This is another in a series of basketball previews for teams that are participating in the 2021 Lakota Nation Invitational.

By Rich Winter, 605 Sports

Following a 118-18 season-opening win over Takini, optimism is running high in the small community of Wanblee. Several talented transfers join one of the biggest rosters that will be seen at the 2021 Lakota Nation Invitational. 

“The community and school are really excited about this team,” James Bagwell, Crazy Horse coach said. “You can feel the anticipation in the air and it is great.”

Crazy Horse opens Lakota Nation play on Wednesday against Dupree. On Thursday, the No. 7 seeded (Makosica Bracket) Chiefs lace them up against Pine Ridge. 

“We have a lot of talent and guys that can score the basketball,” Bagwell said. “We will be long, athletic and versatile.” 

With an influx of talent Bagwell says practices have been intense and very competitive. 

Returning players: 

• Jaysen Meeter  Sr. 6'3 SG (Transfer)-- Jaysen is long and athletic and can score the ball in a variety of ways. He can flat out play basketball and will be a tough matchup for many teams this year.  

• Kris Meeter So. 6'2 PG (Transfer)-- Kris is a long athletic point guard who can pass the ball and really score it. He's really good at getting to the paint and also have the ability to be a consistent 3 point and mid-range shooter. This will be a coming out year for him.  

• Preston Hawkins Sr. 6'7 180lbs F/C- SR.- Preston is a long athletic kid that can run the floor and jump with the best of them. He has worked to define his post-game and added a perimeter shot to stretch the floor.  

• Brian Yellow Elk 6'4, 235lbs G/F SR. --Brian can really shoot the ball. He is most dangerous when he is putting the ball on the floor and getting downhill. He is working on adding to his post game as well. We will look to utilize him in Multiple ways this year.  

• Hyden Martin 6’4, F JR.—Can really shoot the ball and defend.  

• Noah Iron Horse 6’3, G/F JR.—Noah is isn’t energy he can shoot, drive, rebound, and anticipates on defense really well.  

• Trey Lamont 6’1 JR. G—Brings balance to our team heady player that can also make plays for his teammates and shoots the ball well. 

“With our team having multiple guys that can score it, you want to focus on the defensive end,” Bagwell said. “That’s our focus heading into the season defending, rebounding, and taking care of the basketball.” 

 Promising prospects: 

Donnie Ghost Dog 8th grade, Richard Pumpkin Seed 9th grade, Joshua Lamont 9th Grade, Marlon White Feather Jr.  

Season outlook: 

This year will be one the most talented teams we have had at Crazy Horse in a while. We have the size, athleticism, depth, and intangibles to be really good. It’s going to be up to us on how that process goes. Our region will be tough playing in 7B. Our focus is to stick to our standards and get better every day. We want to be playing our best basketball come March. Success is a process if we stay focused and stay the course the sky is the limit on how much this group can accomplish. I am looking forward to the journey.