Battle lines are being drawn and rivalries renewed as the boys’ basketball season gets underway.
There are many area teams that figure to make some noise this year, including a couple that will be right in the hunt for a potential state championship.
Hamlin is the defending State A champion and the Chargers return the bulk of their starting lineup from that title squad. From all-stater Easton Neuendorf at the point to Zac VanMeeteren inside, Hamlin can matchup with any foe. While most rivalries tend to feature teams in close proximity to each other, Hamlin and Sioux Falls Christian, runner-up last year, have developed something special in the meetings between the two sets of Chargers. Hamlin is also coming off a Class 9AA state football championship last month.
Castlewood, the top-rated team in the initial Class B poll, also will be among the elite squads in the state this season. The Warriors, led by 6-foot-9 senior Bryon Laue, has been a regular at the past few state tournaments and despite playing in a challenging region, will probably be back in the field again this season.
Groton, which has played in two of the last three State A tournaments, will have a bit of a new look his year with the addition of transfer Becker Bosma from Aberdeen Christian. The Tigers return two starters, Ryder Johnson and Keegen Tracy, who played key roles in Groton’s run to the state tourney last season.
Leola-Frederick, which qualified for the State B tournament a year ago, returns the bulk of its roster from a year ago. Noah Kippley, who is recovering from a football injury, earned all-state recognition a year ago and will help to spearhead the Titans’ attack. Leola-Frederick has the personnel to play a fast, frenetic style that puts major pressure on opposing ballhandlers.
While no other area teams qualified for the state tourney last season, there are some worth keeping an eye on this season.
Mobridge-Pollock will feature an athletic and balanced squad in Class A. With the likes of Jackson Eisemann and Shane Henderson, the Tigers will look to harness momentum gained from a strong football season and carry it into the upcoming basketball campaign.
Speaking of football, Sully Buttes and Wolsey-Wessington both had standout seasons and many of those athletes will be playing basketball as well.
Sully Buttes, Class 9B state football champs, will be led by all-state guard Wesley Wittler and will look to continue to build on its rich basketball history.
Wolsey-Wessington, runner-up in Class 9A football, showed its supreme athleticism on the gridiron and will use that on the hardwood as well. The Warbirds will be led by brothers Caleb Richmond and Moshe Richmond. Wolsey-Wessington is a member of Region 2B, which has numerous standout teams, including three that were in the state tourney a year ago in Castlewood, De Smet and Wessington Springs.
Clark-Willow Lake, Milbank and Webster in Class A all have talented players and veteran coaches, and should have productive seasons. Each squad features multi-sport athletes and who should be able to hold their own against most foes.
In Class B, Waverly-South Shore returns a pair of key players from a team that advanced to the SoDak 16 last season. Sam Appelhof and Zach Ries will once again bolster the Coyotes this season.
This year’s State A Tournament will be at the Sanford Premier Center in Sioux Falls, while the State B tourney will be at Wachs Arena in Aberdeen.
(Note: Previews on Aberdeen Central, Aberdeen Christian, and Aberdeen Roncalli were already posted).
