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.

Viborg-Hurley won’t sneak up on anybody in Class B girls basketball this season.

The Cougars shocked the state last season, becoming the first No. 8 seed to win the Class B state championship since Baltic in 2001. Viborg-Hurley now enters the season as the No. 1 team in the preseason Class B girls basketball poll, garnering 14 of 18 first-place votes. Corsica-Stickney, which finished third last season, received the other four first-place votes. Wolsey-Wessington, Castlewood and Centerville rounded out the top-five rankings. 

Team capsules (listed in alphabetical order): 

Alcester-Hudson

Coach: Shannon Hames

Last year’s record: 7-14

Key returnees: Ella Serck, 5-5, sr.; Kayleigh Thompson, 5-6, sr.; Elly Doering, 5-11, jr; Alexis Gray, 5-7, jr.; Devin Hongslo, 5-8, soph.; Jenna Manning, 5-6, soph.; Carly Patrick, 5-9, jr.; Emma Moller, 5-8, soph.

Top newcomers: Ashlynn Smith, 5-7, sr.; Jaeley Christensen, 5-4, soph.; Hannah Ahart, 5-7, soph.; Aubrianna Nohava, 5-7, soph.; Sarah Ebert, 5-8, jr.; Delta Pies, 5-8, fr.; Skya Almlie, 5-4, fr.

Outlook: Alcester-Hudson returns several contributors from a seven-win season last year. The Cubs will rely on seniors Ella Serck (5.6 ppg, 6-6 rpg, 2.8 spg) and Kayleigh Thompson (5.7 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.4 spg), as well as juniors Elly Doering (13.9 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 1.5 spg) and Alexis Gray (7.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 1.3 spg) to provide experience on the court. Viborg-Hurley and Centerville will be the Cubs’ toughest games.

Alcester-Hudson coach Shannon Hames said, “I have high expectations for this season. We have a good group of returning players (only graduated one senior) that have quite a bit of experience and are ready to get to work. We should be very competitive with every team we play this year.”

Avon

Coach: Brad Poppe

Last year’s record: 13-10

Key returnees: Courtney Sees, 5-6, jr.; McKenna Kocmich, 5-5, jr.; Lila Vanderlei, 5-6, soph.

Top newcomers: Grace Vanderlei, 5-5, jr.; Lexi Vanderlei, 5-8, fr.; Kaeli Wallinga, 5-6, soph.; Macy Voigt, 5-5, soph.; Kate Swier, 5-3, fr.; Abby Gretschmann, 5-4, fr.; Rilyn Thury, 5-6, 8th grade; Jordyn Voigt, 5-5, 8th grade.

Outlook: Avon will seek to improve from a 13-win season last year. The Pirates will be a young team, but bring back several experienced players to lead the effort. Juniors Courtney Sees and McKenna Kocmich will lead the team, along with sophomore Lila Vanderlei. Avon will look to several younger players to step up and contribute this season.

“The 2022-2023 Lady Pirates will be young but have a strong desire to be successful,” head coach Brad Poppe said. “We will have many new faces on this year’s team. We need to come everyday to improve at both ends of the floor. I feel if we do that, we will be very competitive in our games. We once again play a challenging schedule which will only help us in the long run. Defensively, I feel we can defend very well. We will need to work very hard on the boards. The girls will need to be comfortable and confident on the offensive end. I am excited for the upcoming season and excited to see how we improve throughout the season.” 

Burke

Coach: Ashley Green

Last year’s record: 7-15

Key returnees: Adisyn Indahl, 5-6, sr.; Elly Witt, 5-3, sr.; Bridget Bartling, 5-6, sr.; Brecken Bolander, 5-9, sr.; Cecily Geaghan, 5-8, jr.; Kailee Frank, 5-8, soph.; Paige Bull, 6-0, soph.

Top newcomers: Emmie Hausmann, 5-9, fr.; Piper Hanson, 5-8, jr.; Olivia Bull, 5-9, soph.

Outlook: Burke returns several players from a 7-15 squad and look to improve with the experience they gained last season.

First year Burke coach Ashley Green said, “We have a very competitive group of girls. I am excited to get to work with them.”

Canistota

Coach: James Strang

Last year’s record: 4-18

Key returnees: Kayla Papendick, 5-7, jr.; Natalie Becker, 5-7, jr.; Hannah Hoffman, 5-4, jr.

Top newcomers: Bailey Spicer, 5-4, soph.; Ellie Becker, 5-8, fr.; Alyssa Pierson, 5-9, sr.

Outlook: Canistota returns several experienced players from a four-win season a year ago, but will still have plenty of youth trying to grow into big roles. The Hawks will be led by a trio of juniors in Kayla Papendick (11 ppg, six rpg, two apg, two spg), Natalie Becker (eight ppg, eight rpg, three apg, three spg), and Hannah Hoffman (six ppg).

Canistota coach James Strang said, “We have more experience going into this season, but we are still young. I expect us to be physical and hardworking to compete in every game.” Strang also noted, “We will be aggressive offensively and defensively. We will attack the rim and fire from the outside. We have a group of athletes that can cause some matchup problems throughout the season. We are missing an inside post presence that we will have to make up for with tenacity and work ethic.”

Castlewood

Coach: Tyler Snaza

Last year’s record: 16-6

Key returnees: Mackenzie Everson, 5-7, jr.; Madeline Horn, 5-11, jr.; Presley Knecht, 5-10, soph.

Outlook: Castlewood will attempt to make a trip back to the state tournament for the first time since finishing runner-up in 2021. The Warriors lost to eventual champion Viborg-Hurley in last year’s Class B SoDak 16, 48-36, and return several key players with experience. Castlewood will be led by juniors Mackenzie Everson and Madeline Horn, along with sophomore Presley Knecht.

Castlewood coach Tyler Snaza said, “We will focus on doing the little things right. If we do that, winning will take care of itself.”

Chester Area

Coach: Erin Benson

Last year’s record: 5-16

Key returnees: Kaylor Geraets, 5-8, sr.; Emmerson Eppard, 5-9, fr.; Emery Larson, 5-5, fr.; Jacy Wolf, 5-5, 8th grade. 

Top newcomers: Katelyn Schut, 5-10, fr.

Outlook: Chester Area brings back plenty of youth this season and will be a young team looking to grow. The Flyers will look to senior Kaylor Geraets to lead a young group of girls on the court this season. Freshman Emmerson Eppard and Emery Larson, as well as 8th grader Jacy Wolf will be expected to play significant minutes for the Flyers this season. Chester Area is coming off a runner-up finish in the state volleyball tournament this fall.

Chester Area coach Erin Benson said, “It’s going to be another learning year for us as we are still pretty young, but there is room for a ton of growth for our kids. Our emphasis is going to be on defense getting stops and really limiting 2nd and 3rd chance opportunities for the other team. We’ve got a great group of kids that work hard and I expect us to be competitive every game this season.”

Colome

Coach: Ron Determan

Last year’s record: 1-20

Key returnees: Toree Ringing Shield, 5-8, sr.; Maura Luedke, 5-8, jr.; Shaleena Kingsley, 6-0, jr.; Landi Krumpus, 5-6, sr.; Sophie Hofeldt, 5-7, sr.; Raylynn Dehning, 5-5, soph.

Top newcomers: Allie Spellman, 5-8, soph.; Emme Nelson, 5-9, fr.; Breanna Thieman, 5-7, fr.; Aleah Musser, 5-8, fr.

Outlook: Colome will look to improve this season after winning just one game a year ago. The Cowgirls return five letterwinners that will be instrumental in turning around the program under first-year head coach Ron Determan, who enters his 47th year of coaching.

Coach Determan said, “We want to improve fundamentally, play with intensity, and see where that takes us.”

Crazy Horse

Coach: Oitancan Zephier

Last year’s record: 0-16

Key returnees: America Moran, 5-5, soph.; Amira Sitting Up, 6-0, jr.; Laila Clairmont, 5-3, soph.

Top newcomers: Tahca Zephier, 5-3, 8th grade; Nevaeh O’Rourke, 5-6, 8th grade.

Outlook: Crazy Horse will be a young team that looks to improve from a winless season a year ago. The Chiefs will rely on returning players America Moran, Amira Sitting Up, and Laila Clairmont to lead the team this season, and will look to several underclassmen to step into bigger roles.

First year Crazy Horse coach Oitancan Zephier said, “We are a young team. We’re building the foundation of the future of Crazy Horse Chief basketball. Our players are raw but we don’t lack effort and sheer tenacity. We’re quick and will lay down some on-ball pressure that will make any guard shake in their shoes.”

Deubrook Area

Coach: Brad DeBeer

Last year’s record: 16-6

Key returnees: Ellie Koenig, 5-3, jr; Skyla Peterson, 5-10, sr; Brooke Koppatschek, 5-5, sr; Miranda Moravetz, 5-6, sr; Kadence Bowne, 5-8, jr; Ellie Olsen, 5-10, sr.

Top newcomers: Hanna Kjelden, 5-10, jr; Matt Bauman, 5-6, fr; Mataya Gouws, 5-10, fr; Kyarra Blum, 5-9, jr; Delaney Pedersen, 5-3, jr; Zoey Molengraaf, 6-0, so.

Outlook: Deubrook Area looks to continue the success they had last season, winning 16 games before losing in region play to Flandreau. The Dolphins return several key players that have experience, including seniors Skyla Peterson, Brooke Koppatschek, Miranda Moravetz, and Ellie Olson, as well as juniors Ellie Koenig and Kadence Bowne.

Deubrook Area coach Brad DeBeer said, “ I look forward to watching this team mature as the season progresses. We lack size in our upperclassmen but we are very quick and will have to play a full court style game to be successful. Seven seniors will be asked to provide us a stable foundation for leadership.”

Faulkton Area

Coach: Chase Casper

Last year’s record: 11-10

Key returnees: Addison Melius, 5-10, jr; Ashly Senn, 5-10, sr; Paislee Martinmaas, 5-6, sr; Gabby Kast, 5-7, sr; Kelli Stoecker, 5-10, jr.

Top newcomers: Olivia Hadrick, 5-5, jr; Savanna Hayes, 5-8, jr; Tegan Baloun, 5-6, jr; Ashlyn Sorensen, 5-3, jr; Anna Aesoph, 5-6, so; Jamyi Senn, 5-9, so; Preslie Russel, 5-6, sr; Presleigh Martinmaas, 5-6, fr.

Outlook: Faulkton Area must replace four starters, three to graduation and one to injury, and returns several players that will compete for starting positions. Sophomore Carley Cotton is out indefinitely with a broken fibula suffered during the volleyball season. The Trojans will have several upperclassmen, including Ashly Senn, Paislee Martinmaas, Gabby Kast, Kelli Stoecker, and Addison Melius, however, there will be younger players that will look to compete for playing time.

Faulkton Area coach Chase Casper said, “We have some tough opponents on our schedule, and we will need players to step up in order to be competitive. With a young team this season, our goal is to improve each day and be playing our best basketball towards the end of the season.”

Freeman Academy/Marion

Coach: Nathan Epp

Last year’s record: 5-16

Key returnees: Jada Koerner, 5-9, sr.; Alivea Weber, 5-5, sr.; Leah Goodwin, 5-9, sr.; Alexa Gortmaker, 5-3, jr.; Estelle Waltner, 5-10, fr.

Top newcomers: Hadley Luke, 5-6, jr.; Anna Olson, 5-9, fr.; Kallie Johnson, 5-8, fr.; Macy Gortmaker, 5-5, fr.; Sieta Wiersema, 5-11, soph.

Outlook: Freeman Academy/Marion will bring back several key players from a young team a season ago. The Bearcats will look to the senior leadership of Jada Koerner (14 ppg, 8 rpg), who was an all-conference selection a year ago, as well as fellow seniors Alivea Weber and Leah Goodwin to help improve from a five-win record a season ago.

Freeman Academy/Marion coach Nathan Epp noted, “For the first time in four years, we have several underclassmen on the team. We have quite a bit of varsity experience since we didn’t lose any players from last year’s team. We look to continue to play solid defense but our greatest areas of improvement should be in scoring. Jada Koerner should provide consistent scoring. She is closing in on 1,000 career points. Alivea and Leah should also be improved on the offensive end. Alexa and Estelle will both be significantly improved over last year. We look to surprise some teams this year.”

Gayville-Volin

Coach: Jason Selchert

Last year’s record: 9-12

Key returnees: Jolie Westrum, 5-2, 8th grade; Paisley Dimmer, 5-4, 7th grade; Ayla Dimmer, 5-5, soph.; Taylor Hoxeng, 5-6, fr.; Kealey Larson, 5-6, jr.; Keanna Lee, 5-10, sr.; Jazzy Gill, 5-8, sr.; Maia Achen, 5-8, 8th grade.

Outlook: Gayville-Volin will look to build off a nine-win season from a year ago with a young team. The Raiders will rely on several young players, including freshman Taylor Hoxeng, who was an all-conference selection last season. Seniors Keanna Lee and Jazzy Gill, along with junior Kealey Larson will provide additional leadership and experience for the Raiders.

Head coach Jason Selchert said, “The Gayville-Volin Raiders GBB team will continue to be young. We lost the majority of our scoring in Molly Larson who was a third-team all-state selection and contributed 18 ppg. We will return three players that played significant time as 7th and 8th graders. We have a good group of senior and junior leaders and a lot of talent being developed in the middle and early high school grades. A number of these girls contributed significantly to a volleyball team that won 20 games.”

Highmore-Harrold

Coach: Mike Ring

Last year’s record: 15-7

Key returnees: Reghan Westcott, 5-6, jr.; Brooke Palmer, 5-7, soph.

Top newcomers: Kendall Cermak, 5-9, jr.; Kenidey Effling, 5-5, jr.; Kaelin Faulstich, 5-8, jr.; April Fallis, 5-6, jr.; Autumn Fallis, 5-3, fr.; Addison McDonnell, 5-9, fr.

Outlook: Highmore-Harrold looks to continue to build off the success they had last season, finishing with 15 wins and just one win away from the SoDak 16. The Pirates will be young after losing six letterwinners and returning just two. They will rely on several newcomers to complement the experience of Reghan Westcott and Brooke Palmer.

Highmore-Harrold coach Mike Ring said, “Most of our team members come into this season with very little to no real varsity experience, except for Palmer and maybe Westcott, so we might struggle to compete with the more experienced teams on our schedule as we gain varsity experience, figure out our new roles, and continue to develop our skills to try to be more competitive. We don’t have a senior on the team, so this group has a chance to develop and play the major roles on this team for the next two years.”

Hitchcock-Tulare

Coach: Kristi Smith

Last year’s record: 6-15

Key returnees: Jessica Godfrey, 5-7, sr.; Katelyn Schroeder, 6-0, soph.; Cambree Hoekman, 5-4, fr.

Top newcomers: Kaycee Stoner, 5-5, sr.; Rachel Huizenga, 5-9, jr.; Jodyn Bawek, 5-3, jr.; Isabel Gilbert, 6-0, soph.; Emma Schneider, 5-5, soph.; Rebecca Huizenga, 5-10, fr.; Gracyn Bixler, 5-5, fr.; Regan Lutter, 5-9, fr.

Outlook: Hitchcock-Tulare returns seven letterwinners and looks to improve from a six win season a year ago. The Patriots return 2nd Team All-Conference selection Katelyn Schroeder, who averaged 14.3 points per game and 9.5 rebounds per game last season as a freshman. Jessica Godfrey and Cambree Hoekman also return plenty of experience.

“I love how hardworking and motivated our girls are,” coach Kristi Smith said. “This year we return a core group of players with varsity experience, and we are looking forward to competing this upcoming season.”

Howard

Coach: Wade Erickson

Last year’s record: 15-8

Key returnees: Abby Aslesen, 6-0, soph.; Kate Connor, 6-0, jr.; Trinity Palmquist, 5-8, jr.; Rylee Rudebusch, 5-8, jr.; Canyon Kidd, 5-5, jr.

Top newcomers: Tana Hoyer, 5-6, soph.; Landree Callies, 5-6, sr.; Jayden Jaynes, 5-7, jr.;  Dakota Spader, 5-8, fr.

Outlook: Howard looks to find redemption after finishing last season with a crushing 50-25 loss to Wall in the Class B SoDak 16. The Tigers lost only one senior to graduation and brought back plenty of experienced players to make a run back to the SoDak 16 and beyond. Howard will be led by 6-foot sophomore Abby Aslesen (15 ppg, 11 rpg), and juniors Kate Connor (14 ppg, nine rpg), Trinity Palmquist (seven ppg, five apg, four rpg), Rylee Rudebusch (seven ppg, four rpg), and Canyon Kidd (four ppg, three rpg).

Howard coach Wade Erickson said, “We will have a balanced team with some size inside and good perimeter shooters. We will be deeper off the bench this year at the guard position with some younger players Tana Hoyer, Landree Callies, Jayden Jaynes, and Dakota Spader. We like to play fast paced but can slow it down and be productive in the half court. The girls are hungry this year after not performing to the best of our ability in the SoDak 16 last season.”

Ipswich

Coach: Brian Hogie

Last year’s record: 6-15

Key returnees: Kaitlyn Bierman, 5-9, sr.; Quincy Olivier, 5-6, sr.; Ashlyn Weig, 5-5, sr.; Baylee Kulesa, 5-10, sr.

Outlook: Ipswich returns five starters and 12 letterwinners from a team that won just six games a season ago. The Tigers will look to an experienced group of seniors to lead the way this season. Kaitlyn Bierman, Quincy Olivier, Ashlyn Weig, and Baylee Kulesa look to lead the Tigers in their senior seasons. 

“We will be returning all players from last year’s squad. We are hoping we can build on some of the success last year and use that experience,” coach Brian Hogie said. “We will still be looking to play a lot of underclassmen that will need to gain game experience as the season progresses.”   

Irene-Wakonda

Coach: Pat O’Malley

Last year’s record: 14-8

Key returnees: Emma Marshall, 5-9, soph.; Madison Orr, 5-10, soph.; Quinn McDonald, 5-7, jr.; Kaitlynn Mellem, 5-11, jr.; Elsey Thompson, 5-7, jr.; Brenna Lyngstad, 5-6, soph.; Mady Peterson, 5-4, soph.; Hailey Orr, 5-5, soph.

Top newcomers: Emma Logue, 5-4, soph.; Shelby Oien, 5-3, soph.; Addison Brockmueller, 5-10, fr.; Paige O’Daniel, 5-8, fr.; Natalie Girard, 5-5, fr.; Rylee Nielson, 5-8, fr.; Katelyn Tallman, 5-9, fr.

Outlook: Irene-Wakonda will be a young team this season, with no seniors on the roster. The Eagles will be led by second team all-conference selection Emma Marshall (14 ppg, five rpg) and Madison Orr (eight ppg, eight rpg), but will need younger players to step up and fill big roles this season.

Irene-Wakonda coach Pat O’Malley said, “Irene-Wakonda girls basketball will be young this year with no seniors on the team. Two returning starters. Need to replace three seniors who graduated. Many JV players will be asked to step up and play significant varsity minutes this year. Returning varsity players will be asked to bring their game up to an increased level of scoring, rebounding, and leadership. We are looking for our team to continue to improve as the season progresses.”

James Valley Christian

Coach: Krista Robinson

Last year’s record: 14-8

Key returnees: Alexa Goertz, soph.; Kaylie Robinson, sophomore; Abby Hasart, senior.

Top newcomers: Lily Hofer, senior; Rhayonna Hood, junior; Jacey Wipf, junior; Maggie Decker, junior; Ashtyn Cronin, sophomore.

Outlook: James Valley Christian returns eight letterwinners, including three starters, and look to take the next step in reaching their goals this season. The Vikings will look to sophomores Alexa Goertz (9.8 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, 2 assists per game) and Kaylie Robinson (7.4 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, 3 assists per game, 3.5 steals per game) and senior Abby Hasart (four rebounds per game) to lead the team this season. JVC will also rely on several players with limited experience to step in and fill new roles.

James Valley Christian coach Krista Robinson said, “This season we have experience returning with some new younger girls ready to make a push to be successful.  This combination made our summer workouts very productive and our team continued to grow in the right direction. Each year our expectations rise and this group has already been working hard to achieve their goals. Some of these girls have been playing together for quite a few years now so their chemistry on the court, leadership, and work ethics have been great examples for our athletes.  We've had some great teams that have built our culture and as we continue forward, we will continue to work hard to achieve those next steps of success for our program.”

Viborg-Hurley

Coach: Molly Mason

Last year’s record: 22-4 (Class B state champions)

Key returnees: Denae Mach, 5-9, sr.; Coral Mason, 5-10, sr.; Estelle Lee, 5-6, sr.; Shelby Lyons, 5-5, sr.

Top newcomers: Charley Nelson, 5-3, soph.; Haley Nelson, 5-8, jr.; Jenna Graves, 5-3, soph.; Madelyn Vasgaard, 5-2, sr.; Mataya Vannorsdel, 5-6, jr.; Aubree Schwartz, 5-5, soph.; Kendra Gilbert, 5-6, soph.

Outlook: Viborg-Hurley surprised many last season by winning their first-ever state championship in school history, defeating De Smet 58-53 for the Class B title. This year the Cougars return several key players from the title team and look to win back-to-back championships. Leading the way for the Cougars will be seniors Denae Mach, Coral Mason, Estelle Lee, and Shelby Lyons. Sophomore Charley Nelson also had significant playing time last season and will look to contribute right away.

Viborg-Hurley coach Molly Mason said, “After coming off of a memorable season, we are looking forward to getting after it again.  We have had to reset our thoughts to our new team/new season, but will still have the same goal that we have had in the past- to improve daily and be playing our best basketball come February.  Our tough schedule will hopefully help us prepare for that time as we will be playing in 5 classics this year and will be matched up with some of the best teams in the state.  Staying healthy and having the right mindset throughout the season will also help contribute to our success.  We have given every team in South Dakota hope that anything can happen, no matter your record, so we have to be prepared and ready to go every single game.”

Wall

Coach: John Hess 

Last year’s record: 21-5 (Eighth place at the Class B state tournament)

Key returnees: April Schulz, 5-9, sr.; Skylie Wagner, 5-10, sr.; Nora Dinger, 5-4, jr.; Paige Kjerstad, 5-10, jr.; Jada Kusser, 5-7, jr.; Kadence Kusser, 5-7, jr.; Alexis Stephen, 5-7, jr.; Rhea Tucker, 6-0, jr.; Chloe Fortune, 5-3, soph.; Faith Fink, 5-8, soph.; Macee Paulson, 5-6, soph.; Taylor McDonnell, 5-8, fr.; Maranda Poor Bear, 5-8, fr.; Loucasey Tines, 5-9, fr.; Fallon Ostenson, 5-4, fr.

Outlook: Wall looks to build off of an eighth place finish at the Class B state tournament last season and earn another shot at a state tournament berth. The Lady Eagles return several key players, including seniors April Schulz and Skylie Wagner and juniors Nora Dinger and Paige Kjerstad. Wall will rely on their size and athleticism, with five players checking in at 5-foot-9 or taller.

Wall coach John Hess said, “The Lady Eagles are coming off a 21-5 season a year ago. We feel we have a good nucleus returning this season with good experience. The Lady Eagles will look to use their speed and quickness to overcome lack of height. We feel we have a tough schedule this season with getting into the LNI and being invited to the Parkston and DWU Classic.”

Wolsey-Wessington

Coach: Josh McGillvrey

Last year’s record: 13-8

Key returnees: Leah Williams, 5-9, sr.; Mya Boomsma, 5-9, sr.; Taylor Horn, 5-10, sr.; Lainey Uttecht, 5-6, jr.; Peyton Kemnitz, 5-7, jr. 

Top newcomers: Mallory Miller, 6-4, sr.

Outlook: The Warbirds bring back seven letterwinners and a key transfer after finishing 13-8 last season. Leah Williams (17 ppg/7 rpg/4 apg) and Mya Boomsma (14 ppg/5 rpg) both scored in double figures last season for Wolsey-Wessington. Mallory Miller, a 6-foot-4 senior center, was an all-stater for Aberdeen Christian last season and will anchor the middle for the Warbirds. She averaged 19.5 points, 13.2 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game last season for Aberdeen Christian. Taylor Horn, Lainey Uttecht and Peyton Kemnitz are other top returners for the Warbirds. 

“After coming off a phenomenal year in volleyball we are looking for that momentum to carry over to basketball,” Wolsey-Wessington coach Josh McGillvrey said. “After getting upset early in regions last year, we have learned from that and feel like we have something to prove this year. We have the mindset that every game we play is going to be a dog fight.”.