By Rich Winter

With the Lakota Nation Invitational expanding to 24 teams, Rapid City Christian is a new entrant at this year’s tournament. A young squad in 2020-2021 the Joe Kieffer coached squad finished 12-9 last season. 

With that young roster, the Comets lost to state tourney team Belle Fourche, 53-49, in the Region 8B playoffs. 

“We have a nice returning core of players with great experience which will help us immensely,” Kieffer said. 

Among those returners are Class A second-team all-stater Olivia Kieffer. A University of South Dakota commit, Kieffer stuffed the shat sheet her sophomore year to the tune of 22.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 7.6 assists, 70% FT, 85 steals and 11 blocks. 

Other returners are Alexa Ham, 6-foot junior, Savannah Armendariz, junior, Sarah Enos, 5-foot-10 senior, Nia Wallum, senior guard. 

Rapid City Christian opens play against Marty on the challenge day Dec. 15. The Comets are the No. 3 seed and open bracket play against Region 8A rival Custer. 

“The girls have been working very hard and we are ready for the season,” Kieffer said. “I am excited to see what the Lord has in mind for us.” 

Kieffer lists 5-foot-9 senior Holliday Thornton and younger sister, Hayden, a 5-foot-8, 8th grader among his promising prospects. 

The Comets open their season Dec. 9 at Wall before hosting Douglas on Dec. 11