It's no doubt that when you think of Dell Rapids athletics program, Cole Langer comes to mind. The junior forward, who tallies double-doubles most nights, hopes to help lead the Quarriers to its first state hoops title since 1972. But many of these players are familiar with state titles, after winning two straight in football.
"Everybody on the team plays football," Langer said. "I think everybody knows how to work hard."
"Expectations are high. We have a nice group of kids right now and that is in everything," coach Mark Shriver said. "This fall we won the state football championship, we won the golf championship, and we hope to be right there for the state championship in basketball."
Langer has been part of a talented front-court that has been frustrating opposing defenses all season.
"Early in the year, where everyone decided they are going to play us in a zone, pack it in, and make you hurt us from the perimeter," Shriver said. "Now our outside shooting is starting to get a lot better. "
"So far, so good, at 13-2, the Quarriers have been ranked number one in class "A" for most of the season. But a that ranking doesn't matter with a tough regional schedule ahead.
"I think we've got five of the 10 best class "A" schools in the state in our region," Shriver said. "It's a dog fight just to get out of it."
"We've all played together for two to three years now," senior forward Mike Schmidt said. "We're used to each other and we know what everyone's going to do usually. We have a lot of experience."
If they do get back to the state "A" tournament, where they finished third a year ago, the Quarriers hope to bring home their first boys hoops title in 40 years.
