Boys Basketball Preview 2021

s y o B all

b t e k as 21-22

B

20

’s Tribune ams l a r t n e st C a te The Wesive look at are hen compre

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

BOYS BASKETBALL

E2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

INDEX Central Lakes Conference: Willmar Cardinals ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� E2 Wright County Conference: New London-Spicer Wildcats ��������������������������������������������������������������������� E3 Litchfield Dragons �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� E4 West Central Conference: Benson Braves ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� E5 BOLD Warriors ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� E6 Minnewaska Lakers ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ E7 Montevideo Thunder Hawks ���������������������������������������������������������������������� E7 Central Minnesota Conference: Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Falcons ��������������������������������������������������������� E8 Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars �������������������������������������������������������������� E8 Paynesville Bulldogs ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ E9 Christian Athletic League: Community Christian Eagles �������������������������������������������������������������������� E10 Camden Conference: Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays ����������������������������������������������������� E11 Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks �������������������������������������������������������������������������� E12 Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fighting Saints ��������������������������������������� E13 Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles ����������������������������������������������������������������������� E13 MACCRAY Wolverines ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ E14 Renville County West Jaguars ����������������������������������������������������������������� E15 Yellow Medicine East Sting ���������������������������������������������������������������������� E16 Credits The West Central Tribune’s 2021-22 boys basketball special section was written, edited and photographed by sports writers Joe Brown and Matthew Curry and sports editor Tom Elliott Cover Photos Left to Right: BBE’s Kaden Pieper hoists up a 3-pointer during the first half of a Central Minnesota Conference game against Eden Valley-Watkins on March 11, 2021 at Brooten.

Central Minnesota Christian guard Case Mulder drives to the basket during a Camden Conference game against Minneota on Feb. 1, 2021 from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg.

New London-Spicer’s Brycen Christensen (3) scores on a layup during the first half of a Wright County Conference game against Glencoe-Silver Lake on Feb. 26, 2021 at NLS High School in New London.

Willmar guard Alex Schramm brings the ball up the floor against pressure defense from St. Cloud Tech’s Garrison Murray during a Central Lakes Conference game Jan. 28, 2021 from Willmar High School.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune file photo

Willmar’s Sam Raitz (31) puts up a layup through traffic during a Central Lakes Conference game against Alexandria on Feb. 11, 2021 at the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School.

West Central Tribune file photo

Willmar guard Cayden Hansen drives toward the baseline during a Central Lakes Conference game against Brainerd on March 4, 2021 from Willmar High School.

Cards plan to push the tempo With good depth and quickness, Willmar hopes to play full-court basketball

BY TOM ELLIOTT

said Holtkamp, a longtime Willmar assistant who was once head girls WILLMAR — There’s a basketball coach at Kerknew head coach in town hoven-Murdock-Sunburg. and if there’s one thing “We will be one of the Jeff Holtkamp would like smaller teams in the conyou to know, it’s that he ference.” loves to run-and-gun and There are four players play full-court basketball. with a lot of experience Expect both those back, including returning things to happen because Holtkamp, who was hired starters Cayden Hansen last spring for the retiring and Alex Schramm.

Hansen is a 5-foot-9 Matt Williams, believes senior guard who averaged the Cardinals have the 5.1 points, 3.9 rebounds personnel to pull it off. and 2.5 assists per game.

“I think we can go 11 deep,” Holtkamp said. “I’m He led Willmar with 20 steals. excited.”

Hansen is a “floor leader Holtkamp said Will(who) takes good care of mar had a good summer, the ball and makes good improving its defense decisions,” Holtkamp said. from last season’s 7-13 Schramm is a 6-0 senior squad. He also likes his guard who is headed to squad’s athleticism and the University of Minneoverall quickness, which he believes will be an asset sota-Duluth on a football scholarship. Schramm’s throughout the lineup. the Cardinals’ leading The concerns? Well, returning scorer at 9.1 the Cardinals aren’t tall.

They’ll be one of the small- ppg. He also averaged 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists er teams in the Central per game. Holtkamp praisLakes Conference, which looks to Alexandria, Brain- es Schramm for his quickerd and possibly St. Cloud ness and athleticism. He’s Apollo and Fergus Falls as also one of Willmar’s top 3-point shooters, averagearly favorites.

And with the lack of size ing 39% on his long-range attempts. comes another concern: Two others who played rebounding.

“An area of concern will a great deal are Sam Raitz be our team rebounding,” and Blake Schoolmeester.

West Central Tribune

Raitz is a 6-3 junior who can play inside or outside.

He averaged 3.5 ppg.

Schoolmeester is a 6-6 junior who gives the Cardinals’ a little bit of length.

While he’s a post player, he’s also a good shooter who averaged 5.3 ppg.

Players to watch include Abdihamid Abdullah, Harris Duininck and Cade Roelofs. Abdullah is a 6-0 senior guard whom Holtkamp believes will be a pleasant surprise this winter because of his improvement.

Duininck is a 6-3 senior forward who is a “very active player (who) will make plays because of his hustle and determination,” Holtkamp said.

Roelofs, a 6-5 senior, is another big guy who will be asked to deal with opponents’ inside players.

He’s a “good defender with a long wingspan,” Holtkamp said. He’s also an aggressive rebounder on both ends of the court.

Holtkamp is impressed with his squad’s team chemistry and work ethic.

“We’re looking to run,” he said. “We’ve got the depth and team speed to do it.

“Quite a few kids from the JV last year will surprise people. They were very good last year, winning 15 or 16 games.”

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E3

Young Wildcats aim for a good season

NLS returns Christensen, Coahran and has talent around them

BY TOM ELLIOTT

2 blocks per game last season, earning West NEW LONDON — Two Central Tribune All-Area starters are back and both second-team honors. He’s also a standout football of them are very good.

Two sophomores figure to player.

“He’s a very versatile start and both have some player,” Wright said. upside. There’s a strong Coahran, a 5-11 senior supporting cast as well. guard, is a four-sport The New London-Spicer athlete who also excels in Wildcats hope it all adds football, golf and track. up to a successful 2021-22 “He’ll be one of our leadboys basketball season. ers,” Wright said.

“We’re going to have The sophomore starters some growing pains,” NLS are Grant Paffrath and head coach Skip Wright Mason Delzer. Paffrath is said. “But I think if we can a 6-3 forward. Delzer is a be strong on the defensive 6-0 sophomore who was side of the ball and come a standout running back together as a team, we’re on NLS’ football team that very hopeful of competing made it to the section very well.” final.

Returning starters from Also starting is Aedan a 9-11 squad that went 4-9 Andresen, a 6-0 junior in the Wright County Con- who saw plenty of key ference’s West Division minutes last season. are Brycen Christensen Brady Gerhardson, a 6-1 and Peyton Coahran. Both senior, scored 14 points are multi-sport stars. off the bench in the WildChristensen, a 6-foot-4 cats’ season-opening 67-56 junior, averaged 13 points, loss to Montevideo. He’ll be a key contributor.

7 rebounds, 2 assists and West Central Tribune

Kelb Smith, a 6-1 senior forward, and Paul Meier, a 6-6 junior center, also are being counted on.

Gabe Rohman, a 6-1 junior forward, Konnor Rohloff, a 6-1 junior guard, and Nixon Harrier, a 6-0 junior guard, also factor in for varsity playing time. Harrier runs cross-country and golfs.

“It’s a good group of kids,” said Wright, who is in third season as head coach and in his 18th in the program.

Wright sees Annandale as a potential top-10 team Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune in the state and likely the best team in the Wright New London-Spicer's Aedan Andresen (11) goes up for a layup attempt during the County West Division. first half of Wright County Conference game against Glencoe-Silver Lake on Feb. He’s also high on Rock26, 2021 at NLS High School in New London. ford, which beat Burnsville, a Class AAAA school, 91-50.

“Watertown’s got a good junior class and they’re coming off a good football season,” Wright said. “I expect them to be tough.”

The goal is to make NLS be tough, too.

Best of luck to all the area 2021 Winter Sports Teams!!

NLS sophomore Mason Delzer (middle) pokes the ball away from Montevideo’s Mason Jerve for a steal during the first half of a non-conference game Friday, Dec. 4 at New London

1300 5th St. SE. Willmar, MN (320) 235-2485

E4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL

Dragons have some work to do

Litchfield must replace some top talent to enjoy another top season

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Draeger. All three were Weseloh is a 6-footPlayers to watch include starters for last season’s 3 senior forward who seniors Logan King, Tanner averaged 6.7 points, 5.2 Kohls and Elijah SchacherLITCHFIELD — Though 15-6 squad that tied for er, junior Tyler Pennertz there are three players with third in the Wright County rebounds and 2.5 assists Conference West Division per game. and sophomores Jack starting experience back, Dietel is a 6-4 senior for- McCann and Blake Aller. the Litchfield boys basket- with a 9-5 record.

“We have to figure some ward who suffered a knee King is a 5-9 point guard ball team feels like it will be things out,” Draeger said. injury and missed most of who backed up Alsleben starting fresh in 2020-21.

“None of these guys were his junior season. He had a last season. Kohls is a That’s because Avery primary scorers. I think we good football season.

5-11 guard who played Liestman, Tyson Michels Draeger, the coach’s son, in 17 games last season. and Ben Alsleben from the lost 60 to 70 percent of our scoring and that’s what a is a 5-11 junior guard who Schacherer is a 6-1 forclass of 2021 meant so averaged 6.1 points per ward. Pennertz is a 6-3 much to the Dragons’ suc- coach is worried about is how to get those points game, shooting 42% from forward. McCann and Aller cess last season. back.”

3-point range. are guards.

“We have a whole new team,” head coach Matt Draeger said. “We’re trying to learn a little bit about our guys and what we can do.

“We have a good senior group that has played a lot.

I like our kids. We’ll see.”

Liestman and Michels were West Central Tribune All-Area selections.

Liestman, a first-teamer, is now playing baseball at Itasca Community College in Grand Rapids. Michels, a third-teamer, was an Academic All-Stater. Alsleben, a fine football quarterback as well as a point guard, is playing football at St. John’s University.

Being asked to step up Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune and fulfill larger responLitchfield’s Beau Weseloh (24) fights for the loose ball with a Rockford player sibilities are Beau Weselduring the first half of a Wright County Conference game Feb. 5, 2021 at Litchfield oh, Dom Dietel and Alex High School.

West Central Tribune

“It’s a whole new season,” said Matt Draeger, who is in his fifth season as head coach with a 69-38 record. His assistants are Justin Wittrock, Dylan Koll and Jon Johnson.

“We have to fill a lot of roles and figure out who can defend and who can score. We’re kind of starting over.”

Draeger expects

Annandale, Rockford and Glencoe-Silver Lake to be top teams in the Wright County West. New London-Spicer and Watertown-Mayer also should be good, too.

“We figure to get better every game,” Draeger said.

“Our conference is really hard and really tough. We see that as a way to prepare for March.”

Litchfield’s Logan King (3) reaches out to defend the passing lane for Rockford senior Ryan Boysen during the first half of a Wright County Conference game Feb. 5, 2021 at Litchfield High School.

Best of Luck to all Fall 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”

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E5

New coach, mostly new lineup in store for Benson Mike Felt takes over as head coach with one returning starter

BY TOM ELLIOTT

most part and continue to go up-tempo as they BENSON — New head did under former head coach Adam Jensen, who boys basketball coach is Felt’s brother-in-law Mike Felt takes over a and still on the staff as program with not much experience, but with hope an assistant. Also on the staff is Brady Dokkebakthat things will improve ken.. as the season goes on.

Felt, who had a suc“We’ve got a lot of cessful run as head coach young guys with not very at Parkers Prairie after much experience, which playing at North Dakois tough,” Felt said. ta State and a standout The experience comes career at Redwood Falls, primarily from Jalen has a lineup that includes Anderson, a 6-foot-3 Isaac Minchow, Dylan senior forward who was Ascheman and Blake a key component in last Brehmer. season’s 8-11 squad that Minchow and went 3-9 in West Central Ascheman are 5-8 Conference play. seniors. Brehmer is a 5-9 “Juan Espinoza played sophomore. a little bit, too,” Felt said.

Brandonn Traut and “But after that, it’s not Chaden Carroll, both much.”

5-11 seniors, also will be Espinoza is a 6-4 key contributors. A key junior guard who will loss is Ben Peterson. The have an expanded role.

6-2 senior guard was on The Braves plan to play the West Central Tribune’s All-Area second the entire court for the West Central Tribune

team after averaging 19.6 points per game.

Benson opened with a 70-46 loss at Wheaton/ Herman-Norcross.

“We’ve got a lot of work to do,” said Felt, noting that Wheaton/ Herman-Norcross is an improved, experienced team. “We need to work on our decision-making.

Our decision-making can get way, way better.

“We can’t take plays off. The stuff we’re going through is that there is a lot of difference between varsity and JV and we’re learning about that stuff right now.”

The Braves play Dec. 9 at Dawson-Boyd then play host to Ortonville on Dec. 14 in their home-opener. Felt is optimistic.

“We’re looking forward to the rest of the season,” he said.

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Left: Benson’s Juan Espinoza pressure Montevideo’s Andrew VanBinsbergen at the top of the zone during a West Central Conference game on Jan. 29, 2021 at Benson High School. Right: Benson guard Isaac Minchow picks up his dribble during a West Central Conference game against Montevideo on Jan. 29, 2021 at Benson High School.

E6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL

BOLD hopes to be back After a tough ‘20-21, the Warriors are expected to improve

BY TOM ELLIOTT

The Warriors have six seniors expected to contribute in hopes of making RD ISLAND — One of the best shows in the West up for the losses of Drew Central Conference on high Sagedahl, Braeden Tersteeg, Aiidan Elfering and school basketball nights Avery Herdina. Sagedahl, generally involves the a West Central Tribune BOLD Warriors.

All-Area selection and the BOLD has been one of 2020-21 Hengstler-Ranthe top teams not only in the conference, but also in weiler Award winner, now Class A … until last season. plays basketball for St. The Warriors, because of John’s University.

Top returners are seniors quarantine issues involving Cole Visser and Maxwell the coronavirus pandemMarks. Other seniors ic, were only able to play expected to make key 13 games last season, contributions are Hunter finishing 5-8 overall and Borer, Ethan Sullivan, 2-6 in the West Central Andy Bahl and Colter Conference. Included was a 76-62 Section 2A playoff Johnson.

Junior Ryan King also win over Sleepy Eye, then a 73-60 loss to Sleepy Eye St. will be a key contributor, with classmates Zane Boen Mary’s, which went on to the section title and a state and Mason Uhlenkamp on the varsity roster. semifinals appearance at Target Center in Minneapolis.

For BOLD, 5-8 was the first losing season since 2016-17 and it came after a three-year run that produced an overall record of 71-13, including a 27-2 record in ‘19-20.

The good news for head coach Jake Brustuen and assistants Daren Sagedahl and Dane Gillespie is that 2021-22 is shaping up to be much better.

West Central Tribune

As in the football season, which ended with a 9-2 record and a loss to eventual state runner-up Minneota in the section final, freshmen are expected to contribute to the basketball program’s success.

Ninth-grader Jack Gross scored 12 points in BOLD”s season-opening 75-59 victory over Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart. Hudson Vosika and Mathew Jacobs also are freshmen on the basketball varsity.

They’ll compete in a West Central Conference that is expected to be rugged. Morris Area/ Chokio-Alberta is likely one of the top teams in the state in Class AA. Melrose also figures to be strong with Montevideo and Sauk Centre likely contenders.

Go BBE JAGUAR Athletes!

Make this your best season ever!

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Top: BOLD’s Cole Visser (22) locks in on the rim before launching a 3-pointer while the Sleepy Eye defense closes in during a Section 2A-North quarterfinal game on March 16, 2021 in Bird Island. Bottom: BOLD’s Max Marks (23) gets by Sleepy Eye defender Marcus Martinez for a layup in the second half of a Section 2A-North quarterfinal game March 16, 2021 in Bird Island.

Belgrade-BrootenElrosa Schools OUR MISSION: Every Student, Every Day, Any Way.

Our Vision is to be a smalltown, high-performing district that prepares learners through personalized learning experiences to make a positive impact in a rapidly changing world.

320.254.8211 www.bbejaguars.org

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E7

Minnewaska has a new coach Hunter Salathe takes over a Lakers’ team with eight seniors

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Leading the way is Hunter Kostelecky, a 6-foot-5 senior forward GLENWOOD — The Minnewaska boys basket- who scored 19 points in the Lakers’ season-openball team will have a new ing 68-50 loss to Redwood look this season, starting Valley. Kostelecky, who at the top. also had 13 rebounds, figHunter Salathe takes ures to be one of the top over as head coach after post players in the West being an eighth-grade Central Conference this coach the past two seaseason.

Also back is Damon sons. He replaces longtime coach Phil Johnsrud, Uhde, a 5-11 senior guard who had 16 points in the who retired after leading the Lakers to a 7-11 record Redwood Valley game.

He’s a good 3-point shootlast season, including 6-6 er who will be asked to in the West Central Conbe one of the Lakers’ top ference. scorers.

Salathe and his staff, Other seniors on the which includes Ted Hill, roster include Tate RiechNick Danielson, Dan Dahl mann, Ethan Quelle, Alec and Gabriel Eisenbacher, Larson, Noah Danielson, have a roster that includes Andrew Mrnak and Cade Olson. eight seniors.

West Central Tribune

Olson is 6-4. Quelle is 6-2. Marnak is 6-1. Reichmann, Larson, Danielson are guards.

Salathe, who is from Perham, has a non-conference schedule that includes Litchfield, Paynesville, West Central Area, Osakis, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa and St.. James before January 1.

Also scheduled are Albany, Barnesville, Jackson County Central, Breckenridge, St. Cloud Cathedral and Pipestone.

It’ll help the Lakers see where they belong in the West Central Conference and in Section 3AA-North, which includes a lot of Minnewaska’s non-conference teams including Morris and Eden Valley-Watkins.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Minnewaska forward Hunter Kostelecky looks for an open teammate from the high post during a West Central Conference game against BOLD on Jan. 19, 2021 from Bird Island.

Things are looking up for experienced Thunder Hawks Montevideo has four returning starters and 10 seniors

BY TOM ELLIOTT

VanBinsbergen is a 5-11 guard.

Other seniors on the MONTEVIDEO — The roster include Dalton PedMontevideo Thunder erson, Justin Collins, Cole Hawks had one of the youngest teams in the area Augeson, Hunter Strand, Dennis DeJong and Kadin last season. In 2021-22, Fokken.

Montevideo will be one of Mason Jerve, a 6-2 junior the more experienced boys forward, also is expected to basketball squads. contribute.

After going 5-13 last Derek Webb is in his season, including 2-8 in the fifth year as head coach and West Central Conference, it should be his best. The the Thunder Hawks have four starters back and a ros- Thunder Hawks went 1-25 ter that includes 10 seniors. in 2019-20, 1-22 in ‘18-19 Kaden Boike and Bradyn and 3-21 in ‘17-18.

He and his staff, which Schultz return as starters includes Ryan Lalim, Ferfor the third straight year. nando Zamora, Jon Dreyer Landon Stock and Andrew and Erik Boraas, are off VanBinsbergen also are to a good start in ‘21-22. back.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune Montevideo opened with Boike is a 6-0 guard.

Montevideo’s guard Kaden Boike directs the offense during a West Central Schultz is a 5-10 guard. a 67-56 victory over New Conference game against Benson on Jan. 29, 2021 at Benson High School.

Stock is a 6-3 forward and London-Spicer.

West Central Tribune

The Thunder Hawks still must contend with a West Central Conference that will be tough. Morris Area/Chokio-Alberta, led

by Augustana recruit Jackson Loge, is a likely top 10 team in the state in Class AA. Melrose and BOLD are expected to be strong, as will Sauk Centre.

But the Thunder Hawks like where they’re starting.

They have a tough non-conference schedule besides NLS. There is Central Minnesota Christian, which was a state Class A tournament entrant last season, as well as strong MACCRAY and Dawson-Boyd squads. Then, Montevideo opens West Central play with Minnewaska Area on Dec. 17.

E8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL

ACGC expects to be improved Though the Falcons return one starter, they have skilled players coming in

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

GROVE CITY — It was an uncharacteristically tough season victory-wise for the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City boys basketball team last winter.

The Falcons went 3-14 overall, including 3-11 in the Central Minnesota Conference.

The feeling among head coach Terry Miller and his staff is that 2020-21 is going to be better.

“We look to be an improved team from a season ago,” Miller said.

“Depth and experience will be concerns, but our core appears to be solid and we just need a couple kids to step up and contribute in their role.”

Miller is in his 30th season as a coach, including 21 at ACGC. He has a 353-368

career record and an experienced staff that includes Dave Zaeske, John Cunningham, Alex Hendriicks, Samantha Cunningham and Dyle Hoercher.

While only one starter is back, there is some talent.

Gone are Braeden Pickle, Logan Hoekstra, Levi Lilleberg, Brock Hedtke and A.J. Slinden. Pickle was an All-Central Minnesota Conference selection.

The lone returning starter is Bock Denton, a 6-foot2 senior guard.

“Brock is a good shooter who will spread the floor with his playmaking ability,” Miller said.

Players to watch include Alex Kokenge and Thor Goerish.

Kokenge is a 6-3 senior wing.

“Alex Kokenge is a strong, physical kid who

can play both inside and outside,” Miller said.

“He was also our leading 3-point shooter from last season.”

Goerish is a 6-2 junior wing.

“Thor Goerish is a player who has put in a tremendous amount of time into basketball and it shows,” Miller said. “Thor is a very good shooter (who) has the ability to put the ball on the floor and get to the rim.”

The Falcons hope that trio will help ACGC deal with the rigors of the Central Minnesota Conference, which was won last year

by Eden Valley-Watkins.

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, Kimball and Paynesville also had excellent years and are expected to be strong again.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City’s Braedan Pickle fires a long-distance shot during a non-conference game against Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart on Jan. 7, 2020 from ACGC High School in Grove City. Pickle must be replaced by the Falcons this year after earning all-conference honors.

BBE hopes to build on last season’s success Four starters return for Jaguars from a 16-5 team

BY TOM ELLIOTT

champion Nevis in the section semifinals, 59-50.

That four starters BROOTEN — The 2021 return, including three Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa first-team all-conference boys basketball season members, and it’s easy to was a really good one and extremely close to being a see why BBE is optimistic.

“We return many expegreat one. rienced players from last The Jaguars finished season,” BBE head coach second in the Central Min- Chris Anderson said. “This nesota Conference, going should make our practices 11-3. BBE’s three losses very competitive. were to third-place Kim“We are hoping that ball (42-40) and twice to competitive environconference champion Eden ment will carry over into Valley-Watkins (62-61 and games.”

West Central Tribune file photo 49-48). The Jaguars came Leading scorer Kaden Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa guard Kaden Pieper takes back to beat Kimball the Pieper is back. The junior it hard to the basket during a Central Minnesota second time the teams guard was a first-team All-CMC selection for the Conference game Feb. 26, 2021 against Paynesville met 89-54 and then lost Jaguars, who were 16-5 from Paynesville High School. to eventual Section 5A West Central Tribune

last season. Pieper averaged 14.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.

Also back is Ashton Dingmann. The senior forward is another firsttime All-CMC pick who averaged 14.4 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

The other CMC first-teamer back is Luke Dingmann. The sophomore forward averaged 11.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

Also returning is Will VanBeck. The senior guard made the second-team all-conference squad. He averaged 5.5 points and 4.4 assists per game.

All involved must replace three key seniors from last season: Ryan Schwinghammer, Andrew Weller and Peyton Winter.

“As a coaching staff, we are very excited to see what this group can do together,” said Anderson, who is in his 15th year as a coach and in his eighth season at BBE. “The goal is to be playing our best basketball in March.”

If it all comes together, BBE hopes to earn its first state tournament berth since 2014, when the Jaguars were Class A state champions. BBE also was a state champ in 2012 and a state runner-up in 2011.

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E9

Bulldogs hope to continue their winning ways Paynesville hopes to make it three straight winning seasons

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

PAYNESVILLE — One of the top scorers in school history is gone.

Corbin Froelich averaged 25.2 points per game last season, earning West Central Tribune All-Area honors. The 6-foot-4 guard is now playing for Briar Cliff University, an NAIA school in Sioux City, Iowa.

With Froelich leading the way, Paynesville had back-to-back winning seasons for the first time in more than 25 years.

While Froelich and fellow seniors Mitchell Bertram and Kadin Ludwig certainly left their mark, Bulldogs head coach Rick Hendrickson does not think the cupboard is bare.

Three starters return: Chase Bayer, Eli Nelson and Max Athmann.

Bayer is a 6-foot-2, 175-pound senior guard who earned second-team

All-Central Minnesota Conference honors for the 11-9 Bulldogs. Bayer was second on the team in scoring, averaging 12.9 points per game. A good three-point shooter, he shot 37.7% from 3-point range (29 of 77). Those 29 treys were also second on the team. Along the way, he also averaged 4.7 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He’s also coming back from an injury from football season that left him sidelined for most of the season.

Nelson is a 5-11, 175pound junior guard who averaged 9.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 1.7 steals per game.

Athmann is a 6-0, 175pound junior guard. His numbers were 3.9 ppg and 2.7 rpg.

Hendrickson said there are three intriguing players to watch. They are Gus Johnson, Blayke Pung and Bennett Evans.

Johnson is a 6-3 junior guard. Pung is a 6-5 junior forward and Evans

is a 6-5 senior forward.

“All of them bring athleticism to the court and length that we hope to utilize,” said Hendrickson, whose staff includes TJ Schultz and Ben Moser.

“All three have the ability to score the ball.”

Scoring is something Paynesville did very well last season. The Bulldogs led the conference by averaging 68.3 points per game while posting a 9-4 record in the CMC behind Eden Valley-Watkins (121), Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa (11-3) and Kimball (8-3).

Paynesville also allowed 61.2 points per game which was second most in the conference ahead of only Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City (66.9 ppg).

If things break well, the Bulldogs should make it three consecutive winning seasons.

West Central Tribune file photos

Left: Paynesville sophomore Eli Nelson plays defense on Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Will VanBeck during a Central Minnesota Conference game Feb. 26, 2021 from Paynesville High School. Right: Paynesville's Chase Bayer gathers the ball for a layup attempt during a Central Minnesota Conference game against BelgradeBrooten-Elrosa on Feb. 26, 2021 from Paynesville High School.

E10 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL

Community Christian School’s Daniel Reid puts up a shot against a St. Cloud Christian triple-team during the first half of a Christian Athletic League game Feb. 11, 2020 in Willmar.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Eagles have at least one big pair of shoes to fill

All-Area player Daniel Reid has graduated, but CCS has 3 starters back

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — The Community Christian School boys basketball team lost one of the best players in the area from last season in Daniel Reid, a 6-foot6 forward who averaged 16.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last season.

He was arguably the best player in the Christian Athletic League and leaves the Eagles with some big shoes to fill heading into the 2021-22 season.

That said, there’s some optimism about CCS’ chances.

Three junior starters return, including point guard Will Chapin, forward/guard Jonathan

Reid and forward/center Ben Reinertson.

Chapin led the Eagles with 4.3 assists per game and also contributed 11 points and 2.1 steals per game.

Reid averaged 10.1 points and 6.3 rebounds per game.

“And (he) needs to fill his brother Daniel’s shoes,” said head coach Aaron Reid, Daniel and

Jonathan’s father.

Reinertson is healthy and ready to contribute.

“Ben Reinertson is back from injury and looking to make a serious contribution to the team’s success,” Aaron Reid said.

Another player to watch is Mark Arnold. Arnold, a junior, came off the bench last year. “(He) should challenge Chapin in being the assist

leader for the team,” Aaron Reid said.

The Eagles opened with a 62-16 victory over St. Cloud Christian. In that game, CCS also got points from David Mulder, Micah Lindgren, Juan Ramirez, Andrew Borstad, Gavin Mulder and Micah Nelson. It was a balanced attack, with Chapin’s 14 leading the way.

Aaron Reid is in his

sixth season as the Eagles’ head coach. He has a career record of 75-41 and will be assisted this season by Kevin Bronner and Justin Chapin.

CCS has CAL games Friday against Heritage Christian and Lake Region Christian on Dec. 10 in Baxter. The Eagles then are host to Maplewood Academy on Dec. 14 in Willmar.

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E11

CMCS hopes to click again this season

Bluejays return three starters from a state tournament team

BY TOM ELLIOTT

East, where they lost to Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s PRINSBURG — After an 86-73.

Optimism runs high exciting, rugged Camden for the Bluejays, who Conference season that included a North Division have some key players to co-championship with Lac replace, but also have a strong core back from last qui Parle Valley, everything clicked in the section season’s highly successful team. playoffs for Central MinBlake Greenwaldt and nesota Christian.

Russell Groen have gradThe Bluejays beat Wabasso, Renville County uated. But, Case Mulder, Ben Van Eps and Caden West, LQPV and Southwest Minnesota Christian Vander Beek return after to win the Section 3A title starting last season.

Mulder is a 6-foot senior and earn their first state point guard who earned tournament berth since all-conference honors 2017.

None of those wins were and was named to the West Central Tribune’s easy. CMCS split with RCW and LQPV during the All-Area team. Van Eps is a 6-2 senior forward who regular season.

But it was just enough also was an all-conference to get to the state Class A selection. Vander Beek is quarterfinals at Mankato a 6-4 senior center who West Central Tribune

gives the Bluejays an inside presence.

“Case, Ben, and Caleb have been a solid presence in the Bluejay program these past three years,” head coach Ted Taatjes said. “Similar to last year, they will be asked to carry the load on offense and set the tone on defense.”

Mulder averaged 20.3 points per game last season. He has 1,177 career points. He’s a four-year starter who shot 48% from the field, including 38% from 3-point range (59 of 154). Mulder also averaged 4.2 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Van Eps averaged 15.2 ppg and 4.6 rpg. Vander Beek knocked down 8.5 ppg and averaged 7.0 rpg, best on the team.

E H T L E FE

! !

R A RO

West Central Tribune file photo

Central Minnesota Christian guard Case Mulder drives to the basket during a Camden Conference game against Lac qui Parle Valley on March 11, 2021 in Prinsburg A player to watch is Ethan Bulthuis, according to Taatjes.

Bulthuis is a 6-3 shooting guard who averaged 8.8 ppg off the bench last

season. He shot 40% from 3-point range, making 43 of 107 from long range.

Dance

Girls Basketball

Wrestlin g

Boys B asketb all

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

BOYS BASKETBALL

E12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

Blackjacks aim to be better this season Dawson-Boyd returns top point guard Keegon Wicht

BY TOM ELLIOTT

There is one returning starter.

Keegon Wicht, West Central Tribune DAWSON — After being a 5-foot-11 junior point one of the bottom dwellers guard, returns after averagin the Camden Conference ing 14.6 last season.

Letterwinners returning last season, the Dawinclude three seniors, three son-Boyd Blackjacks are planning to move up in the juniors and a freshman.

The seniors are Braxstandings. ton Hahn, Collin Swedz“I think we come into inski and Caleb Torke. the season as a middleJunior letterwinners back of-the-pack team with include Carter Bowen, the potential to compete Levi Olson and Aiden with veteran teams,” Daw- Swenson. Brayson Boike, a son-Boyd head coach Cory ninth-grader, earned a varLarson said. “Defending sity letter, too. consistently for 36 minutes There’s not much size. and staying away from long Boike is the tallest returner offensive droughts will be at 6-2. the key.”

Newcomers to watch The Blackjacks were 3-13 include junior Matt Marin the Camden’s North tinson and ninth-grader Division and 4-16 overall.

Drew Hjelmeland.

They hope to do better for Larson and his coaching Larson, who is in his 16th staff, which includes Keifseason and has a career er Stratmoen and Dustin Hjelmeland, believe the record of 269-140.

Blackjacks will be stronger, like they were when they finished 17-9 in 2019-20.

They are off to a promising start, having beaten Ortonville 71-14 in their opener.

Wicht, as expected, led the way with 18 points, five steals and three assists.

Boike, the freshman, had 16 points and seven rebounds. Olson chipped in with 13 points, including three 3-pointers. Swenson pulled down 11 rebounds.

The good start gives Dawson-Boyd hope.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo

Dawson-Boyd’s Keegon Wicht dribbles into the lane during a Section 3A-North play-in game against Canby on March 15, 2021 from DawsonBoyd High School.

IT'S ALL ABOUT

ATTITUDE!!

Girls Basketball

Boys Basketball

Dance

Quad County Wrestling

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E13

LQPV hopes to keep KMS believes things are looking up the string going Eagles return three starters from 17-4 squad that won Camden North

BY TOM ELLIOTT

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Fragodt believes the Fighting Saints have one of the top players KERKHOVEN — The Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sun- in Camden Conference in Alex Call, a 6-foot-3 burg Fighting Saints are senior guard who earned optimistic about this all-conference honors last season because of four season. Unfortunately returning starters and a for KMS, he’s not expectsenior class of eight.

They’re also anxious to ed back in the lineup erase a disappointing end until February because to last season, when KMS of a football injury. He averaged 14.8 points per was forced to forfeit its first-round playoff game game for the 6-13 Fighting Saints last season. because of being under “He is someone (who) quarantine due to the can put points up from coronavirus pandemic. the outside and inside,” “The team is ready to go especially on how last Fragodt said. “He will be out with an injury until year ended with being February, but we are quarantined at the start looking forward to his of the playoffs,” said Matt Fragodt, who begins return.” his eighth year as head Gage Thorson, Isaac coach at KMS. Rundingen and Drew West Central Tribune

West Central Tribune

MADISON — It was a season to remember for the Lac qui Parle Valley boys basketball team, culminating with a Camden Conference North Division co-championship, a long run in the state Class A rankings, and a 15-game winning streak to start the year.

The Eagles advanced to the 3A-North Sub-Section championship, concluding with a 17-4 record.

LQPV hopes it can pick up where it left off.

Three starters return, though the Eagles must replace three key contributors from last season’s squad: Maverick Conn, Evan Hegland and Mykey Elias.

Conn was a West Central Tribune All-Area selection who already is getting key minutes as a freshman this season at the University of Minnesota-Morris. A 6-foot-4 guard/forward, he averaged 18.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.8 steals per game.

But LQPV’s coaching staff is optimistic about the three returning starters and four others who figure to be heavy contributors this season.

Returning to the starting lineup are Kaiden Allpress, Hunter Conn and Landon Schirm.

Allpress is a 6-foot guard who was an honorable-mention on the All-Camden Conference team.

Conn is a 6-5 senior forward who also earned honorable-mention

Fighting Saints return four starters after having a disappointing end to last season

West Central Tribune file photo

Lac qui Parle Valley’s Hunter Conn takes an outside shot during tje Section 3A-North title game against Central Minnesota Christian on March 24, 2021 from the Lac qui Parle Valley High School all-conference honors.

Schirm is a 5-0 senior guard who was an All-Camden pick.

“We bring back three starters who were major contributors to our season last year,” LQPV head coach Barry Besonen said. “Replacing our graduates and developing our bench will be keys to our season.”

New players to watch include Will Giese, Blake Wollschlager, T.J. Mitchell and Kaden Molden.

Giese is a 5-8 senior guard. Wollschlager is a 6-3 senior center.

Mitchell is a 6-5 sophomore forward. Molden is a 6-4 sophomore center.

It means LQPV will have decent size for a Class A team.

Besonen is in his 10th year as LQPV’s coach.

He has a career 116-115 record and is coming off a four-year string of successful seasons.

The Eagles were 19-9 in 2019-20, 18-11 in ‘18-19 and 13-13 in ‘17-18.

If everything comes together, LQPV believes it’ll be able to keep the string going.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

KMS' Alex Call (2) launches a 3-pointer over Ortonville's Zach Kuechenmeister seconds before the buzzer in the first half of a March 2, 2020 Section 6A-South play-in game in Kerkhoven. Call hit the shot and finished with a game-high 23 points.

Johnson also are returning starters. Fragodt is high on all of them.

Jared Cortez was a key contributor mostly off the bench.

Of Thorson, he said, “Gage has improved every year he has been at the varsity level. He will again be looked at to be more of a scorer. He is a very smart player and puts himself in spots to succeed.”

Thorson is 6-foot senior forward who averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.7 rpg.

Of Rundingen, Fragodt said, “He is really reliable at handling the ball. He has a knack to be able to get to the hoop and finish. He has become a lot stronger and can defend against anyone.”

Rundingen has been the Fighting Saints’ starting point guard the past two seasons. The 6-1 junior was an honorable-mention all-conference selection who averaged 9.7 ppg and 3.5 rpg.

Fragodt said Cortez “showed up late on the varsity level last season and finished on a high note. This year he will be a full-time varsity player and shoot the ball very well. He is also one of the smartest players I have coached and he’s a sophomore.”

Cortez averaged 7.0 ppg and 2.4 rpg.

On Johnson, Fragodt said, “He is a very strong defensive player. He is the player that gives our team a lot of energy when he makes hustle plays.”

Johnson, a 6-1 senior forward, averaged 4.2 ppg last season.

E14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL

Sophs and seniors are the heart of MACCRAY’s team Wolverines are senior and sophomore heavy heading into the season

BY TOM ELLIOTT

roster. Our sophomore class will have to step in and contribute in larger CLARA CITY — There roles off the bench.” are six seniors, plenty of The three starters back talented sophomores and no juniors on the 2021-22 are Isaac Strommer, Gavin MACCRAY boys basketball Husman and Brooks Asche.

They’ll take the lead in team. order to replace graduates It creates an interesting Brady Kienitz and Trendynamic for head coach ton Cavaness, who were a Lucas Post as the Wolverpotent inside-outside comines try to improve upon bination for the Wolverlast season’s 8-10 record, which included a 7-8 mark ines. Kienitz is now playing in the Camden Conference. basketball for Gustavus Adolphus after averaging “Our returning three 21.8 points per game. starters give us a solid Cavaness averaged 13.0 group to work around,” Post said. “All three have a points and 10.1 rebounds lot of game experience and per game.

Strommer is a 6-2 senior are able to impact the game guard who averaged 6.3 in multiple ways.

“We are young this seappg last season. Husman is son. We do have six seniors a 5-11 senior who averaged to lean on, but we do not 8.6 ppg and Ashe is a 6-4 have any juniors on our senior who averaged 4.9 West Central Tribune

ppg and 4.9 rpg.

“Isaac gave us solid minutes on both ends of the floor last season,” Post said. “He is athletic and a very good defender.

“He had a season high of 19 points against Benson in the Case IH Holiday Tournament.”

Players to watch include Isaac Post and Jordan Warne. Both are sophomores. Post is a 5-11, 160pound guard. Warne is 6-5, 190 pounds and expected to contribute inside.

“Jordan practiced the entire year with varsity last season and has continued to develop strength and confidence moving into this season,” Lucas Post said. “We are looking for him to have an impact this year.”

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

MACCRAY’s Isaac Strommer (left) and RCW’s Brandan Hoberg dive for the loose ball during the first half of a Camden Conference game March 1, 2021 at Renville.

MACCRAY’s Gavin Husman (5) launches a 3-pointer from the corner during MACCRAY forward Brooks Asche lines up a jump shot during a Camden the first half of a Camden Conference game against RCW on March 1, 2021 in Conference contest against Central Minnesota Christian on Feb. 18, 2020 from Renville. the CMCS gym.

BOYS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | E15

RCW hopes its winning run continues Jaguars must replace four starters from a 13-6 squad

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

RENVILLE — The Renville County West boys basketball is wrapping up the best four-year run the school has had.

The Jaguars were 13-6 last season and have been 59-39 the past four years.

Prior to that, you have to go back all the way to 2004-05 to find a winning season.

Leading the way for RCW last season were Riley Ashburn, Brandon Hoberg, Jaden Kolker and Nathan Schmidt.

Ashburn was a firstteam West Central Tribune All-Area selection who is now playing for Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato. He was the Camden Conference MVP, averaging 23.3 points and 10.0 rebounds per game.

Hoberg (10.4 ppg), Kolker (6.5 ppg) and Schmidt (5.8 ppg) all were key to the Jaguars’ success.

“It will be difficult to replace the stats and leadership that those four seniors provided last season,” RCW head coach

Matt Huhnerkoch said.

“However, the players (who) will replace them are talented and would have seen much more playing time had we not had such a stacked senior class last season.”

The lone starter back is Tyler Froland. He’s a 6-foot-3, 200-pound forward who was an all-conference selection last year.

There is a supporting cast that the coaching staff, which includes Rich Schrupp, Brady Howerda, Rich Hoffman and Les Schneider, is optimistic about.

“Even though this is a building year, the cupboard is not bare,” Huhnerkoch said. “It may take some time to gel as a team, but this team could win their share of games.”

Among those players to watch include Jaden Serbus, Adam Schrupp, A.J. Gasca and Ryan Schrupp.

“Jaden is a big, strong center that other teams will struggle to match up with,” Huhnerkoch said.

Serbus is 6-5, 220 pounds. He averaged 2.3

points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

Adam Schrupp averaged 3.3 ppg. He’s a 6-0, 160pound guard.

“Adam was a spot starter last season and contributed key minutes off the bench,” said Huhnerkoch, who is in his 11th year as RCW’s coach. “(He) is expected to take on a bigger role this year with the experience from last season.”

Gasca is a 6-1 junior who was a starting quarterback on the football team. He’s expected to start.

Ryan Schrupp is a 5-8 freshman guard with upside.

“Ryan saw limited minutes last season as an eighth-grader on varsity,” Huhnerkoch said. “Ryan is a sharp-shooting guard who can hit from anywhere.”

The Jaguars hope it all adds up to another successful season, though it won’t be easy. They’d like to make it five straight winning seasons.

West Central Tribune file photo

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Renville County West junior forward Tyler Froland drives to the basket during RCW's Tyler Froland (23) goes up to defend a shot by MACCRAY's Trenten a Camden Conference game against Central Minnesota Christian on Feb. 11, Cavaness during the first half of a Camden Conference game March 1, 2021 in 2021 from Renville County West High School.

Renville.

E16 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

BOYS BASKETBALL

Sting have a new leader at the top

New coach Logan DeBlieck relies on upperclassmen for YME’s improvement

BY TOM ELLIOTT

together for a very long time and are exciting West Central Tribune players to watch. Our GRANITE FALLS — Logan DeBlieck takes over age and experience level should help us a lot this as head boys basketball coach at Yellow Medicine season.”

The big four are senior East for Jake Suter.

DeBlieck, a YME alum- guards Isaac Jimenez and nus, was an assistant last Nikson Knapper, senior season for the Sting, who forward Preston Berends went 0-15 in the Camden and junior guard Cody Dahlager.

Conference South DiviThe fifth starter, Kyle sion and 0-18 overall.

YME scored 38.7 points Chase, is a key roster loss from last season, having per game, while allowing 73.1. Both ranked last in graduated.

DeBlieck believes Knapthe conference.

DeBlieck believes a ros- per and Jimenez are playter full of upperclassmen, ers to watch as the Sting including four with start- attempt to compete in the rugged Camden Coning experience, should ference, which was filled help YME improve in with top-notch teams last 2021-22. season.

“This season YME has “Nikson is a talented a full varsity roster of player who can impact juniors and seniors,” DeBlieck said. “These the game in several players have all played ways,” DeBlieck said.

“Isaac is a quick athlete (and) defensive-minded player.

“He is also very talented at controlling the basketball.”

Besides 18 losses in 18 games last season, YME went 1-23 in 2019-20 and 4-20 in ‘18-19. The Sting beat Canby 62-51 Feb. 18, 2020 in Granite Falls, then lost their last four games of the season.

That leaves YME with a 22-game losing streak heading into this season.

That doesn’t seem to faze DeBlieck, whose assistants will be Matt Johnson, Dylan Lindstrom and Brandon Mensink.

“This is my first year as head coach so my career record is 0-0,” DeBlieck said.

West Central Tribune file photos

Left: Yellow Medicine East guard Isaac Jimenez guards a Renville County West player on the perimeter during a Camden Conference game on Jan. 6, 2020 from Yellow Medicine East High School. Right: Yellow Medicine East guard Cody Dahlager directs a play in the half-court during a Camden Conference game against Renville County West on Jan. 6, 2020 from Yellow Medicine East High School.