PAGE 13 WINTER SPORTS 2015 n PRESS & DAKOTAN • PLAIN TALK King Returns To Lead Eagles Northern State Recruit Works To Anchor State Tournament Run For Irene-Wakonda BY DYLAN HUGGINS sports@yankton.net IRENE – Gabe King not only gets to play basketball at Northern State University next year, but currently gets to play for his father Mike King at Irene-Wakonda High School. King is a senior at IreneWakonda and acknowledges that being chosen to play college basketball is a great chance to play at the next level. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to play at a higher level,” he said. “Northern seemed like a good fit and I wanted to go somewhere and just work my butt off.” Mike King, who is the head coach at Irene-Wakonda, said that his son’s best attributes include his son’s work ethic and being a leader. “His attitude and his effort he gives, he also sets a good example for everyone on the team,” Mike said. Gabe averaged 22 points, 14 rebounds, and six blocks per game last season, and was selected for second team Class B All State honors Northern State University head coach Paul Sather gave high for King in a Northern State University release. “Gabe is the kind of player that can fill a stat sheet,” Sather said. “He is a very “We have a lot of guys returning this year and we expect to make it to the state tournament. It would be nice to make a run for the title at state.” GABE KING, IRENE-WAKONDA SENIOR good shooter, but his feel for the game is what sets him apart.” According to a Northern State University release, King earned Irene-Wakonda Rookie of the Year and Second Team All-Conference. As a sophomore he earned both First Team All-Conference and Team MVP honors. Gabe mentioned that having his father as his head coach is something that he sees as a big positive. “It is a lot of fun and we are able to transition to the court when it counts,” he said. Mike and Gabe aren’t the only ones who are a part of the basketball team at IreneWakonda. Trey King is also on the team. Trey averaged 11 points and three steals per game last season. “In my 21 years of coaching, I’ve been able to coach both of my sons and it’s the grand finale of coaching,” Mike said. “It’s great to see the hard work pay off.” Irene-Wakonda finished with a 16-6 record last season and lost to Parker in the regions, coming up just short of a state tournament berth. Gabe said that he has high expectations for his team for the upcoming season. “We have a lot of guys returning this year and we expect to make it to the state tournament,” he said. “It would be nice to make a run for the title at state.” Mike said that one of the big differences in his team for the upcoming season will be experience. “We started two juniors, an eighth grader, a freshman, and a sophomore last year,” Mike said. “We went to seven team camps over the summer and they’ve put in a lot of great work.” ter. Follow @dhugg23 on Twit- Gabe King, 15, attacks the basket during a game in the 2014-15 season. The Irene-Wakonda senior and Northern State recruit averaged 24 points, 14 rebounds and six blocked shots per game a year ago, helping the Eagles to a 16-6 record. SOUTH DAKOTA BOYS’ BASKETBALL CAPSULES Alcester-Hudson (So., 6-0, G); Colton Wolbrink (So., 5-7, G); Elias Flying Hawk (So., G); Jacey Garcia (So., G); JB Bruguier (So., G); Kendall Veenstra (So., 5-11, F); Luke Kaemingk (So., 6-0, G/F); Alex Maas (Fr., F); Cliff Johnson (Fr., C); Daaron Tronvold (Fr., G); Micah Mitchell (Fr., G/F); Pearce Vander Pol (Fr., F) COACH: Kevin Kunz ASSISTANTS: Scott Johnson, Matt Hames VITALS: Class B, Region 5, District 10, Tri-Valley Conference LAST YEAR: The Cubs (913) lost to Centerville in the second round of district play. ROSTER: Grant Johnson (Sr., 5-11, F, 15 ppg, 6 rpg) Mitchell Johnson (Sr., 5-10, G, COACH: Jeff Haenfler 8.3 ppg), Gavin Doering (Jr., ASSISTANT: Travis Seitz5-10, G, 10.6 ppg), Sam Jensen inger (Jr., 5-9, G, 10 ppg), Zachary VITALS: Class B, District Ronning (Sr., 6-0, G, 8.4 ppg), 12, Region 6 Logan McConnell (Jr., 5-10, LAST YEAR: The Pirates G), Eli Skoglund (Fr., 6-0, G) (4-17) lost in the first round of districts. RETURNING PLAYERS: Jacob Cihak (So., 5-9, G), Dylan Raysby (Jr., 6-0, G), Brady Cameron (So., 6-4, F), John COACH: Aaron TimmerKopp (Sr., 5-9, G), Sam Eben mans ASSISTANTS: Will Walker, (11th, 6-0, F), Tate Wynia (So., 5-8, G), Jimmy Schuurenns Jeremy Boer VITALS: Class B, Region 6, (So., 6-3, F), Levi DeJong (So., 6-1, F) District 11 NEWCOMER: Tyler Kopp ROSTER: Drew Veurink (Fr., 5-9, G) (Sr., 6-4, F); Hayden Medicine Horn (Sr., F/C); Zach DeLange (Sr., 5-10, G); Clay Brouwer (Jr., 5-10, G); Cody Vanden COACH: Jerry Carda Hoek (Jr., 5-10, F); Leo HopASSISTANTS: Troy James, kins (Jr., G); Michael Maas Matt Coy (Jr., 6-4, F); Burton Archambeau (So., G); Chase Pheifer Avon Andes CentralDakota Christian Beresford S.D. BOYS | PAGE 14 Centerville’s Tyrell Martz Bowling FROM PAGE 12 middle of the pack in terms of standings and Lovejoy is looking for some big games out of his growing team. “We have the same core team back this year that seem more determined to play as a team,” Lovejoy said. “The older players are helping the younger players with little things. We have more players that consistently throw 200 plus games and 600, 700 pin series this year. “We have a lot kids that are capable of popping a big game or series this year.” Bowling is an individual sport, but at the high school level combines scores to give it a team aspect. That’s allows an individual who might be having an off day a chance to still come out on top. “Our matches are scored on the Peterson system that blends individual performance for points and team totals for points,” said coach Lovejoy. “Even if you are not having a stellar individual day you have to try your best for your team as your pin fall still goes to the team total. COMMUNITY BANK AVON, SD 286-3213 Member FDIC You may lose individually to somebody that supper hot that day but still help the team win the match with your score.” So far this season, Vermillion is off to a good start with both the boys and girls teams earning opening wins against Brandon last Friday at the Yankton Fun Center. Senor Brett Hanson led the boys’ team over Brandon with a 713 series and is expected to have several 700 series during the year to continue off of last season performances. Senior Kodie Lovejoy is also returning to the lineup as a top contender for the Tanagers “Kodie has some 300 games and 700 series also to his credit,” said coach Lovejoy. Juniors Ryan Brunick and Avery Mollet will also play key roles on the season and started with strong performances against Brandon. Seventh grader Josh Bern is returning for his second year on the team came out strong last Friday and earning some team points. “Josh has multiple 200+ games to his credit and will continue give us more,” said coach Lovejoy. For the girls, Lovejoy is looking to senior Kayla Stammer to lead the small team after some big scores last year. “Our high point of (last) season had to be when Kayla Stammer rolled her 299 game,” said coach Lovejoy. “To the best of my knowledge that is an all-time VHS team high game. “ Stammer has also come up with multiple 600 series. Along with Stammer, Katie Kost and Emily Schmitz are two more seniors that will make a big impact. “(Kost) throws the ball two handed and has CENTERVILLE Boys’ Basketball 12/12...........................................at Tea Area 12/15........................ at Dell Rapids St. Mary 12/18................................................ at Baltic 12/29............ vs. Colome (Snowball Classic) 12/31............ vs. Lennox (Buseman Classic) 1/5................................................. at Canton 1/7............................. vs. Freeman Academy 1/12.............................................at Scotland 1/14..........................................vs. Beresford 1/16........... vs. Platte-Geddes (TVC Classic) 1/19............................................ at Freeman 1/26............................at Irene-Wakonda (W) 1/28................................... vs. Viborg-Hurley 2/2.................................. at Alcester-Hudson 2/4...............................................vs. Hanson 2/12................................... vs. Gayville-Volin 2/15...................... at Bridgewater-Emery (B) 2/16.............................at Elk Point-Jefferson 2/19.......................................... vs. Canistota 2/25.............................................. vs. Menno CROSBY-JAEGER FUNERAL HOME INC. Avon, SD 119 N. Poplar St. Wagner, SD 124 E. Hwy 50 384-3781 Springfield, SD 604 8th St. 369-2488 Jim & Julie Jaeger and Chad Peters Girls’ Basketball 12/12.................................. Tea Area Classic 12/15........................ at Dell Rapids St. Mary 12/18................................................ at Baltic 12/12.......................................... at Freeman 12/29.................... Winner Snowball Classic 12/31........vs. Lincoln JV (Buseman Classic) 1/5................................................. at Canton 1/7............................. vs. Freeman Academy 1/8................................................ vs. Marion 1/12.............................................at Scotland 1/15.............................. vs. Flandreau Indian 1/25................................................at Menno 1/26............................at Irene-Wakonda (W) 1/28................................... vs. Viborg-Hurley 1/30........... vs. Platte-Geddes (TVC Classic) 2/2.................................. at Alcester-Hudson 2/5.................................................. at Parker 2/12................................... vs. Gayville-Volin 2/18................................................. at Ethan 2/19.......................................... vs. Canistota FARMERS CO-OP ELEVATOR Fuel Service & Ranch Supply For All Your • Grain • Fertilizer • Feed • Chemical Needs AVON, SD PH. 286-3297 Alcester-Hudson’s Sam Jensen (right) had some big games last year,” said coach Lovejoy. “(Schmitz) joined the team last year and will have a key role this year as her game strengthens every week.” Some new talents are developing in a potentially strong eight grade class on both the boys’ and girls’ side. Billy Radigan, Logan Gregg and Libby Gregg are improving fast and are expected to earn some team points over the season. “Libby Gregg is now turning the ball into the pocket and will also give us some big days, said coach Lovejoy. “Logan Gregg, another eighth AVON Boys’ Basketball 12/15........................at Corsica-Stickney (C) 12/18.........................vs. Bridgewater-Emery 12/19............................................ at Hanson 12/22......................................... vs. Parkston 1/2.................................vs. Alcester-Hudson 1/5.................................. vs. Ethan (Mitchell) 1/14.............................................at Scotland 1/16................. vs. Centerville (TVC Classic) 1/19..............................vs. Mitchell Christian 1/21...............at Andes Cent./Dak. Chr. (AC) 1/23.............................................. at Wagner 1/25..................................................at Marty 1/28..............................................at Gregory 2/1................................................ vs. Menno 2/5....................................... vs. Bon Homme 2/9..................................... vs. Viborg-Hurley 2/12......................vs. Tripp-Delmont-Armour 2/15..................................... at Gayville-Volin 2/19...........................................vs. Freeman 2/25.........................vs. Burke-South Central Girls’ Basketball 12/11........................................... vs. Gregory 12/15........................at Corsica-Stickney (C) 12/17........................ at Hart. Cedar Catholic 12/19......................vs. Hanson (Sioux Falls) 1/2.................................vs. Alcester-Hudson 1/5.................................. vs. Ethan (Mitchell) 1/7............................................. vs. Scotland 1/9....................................................at Marty 1/15.................................vs. Irene-Wakonda 1/19..............................vs. Mitchell Christian 1/21...............at Andes Cent./Dak. Chr. (AC) 1/23.............................................. at Wagner 1/26.......at Burke-South Central (Bonesteel) 1/29.............................................at Parkston 2/2..................................................at Menno 2/4....................................... vs. Bon Homme 2/8.............................................vs. Freeman 2/9..................................... vs. Viborg-Hurley 2/12......................vs. Tripp-Delmont-Armour 2/15..................................... at Gayville-Volin grader, will be making his first varsity start this Friday. Logan’s talents are developing fast.” The bowling season continues with a home match Friday afternoon against Canton and again on Friday, Dec. 4. All home matches are played at the Yankton Family Fun Center beginning at 4 p.m. and admission is free of charge. “I feel we have as good of a chance of winning the conference championship and state match as any other team this year both on the girls and boys side,” said coach Lovejoy. “We have always been kind of known as a dark horse knocking off some power house teams at tournament time.” Locally Owned & Operated 102 N. Main, Avon, SD 286-3917 AVON LOCKER Carson Family Dentistry 104 N. Main St. C. Nolan Carson III, DDS, MA Kelsey Pudwill, RDH Avon, SD 605-286-3427 8-5 Weekdays 8-12 Saturdays Tues. & Wed. Butchering Days call for appointment 707 Chestnut St. Springfield, SD 57062 605-369-2226 Hours: 8am - 5pm • Mon - Fri