Digital Z SD Player of the Year:
Kalen Garry, De Smet
Straight out of the movie, Hoosiers, Kalen Garry shocked the nation with an incredible performance against Dream City. The senior lead all scorers with 35 points and helped De Smet lead for the majority of the game. That performance elevated Garry to a commitment with South Dakota State, and continued to lead the Bulldogs all the way to a Class B State Championship.
In his final season, Garry added 20.3 ppg to go along with 6.6 rpg. Congrats, Kalen!
Note:
Teams are listed in order of region and finish. The following teams are included in the recap: Region 1- Aberdeen Christian, Waubay-Summit, Northwestern, Roncalli, Leola-Frederick Area, Region 2- Lower Brule, Potter County, Faulkton Area, Ipswich, Herreid/Selby Area, Region 3- De Smet, Wolsey-Wessington, Region 4- Howard, St. Mary, Chester Area, Region 5- Viborg-Hurley, Irene-Wakonda, Menno, Region 6- Burke, Gregory, Region 7- White River, Philip, Wall, New Underwood, Region 8- Timber Lake, Harding County
Aberdeen Christian (21-5)
The Knights had an excellent season, finishing with the #5 seed in the state tournament and a Region 1 Title.
Junior Malek Wieker put up great numbers to help lead AC, dropping 16.7 ppg and a team-leading 4.1 apg. Classmate Ethan Russell nearly finished with a double-double, averaging 14.7 ppg with 9.3 rpg.
Aberdeen Christian’s junior class also had another double-digit scorer, as Jackson Isakson finished with 10.9 ppg. In fact, the 5 scorers on this team were in the junior class, including Kaden Clark, who dished out 4.0 apg. Be on the lookout for the Knights, who will look to have a big group of seniors who are looking to do some damage.
PTS: Malek Wieker 16.7 | REB: Ethan Russell 9.3 | AST: Malek Wieker 4.1
Waubay-Summit (22-4)
Another team with some talented juniors, the Mustangs are going to be fighting with Aberdeen Christian for a Region 1 title next season.
That team of Mustangs will be lead Damon Opdahl, who averaged a 15.8/5.6/4.2 stat line. Jonathan Johnston is another talented guard in the Class of 2023 who scored 13.4 points a night.
Waubay-Summit is losing some talent in Gulbraa (11.2 ppg) and Seth Gaikowski (7.0 ppg), so the Mustangs will have some players who need to step up, but they will be in good shape for next season.
PTS: Damon Opdahl 15.8 | REB: Damon Opdahl 5.6 | AST: Damon Opdahl 4.2
Northwestern (8-13)
The Wildcats have a 7-member senior class graduating, including Samuel Groft, who averaged 4.2 apg. However, Northwestern will return their top two scorers. Junior Quintin Fischbach (14.0 ppg) will lead the way next season, while classmate Jude Ortmeier finished with 9.8 ppg go along with 6.5 rpg.
Northwestern will need some underclassmen to step into some bigger roles next season, but Fischbach and Ortmeier are looking to have big senior seasons.
PTS: Quintin Fischbach 14.0 | REB: Jude Ortmeier 6.5 | AST: Samuel Groft 4.2
Roncalli (6-15)
It was a developmental year for the Cavaliers, who will look to take a big step up next season. Sophomore Keegan Stewart lead all scorers with 11.3 ppg, while also pulling down 5.2 rpg. Junior Maddox May also had a solid year (9.1 ppg, 6.4 rpg) and will look to lead the way in 2022-23.
PTS: Keegan Stewart 11.3 | REB: Maddox May 6.4 | AST: N/A
Leola-Frederick Area (8-13)
Leola-Frederick Area really found their stride at the end of the season, winning 3 games in a row before a season-ending loss to Waubay-Summit. In fact, this was the Titan’s second 3-game winning streak of the season!
Ethan Morlock (9.9 ppg) nearly averaged double-digit points in his final season, while classmate Mason Hinz finished with more rebounds (166), than points (140).
L-FA will definitely need someone to step up as their top shooter next season, and Brayden Sumption (5.3 ppg) could be that player, as the sophomore is the top returning scorer.
PTS: Ethan Morlock 9.9 | REB: Mason Hinz 7.9 | AST: Hans Lapka 2.2
Lower Brule (22-4)
Lower Brule had one of the most exciting state tournaments in recent memory, defeating Castlewood by 3 in overtime to open the round, before defeating taking down White River in triple overtime the next night. They fell short in the state championship, but Lower Brule was certainly one of the best teams in the state.
Keshaume Thigh lead Lower Brule in his final year with 18.5 ppg and 6.6 apg. After him, a ton of returners had great seasons that they will look to build off of. Brian LaRoche Jr was #2 with 15.7 ppg while dishing out 4.3 apg, and classmate Ellwyn Langdeau Jr scored 10.3 points a night.
Not to forget, Gavin Thigh had a great junior year with a team-leading 4.5 apg while still scoring 10.1 points a game.
Lower Brule had a great season, and it will be exciting to see how this team improves for next season.
PTS: Keshaume Thigh 18.5 | REB: Keshaume Thigh 6.6 | AST: Gavin Thigh 4.5
Potter County (23-3)
Another state tournament team from Region 2, the Battlers put up some insane stats this season. Guard Grant Luikens will be remembered as one of the best athlete’s in the history of Potter County, as the senior scored 21.8 ppg with 8.5 rpg after leading the Battlers to a state championship game in football.
Classmate Cooper Logan also put up a ridiculous 19.3 points a game while passing out 3 assists a night, and Drake Bassett put up 12.1 ppg in his final year.
The Battlers are going to need to replace a lot of points next season, but for now, they can look back and be proud of what they did this season.
PTS: Grant Luikens 21.8 | REB: Grant Luikens 8.5 | AST: Cooper Logan 3.0
Faulkton Area (16-6)
When you have teams like Lower Brule and Potter County in your region, it can be tough to get a decent seed in the playoffs. However, the Trojans held their own this season in this tough group.
In his final season, Hunter Niederbaumer averaged a double-double with 13 ppg along with 10.4 rebounds a night. Simon Bowar also scored 7.6 ppg in his senior year.
As for returners, Layne Cotton will lead the way, as the sophomore averaged a team-best 3 assists a game along with 12.4 ppg.
PTS: Hunter Niederbaumer 13.0 | REB: Hunter Niederbaumer 10.4 | AST: Layne Cotton 3.0
Ipswich (14-8)
Ipswich had 3 guys score over 200 points this season, lead by Taylor Thornson, who averaged 11.8 points a game. Ian Beyers also scored 11 ppg while senior Trevor Beyers finished with 9.6 ppg.
The Tigers will lose Thornson, T. Beyers and Ty Kadlec (4.2 apg) to graduation, so look for the younger Beyers to take on a bigger role next season.
PTS: Taylor Thornson 11.8 | REB: Taylor Thornson 7.0 | AST: Ty Kadlec 4.2
Herreid/Selby Area (9-11)
Brenden Begeman continued to prove he is one of the top athletes in the state, transitioning from football to basketball with 15.7 ppg. Tray Hettick also had a great year, finishing with a 13.3/6.1/4.3 stat line.
Both will return next season to lead the Wolverines, but #2 rebounder, Chance Gregg (5.9 rpg), will be gone to graduation.
PTS: Brenden Begeman 15.7 | REB: Tray Hettick 6.1 | AST: Tray Hettick 4.3
De Smet (25-1)
The Bulldogs put up a historic season in Class B, and finished as arguably the best team in the state, any class.
All-Everything Kalen Garry lead the way, but the Bulldogs had a ton of talent. Damon Wilkinson (10.0 ppg, 8.8 rpg) dominated the state championship game, with 19 points and 23 rebounds. Tory Holland also played really well in the state tournament, and finished with an average of 9.4 ppg.
Garry, Holland and assist-leader Rett Osthus (10.0/6.4/4.0) will all be gone to graduation, so look for Wilkinson to lead the team next season.
PTS: Kalen Garry 20.3 | REB: Damon Wilkinson 8.8 | AST: Rett Osthus 4.0
Wolsey-Wessington (16-6)
The Warbirds had an excellent season, defeating their opponents by an average of 19 points a night. Payson Gohn lead all W-W scores with 11.5 ppg, while classmate Carson Zomer finished with 10.6 a game.
Both will be gone to graduation, so look for top-rebounder Tate French (8.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg) to take on a bigger role next season.
PTS: Payson Gohn 11.5 | REB: Tate French 6.0 | AST: Blaze Herdman, Marrien Gohn 2.6
Howard (17-5)
The Tigers only had 3 seniors on this team, and after a Region 4 championship, Howard looks poised to make another run. Next year’s edition will be lead by Kolt Koepsell, who lead with 14.1 ppg and 7.6 rpg. Freshman Luke Koepsell (9.9 ppg) will look to take on a bigger role.
Gone is Jace Sifore (10.6 ppg), and Brayden Hinker (8.8 ppg), so expect a few new faces in the lineup.
PTS: Kolt Koepsell 14.1 | REB: Kolt Koepsell 7.6 | AST: Ryder Erickson 2.6
St. Mary (15-6)
John Pica nearly earned a double-double this season, pulling down an impressive 8.3 rebounds per game, along with 10. 9 ppg. Ty Brown (8.9 ppg) will also be graduation.
The future of Cardinals basketball looks bright, with juniors Dylan Mathias (13.4/6.5/2.6), and CJ Smith (8.0 ppg) looking to take over as the leaders of the 2022-23 team, along with sophomore Nic Gaspar (11.0 ppg, 5.7 rpg).
PTS: Dylan Mathis 13.4 | REB: John Pica 8.3 | AST: Dylan Mathias 2.6
Chester Area (12-11)
The Flyers had a very senior-heavy roster, with 8 on the roster. That class was lead by Stratton Eppard, who averaged a team-leading 13.8 ppg and 7.5 rpg. Fellow classmates Ashton Oliver scored 8.9 a night, and Brock Wages was third in the class with 8.0 ppg.
Rising junior Jovi Wolf (9.9 ppg) will have to lead a nearly brand-new lineup next season.
PTS: Stratton Eppard 13.8 | REB: Stratton Eppard 7.5 | AST: Ryan Benson 3.9
Viborg-Hurley (14-9)
Hayden Gilbert lead the Cougars in his final season, scoring a team-high 17 ppg along with 2.9 assists per game.
Blake Schroedermeier also had a great senior season (13.2 ppg, 7.1 rpg) while Gage Goettertz finished with a third-best 7.4 ppg. The Cougars return just 2 starters in Goettertz and Kobee Sherman, so expect a couple younger players to take on some big roles in the near future.
PTS: Hayden Gilbert 17.0 | REB: Blake Schroedermeier 7.1 | AST: Hayden Gilbert 2.9
Irene-Wakonda (9-13)
First, I want to say that Irene-Wakonda has one of my favorite logos. Now, let’s talk basketball. The Eagles had a ton of returners get big minutes this season, including leading scorer Miles Pollman (13.0 ppg). Top rebounder Jake Kuhl (7.3 rpg) also had an excellent junior year, while classmate Dashell Spurrell finished with 5.5 ppg.
The Eagles lose 4 seniors, include Conner Libby (10.1 ppg), but they return just as much talent as nearly any team in Region 5.
PTS: Miles Pollman 13.0 | REB: Jake Kuhl 7.3 | AST: Conner Libby 1.9
Menno (6-15)
Speaking of favorite logos, Menno probably has my favorite. I’m a big fan of modern logos, and unique logos, and Menno’s is both while incorporating the “M”.
Anyway, back to basketball, senior Tyler Massey lead the way with 7.7 ppg along with 6.8 rpg. Returning for the Wolves will be #2 scorer Kadeyn Ulmer (6.1 ppg) as well as assist leader Ajay Herreboldt (2.6 per game).
Menno only loses 2 seniors to graduation, so fans can look at this season as a developmental year.
PTS: Tyler Massey 7.7 | REB: Tyler Massey 6.8 | AST: Ajay Herreboldt 2.6
Burke (19-4)
Burke was excellent this season, finishing with the most wins in Region 6. The Cougars were lead by a senior duo Bryce Frank (19.5/4.0/3.2) and Ben Witt (18.5/4.2/2.0) who averaged a staggering 38 points per game. Brogan Glover (8.7 ppg) will also be gone to graduation, so Burke will have some production to replace.
Reed Banter will return next season as the leading scorer with 8.7 ppg, and the top rebounder of this season for the Cougars, Nick Nelson, returns as well.
PTS: Bryce Frank 19.5 | REB: Nick Nelson 7.0 | AST: Bryce Frank 3.2
Gregory (14-8)
Gregory has one of the most exciting prospects in Daniel Mitchell. The 6-7 sophomore had a dominate season, scoring 19.8 ppg along with 9.4 rpg. He’s an explosive player on the perimeter that is only going to get better in his final 2 seasons, and will look to lead Gregory in the near future.
Mitchell will be joined by Cruz Klundt (11.4/4.5/4.6) who also had a great freshman campaign. However, they will be without 2 seniors, Jordan Songer (10.2 ppg) and Carson Klundt (6.4 ppg), who played significant roles for the Gorillas this season. However, a roster that had 11 guys underclassmen this year is going to be a big threat for Region 6 in the future.
PTS: Daniel Mitchell 19.8 | REB: Daniel Mitchell 9.4 | AST: Cruz Klundt 4.6
White River (21-3)
White River returns the most exciting player for next season in Joe Sayler. The high-flying SDSU commit averaged a state-high 29.8 ppg, while blowing up Twitter with his insane dunks. It’s crazy to think he still has a season left, but there is no doubt that this team has a deep run in the state tournament on their mind.
Sayler will lead that run without Dylan Marshall, who averaged 15.5/5.5/4.9. Those are also some really impressive numbers. Dylan’s younger brother Nick Marshall (9.1 ppg) will return, however, as well as rising senior Kendrell Cuevas (6.1 ppg).
PTS: Joe Sayler 29.8 | REB: Dylan Marshall 5.5 | AST: Dylan Marshall 4.9
Philip (15-7)
The Scotties return everyone from this last season, and are looking to improve on their #3 finish in Region 7. Samuel Hand lead this season with 14.5 ppg, while sophomore Bryce Westby put up an impressive 13.2 ppg and 7.6 rpg. His classmate Layton Terkildsen (9.5/7.3/5.7) was just as impressive.
Finally, sophomore Lane Kuchenbecker (8.4 ppg) and junior Jesse Fillingrim (7.8 ppg) round out the top returning scorers.
The Scotties are going to be dangerous with their experience, so look for a big run in the postseason for Philip.
PTS: Samuel Hand 14.5 | REB: Bryce Westby 7.6 | AST: Layton Terkildsen 5.7
Wall (13-9)
Forward Reid Hansen had a solid final year for Wall, leading the Eagles with 15.3 ppg and 10.1 ppg. Those were both team highs, while Cedar Amiotte (7.9 ppg) was the leader in assists at 5.3 per game. He will return along with Brodi Sundall (12.2 ppg), but gone with Hansen to graduation is Cayne Krogman (9.2 ppg).
PTS: Reid Hansen 15.3 | REB: Reid Hansen 10.1 | AST: Cedar Amiotte 5.3
New Underwood (7-14)
The Tigers have a cornerstone sophomore class, lead by Cash Albers, that are looking to make some noise in their final two seasons. Albers lead this year with 12.3 ppg and 7.5 rpg, but Linkin Ballard (11.0 ppg) dished out a team-high 2.9 assists a night.
Eli Kelley (6.3 ppg) and junior Cole Knuppe (6.3 ppg) also return for New Underwood, but Emmitt Richter (2.7 apg) is gone to graduation.
PTS: Cash Albers 12.3 | REB: Cash Albers 7.5 | AST: Linkin Ballard 2.9
Timber Lake (18-4)
5-8 Hank Kraft impressed many with his leaping ability and lead the Panthers to a Region 8 Championship. The senior finished with 16 points a game along with a team-leading 2.8 apg.
Fellow seniors Brandt Ducheneaux (7.4 ppg) and Dixon Booth (7.4 ppg) are also graduating, so the Panthers are going to have a lot of production to replace.
PTS: Hank Kraft 16.0 | REB: Dixon Booth 3.0 | AST: Hank Kraft 2.8
Harding County (16-6)
The Ranchers have a great junior class returning, and are arguably the favorites for Region 8 next season. Keegan Hett lead all Harding County players with 16.7 ppg, but he was just 1 of 4 players in the Ranchers’ Class of 2023 that averaged double-digit points.
Gage Gilbert (12.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg), Dawson Kautzman (11.6 ppg) and Kelby Hett (10.8 ppg, 4.8 apg) round out that list, and will look to lead HC in their final season. However, they will be without Cayden Floyd, who contributed well with 8.4 ppg, and 6.1 rpg.
PTS: Keegan Hett 16.7 | REB: Gage Gilbert 8.6 | AST: Kelby Hett 4.8
