ESTELLINE — Kyler Carlson is helping the Redhawks reach new heights.

The 6-foot-1 senior guard has propelled Estelline/Hendricks to a 10-2 record, sitting just outside of the most recent South Dakota Prep Media Poll.

The Redhawks losses came against Flandreau, 54-47, on Dec. 31 and the team one spot ahead of EH in the latest poll, Class B No. 10 Deubrook Area (66-59).

“We’re playing pretty good right now,” Carlson said. “The Deubrook game kind of haunts us a little bit but we can’t control it when they shoot really well. We’re hungry though, we’re ready to fight anyone. Doesn’t matter who it is, we’re going at them.”

The returning all-state honorable mention selection averaged 16.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and four assists per game as a junior, but says he’s prided himself on “being a team player” in his senior season.

Estelline/Hendricks' Kyler Carlson (4) shoots a three-pointer during the Redhawks 63-43 win over Gayville-Volin on Jan. 24, 2026, in Colman. (Jon Akre / 605 Sports)

“I can drive, I can shoot, I can get to the lane, I can get anyone open,” Carlson said. “We’re here as a team to play and I’m just trying to make it better for everyone.”

Carlson, a two-year starter, is a well-equipped three-point shooter but says the biggest improvement to his game has been getting to the rim and being efficient from the charity stripe.

“Everyone knows me for my three-point shooting and now I can use that as an advantage to drive and get to the lane and draw fouls,” said Carlson.

And it was a big turnover year following a 16-5 season in 2024-25 with five graduating seniors, but EH head coach Andy Hansen says Carlson has taken big steps with his leadership on the team.

“One of the biggest steps he’s taken this year is his leadership role,” Hansen said. “The other thing is there’s games where he’s got 25 points and you wouldn’t know it just because he just picks and chooses times to attack but keeps everyone involved. He’s not afraid of the moment either. There’s been games where he’s had to step up and kind of put the team on his back.”

Hansen, following the Redhawks’ 63-43 win over Gayville-Volin Saturday at the Dakota Valley Conference Classic in Colman, added that Carlson’s decision-making and ability to create shots has helped keep the fast-paced offense rolling through 12 games.

“We really just try to move the ball as fast as we can but obviously with him, the ball finds his hands a lot. If the ball is in his hands a lot, you’re expecting that person to be someone who contributes to the team and that’s just where he is so tough,” Hansen said. “He just brings so much to the table that I don’t think any team can say we’re going to play him for the drive or we’re going to play him for shooting, he just affects the game in so many ways.”

Kyler Carlson celebrates an and-one during the Redhawks 63-43 win over Gayville-Volin on Jan. 24, 2026, in Colman. (Jon Akre / 605 Sports)

But Carlson, Dakota Wesleyan University basketball commit, and the Redhawks squad will try to go somewhere the program hasn’t been since 2007, a state boys basketball tournament, but Carlson feels the pieces are in the house to make a run in the postseason.

“It’s going to be our motivation,” Carlson said. “We got to come in every game and start off straight. We’re hungry for that state tournament run. We’re starving. Last year we thought was our year, and came up short. Tough region, but we’re ready this year.”