By 605 Sports Staff

Editor’s Note: 605 Sports will unveil team preview capsules on all girls basketball classes leading up to the 2022-23 season openers. The information provided was submitted by coaches in response to an email sent by 605 Sports.

The St. Thomas More Cavaliers enter the season in familiar territory as they are the defending state champions after winning their first state title since 2018. The Cavaliers won their seventh state championship last season, and are the preseason No. 1 team entering the 2022-23 season. The Cavaliers received 15 of 18 first-place votes. 

Wagner, which finished in fourth-place last season, received two first-place votes, while last season’s runner-up, Hamlin, received one first-place vote. Flandreau and West Central rounded out the top-five rankings.

Team capsules (listed in alphabetical order): 

Bon Homme

Coach: Gary Kortan

Last year’s record: 7-14

Key returnees: Jaden Kortan, 5-7, sr.; Jurni Vavruska, 5-5, jr.; Erin Heusinkveld, 5-8, jr.; Kennedee Kozak, 5-7, soph.

Top newcomers: Taycee Ranek, 5-9, fr.; Neveah Myers, 5-9, soph.; Stacy Gilbert, 5-8, jr.

Outlook: Bon Homme returns three starters and looks to improve from a seven-win season a year ago. The Lady Cavaliers will look to senior Jaden Kortan and juniors Jurni Vavruska and Erin Heusinkveld for leadership, along with sophomore Kennedy Kozak. Bon Homme will also look for younger players to step into bigger roles this season.

First year Bon Homme coach Gary Kortan said, “The Lady Cavaliers return three starters and have high hopes this year with plenty of experience returning and athleticism. We lost returning starter Olivia Bures to a knee injury in volleyball so that will hurt us inside but our younger girls have looked good in practice and ready to contribute.”  

Custer

Coach: Tobey Cass

Last year’s record: 11-10 

Key returnees: Allyson Cass, 5-8, sr.; Alice Sedlacek, 5-10, sr.; Bailey Cass, 5-11, jr.; Ramsey Karim, 5-6, sr.; Allie Kelley, 5-6, sr.; Lauryn Robb, 5-7, jr.; Shayleigh Forgey, 5-10, jr.; Emily Borkowski, 5-9, jr.

Top newcomers: Jo Jo Larsen, 5-6, soph.; Maya Tennyson, 5-10, soph.; Jordan Uphoff, 5-8, soph.; Taylor Bland, 5-9, soph.

Outlook: Custer will look to build off an 11-10 season last year. The Wildcats return several players that gained experience last season.

Custer coach Tobey Cass said, “Great group of young ladies with amazing positive leadership. They should be fun to watch and like to push the ball up the court; almost all the girls are multi-sport athletes. Not only are they great basketball players but they get it done in the classroom too. Combined they have a 3.8 GPA as a team. I have been blessed to be their coach for the last three years.”

Deuel

Coach: Luke Andersen 

Last year’s record: 5-16

Key returnees: Harley Hennings, 5-9, sr.; Josie Andersen, 5-8, jr.; Emma Hamann, 5-10, sr.

Top newcomers: Jaycee Hourigan, 5-4, soph.; Jalyn Bury, 5-8, jr.; Kaitlyn Gubrud, 5-10, jr.; Jayden McCracken, 5-7, sr.

Outlook: Deuel will have to settle into some new norms this season while continuing to improve on the court. The Cardinals have a new head coach in Luke Anderson, and they must replace their leading scorer from last season. However, Deuel will rely on upperclassmen such as Harley Hennings, Josie Andersen, and Emma Hamann to lead the team this season, as well as several underclassmen to step into bigger roles and provide depth.

Coach Andersen said, “(We) will need to rely on defense early in the year as we learn a new system.” 

Elk Point-Jefferson

Coach: Jeff Neuharth

Last year’s record: 8-14

Key returnees: Josie Curry, 6-0, sr.; Danica Torrez, 5-10, sr.; Alyssa Chytka, 5-5, sr.; Hannah Nearman, 5-7, jr.; Grace Peed, 6-1, jr.; Linley Schmitz, 5-10, jr.; Bentlee Kollbaum, 6-1, soph.; Ashley Brewer, 6-1, soph.; Courtney Brewer, 5-7, soph.; Kaitlyn VanRoekel, 5-6, soph.; Elise Fornia, 5-9, soph.; Samantha Marx, 5-10, soph.; Skyler Stein, 5-5, soph.; Cera Schmitz, 5-6, fr. 

Top newcomers: Molly Geary, 5-6, fr.; Paige Jacobs, 5-8, fr.; Makinley Hammitt, 5-6, fr.; Kylee Pierce, 5-9, fr.; Chloe Hunter, 6-0, fr.

Outlook: Elk Point-Jefferson looks to build off an 8-14 season last year, which saw the Huskies lose to Vermillion in the second round of region play. The Huskies will have several key players returning, but will also have younger players that will gain experience throughout the season.

Groton Area

Coach: Matt Locke

Last year’s record: 12-10

Key returnees: Gracie Traphagen, 5-11, sr.; Brooke Gengerke, 5-6, sr.; Aspen Johnson, 5-10, sr.; Sydney Leicht, 5-9, jr.

Top newcomers: Jaedyn Penning, 5-9, fr.; Kennedy Hansen, 5-9, soph.; Jerica Locke, 5-6, fr.; Brooklyn Hansen, 5-9, soph.; Faith Traphagen, 5-10, soph.

Outlook: Groton Area brings back plenty of experience and looks to be a competitive team this season. The Tigers will lean on seniors Gracie Traphagen (13 points per game, 11 rebounds per game), Brooke Gengerke (7 points per game) and Aspen Johnson, as well as junior Sydney Leicht (6 points per game) for leadership on the court. Several freshmen and sophomores will also provide depth for the Tigers this season.

Groton Area coach Matt Locke said, “We are looking forward to this season. We have good leadership, and have the ability to be very good defensively. These girls have made big strides the past couple years and we hope to be very competitive going forward.”

Hamlin

Coach: Tim Koisti 

Last year’s record: 23-3 (Class A runner-ups)

Key returnees: Kami Wadsworth, 5-10, sr.; Ally Abraham, 5-10, sr.; Brooklyn Brandriet, 5-5, sr.; Addison Neuendorf, 5-5, fr.; Marissa Bawdon, 5-9, jr.; Emily Everson, 5-9, jr.

Outlook: The Chargers return their top-five scorers from last season’s runner-up finish. Hamlin will be powered by first-team all-stater Kami Wadsworth, who averaged 20 points and six rebounds per game last season. Ally Abraham (9.3 ppg/6.5 rpg), Brooklyn Brandriet (9.1 ppg/4.8 rpg) and Addie Neuendorf (8.4 ppg/4.8 apg) all return after all-conference seasons. Marissa Bawdon and Emily Everson will add depth to the lineup. 

“I look for us to be one of the top teams in Class A,” Hamlin coach Tim Koisti said. “We play in several Classics, so we will be tested throughout the season. If we can stay healthy, we hope to return to the state tournament. Our strength is our experience. All these girls played last year and are used to the season grind. We don’t have much depth, so that would be a weakness.  We are hoping some younger kids can step up and give us valuable minutes.”

Hanson

Coach: Jim Bridge

Last year’s record: 17-5

Key returnees: Annalyse Weber, 5-9, sr.; Karlie Goergen, 5-8, sr., Erin Dewald, 5-9, sr.; Eliza Oltmanns, 5-9, junior; Alyssa Moschell, 5-9, jr.; Paige Endorf, 5-6, jr.; Cadence Jarding, 5-4, soph.; Kylie Haiar, 5-9, soph.

Top newcomers: Avery Moschell, 5-8, jr.; Erica Endorf, 5-0, jr.; Grace Arend, 5-7, soph.; Taziah Hawkins, 5-6, fr.; Olivia Kayser, 5-9, soph.

Outlook: Hanson brings back a host of contributors from last season’s 17-5 season and coach Jim Bridge said the team will rely on its quickness and team depth this year. 

“We will be quick and athletic and should have good depth," Bridge said. "We have a tough and competitive schedule, but this should help prepare us for the postseason. We plan to use our quickness and our depth to play a full court offensive and defensive game. This should be challenging to most of the teams we play.”

Lakota Tech

Coach: Laura Big Crow

Last year’s record: 20-4 (Eighth place at Class A state tournament)

Key returnees: Jodene Hunter, 5-6, soph.; Melina Shangreaux, 6-1, sr.; Tawny Rodriguez, 5-9, sr.; Shayla Bravo, 5-7, sr.; Taylor Byerley, 5-9, sr.; Shyleigh Richard, 5-6, sr.; Hannah Risse, 5-5, sr.; Mya Mills, 5-7, fr.

Top newcomers: Mya Dreamer, 5-5, sr.; Ashlyn Morrisette, 5-9, jr.

Outlook: The Tatanka welcome back a host of returners from last season’s Class A state tournament team, their first-ever berth in school history. “We have a very talented, experienced, hard-working team returning this year with some players coming back from injuries who will help our team greatly,” Lakota Tech coach Laura Big Crow said. “Our goal for the year will be to be disciplined, running, defensive beasts of a team. I look forward to coaching a mixture of veteran players with state tourney experience and young freshman and sophomore who can shoot and defend the ball.”

Lennox

Coach: Adam Quail

Last year’s record: 12-10

Key returnees: Courtney Sandal, 5-7, sr.; Carli Kuyper, 6-3, jr.; Dani Highum, 5-10, jr.; Ashlee Sweeter, 5-5, jr.; Andie Peters, 5-5, fr.; Ryan Hanssen, 5-10, soph.

Top newcomers: Gavyn Herlyn, 5-3, soph.; Ahleeya Nicola, 5-7, soph.; Graycee Postma, 5-5, soph.; Mia Hanisch, 5-8, fr.

Outlook: The Orioles bring back their two leading scorers from last season’s 12-10 season and a number of versatile defenders, said coach Adam Quail. 

“Really excited for the year to begin as we have an experienced team who is ready to turn some heads,” Quail said. “We return our two leading scorers from last year in Andie Peters and Dani Highum and expect to see increased contributions from many returning players as well. Defensively, we are an athletic group which will allow us to matchup with anybody in the state. If we are fortunate enough to stay injury free I believe our challenging schedule will have us prepared for a strong postseason.”

Mobridge-Pollock

Coach: Stephen Hettick

Last year’s record: 14-7

Outlook: Mobridge-Pollock returns four starters and 12 letterwinners from a 14-win team a year ago. The Tigers will rely on previous experience and a fast pace of play on the court. Mobridge-Pollock will look to replace one starter in Landyn Henderson, who averaged 13.3 points per game and six rebounds per game.

Mobridge-Pollock coach Stephen Hettick said, “The big goal for us this year is going to be to play consistently enough to win more regular season games and build higher seed points. Our strengths lie in our pace of play. We expect to push the ball up the floor all 32 minutes, as well as play aggressive pressure defense and make conditioning a factor every game. Our weakness may be our lack of size.”

Mount Vernon/Plankinton

Coach: Preston Kristensen

Last year’s record: 17-6

Key returnees: Cally Faulhaber, 6-0, sr.; Emilee Fox, 5-8, jr.; Kyia Schmidt, 5-8, jr.; Vanessa Hoffman, 5-7, jr.; Berkeley Engelland, 5-7, jr.; Reagan Rus, 5-10, soph.

Top newcomers: Whitney Payne, 5-7, jr.; Ashlyn Pranger, 5-11, jr.; Lexy Faulhaber, 5-8, jr.; Alyssa Johnson, 5-5, soph.; Taryn Hegg, 5-9, fr.

Outlook: Mount Vernon/Plankinton returns six letterwinners and looks to earn a trip to the Class A state tournament this season after falling short last year. The Titans return their top player, junior guard Emilee Fox, who averaged 18.8 points per game last season and is a two-time first team all-state selection. Fox is complemented by sophomore Reagan Rus (7.8 ppg) and senior Cally Faulhaber (4.9 ppg), as well as juniors Kyia Schmidt, Vanessa Hoffman, Berkeley Engelland. Also look for several other underclassmen to make an impact this season.

Mount Vernon/Plankinton coach Preston Kristensen said, “We have a good core returning with some experience, but we will be challenged with a competitive schedule throughout the year. The biggest thing we are focused on is improving game to game and playing our best basketball going into the postseason.”

North Central

Coach: Kaci Vander Vorst

Last year’s record: 6-16

Key returnees: Brittany Frickson, 5-5, sr; Kaitlyn Hoerner, 5-7, sr; Abby Opp, 5-7, sr; Jenisa Jacobs, 5-4, jr; Katelyn Engelhart, 5-9, jr; Sydnee Bertsch, 5-6, so; Lily Beadle, 5-3, so; Alaina Dosch, 5-5, fr; Ella Batie, 6-0, fr; Amree Vander Vorst, 5-8, fr; Sydnee Malsam, 5-3, fr.

Top newcomers: Natalie Bieber, 5-11, jr.

Outlook: North Central lost only one player from last season’s 6-16 campaign, which means the Thunder bring back plenty of experience with this year’s squad. The Thunder will look to several key players to lead the team, which include seniors Brittany Frickson and Kaitlyn Hoerner and junior Jenisa Jacobs.

North Central coach Kaci Vander Vorst said, “We have experience returning and built some chemistry between players. The team is determined to improve their record from last year and want to have a successful year this year. We need to work more on defense and rebounding, confidence in shooting, and contain our turnovers.”

Parkston

Coach: Brooke Horstman

Last year’s record: 16-6

Key returnees: Abby Hohn, 5-10, sr.; Faith Oakley, 5-8, sr.; Gracie Oakley, 5-7, jr.; Mya Thuringer, 5-7, soph.; Lauren Ziebart, 5-5, soph.

Top newcomers: Allie Hobbick, 5-6, soph.; Keeara Oakley, 5-9, 8th grade; Berkeley Ziebart, 5-6, 8th grade; Morgan Maxwell, 5-4, 8th grade.

Outlook: Parkston returns several key players from last season’s squad and looks to carry the success this season. The Trojans will be led by 5-foot-10 senior Abby Hohn, who averaged 14.1 points per game and 5.5 rebounds per game last season. She will be assisted by senior Faith Oakley (6.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg), junior Gracie Oakley (3.7 ppg, 2.5 rpg), and sophomores Mya Thuringer (1.8 ppg, 2.1 rpg) and Lauren Ziebart. Parkston will also look to some younger players to provide depth and step into larger roles this season.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket

Coach: Rob Baruth

Last year’s record: 15-6 

Key returnees: Liz Boschee, 6-0, fr.; Kennadie Ochsner, 6-0, jr.; Kamryn Ochsner, 5-9, jr.; Jaycee Baruth, 5-10, jr.; Kara Wormstadt, 5-7, jr.; Ellie Evans, 5-8, sr.; Kailynn Eggleston, 5-8, sr.

Top newcomers: Jeslynn Moody, 5-8, sr.; Kali Hofer, 5-7, fr.;  Makenzie Schley, 5-6, soph.  

Outlook: Sanborn Central/Woonsocket will look to replace all five starters from last season. The Blackhawks will be young, but will be very athletic, led by 6-footers Liz Boschee and Kennadie Ochsner, along with 5-foot-9 junior Kamryn Ochsner and 5-foot-10 junior Jaycee Baruth.

Sanborn Central/Woonsocket coach Rob Baruth said, “Graduated all five starters from last year. New, young team. Athletic. Will be learning and competing every day to get better and be playing our best at tourney time. Will play an up tempo game to utilize our team speed.”

Sioux Falls Christian

Coach: Dan DeJong

Last year’s record: 21-5 (seventh place finish at the Class A state tournament)

Key returnees: Ellie Lems, 6-0, sr.; Jaxsyn Swift, 5-9, jr.; Peyton Poppema, 5-10, sr.; Moriah Harrison, 5-6, sr.; Maya Nelson, 5-6, soph.; Brenna Beyke, 6-6, sr.

Top newcomers: Katie Vander Leest, 5-8, soph.; Avery Reitz, 5-9, soph. 

Outlook: Sioux Falls Christian returns four starters from last year’s state tournament team that finished in seventh place. The Chargers return lots of size and athleticism, including 6’0” senior Ellie Lems (14 ppg, 5 rpg), 5’10” senior Peyton Poppema (5.9 ppg), and 6’6” senior Brenna Beyke. Moriah Harrison (5.6 rpg) and Jaxsyn Swift (7.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.7 apg) also provide experience and depth to the Chargers roster.

Sioux Falls Christian coach Dan DeJong said, “We return four starters from last season’s state tournament team. We will have a lot of varsity experience coming back from last season’s team with a good combination of youth to help us. However, we will be a lot different than years in the past. We will lose a lot of our size and will have to play a more up-tempo style of play. This is a great group of athletes that work extremely hard in practice every day.” 

St. Thomas More

Coach: Brandon Kandolin 

Last year’s record: 22-3 (Class A state champions)

Key returnees: Reese Ross, 6-1, sr.; Jada Mollman, 5-10, sr.; Gabby Robbins, 5-6, sr.; Scarlet Grimshaw, 5-5, sr.; Makenna Jacobson, 5-6, sr.

Top newcomers: Megan Lee, 6-0, jr.; Sloane Keszler, 5-7, soph.; Riley Gylten, 5-9, soph.; Reese Harlow, 5-7, soph.; Alexa Scherr, 5-8, soph.

Outlook: The defending champion Cavaliers took home their seventh state championship last season, their first since 2018. St. Thomas More returns all but two players from last season’s championship team, and they are looking to make a run at back-to-back titles this season. The Cavaliers will rely on a senior-heavy team, led by 6-foot-1 forward Reese Ross, a University of Utah signee. Fellow seniors Jada Mollman, Gabby Robbins, Scarlet Grimshaw, and Makenna Jacobson will add plenty of experience and depth to the Cavaliers lineup.

St. Thomas More coach Brandon Kandolin said, “Losing only two seniors, we have most everyone back. They all have some experience to ride from last year. The goal is to be more of a scoring team.”

Stanley County

Coach: Keely Bracelin

Last year’s record: 3-18

Key returnees: Cadence Hand, 5-11, jr; Mattie Duffy, 5-7, jr; Morgan Hoffman, 5-6, soph; Kori Gabriel, 5-9, sr. 

Top newcomers: Kaysen Magee, 5-9, soph; Ale Juarez, 5-6, sr. 

Outlook: Stanley County looks to improve after falling in region play last season. The Buffaloes return four key contributors that will lead the team this season, including senior Kori Gabriel, juniors Cadence Hand and Mattie Duffy, and sophomore Morgan Hoffman.

Stanley County coach Keely Bracelin said, “The girls have come a long way in the last two years, and I am excited to see where their off-season work will take them. We have many opportunities this season to be successful compared to years past.”

Vermillion

Coach: Jon Brooks

Last year’s record: 17-6

Key returnees: Leah Herbster, 6-1, sr.; Livi Regnerus, 5-5, sr.; Claire Doty, 5-8, sr.; Chandler Cleveland, 5-8, jr.; Jenaya Cleveland, 5-8, jr.; Brooklyn Voss, 5-11, jr.; Kasey Hanson, 5-8, soph.; Brooke Jensen, 6-1, soph.

Outlook: After suffering a three-point loss to St. Thomas More in the SoDak 16 last season, Vermillion looks to rebound and break through for a trip to the state tournament this season. The Tanagers will have plenty of experience back from last season to help with the effort. They will be led by a trio of all-conference selections in sophomores Kasey Hanson (11 points per game, five rebounds per game, three assists per game, two steals per game) and Brooke Jensen (11 ppg, four rpg, two apg, two spg) and senior Leah Herbster (six ppg, six rpg, 28 blocks). Juniors Brooklyn Voss (six ppg), Chandler Cleveland (six ppg), and Jenaya Cleveland (four ppg) will provide depth and experience for the Tanagers.

Vermillion coach Jon Brooks said, “We are looking forward to the 2022-23 season. We finished our season with a tough three point loss to STM in the SoDak 16 and know that will fuel our girls to get back to that game. We only lost one senior off last year’s team so (we) bring back plenty of experience. As always, our conference and region are very tough but this might be the most difficult non-conference schedule we have played as of recent as well, so we will be tested throughout the season. As our team continues to grow we feel confident we will be a tough out when postseason play comes around.”

Wagner

Coach: Mike Koupal

Last year’s record: 22-3 (Fourth place finish at Class A state tournament)

Key returnees: Eve Zephier, 5-6, sr.; Emma Yost, 5-11, sr.; Shalayne Nagel, 5-11, sr.; Macy Koupal, 5-8, jr.; Lydia Yost, 5-8, soph.; Ashlyn Koupal, 6-2, fr.

Top newcomers: Aubrey Medricky, 6-0, jr.; Aniyah Bruguier, 5-8, jr.

Outlook: Wagner looks to be a title contender again this season after finishing in fourth place in last year’s Class A state tournament. The Red Raiders bring back several key players and are ready for another shot at a state title. Senior Emma Yost returns after leading the team with 14 points per game, 10 rebounds per game, and three assists per game last season. The All-State selection is complemented by fellow seniors Shalyane Nagel (11 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg, 3 steals per game), and Eve Zephier (6 ppg, 2 apg, 2 spg). The Red Raiders will also rely on the experience of junior Macy Koupal (8 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg), sophomore Lydia Yost (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 1 apg), and freshman Ashlyn Koupal (10 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 apg).

Wagner coach Mike Koupal noted, “Wagner has the bulk of their roster returning from a 4 th place state finish a year ago with a few new young additions. Staying healthy and playing great basketball at the end of the year will be a key success to the Raiders trying to make a repeat appearance to the state tournament. Look for the Raiders to use their size and athleticism on both ends of the court.”

Winner

Coach: Larry Aaker 

Last year’s record: 14-9 

Key returnees: Josey Kludt, 5-5, sr.; Aleya Miller, 5-6, sr.; Karlee Brozik, 5-9, jr.; Cici Watson, 5-8, jr.; Leila Balsiger, 5-6, jr.; Keelie Kuil, 5-8, soph.; Cora Moss, 5-4, soph.

Top newcomers: Kylie Sachtjen, 5-7, fr.; Olivia Swedlund, 5-8, fr.; Preslie Petersek, 5-5, soph.; Lilly Barfuss, 5-8, fr.; Adysen Pravecek, 5-4, soph.

Outlook: Winner must replace a Division I recruit in Bella Swedlund (Kansas), as well as a few other key contributors from last year’s team that lost to Wagner in the SoDak 16, 36-33. The Warriors will look to eight returning letterwinners who will have to step up to fill big roles due to graduation. Sophomores Keelie Kuil and Cora Moss, as well as seniors Josey Kludt and Aleya Miller, will lead the Warriors this season.

Winner coach Larry Aaker said, “We have a very strong schedule once again this season. We will continue to work hard and hopefully we will be playing our best basketball come tournament time.”