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Preseason Power rankings
Here is a look at the preseason KSFY/KWSN rankings and notes about some of the teams that may make some noise in the year ahead. The teams do not appear in any order of preference.
Boys AA
Sioux Falls O'Gorman, which won the title a year ago, went 24-1 and has won titles in four of the last six seasons, including two straight. However they lost the services of three all-state players and return just one starter. It opens the door for a wide-open AA field.
Mitchell, which will be led by head coach Gary Munsen (621 career wins), is seeking its state best 1717th state title but first since 2005. The Kernels (21-4 a year ago and second to O'Gorman in last year's State A), will be led by the return of three starters including all-state forward Tucker Volesky (18.0 ppg) and 6-4 forward Jade Miller (10.0 ppg). The Kernels look to be the favorite as they also return gritty guard/forward Matt Henriksen (8.8 ppg), plus the 6-6 senior twins in Brady and Brian Maxwell. This is Munsen's final year in coaching. One early highlight will be a coaching matchup with Munsen and Custer's Larry Luitjens at the Miller Classic.
Pierre T.F. Riggs (17-9 – 6th State A Tourney), which returns 10 letter winners and two starters, will be led by the junior combination of 6-9 center Zach Hansen (12.2 ppg., 6.0 rpg) and 6-5 guard Lane Severyn (14.8 ppg., 6.5 rpg), both named 2nd team all-state. The Governors also feature 6-8 senior forward Joe Tetzlaff (3.0 ppg., 3.0 rpg). The Governors are definitely a team to watch as they try to win its first title since 1982.
Sioux Falls Lincoln, which was only seconds away from a berth in the AA finals, returns two starters and six letter winners from its 17-7 squad (3rd in State Tourney). Leading the returnees is a pair of two-year starters, including 6-2 senior forward Trey Naasz (10.6 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and 6-8 senior center Scott Mulder (4.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 24 blocks). Others returning include 6-1 senior forward Nick Goeman (5.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg), 5-11 senior guard Matt VanderWoude (4.0 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and 6-1 senior forward Jon Gednalske.
Sioux Falls Washington Warriors, 17-9 a year ago and fourth at the State AA Tourney, will The Warriors returns five letter winners and two starters, including 5-10 guard Joey Habtmeriam, who is deadly from three-point range. Also back will be 6-6 senior center Tyler Shetterly. Others in the mix include 5-11 senior Justin Trett, 6-2 senior Pat Fiala, 5-9 senior guard Nick Arrington, 6-0 senior Cody Haverman, 6-1 senior Cody White, 6-3 senior Eli Auch, 6-3 senior Kellen Schmidt, 6-3 senior Taylor Lupton, 5-11 junior Ty Wylie and 6-4 sophomore Brett Stanley.
Brookings (9-14 a year ago lost to Brandon Valley in Districts) will try to push the basketball with a pair of standout guards. They return six letter winners and four starters. The Bobcats will be led by 6-2 senior guard Landon Busch (15.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 2.3 apg, All-ESD), who scored over 20 points nine times a year ago, as well as standout 5-9 senior guard Tanner Odegaard (14.2 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, all-league), who scored 35 points against Aberdeen Central. Brookings also has Tea High transfer, 6-4 senior forward Alex Irvine (15.8 ppg, 11.0 rpg at Tea, all-conference). They also bring back 6-3 senior forward Conner Doherty (8.9 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 6-1 senior forward Matt Thomas (3.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 6-3 senior center Jordan Vanderbush (4.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and 5-11 senior guard Nick Nagy (3.9 ppg).
Huron (11-12 last year), which lost eight games by eight points or less last year, will try and make a run for its first title since 2004 and 12th overall. The Tigers return eight letter winners and three starters, including 2nd team all-state and three-year starter 6-5 senior guard Luke Carr (14.6 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 3.2 apg). Also back is 6-5 senior guard Spencer Stahly (10.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.1 apg, all-league) and 6-5 junior Adam Zwaniger (7.3 ppg, 5.2 rpg).
Sioux Falls Roosevelt Rough Riders, 10-12 a year ago (eliminated in districts), will look to return to the State As, utilizing speed, quickness and athleticism. The Rough Riders will be strong at guard led by the return of one of the state's top players, Tyler Howard, a 6-1 junior, who averaged 14.0 ppg, 2.0 apg, 2.0 rpg a year ago. While the team doesn't feature a lot of size, they will look to 6-3 senior forward Tom Nugteren (4.3 ppg, 3.8 rpg), 6-2 senior Brett Ledeboer (2.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg) to lead the way inside. Also in the backcourt SFR will have 5-10 junior Jeremiah Clark (5.3 ppg) and 6-3 junior guard Lucas Wilber (3.3 ppg) along with 5-9 junior transfer (O'Gorman) Nate Cole. Also in the mix will be 6-0 guard Austin Sitter, 6-4 junior forward Brandon Boggs, 6-5 sophomore Calvin Krause and 6-0 senior guard Elliot Sammons.
A Boys
St. Thomas More won its third title in five years a year ago by defeating Viborg-Hurley, 63-47 in the 2010-11 title game. Dell Rapids was third last year and looks for its first since title since 1972 (Class B).
Dell Rapids Quarriers, 23-3 a year ago and third at the State A, will return the core of its team. A quick and athletic team will be led by third-team all-state and State A Tourney Team performer, 6-2 junior forward Cole Langer (16.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.0 spg, 4.4 apg, nine double-doubles). Also back with be 6-3 senior forward Michael Schmidt (8.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, shot 42.5 percent from 3 pt range). They will also have 6-5 junior center Bryce Koch (All State Tourney Team, 9.9 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 2.6 bpg, 1.9 apg, nine double doubles. Others include 5-10 senior guard Wes Hansen (2.2 ppg), 5-11 senior guard Channing Barber (2.2 ppg), 5-10 senior guard Zachery Barber (2.8 ppg), 5-10 guard Riley Rinehart, 6-2 senior forward Colin Karst, 6-2 senior forward Ben Kahler, 6-2 junior forward Matt Kolbeck, and 5-11 junior forward Lane LeBrun.
St. Thomas More, which is coming off a 25-1 season that included the Class A Championship, will again be talented, although they lost several standouts including Liam Duffy. Senior, 6-0 guard Skye Warwick (16.2 ppg, 5.6 apg) will be back and can make plays. Also returning is 6-1 senior guard Eric Hensch (12.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg) along with 6-5 senior Jeremy Henderson (4.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg). They will also have 6-6 senior Kilby Rech (7.2 ppg, 7.0 rpg) plus 6-3 senior Taylor Klapperich (14.6 ppg on JV).
McCook Central/Montrose Fighting Cougars, which was 19-3 a year ago, will return seven letter winners. The Fighting Cougars, which will try to push the ball when possible, are led by three-year 5-9 starting guard Andy Kappenman (10.0 ppg, 3.0 apg, all-league). Also back will be 6-5 senior center Shayne Gottlob (9.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, three-year starter), 6-3 forward Jordan Wolf (8.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg), 6-1 senior point guard Gavin Gassman (2.0 ppg, 1.0 apg), 6-0 junior Brandon Reif, 6-2 forward Will Gottlob and 5-9 guard Adam Fendrich.
Elk Point/Jefferson Huskies, which was 15-6 a year ago, lost the services of All-State center Ethan Pace and four other seniors, will nonetheless have a talented team returning led by 6-3 junior guard/forward standout Brock Zeller (16.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, all-league), who may be one of the state's best players. They also return 6-2 senior guard Mike Wurtz (5.7 ppg, 47 percent from 3-pt.) and 6-1 junior point guard Blake Donnelly (3.5 ppg). Other expected to contribute will be 6-3 senior forward Tyler Koupal and 6-1 senior center Nick Murphy.
Flandreau Fliers, which was 14-8 a year ago including a loss to Madison in the District finals, will be quick, athletic and experienced. They return nine letter winners and three starters, including three-year starter Joe Parlsey (6-1, Sr., 7.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg), senior guard Nick Behrens (5-11, 10.0 ppg, 2.4 rpg) and junior guard Jacob Patterson (5-8, 11.2 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 2.2 apg). Sophomore guard Guy Zephier (5-8, 5.2 ppg) will also contribute. The Fliers, which averaged 55.1 ppg last year, will also have 5-10 junior forward David Parsley, 5-8 junior guard Mitchell Foster, 5-11 sophomore Geno Taylor-Burshiem, 5-10 senior forward Forestte Taylor, and juniors David Johanson (6-1, 2.5 ppg) and Mitch Hansen (5-11, transfer from Lyman Co.).
Miller Rustlers, 19-7 a year ago and eighth at the State A Tourney, rreturn eight letter winners, including two starters, led by one of the state's one players in senior Darin Peterka. A 6-2 guard, Peterka, a three-year starter, averaged 22.8 ppg, 3.0 apg, 6.7 rpg and 3.6 spg. The Rustlers also return two-year starter Joey Vrooman, a 6-3 forward/center, who scored 6.5 ppg and 3.7 rpg as well as 6-2 junior forward Lee Sivertson (5.0 ppg, 2.6 rpg). Miller, which runs a motion offense and man defense, is quick but lacks size and will be after its first state title since 1972.
B Boys
Also receiving votes Langford (15-7), 1.
Corsica/Stickney won the Class B title a year ago but did not crack the preseason top-five. White River, which has won three titles (1955, 2008, 2010), will try to make a fourth consecutive trip to the State B Tourney and win its third title since 2008.Viborg/Hurley will try to win its first title. A year ago V/H was runner-up in Class A and now take a shot at Class B.
White River, 21-5 and second in the State B last year, made the tourney for the 4th straight year will again be one of the state's best with all starters returning. They are led by 5-8 junior Wyatt Krogman (18.5 ppg, 7.3 apg, 3.3 spg). Also back will be 5-8 junior Nic Waln (16.1 ppg), 6-2 junior Matthew Gillen (11.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 5-10 junior Gilbert Morrison (10.2 ppg, 3.9 spg) and 6-1 sophomore Tavis Burbank (5.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg).
Viborg/Hurley, 19-7, 2nd, Class A Tourney, lost to St. Thomas More, 63-47, was one game short of winning its first-ever title in its current Co-op. However, they are now in Class B with three starters and eight letter winners from its state tourney team. Returnees are led by 6-1 senior Dennis DeNeui (11.3 ppg, 3 rpg) and 6-9 senior center Zach Kraning, a three-year starter (8.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg, 2.4 bpg). Also back is 5-9 junior guard Trevor Jacobsen (7.2 ppg, 3.3 apg) as well as 6-1 junior guard Tyler Gerdes (4.4 ppg, 2.2 rpg). Three others figures to contribute including 5-9 senior Matt Jensen, 6-4 senior Ryne Kludt and 6-6 junior Andrew Hora.
Canistota Hawks, 21-5 and 7th at State B Tourney, will try and build on its seventh place finish in the B Tourney with the return of nine letter winners and three starters. Featuring an up tempo offense and full-court man-to-man defense, Pat Jolley's troops will be led by guard Alex Robertson (5-10, Jr.), a three-year starter who scored 12.2 points and handed out 4.0 assists last year. Also back is 6-2 junior forward Cody Bunger, a two-year starter who scored 13.0 ppg. Also back will be center Trevor Schroeder (6-4, Sr., two-year starter), guard Eric Tieszen (5-10, junior) and 6-5 forward Jason Van Winkler.
James Valley Christian, 20-6 and 4th at State B, lost only two players to graduation. They will be led by all-state performer 6-0 junior Adam Hofer (17.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.0 apg) as well as 6-3 sophomore Andrew Ulvestad (12.3 ppg, 7.9 rpg), 6-0 sophomore Nathan Wedel (8.9 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and others.
Castlewood Warriors, 17-7 (finished 6th at B Tourney), welcomes back five letter winners and three starters, including 6-2 senior all-conference guard Jordan Feyerisen (18.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 144 points from 1,000 for his career). Also back will be 6-2 senior forward Carver Ching (5.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg), 5-10 junior point guard Grant Fodness (4.7 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 3.6 apg) as well as 6-4 sophomore center Lucas Ching (4.2 ppg, 4.5 rpg). Key reserves will be 6-5 sophomore forward Adam Ching and 6-3 sophomore guard/forward Gunner Johnson. The Warriors will have offensive balance and good size and quickness.
Sully Buttes Chargers, 18-7 last year and 3rd at B Tourney, return four letter winners and two starters, including senior 6-0 guard Jordan Lamb, who averaged 15.6 points per game a year ago. Senior 6-3 guard Connor Uhlir averaged 14.0 ppg (at Kadoka) and will contribute. Sully Buttes will look for help from 6-0 senior guard Herman Kleinsasser, 5-11 sophomore guard Lewis Hofer, 6-3 senior forward Jalen Lamb and 6-1 senior forward Willie Colston. The Chargers, which averaged 59 points a game, will push the ball and play full court man pressure.
Langford Lions, 15-7 a year ago, lost in the District finals to Rosholt). The Lions will return 10 letter winner and four starters, including 6-2 senior guard Nick Alerts (10.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg) and 6-1 senior forward Kyle Johnson (11.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg). At guard, 5-9 senior Weston Hoglund (7.0 ppg, 5.0 apg) and 6-2 forward Michael Erickson (8.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) will contribute. Also look for 5-10 senior guard Dalton Lone, 6-0 senior forward Damen Lone and 6-1 senior Tyler Block to also play roles. Langford, which averaged 52.3 ppg a year ago, will be experienced as they look to play up-tempo basketball with occasional full-court pressure.
AA Girls
Rapid City Stevens (13-13), 5
A year ago Brandon Valley, behind the outstanding play of Heidi Hoff and others, won its first ever title. Mitchell, which was seventh last year, goes for its fifth overall title but first since 2004. Aberdeen Central seeks its first title.
Mitchell, 15-9 a year ago and 7th in State AA Tourney, will return nine letter winners and three starters and be one of the favorites to return to the state tourney and win its first crown since 2004, Leading the Kernels will be 6-0 forward Kerri Young, a two-year starter (18.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg), 5-11 sophomore guard/forward Maci Miller (13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) and 6-0 junior forward Kristin Sabers (11.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg). Others in the mix include junior Megan Farnham, and seniors Dana Misiaszek and Lexie Weier. Mitchell plays up temp, operating a motion offense and run man defense.
Brandon Valley, 17-9 last year and defending State AA champs, will return three starters and seven letter winners including all-state standout senior guard Heidi Hoff (5-11, 18.4 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 3.8 apg). Also back will be junior Allison Koehn (5-8, 7.6 ppg) along with senior guard Charissa Etrheim (5-6, 1.5 ppg) and senior forward Briana Roegiers (5-10, 2.7 ppg). The Lynx, which runs a motion offense and plays man-to-man defense scored 50.7 points per game last season. While lacking size, the AA favorites have chemistry and showcase versatility and big play ability.
Aberdeen Central, which was 14-11 and finished third in the State AA Tourney, return four seniors, including starting guard Tiffany Lundberg. Also figuring in the mix will be 5-7 senior Megan Jordre, 5-11 senior Kelcy Schaunaman (13.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg), 5-10 senior Kayla Schaunaman, 6-2 junior Sam Knecht, 5-8 junior Brynn Flakus, 6-0 junior Rachel Unrich, 5-7 junior Cassidy O'Brien, 5-7 junior Leah Beringer, 5-10 junior Lauren McCafferty and 6-0 junior Sara Niederbaumer.
Rapid City Stevens, 13-13, 6th State AA, has a strong returning group, including All-State performer Margaret McCloud, a 6-2 senior who averaged 18.6 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 3.4 apg, and 3.5 spg). Also back is 5-5 senior Katie Klapprodt (10.3 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 3.6 apg). Also returning will be 5-7 senior Cheyenne Quinn (3.2 ppg) and 5-7 junior guard Shelby Shorb (4.8 ppg).
O'Gorman, 21-4, 2nd in Class A Tourney, return 10 letter winners and two starters. The Knights are led by 5-7 senior point guard Chandler Nielsen (14.7 ppg, 3.0 apg). Also back is 5-7 guard Alyssa Brazil (2.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg). Other contributors will include 6-0 senior forward Tori Langin (4.5 pp, 3.6 rpg), 5-9 senior forward Haley Jones (3.4 ppg, 1.4 rpg) 5-9 senior guard Ashton Weber (2.0 ppg, 1.8 rpg), 5-9 senior forward Ally Beacom, 5-9 senior forward Rachel Ormseth and 5-8 junior guard Allie Kneip. Led by Nielsen, the up-tempo Knights figure to be in the hunt for a state title.
Watertown, 13-9 (lost in regions, return 10 letter winners and three starters, including all-state guard Tia Hemiller, a 5-7 four-year starter, who scored 15.9 points, grabbed 7.8 rebounds and averaged three steals per game. Also back is 5-7 senior guard Savannah Gravatt (10.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg) and 5-7 senior guard Abby Davis (4.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, and 2.0 spg). Another key player will be Molly Buhler, a 5-7 senior guard. Also figuring in the rotation will be juniors Mandy Tetzlaff, Ashtin McClemans and Emily Pengilly. This is a dangerous team and led by Heimiller and Gravatt could make a run at a state title.
Sioux Falls Roosevelt, 17-6 (lost in Region), which has seven state titles but won its last championship in 2006, will try and return to the State A Tourney by means of an athletic and fast team. The Rough Riders, which averaged 57.3 ppg, will be led by returning starters, 5-8 senior guard Sydney Rome (8.26 ppg) and 5-9 senior guard Anja Cucak (4.35 ppg). In addition, they will have senior forward Sarah Hirsch along with the explosive junior guard Lauren Kunz. Also returning will be 5-7 junior forward/guard Katelyn Johnson, 5-5 sophomore. This team has something to prove after ending its season early a year ago.
A Girls
A year ago, Sisseton won the Class A title for its five championship since 1985. They defeated Beresford, 50-39, which is ranked fourth and will seek its first state title. Sisseton also owns titles in 1990, 2000, 2001 and 2004. St. Thomas More will be looking for its first title as will Parkston. Wagner will go for its first title since winning consecutive crowns in 1997 and 1998.
St. Thomas More, which was 24-2 and fourth at State A last year ago, will be led by 5-10 senior and first-team all-state performer Caitlin Duffy (18.9 peg, 6.1 rpg, 3.7 apg, 3.6 spg). Also back will be 5-10 senior Bri Arity (9.4 ppg, 4.9 rpg) as well as 5-5 senior Maddie Merriam (9.4 ppg, 3.7 apg) and 5-11 sophomore Moira Duffy (6.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg).
Parkston, which was 20-3 (lost in regions), returns four starters and nine letter winners off the District 10 champions. The Trojans, which averaged 59.0 ppg, will be led by standout 5-6 senior guard Marie Malloy, a five-year starter and all-state performer. She averaged 14 ppg, 7 rpg, 4 apg, and 4 spg. Also back is 5-6 junior guard Logan Wagner (13.0 ppg, 3 apg) as well as 6-0 junior forward Ericka Herrold (9.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg), and 5-8 junior forward McKenzie Weidenbach (7.0 ppg, 3 apg). The Trojans are an experienced team and will be one of the better squads in Class A.
Wagner, which was 16-4 and suffered a first round loss in the Districts, returns six letter winners and four starters, including the core of its team. Leading the way will be one of South Dakota's best in guard Devon Brecke, a 5-10 senior who has started four years. She is a two-time all-state performer, who averaged 22.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, and four assists. Also back will be 5-10 junior guard Jessa Doom (11.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg) along with 5-10 senior forward LaShawn Medicine Horn (6.0 ppg, 4 rpg.), and senior forward Alexa Cimpl (4.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg).
Beresford, 23-3 (lost to Sisseton, 50-39, in State A Title game), will try and take a step further with the return of three starters and eight letter winners. Leading the way are three-year starters at guard, 5-8 Alyson Johnsen and 5-8 Taryn Twite. In the post, 5-11 center Jessica Bogue will be joined by 6-0 senior Alison Klostergard. Molly Kennedy, a 5-9 senior guard, and Megan Olson, a 5-6 senior guard, will also contribute.
Elkton-Lake Benton, 18-3 a year ago (lost to Madison in District finals), returns three starters and eight letter winners. They will be led by 5-6 senior guard Cassidy Gebhart (16.2 ppg, 4.3 apg, 5.9 spg, 2.6 rpg), who was named all-state last year. Megan Krogman, a 5-10 senior forward, is another key player (12.3 ppg, 9.4 rpg, 3.1 steals). Stephanie Johnson, a 5-5 senior guard (9.2 ppg, 4.0 spg, 2.5 apg) is the other returning starter.
Clark/Willow Lake, finished 23-3 last year and finished led by Chynna Stevens (13.3 ppg, 11.3 rpg). They will also have a 6-1 freshman MacKenzie Huber for posting scoring and 5-3 junior guard Janelle Paulson and 5-6 senior Mindy Grensberg, who has shooting stiff. They also get back a good shooter in Bailey Bruns who did not play last year.
Tri-Valley, which was 18-8 and looks to advance to state tourney for third straight year, will be led by 6-0 junior Allison Cross (13.8 ppg, 8.9 rpg), 5-8 senior Taylor Swier (5.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg), 5-7 senior Nicole Fritz (4.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 3.2 apg), 5-8 junior Chelsea Amundson (5.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg), 5-11 senior Tasha Graves along with 5-7 junior Summer Bussman, 6-0 sophomore Cally Neises and others.
B Girls
Also receiving votes Estelline (14-7), 3
A year ago Summit rolled to through an unbeaten season and won its second title in three seasons. Summit puts up its 26 game winning streak and will try and return to its fourth straight state tourney (three straight championship berths, two crowns, 2009 and 2011). Centerville, Freeman and Parker will try and win a first title.
Centerville, which was 20-6 and fourth in the Class B Tourney, returns 11 letter winners and five starters. The Tornadoes will have size, experience and is a tournament-tested team as they try to get back to the State B. Jamie Parish's group is the favorite headed into the season with the return of all-state junior guard Kieran O'Malley (22.4 ppg, 4.1 apg, 2.9 spg, 2.3 rpg, broke 1,000 points for career, named All-Tourney team). They will also look to 6-0 senior center Samantha Blake (15.5 ppg, 10.8 rpg) for production inside. Also back as starters are 5-7 junior forward Brittany Austin (3.2 ppg 5.1 rpg, 3.9 apg), 5-5 junior Sara Nothdurft (7.4 ppg, 3.8 apg, 3.2 rpg), along with 5-9 forward Mikayla Abbas (5.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg) and 6-1 forward Logan Wieseler (3.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg).
Freeman, 19-4 (lost in region final, returns six letter winners and five starters from a team that averaged 58.5 points per game. All-state 5-7 senior guard Paige Herrboldt (18.2 ppg) will lead a talented squad. Also back will be 5-9 senior forward Carly Uecker (11.0 ppg) and 5-7 junior guard Dina Soulek (10.4 ppg). Two other starters back include 5-7 senior guard Kaitlyn Stern (8.2 ppg) and 5-8 junior guard Cali Lager (4.0 00g). Freeman should make a run at its first state title with an experienced group of outstanding shooters, and tough defenders.
Summit -- Summit, 26-0, which defeated Newell, 42-40 in double overtime to win the State B a year ago, lost the services of one of its best-ever players in Alex Kneeland. However they return nine letter winners and two starters as they look to defend the title. Operating out of a spread offense, the Eagles, which has appeared in three straight title games and six consecutive state tourneys, will have experience, length and athleticism. They will return 6-0 guard Logan O'Ferrell, a junior, who averaged 12 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 3.1 steals last year. Guard Presley O'Farrell scored seven points, five rebounds and 4.3 assists while 6-0 center Christine Pearson defends the inside and should improve on three points and three boards per game.
Hanson -- Coming off a 13-10 record and a District Final loss to Mitchell Christian, Hanson looks like a solid team. The Beaverettes, which play an up-tempo and full court man-to-man pressing defense, will be young but quick and aggressive. They are led by third-team all-state selection, 5-11 senior forward Ashley Robinson (17.15 ppg, 9.3 rpg, conference MVP). They will also return 5-7 junior guard Kendra Cheeseman (8.1 ppg, 4.0 apg), 5-7 sophomore guard Cassidy Graham (9.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, all-league), 5-7 junior forward Kelli Wenande (4.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg) and 5-5 sophomore guard Leah Marsh (4.7 ppg, 2.3 rpg).
Estelline, 14-7, which returns six letter winners and three starters, was the top seed in the Districts last year before being upset in the title game. They have a wealth of talent and experience back led by 5-9 junior forward Erin Begalka (10. ppg, 7.5 rpg) and three-starting guard, 5-9 senior Mikayla Saathoff (8.7 ppg, 6.0 apg).Also in the starting mix will be 5-7 sophomore guard Shelby Reed (transfer from Sioux Valley), 5-7 senior guard Brook Begalka (4.4 ppg, 3.2 rpg), 5-9 senior forward Abby Licht (3.6 ppg, 4.5 rpg) and 6-1 senior center Megan Taylor (4.5 ppg, 5.4 rpg).
Parker, 16-7 (lost to Centerville in Regions), returns the core of a team that advanced to the regionals. The Pheasants, which plays an up-tempo game, will be led by 6-0 senior forward Anna Leloux (11.0 ppg., 9.3 rpg, 1,000 career points, 3rd team all-state), senior 5-8 forward Alycia Pesicka (3.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg), 5-10 senior forward Tessa Weeldreyer (9.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg), 5-5 junior Micalanne Hansen (9.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg),and 5-5 sophomore guard Morgan Hay (2.3 ppg). Others in the mix will include 5-7 junior guard Amber Dysthe, 5-7 junior forward Jessica McKenney and 5-8 sophomore forward Haley Holzwarth.
Kimball/White Lake, which will coop for the first time (Kimball, 5-16; and White Lake, 14-7; last year), looks solid. They will be led by 6-1 junior Maria Nightingale (14.3 ppg, 12.4 rpg), 5-11 senior Kelsey Long (8.9 ppg, 8.1 rpg), 5-7 senior Jill Jandreau (10.2 ppg) and 5-7 junior Hailey Mohnen (8.9 ppg).
Warner, which was 19-3 a year ago (lost in regions), will be a solid crew, led by 5-3 senior Emily Kay (7.0 ppg, 4.5 apg). Mallory Jark, a 6-0 senior (10.2 ppg, 10.0 rpg) will be solid in the post. Also look for support from 5-10 senior Karly Fuhrman (5.3 ppg, 4.1 rpg) along with 5-9 senior Daryn Skjefte (3.6 ppg) and 6-3 junior Rachel Rogers ( 7.4 ppg, 3.5 rpg).
Herreid/Selby, which went 18-4 and lost in the region finals, will be one of the toughest teams in the north central area. They return 10 letter winners and three starters. They will be led by the tandem of 5-8 junior guard/forward Taylor Madden (14.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 2.3 apg) and 5-10 forward/center Shauni Schwartz (13.2 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.7 bpg). Also back are 5-5 junior guard McKenzie Frank (4.0 ppg, 2.0 rpg) and 5-5 junior guard Kendra Thorstenson (3.6 ppg, 1.3 rpg), both two-year starters. Abby Fjeldheim, a 5-5 freshman (4.6 ppg, 1.1 rpg), will also play a role.
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