki Lee. Both seniors were injured Weston Gjerde and Luke Armstrong during football season. will serve as Fragodt’s assistants for the Kallstrom, a 6-5 All-Camden Conference forward, averaged 12.8 points and 2023-24 season.

West Central Tribune

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg junior guard Jared Cortez drives toward Border West’s basket with junior guard Landon Bratsch preparing to defend him in the Section 6A-South semifinals on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Minnewaska High School in Glenwood.

Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg junior forward DeAndre Holloway leaps up for a layup with Border West's Cole Gilsdorf and Clint Determan defending him in the Section 6A-South semifinals on Monday, March 13, 2023, at Minnewaska High School in Glenwood.

KMS FIGHTING SAINTS

varsity boys basketball schedule 2023-24 Friday, December 8

Saturday, January 6

Tuesday, February 6

Thursday, December 14

Tuesday, January 9

Friday, February 9

Game 7:15PM ����������Lac Qui Parle Valley Lac Qui Parle Valley High School Game 7:30PM ���������������������� MACCRAY KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Tuesday, December 19

Game 7:30PM ������������������������������������ CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School

Friday, December 22

Game 7:00PM �������������������������Litchfield KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Wednesday, December 27

Holiday Tournament 3:00PM����������Windom Area Windom Area High School

Thursday, December 28

Holiday Tournament TBD�����Windom Area Windom Area High School

2024

Tuesday, January 2

Game 7:30PM ������New London-Spicer KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Friday, January 5

Game 7:30PM ����������������������������Paynesville KMS High School - Kerkhoven Gymnasium

Game TBD �������������������������������������������ACGC Target Center Game 7:30PM ������������������������Ortonville KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Friday, January 12

Game 7:30PM…………………�Canby Canby High School

Game 7:30PM…………………�LQPV KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1 Game 7:30PM ���������������� Dawson-Boyd KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Monday, February 12

Tuesday, January 16

Game 7:30PM ������������� Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School

Thursday, January 18

Game 7:30PM ����������������������������MACCRAY MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Game 7:30PM…………………�BBE Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa High School

Tuesday, February 13

Game 7:30PM ��������Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Tracy-Milroy-Balaton High School

Friday, February 16

Monday, January 22

Game 7:30PM ������������������������������ CMCS KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Game 7:30PM �������� Eden Valley-Watkins Eden Valley-Watkins

Tuesday, February 20

Game 7:30PM �������������������������������� RCW KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Thursday, February 22

Thursday, January 25 Monday, January 29

Game 7:30PM ������������������������������ Minneota Minneota High School - Main Gym

Game 7:30PM ������������������������������Ortonville Ortonville High School Game 7:30PM �������������������������Lakeview KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Thursday, February 1

Game 7:30PM ��������������������������������� YME KMS High School - Kerkhoven Court 1

Check the schools website for a updated events list • www.kms.k12.mn.us/ Schedule sponsored by: Brink’s 104 Club 390 180th Ave NE Sunburg 320-366-3499 www.facebook.com/brinks104club

Black Diamond Industries LLC www.bdimn.com Facebook/Instagram bdi_lawnandsnow 218.841.4373

Freetly Electric 303 N. 3rd St. Kerkhoven 320-264-3121 freetlyelectric.com

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 15

LQPV banks on its experience

Eagles hope strong senior, junior classes will lead to improvement in ‘23-24

BY MICHAEL LYNE

Seniors on LQPV’s roster include Kaden Molden, T.J. Mitchell, Eli MADISON — The Lac qui Parle Valley Hegland, Peyton Rademacher and R-Firstson Shotaro. boys basketball team brings back plenty Molden was an All-Camden Conferof experience to its roster for the 2023ence pick in 2022-23. He is a 6-foot-424 season. inch forward who averaged 14.3 points It is its strength, according to Eagles and 6.7 rebounds per game in his head coach Robyn Rademacher. LQPV junior season. returns its top eight players from a seaJuniors for the Eagles include: Davis son ago when it finished 9-17 overall and Patzer, Matthew Arndt, Carson Besonen, 6-11 record in the Camden Conference.

Baxter Kallhoff, Carson Young, Brock “The experience those young men Bjornjeld and Tygan Allpress. gained last year will be critical to our suc“Our role players providing some cess this year,” Rademacher said. “Last scoring will be big for us this year,” year we had very limited experience. This Rademacher said. “We have some playyear all of our returning players got a ers that can score big on any given chance to compete against great individ- night, but getting 10-15 points from uals and teams. We now understand the those role players will take the presspeed and strength that it takes to be sure off of others.” competitive each and every night.”

And as the Eagles look to have a better Rademacher hopes his team’s experiyear, Rademacher wants his team to be ence can make it competitive throughout better at its shot selection. the season.

“We have to learn not to ‘settle’ for “There were times last year we weren’t shots, attack the basket and get to the physically able to compete,” Rademacher free throw line,” Rademacher said. “(We said. “Giving ourselves a chance each need to) make the extra pass and trust night and then finding a way to win (our teammate to) make the shot.” those close games builds confidence and Joel Voorhees and Jon Redepenning will a belief we are never out of the game.” be a part of Rademacher’s coaching staff.

West Central Tribune

Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Lac qui Parle Valley sophomore guard Davis Patzer dribbles the ball across the court against New London-Spicer during the Bremer Bank Classic on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, at Willmar High School.

LAC QUI PARLE VALLEY EAGLES Boys Varsity Basketball schedule 2023-2024

Friday, December 8 Tuesday, January 16 Game 7:15PM ........ KMS Public Schools Game 7:15PM………………….Benson LQPV High School Main Gym Benson High School

Tuesday, February 13 Game 7:15PM………………….CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School

Thursday, December 14 Friday, January 19 Game 7:15PM ...........Central Minnesota Game 7:15PM………………….Lakeview Christian Lakeview High School LQPV High School Main Gym

Friday, February 16 Game 7:15PM ...................Dawson-Boyd LQPV High School Main Gym

Thursday, January 25 Tuesday, December 19 Tuesday, February 20 Game 7:30PM.......................Dawson-Boyd Game 7:15PM .......Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Game 7:15PM .........................MACCRAY LQPV High School Main Gym Dawson-Boyd High School LQPV High School Main Gym Monday, January 29 Thursday, December 28 Game 4:30PM.................................. Milbank Game 7:15PM ..........Renville County West Thursday, February 22 Renville County West High School Milbank Game 7:15PM ...................... Montevideo LQPV High School Main Gym Thursday, February 1 Friday, January 5 Game 7:15PM ...........................Minneota Friday, February 23 Game 7:15PM ................................ Canby LQPV High School Main Gym Game 7:15PM………………….Hancock LQPV High School Main Gym Hancock High School Tuesday, February 6 Tuesday, January 9 Game 7:15PM .............KMS Public Schools Game 7:15PM .............................. MACCRAY KMS High School MACCRAY High School - Clara City

2024

Friday, February 9 Friday, January 12 Game 7:15PM .......... Yellow Medicine East Game 7:15PM ................................Ortonville Ortonville High School YME (Granite Falls Campus) Saturday, January 13 Game TBD………………….TBD Deubrook High School

Lac qui Parle Valley junior forward Kaden Molden drives toward the basket with Montevideo sophomore forward Gannon Reidinger defending him on Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, at Montevideo.

Saturday, February 10 Game 2:00PM ........... St. Cloud Cathedral St. Cloud Cathedral High School Schedule sponsored by:

Check the school Subway website for an updated events list 605 S 1st St • Willmar www.lqpv.org 320-235-7991 • subway.com

West Central Tribune To Subscribe call 320-235-1154 or visit www.wctrib.com

16 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

LITCHFIELD DRAGONS Boys Varsity Basketball schedule 2023-2024 Tuesday, December 12 Game 7:15PM………………….Morris Area Morris Area Elementary School

Thursday, December 14

Game 7:00PM………………….Norwood Young America Litchfield High School Gym

Tuesday, December 19 Photos by Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Litchfield junior Jack McCann goes up for a shot while being heavily guarded by ROCORI defenders during a game in Litchfield on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

Experienced Dragons aiming for improvement

Litchfield has 2 starters back and a good senior class to build on last season

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

LITCHFIELD — Behind a core group of seniors, the Litchfield boys basketball team will look to have a better year in its upcoming season.

The Dragons, who finished with a 7-21 overall record and were 2-12 in Wright County Conference play, return two starters after losing some.

Jack McCann, a 6-foot-0-inch guard, and Creighton Huhner, a 6-2 forward, are each back as senior starters. McCann averaged 12.3 points, 5.1 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game. Huhner averaged 4.3 points and 3.4 rebounds per contest.

Alex Draeger, an All-Wright County Conference pick, and Tyler Pennertz graduated.

Blake Aller, who played in all 28 games for Litchfield in 2022-23 as a junior, will be sidelined this season with an injury.

“We return a bunch of seniors who played major minutes for us last year,” Litchfield head coach Matt Draeger Litchfield head coach Matt Draeger said.

“We should be good defensively and should talks to his team before the Dragons took to the court to host the Rocori be able to get to the basket on offense.”

Spartans in Litchfield on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

DRAGONS: Page 24

Game 7:00PM………………….Hutchinson Hutchinson High School

Friday, December 22

Game 7:00PM………………….KMS Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg High School

Wednesday, December 27

Thursday, January 25

Double Header 5:45PM………………….Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School

Friday, January 26

Game 7:00PM………………….Dassel-Cokato Dassel-Cokato High School

Tuesday, January 30

Game 7:00PM………………….Watertown-Mayer Litchfield High School Gym

Friday, February 2

Game 7:00PM………………….New London-Spicer New London-Spicer High School

Tuesday, February 6

Tournament TBD……........TBD St. Cloud

Game-Double Header 7:30PM………….Rockford Area Litchfield High School Gym

Wednesday, December 28

Thursday, February 8

Tournament TBD………………….TBA St. Cloud

Friday, December 29 Tournament TBD………………….TBA St. Cloud

2024

Game 7:00PM………………….Melrose Litchfield High School Gym

Friday, February 9

Game-Double Header 7:30PM…Glencoe-Silver Lake Litchfield High School Gym

Tuesday, February 13

Saturday, January 6

Game TBD………………….Zumbrota-Mazeppa Zumbrota-Mazeppa Elementary School - Mazeppa

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:00PM………………….Annandale Litchfield High School Gym

Thursday, February 15

Game 7:00PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins Litchfield High School Gym

Game-Double Header 5:30PM…….Howard LakeWaverly-Winsted Litchfield High School Gym

Game 5:30PM………………….Rockford Area Rockford High School

Game 7:00PM………………….Dassel-Cokato Litchfield High School Gym

Friday, January 12

Tuesday, January 16

Game 5:30PM………………….Glencoe-Silver Lake Glencoe-Silver Lake High School

Friday, January 19

Friday, February 23

Game 7:00PM………………….Watertown-Mayer Watertown-Mayer High School

Monday, February 26

Game 7:00PM………………….Annandale Annandale High School

Tuesday, January 23

Tuesday, February 20

Game 7:00PM………………….New London-Spicer Litchfield High School Gym

Game 7:15PM……………….Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted

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Check the schools website for an updated events list

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 17

MACCRAY has size, experience returning Four starters are back for Wolverines, including Isaac Post, Jordan Warne and Sawyer Janssen

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

CLARA CITY — The MACCRAY boys basketball team won four of its final five contests last season, and with four returning starters and much of its core intact, the Wolverines will look to build on their finish from its previous campaign.

MACCRAY was 8-10 in the Camden Conference and 13-14 overall in 2022-23.

“We are returning 11 players from our roster from last season,” said Wolverines sixth-year head coach Lucas Post, who will have Trent Carlson and Aaron Ahrendt serve as his assistants. “We have good length and size along with solid guard play.

“Our bench will be strong between some additional seniors and juniors that have all elevated their games during the off-season.”

MACCRAY’s four returning starters are Isaac Post, Jordan Warne, Sawyer Janssen and Matt Wadsworth.

MACCRAY junior Isaac Post, 2, goes for a layup in traffic during a Section 3A-North semifinal game against Dawson-Boyd on Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at Montevideo.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

MACCRAY: Page 24

MACCRAY WOLVERINES Boys Varsity Basketball 2023-24

Thursday, December 7

Game 7:30PM…………………Dawson-Boyd Dawson-Boyd High School

2024 Tuesday, January 2

Monday, December 11

Game 7:30PM………………….Minneota Minneota High School

Thursday, December 14

Game 7:30PM….Yellow Medicine East MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Tuesday, December 19

Thursday, February 1

Game 7:30PM….Renville County West MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Tuesday, February 6

Friday, January 5

Game 7:30PM…………….Dawson-Boyd MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:30PM…….Lac Qui Parle Valley MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Game 7:30PM...........Central Minnesota Christian MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Thursday, December 21

Game 2:00PM……….St. Cloud Cathedral Cathedral High School

Game 7:00PM………………….ACGC Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Thursday, December 28

Game 7:30PM………………….Canby Canby High School

Game 7:30PM…….KMS Public Schools MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Friday, December 29

Game 7:30PM….Russel-Tyler-Ruthton MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Game 7:30PM………………….Ortonville Ortonville High School

Saturday, December 30

Game 7:30PM………………….Lakeview MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Game 7:30PM………………….LQPV Lac Qui Parle Valley High School

Game 7:30PM……….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Tracy-Milroy-Balaton High School

Game 7:15PM………………….Montevideo Montevideo High School

Game 7:30PM………………….CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School Game 7:30PM……….KMS Public Schools KMS High School Game 7:30PM………………….Ortonville MACCRAY High School - Clara City Game 7:30PM……….Buffalo Lake-Hector Buffalo Lake-Hector High School Holiday Tournament TBD………….Willmar Willmar High School Holiday Tournament TBD………….Willmar Willmar High School Holiday Tournament 2:30PM………………….Windom Area SMSU - Marshall

Monday, January 15 Friday, January 19

Monday, January 22

Thursday, January 25 Monday, January 29

Check the schools website for a updated events list

Friday, February 9

Monday, February 12

Thursday, February 15 Tuesday, February 20 Friday, February 23

www.maccray.k12.mn.us/

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Boys Basketball

Tuesday, February 13

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Girls Basketball

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18 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

Minnewaska has a new coach and some depth Good numbers greet Zach Traphagen as he takes over Lakers’ program

BY JOE BROWN

Gugisberg (G) and Carter Meyer (G) will vie for minutes. Sophomore Luke Danielson (F/C) also figures into the Lakers’ GLENWOOD — It seems fitting that plans. depth will be important for the basket“These guys all have an opportunity to ball team along the shores of Lake Minearn more varsity minutes based on their newaska.

Bringing back three starters and a large development and progression during the season,” Traphagen said. crop of players to fill in the holes, the Lakers hope to keep the level of play consistent, regardless of who’s on the court.

“We honestly have a lot of guys who are very similar in their ability levels,” said first-year head coach Zach Traphagen. He has eight years of head-coaching experience and an 88-92 career record after coaching the Brandon-Evansville girls for three seasons and the Canby boys for four years.

“We should be a very deep team this year,” Traphagen said. “This group of guys has worked extremely hard through the summer months and early into the young season now and we’re excited to see how they continue to improve this year. They are a great group of kids who are hungry to work hard and improve every day.”

Minnewaska was 1-25 last season, including 0-14 in the West Central Conference. Gone are Hunter Kloos, an AllWest Central pick, and PJ Johnson, an all-conference honorable mention. James Ward and Noah Palmer also graduated.

Tenzin Dahl is the top returning scorer for Minnewaska. The 6-foot-2 junior forward averaged 10.4 points, five rebounds, a steal and an assist per game in 2022-23. Another junior, Alex Panitzke, is back after averaging 6.8 points, 2.5 rebounds, two assists and a steal. He is a 5-11 junior guard.

Senior Dylan Alexander also returns.

He’s a 5-11 swingman that averaged four points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal a season ago.

Sophomore Marc Gruber looks to get some key minutes for the Lakers.

“Marc played some significant varsity minutes late in the season last year and we are excited about his future,” Traphagen said.

Minnewaska also has a trio of seniors in guard/forwards Jack Majerus and Ryland Martin and guard Austin Ballhagen. Juniors Levi Johnson (G), Jacob Mrnak (F/C), Zach Palmer (G), Connor Frey (G), Owen Meulebroeck (F/C), Zach West Central Tribune

Photos by Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

Minnewaska junior Alex Panitzke attempts a layup against BOLD on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at BOLD Elementary School in Bird Island.

Minnewaska sophomore forward Tenzin Dahl takes a mid-range shot with BOLD’s Andrew Meyers and Ryan King nearby during a game between the Lakers and Warriors on Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023, at BOLD Elementary School in Bird Island.

MINNEWASKA LAKERS

Varsity Boys Basketball Schedule 2023-24

Friday, December 8

Tuesday, January 9

Tuesday, February 6

Thursday, December 14

Thursday, January 11

Tuesday, December 19

Thursday, January 18

Monday, February 12

Thursday, December 21

Tuesday, January 23

Friday, February 16

Game 5:45PM ����������������� Sauk Centre Game 5:45PM ����������������Melrose Area Game 7:00PM…………………�Benson Minnewaska Area High School Minnewaska Area High School Benson High School Main Gymnasium Main Gymnasium

Thursday, February 8

Game 5:45PM ����������������� Morris Area/ Game 5:45PM ���������������������� Morris Area/ Game 5:45PM �������������������������B�O�L�D� Chokio-Alberta Chokio-Alberta Minnewaska Area High School Minnewaska Area High School Morris Area School Elementary Gym Main Gymnasium Main Gymnasium Game 5:45PM ����Eden Valley-Watkins Game 5:45PM ��������������������������Benson Game 5:45PM ������������������������������ KMS Minnewaska Area High School Minnewaska Area High School Minnewaska Area High School Main Gymnasium Main Gymnasium Main Gymnasium Game 5:45PM ����������������������Belgrade- Game 6:00PM �������������������������Barnesville Brooten-Elrosa Barnesville High School Minnewaska Area High School Thursday, January 25 Main Gymnasium Game 5:45PM �����������������������Litchfield Thursday, December 28 Minnewaska Area High School Tournament TBD �������������� Howard LakeSaturday, January 27 Waverly-Winsted High School Game 7:00PM ������������������������������ B�O�L�D� Friday, December 29 B�O�L�D� High School Tournament TBD �������������� Howard LakeTuesday, January 30 Waverly-Winsted High School Game 5:45PM ������������������ Montevideo 2024 Minnewaska Area High School Main Gymnasium

Friday, January 5

Game 5:45PM ������� West Central Area Thursday, February 1 Minnewaska Area High School Game 5:30PM �������� New London-Spicer Main Gymnasium New London-Spicer High School

Saturday, January 6

Game 7:15PM ������������ West Central Area WCA Secondary School, Barrett

Tuesday, February 20

Game 5:45PM �������������������� Melrose Area Melrose Area High School

Thursday, February 22

Game 5:45PM ���������� Paynesville Area Minnewaska Area High School Main Gymnasium

Monday, February 26

Game 6:00PM…………………�Osakis Osakis High School

Friday, February 2

Game 1:00PM ����������������� Pipestone Area Game 5:45PM ���������������������� Sauk Centre Check the school website for an updated Pipestone High School Sauk Centre High School events list www�minnewaska�k12�mn�us Schedule sponsored by:

Minnewaska Area Schools 25122 State Hwy 28 Glenwood, MN 56334 320-239-4800 www�minnewaska�k12�mn�us

West Central Tribune

To Subscribe call 320-235-1154 or visit www�wctrib�com

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 19

Thunder Hawks hope to pick where they left off After a strong section run, Montevideo will rely on 4 returning starters to keep improving

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

MONTEVIDEO — The Montevideo boys basketball team is coming off an up-and-down 2022-23 season that saw the Thunder Hawks reach the Section 3AA-South championship.

Montevideo, which finished 13-14 overall and 6-8 in the West Central Conference, will try to carry their late-season momentum into its upcoming campaign.

“We will look to build off of last year’s

postseason run with only losing one senior from last year’s team,” said Montevideo head coach Derek Webb. He will be assisted by Mark Reidinger and Brandon Raymo. “What sets us apart from a lot of other teams is that we play team basketball with multiple players in the double figures each night.”

The Thunder Hawks enter 2023-24 without All-WCC pick Mason Jerve. But, Montevideo returns each of its other four starters from a season ago.

Leading that pack of returning starters

is Gannon Reidinger. The 6-foot-5-inch junior forward/center averaged 12 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He had six double-doubles in his sophomore season.

Also back in Montevideo’s starting lineup are a trio of seniors in Devin Ashling, Cooper Dack and Carson Boike. Ashling is coming off an All-WCC Honorable Mention season.

“If we can keep playing team basketball, defend at a high level and continue to get better as the year goes on,” Webb said, “I

think we will be a tough out come March.”

Griffin Epema, a 6-1 freshman guard, highlights the list of players to watch for the Thunder Hawks.

“Griffin is a dynamic playmaker,” Webb said. “He is also a strong defender who can be given the task of guarding the other team’s best player.

“Griffin will be a big difference-maker for us this year.”

MONTEVIDEO: Page 24

MONTEVIDEO THUNDER HAWKS Boys Varsity Basketball 2023/2024

Thursday, December 7

Friday, January 19

Friday, December 8

Friday, January 26

Game 7:30PM ���������������������������������������������� Redwood Valley Redwood Valley High School Game 7:15PM ������������������������������������������������������� Benson Montevideo High School Gym

Thursday, December 14

Game 7:00PM ����������������������������������������������������� B�O�L�D� Montevideo High School Gym

Friday, December 15

Game 7:15PM ������������������������������������� Yellow Medicine East Yellow Medicine East High School

Tuesday, December 19

Game 5:30PM ��������������������������������������New London-Spicer New London-Spicer High School

Friday, December 29

Game 3:30PM������������������������������ Jackson County Central SMSU - RA Facility

Saturday, December 30

Game 4:15PM �������������������������������������������������Pipestone Area SMSU - RA Facility

2024

Friday, January 5

Game 7:00PM ���������������������������������������������������Melrose Area Melrose Area High School

Tuesday, January 9

Game 7:15PM �������������������������������������������������������Sauk Centre Sauk Centre High School

Thursday, January 11

Game 7:15PM ������������������������������������������� West Central Area WCA Secondary School, Barrett

Tuesday, January 16

Game 7:15PM ��������������������������������������������Dawson Boyd Montevideo High School Gym

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Montevideo sophomore Gannon Reidinger, 13, launches a 3-pointer in front of the Melrose bench during a West Central Conference game on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023 at Montevideo.

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PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS

Game 7:00PM ����������������� Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Montevideo High School Gym Game 7:15PM ����������������������������������� West Central Area Montevideo High School Gym

Tuesday, January 30

Game 5:45PM�������������������������������������������Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School

Thursday, February 1

Game 7:00PM �������������������������������������������������������������� Benson Benson High School

Monday, February 5

Game 7:00PM �������������������������������������Eden Valley-Watkins Eden Valley Watkins School

Thursday, February 8

Game 7:00PM ��������������������������������������������������������������B�O�L�D� B�O�L�D� High School - Bird Island Campus

Tuesday, February 13

Game 7:15PM ����������������������������������������������������������ACGC Montevideo High School Gym

Thursday, February 15

Game 7:00PM ��������������������������������������������Melrose Area Montevideo High School Gym

Tuesday, February 20

Game 7:00PM ��������������������������������������������� Sauk Centre Montevideo High School Gym

Thursday, February 22

Game 7:30PM ���������������������������������������Lac Qui Parle Valley Lac Qui Parle Valley High School

Friday, February 23

Game 7:15PM ������������������������������������������������� MACCRAY Montevideo High School Gym

Monday, February 26

Game 7:00PM �����������������������Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Morris Area Elementary School

Check the school’s website for a updated events list www.montevideoschools.org/o/mhs

family focused and proud to support student athletes

20 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

PAYNESVILLE BULLDOGS

Boys Varsity Basketball schedule 2023-2024 Friday, December 8

Game 7:00PM………………….New London-Spicer New London-Spicer High School

Tuesday, December 12

Game 7:15PM………………….Osakis High School Paynesville Area High School

Thursday, December 14

Game 7:15PM………………….Melrose Area Melrose Area High School

Friday, December 15

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Paynesville junior Brayden Pung, right, and junior Winston Carlson do a handshake during pre-game intros before a Central Minnesota Conference game against ACGC on Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 in Grove City.

Bulldogs hope to find some new stars

Paynesville loses a big senior class that went 20-7 last season

BY MICHAEL LYNE West Central Tribune

PAYNESVILLE — Figuring out roles will be the big key and challenge for the Paynesville boys basketball team.

The Bulldogs have graduated six players from their 2022-23 team that went 11-3 in Central Minnesota Conference play and 20-7 overall.

Of that bulky senior class, Eli Nelson and Max Athmann lead the key losses.

Nelson was an All-Area Third Team member. He and Athmann were both AllCMC First Team picks.

“We will be replacing a successful and deep senior class from last year,” Paynesville sixth-year head coach Rick Hendrickson said. “We are looking forward to seeing who steps up into new roles and accepts those roles.

“Our conference and section will be very tough this year, so we will need to be ready to compete every night.”

Hendrickson will look toward Bryce VanderBeek and Brayden Pung to lead the way for the Bulldogs.

VanderBeek is a 6-foot-3-inch senior forward/center who is coming off a junior campaign that earned him AllCMC Second Team honors. Pung is a 6-0 senior guard.

“Bryce will play all five positions at

times for us this year. He can score inside and outside and has a great feel for the game,” Hendrickson said. “Brayden hsa been a highly efficient scorer at all levels of our program. He cuts well into open space and has developed into a great rebounder.”

Hendrickson will also look to seniors Abe Brunner (6-3 guard/forward), Noah Voss (6-3 guard), Jackson Walker (6-3 guard) and Alex Blonigen (6-2 forward) to take the next step.

“Abe is a good athlete and playmaker who can impact the game on both ends of the floor. Noah has invested a lot of time into his game and is ready to step into his role,” Hendrickson said. “Jackson is a big guard who played a lot over the summer to improve his game and his long arms disrupt a lot of shots and he closes down passing lanes. Alex also played a lot over the summer and has improved significantly and will be able to defend multiple positions and has started the season with a lot of confidence.”

Also noted as players to watch for Paynesville are sophomore guards Reed Johnson and Carter Flanders.

“Reed is a good athlete and has a high basketball IQ,” Hendrickson said. “Carter has a relentless motor and is always in attack mode.”

Game 7:00PM ................Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Paynesville Area High School

Tuesday, December 19

Game 7:00PM………………….Dassel-Cokato Dassel-Cokato High School

Thursday, December 21

Game 7:15PM ............Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta Paynesville Area High School

Wednesday, December 27

Tournament 2:00PM………………….Multiple Schools Perham High School

Thursday, December 28

Tournament 10:00AM………………….Multiple Schools Perham High School

2024 Thursday, January 4

Game 7:00PM………………….Holdingford Holdingford High School

Thursday, January 18

Game 7:00PM………………….Kimball Area Kimball High School

Friday, January 19

Game 5:45PM………………….Maple Lake Paynesville Area High School

Tuesday, January 23

Game 7:00PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins Eden Valley-Watkins High School

Tuesday, January 30

Game 7:30PM………………….CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School

Thursday, February 1

Game 7:00PM………………….BBE Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Elementary School

Tuesday, February 6

Game 7:00PM………………….Holdingford Paynesville Area High School

Thursday, February 8

Game 5:30PM………………….Royalton High School Paynesville Area High School

Friday, February 9

Game 7:00PM………………….ACGC Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City High School

Tuesday, February 20

Friday, January 5

Game 7:00PM………………….Kimball Area Paynesville Area High School

Tuesday, January 9

Game 5:45PM………………….Minnewaska Area Minnewaska Area High School

Game 7:30PM………………….KMS Kerkhoven High School Game 7:00PM ........... Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Paynesville Area High School

Thursday, January 11

Game 7:00PM………………….Redwood Valley Paynesville Area High School

Friday, January 12

Game 7:00PM………………….Royalton High School Royalton High School

Thursday, February 22

Friday, February 23

Game 7:00PM………………….Eden Valley-Watkins Paynesville Area High School

Monday, February 26

Game 7:00PM………………….Maple Lake Maple Lake High School Schedule sponsored by:

Christianson PLLP 705 Hwy 55 • Paynesville 320-235-5937 www.christiansoncpa.com Yarmon Ford, Inc 640 MN-23 • Paynesville 320-243-4235 www.yarmonford.com

Check the schools website for a updated events list www.paynesvilleschools.com

American Legion - Paynesville 770 Diekmann Dr • Paynesville 320-243-4982 paynesvillelegion271.org

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 21

RCW banks on speed, athleticism Jaguars will be led by Ryan Schrupp, Jack Wertish as they aim for improvement

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

RCW sophomore Ryan Schrupp, middle, looks to run upcourt in transition during a Camden Conference game against YME on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Renville.

BY MICHAEL LYNE

The Jaguars return an All-Camden Conference selection in junior Ryan Schrupp and another starter in 6-foot-2RENVILLE — The Renville County inch senior guard Jack Wertish.

West boys basketball team will look to Ryan Schrupp, a 6-1 guard, averaged play at a fast pace in the upcoming sea15.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 steals and RCW eighth-grader Jonathan Driggs, 31, brings down a rebound during a Camden son.

2.2 assists per game as a sophomore.

The Jaguars, who were 4-23 overall Conference game against YME on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023 at Renville.

“Ryan is a ‘do it all’ kind of player,” and 3-15 in the Camden Conference in Huhnerkoch said. “He can get his shot 2022-23, enter the new season underwhenever he wants and is one of the best sized. RCW is led by 13-year veteran Friday, December 8 Friday, January 19 defensive players in the conference.”

Game 7:30PM Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Game 7:30PM ������������������������������������������������ Dawson-Boyd head coach Matt Huhnerkoch and assisTracy High School Players to watch are 6-0 junior guard Renville County West High School Gold Gym tants Rich Schrupp and Brady Holwerda. Jacob Valdovinos and 6-3 freshman forTuesday, December 12 Thursday, January 25 Game 7:30PM Lakeview Game 7:30PM KMS “We will be a very undersized team this ward Jon Driggs.

Lakeview High School (Cottonwood) KMS Public Schools - Kerkhoven season,” Huhnerkoch said. “We will try to Thursday, December 14 Valdovinos averaged 3.2 points and Monday, January 29 Game 7:30PM Canby Game 7:30PM ������������������������������������� Lac Qui Parle Valley turn that disadvantage into a positive by 1.1 steals per game. Driggs averaged 5.7 Canby High School Renville County West High School Gold Gym using our speed and athletic ability and Tuesday, December 19 points and 4.0 rebounds per contest.

Thursday, February 1 Game 7:30PM ����������������������������������� Yellow Medicine East Game 7:30PM MACCRAY speed up the game.”

“Jacob is a very quick guard with good Renville County West High School Gold Gym MACCRAY High School - Clara City RCW has lost Isaac Haen and Adam Friday, December 29 shooting range and a great ability to Tuesday, February 6 Holiday Tournament 1:45PM Red Rock Central Schrupp due to graduation. Haen averGame 7:30PM ������������������������������������Tracy-Milroy-Balaton get to the basket,” Huhnerkoch said.

SMSU - Marshall Renville County West High School Gold Gym aged 8.6 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.9 Saturday, December 30 “Jon showed very good promise as an Friday, February 9 Holiday Tournament 12:45PM MCC steals per game a season ago. Adam eighth-grader playing varsity last season.

Game 7:30PM ��������������������������������������������������������� Lakeview SMSU - Marshall Renville County West High School Gold Gym Schrupp averaged 1.5 points, 4.2 He’s a lengthy young kid who can play 2024 Tuesday, February 13 Thursday, January 4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game. every position on the court.”

Game 7:30PM…………………�Canby West Central Tribune

RCW Jaguars Varsity Boys Basketball 2023/24

Game 7:30PM ��������������������������������Benson Public Schools Renville County West High School Gold Gym

Renville County West High School Gold Gym

Game 7:30PM ��������������������������������������������������������� Minneota Renville County West High School Gold Gym

Game 7:30PM………………… YME Yellow Medicine East - Granite Falls

Game 7:30PM ���������������������������������������������������������Ortonville Renville County West High School Gold Gym

Game 7:30PM………………… Sleepy Eye Sleepy Eye

Game 7:30PM CMCS Central Minnesota Christian School - Prinsburg

Game 7:30PM………………… Minneota Minneota High School

Game 7:30PM ������������������������������������������������������������B�O�L�D� Renville County West High School Gold Gym

Game 7:30PM………………… Wabasso Wabasso

Tuesday, January 9 Friday, January 12

Monday, January 15

Tuesday, January 16

Friday, February 16

Monday, February 19

Tuesday, February 20 Friday, February 23

Check the schools website for an updated events list

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22 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

BBE From Page 8

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

ACGC boys basketball coach Terry Miller instructs his players during a nonconference game against Redwood Valley Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022 at Grove City.

ACGC From Page 7

“We will be an athletic team that will be able to show a variety of looks both offensively and defensively,” said longtime ACGC head coach Terry Miller. “We run the floor very well but also have the players that will be able to score in the half court.

“Keys for us will be to develop some depth and rebounding the ball on a consistent basis,” Miller said.

Jonas Morrison and Preston Lilleberg are also players to watch for the Falcons.

Morrison, a 6-3 senior post, averaged 9.9 points and 5.9 rebounds in his junior season. Lilleberg, a 6-4 junior wing, saw action in four games.

“Jonas is a post but can score in a lot of different ways. He plays bigger than 6-3 and can impact the game in a lot of different ways,” Miller said. “Preston sees the floor very well and can score in a variety of ways. His length will also be a factor on defense.”

Miller’s coaching staff includes Dave Zaeska, John Cunningham and Samantha Cunningham.

forward, was an All-CMC Second Team pick a season ago who averaged 4.2 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest.

“Luke (Dingmann) is an extremely athletic and explosive player who has the ability to score inside and out,” Anderson said. “Luke (Illies) took many great strides last season. He is a slasher who can score inside and out.”

Back as seniors are Kaden DeRoo, a 5-10 guard, and Jordan Herickoff, a 6-1 forward.

“Kaden is a guard (who) controls the tempo of the floor,” Anderson said.

“Jordan is a utility type of player who does a lot of the little things well.”

Hayden Sobiech and Josh Walstrom return for their junior seasons. Sobiech is a 6-4 guard and Walstrom is a 6-2 guard.

“Hayden brings length and athleticism at the guard spot and had many great moments for us last season,” Anderson said. “Josh is an athletic guard (who) has the ability to score multiple ways.”

Rounding out BBE’s players to watch is 6-1 sophomore guard Taylor Pieper.

“Taylor is a solid role player who is not afraid to work hard on the floor,” Anderson said.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

BBE sophomore Luke Illies and Paynesville senior Grayson Fuchs battle for the ball as the Jaguars host the Bulldogs in Brooten on Friday, February 24, 2023.

Renville County West Public Schools | 301 NE 3rd St. Renville, MN | (320) 329-8368 | www.rcw.k12.com

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 | 23

YME Sting seek some new key players Drew Almich, DJ Whitebuffalo and Andrew Flaten will lead the way

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

YME junior DJ Whitebuffalo, 3, high-fives teammate Bryce Sneller after scoring a layup and drawing a foul during a Camden Conference game against KMS on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at Granite Falls.

BY MICHAEL LYNE

Drew Almich, DJ Whitebuffalo and Andrew Flaten return as starters.

Almich, a 6-foot-4-inch senior guard, GRANITE FALLS — The Yellow Medappeared in all 27 games for YME, averagicine East boys basketball team lost lots ing 6.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. of production from a season ago and Whitebuffalo, a 6-2 senior guard, will look to a new crop of players to help appeared in 21 contests, averaging 9.3 bring it success in 2023-24.

YME junior Drew Almich lines up a 3-point shot during a Camden Conference points.

YME was 4-13 in the Camden Confergame against KMS on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023 at Granite Falls.

“Drew will have a bigger role on the ence and 8-19 overall in 2022-23. Bryce team stretching the defense with his Sneller, Cody Dahlager and Owen Torvik ability to shoot,” DeBlieck said. “DJ will highlight the Sting’s key roster losses. be our primary ball-handler and the guy Sneller was an All-Camden Conference who facilitates our offense. DJ is a long pick who was YME’s most valuable player defender. He makes the other team’s Thursday, January 25 Friday, December 8 and most valuable offensive player. Dahlager guards have to work to score all game.”

Game 4:45PM………………….Lakeview Game 4:45PM………………….CMCS Yellow Medicine East High School was an All-Camden Honorable Mention.

Central Minnesota Christian School DeBlieck will also look toward Ricky Monday, December 11 “We graduated a lot of very talented Friday, January 26 Enney to take the next step. He is a 6-1 Game 4:45PM………………….Canby Game 6:00PM………………….Wabasso Yellow Medicine East High School players last season who played a majority senior forward.

Wabasso High School Thursday, December 14 of the minutes over the last few years,” “Ricky was a key role player coming off Game 4:45PM………………….Minneota Monday, January 29 Minneota High School said head coach Logan DeBlieck, who Game 4:45PM………………….Dawson-Boyd of the bench for us last season. He is lookYellow Medicine East High School Friday, December 15 enters his third season with the Sting. ing to take over a starting spot this year as Game 4:45PM………………….Montevideo Yellow Medicine East High School Thursday, February 1 “We are excited to see the players who a high-energy player. He is able to score at Game 4:45PM………………….KMS Public Schools Tuesday, December 19 came off the bench last season get more all three levels. He is also strong enough Game 4:45PM………………….RCW KMS High School Renville County West High School minutes and see what they can do with to defend an opponent’s big guy and quick Tuesday, February 6 Thursday, December 21 Game 4:45PM………………….Lakeview the extra time on the court.” enough to hang with most guards.”

Game 4:45PM………………….Red Rock Central Lakeview High School West Central Tribune

YME Sting

Boys Varsity Basketball Schedule 2023-24

Red Rock Central High School

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Thursday, December 28 Game 6:00PM………………….Buffalo Lake-Hector Stewart Buffalo Lake-Hector High School

Friday, February 9 Game 4:45PM………………….Canby Canby High School

2024 Friday, January 5 Game 4:45PM………………….MACCRAY MACCRAY High School - Clara City

Tuesday, February 13 Game 4:45PM………………….Minneota Yellow Medicine East High School

Tuesday, January 9 Game 4:45PM………………….Tracy-Milroy-Balaton Yellow Medicine East High School

Friday, February 16 Game 4:45PM………………….Renville County West Yellow Medicine East High School

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24 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023

BOYS BASKETBALL

BENSON From Page 9

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Litchfield junior Creighton Huhner drives to the basket while taking on Rocori in Litchfield on Saturday, December 10, 2022.

DRAGONS From Page 16

Alongside McCann and Huhner, Draeger will lean on Jacob Dietel, Garrison Jackman, Alex Medina and Tucker Liestman in hopes of a strong season.

Dietel is a 6-1 post and Jackman is a 6-1 guard. Both are seniors.

Dietel averaged 4.9 points and 3.5 rebounds per contest. Jackman averaged 3.4 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists

per game.

“Jacob is a strong kid who can rebound and be physical inside,” Matt Draeger said. “Garrison is smart, can play multiple positions and can really defend.”

Medina is a 5-11 sophomore guard and Liestman is a 6-4 senior wing. Liestman averaged 6.3 points per game in 19 games.

“Alex is an explosive guard who can really get into the paint and distribute the basketball,” Matt Draeger said. “Tucker can really get it going from the outside and has really good range.”

The Braves have two other sophomore starters returning in forward/ center Harold Habben and guard Tayte Antolick.

Junior guard Jaden McCarter has the potential to be the Braves’ best defender, according to Felt. Then there are a pair of freshmen — 5-7 guard Graidy Zimmerman and 6-5 forward Lanadreon Goodwin — who are expected to make a big impact.

“Graidy is a player we are very excited about,” Felt said. “He was looking at some varsity time as an eighth-grader last year before an injury ended his season. Graidy plays aggressive and can knock down shots. “(Goodwin) is a player with unlimited potential. He can rebound, score and block shots as good as anyone and we are hoping he can be a great basketball player for us.”

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Benson eighth-grader Lanadreon Goodwin protects the ball after getting the rebound during a Section 6A-South play-in game against Ortonville on Monday, March 6, 2023 at Benson.

MACCRAY From Page 17

Isaac Post, a 6-foot guard, returns as the Wolverines’ top producer from 202223. He was an All-Area Second Team pick who averaged 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

Jordan Warne and Sawyer Janssen are both 6-6. Warne averaged 10.0 points, 8.7 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game and Janssen averaged 7.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per contest.

Wadsworth will also see plenty of minutes. At 6-3, he averaged 8.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game.

“All four of these young men had big impacts throughout the season on a nightly basis,” Post said. “All are capable of having big scoring games and making an impact on both ends of the floor.”

Also looking to make impacts for the Wolverines are seniors Riley Roskens (5-11), Juan Del Bosque (5-7) and Jeremy Maldonando (5-8) and juniors Xavier Noble (6-2), Waytt Swenson (5-10), Grayson Ahrenholz (6-1) and Isaiah Lara (6-3).

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Montevideo junior Devin Ashling, 22, guards Redwood Valley’s Elway Berg during the Section 3AA-South championship on Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the R/A Facility in Marshall.

MONTEVIDEO

Michael Lyne / West Central Tribune

MACCRAY junior guard Matthew Wadsworth passes the ball through traffic against Canby in the Section 3A-North quarterfinals on Saturday, March 4, 2023, at Montevideo.

our best passers,” Webb said. “Gabe is a lights-out shooter with a team-first mentality.”

From Page 19 Brody Dack and Nels Baukol are sophomores to look out for on Montevideo’s roster.

Back as upperclassmen looking to “Brody is a strong player with a make impacts are senior forward Gavin Marty and junior guard Gabe Lindeman. high IQ. He has a great feel for the game and will be a great defender and “Gavin was a huge piece off the rebounder for us,” Webb said. “Nels is bench for us last year and we look for a long, athletic post who will play a big him to provide that same spark. He role this year off the bench.” plays with great energy and is one of