PAGE 10B: WINTER SPORTS 2017 PRESS & DAKOTAN n PLAIN TALK A Season Of Change Parker Basketball Programs Adjust To New Class, New Rules, New Faces As They Approach Same Old Goal: Going To State BY JAMES D. CIMBUREK James.cimburek@yankton.net It is a season of change for Parker basketball. Just months after both Pheasant teams ended their seasons at state tournaments, the programs find themselves in a new class, adjusting to new rules that, coincidentally, they would have had to deal with in Class B. The teams will now face a shot clock, which is being implemented in Class B this year, but has been a part of Class A basketball for a couple of years. Class A also had a one-year head start on the statewide state-qualifier format that goes into Class B this season. On top of it, the boys’ program has a new head coach. Lance Friesen has taken the helm of the program. Much has changed for the Pheasants. One thing hasn’t: the goal — state. Girls Many of the members of the Parker girls’ basketball team got their first taste of the new post-season format in volleyball season. The southern Pheasants played their northern namesakes, the Redfield-Doland Pheasants, with a berth to state on the line last month. “I like the format, especially this year,” said Parker head girls’ basketball coach Tami Jurgens. In terms of scheduling, the move to Class A changes little — the Pheasants, 20-6 and sixth in Class B last season, play in the Big East Conference, which is comprised mostly of other Class A programs. The team did drop Alcester-Hudson from its schedule in order to fit Big East newcomer Beresford into the slate. The Pheasants open against fellow Big East power McCook Central-Montrose, then play Baltic before traveling to Nebraska small-school power Wynot. “We have a tough schedule at the beginning,” Coach Jurgens said. “We’re looking forward to seeing what we can do.” Parker took some heavy graduation hits, but return three-year starter Raelin Jurgens (8.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 2.1 apg, 1.7 spg, 2.3 bpg), a thirdteam all-Big East pick, and The Parker boys’ and girls’ basketball programs each are dealing with the transition to Class A and what came with it, as well as heavy graduation losses and, for the boys’ team, a new head coach. But both teams are energized by a strong finish to the 2016-17 season as they look to make it back to state. Pictured are a pair of juniors who are among the leaders for their respective programs, Camden Bialas (left, facing) and Raelin Jurgens (right, 11). two-year starter Grace Leberman (8.0 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 2.9 apg, 1.5 spg), an honorable mention pick in the league. Both are juniors. Junior Karley Peters (1.6 ppg, 2.0 rpg, 1.0 apg, 1.5 spg), senior Hannah Viet (1.4 rpg) and sophomore Brianna Berens also saw time last year. “We lost four seniors, so it will be different,” Raelin Jurgens said. “But we know we can compete with Class A teams. We did it last year.” Senior Chastin Mohr, junior Hannah Even and sophomores Sydney Berens, Paityn DeBoer and Rayna Mohr will also look to add to the rotation. With a number of new faces joining the rotation, the preseason preparations were “focused,” according to Leberman. “We have a lot of young girls that can step up,” she said. “We needed to work on playing well together, being a better team.” While practices have been focused, they haven’t been anxiety-filled, Raelin Jurgens said. “The practice mood is pretty laid back. We know what to expect,” she said. “We’re focused, we get down to business, but it’s fun and easy-going.” After months of preparation, the Pheasants are ready to put themselves to the test. “We have the talent,” Raelin Jurgens said. “Now it’s a matter of putting the puzzle pieces together to see what we can do.” and their new system. “It was a lot of feeling out, putting in expectations,” Friesen said. “The guys have responded. They want to be competitive.” Part of that competitive drive is fueled by getting a feel for the big stage last season. “We had a taste last year,” junior Camden Bialas said. “It was a lot of fun.” The Pheasants return a trio of key contributors from last season, led by big man Bialas. The 6-9 junior post averaged 11 points, six rebounds and three blocks a game last season, and earned all-tournament honors as Parker finished fourth in Class B with a 16-9 record. “Camden is a smart, hardWith a new coach and working kid. He’s started to several graduation losses, the provide some leadership for Parker boys’ team spent the us,” Friesen said. “He needs summer learning each other to be our number one option Boys offensively. Defensively, he can cover up so many mistakes.” Also returning from the Pheasants’ rotation are senior Chayse McKinney and junior Trey Christensen, both guards. “Chayse will have a big year. He is a great athlete,” Friesen said. “Trey is a team leader, a ‘glue’ guy.” Competing for spots in the rotation are senior Nathan Dahl, and juniors Alex Kasten, Jackson Fiegen, Dallas Popkes, Jaron Pesicka, Sam Gillespie, Joe Joffer and Blake Olson. “We know we are pretty talented and deep,” Christensen said. “Even though we lost several seniors, we are pretty motivated to get back to state.” One of the challenges Class A poses — at least for Parker right now — is that Calendar FROM PAGE 9B BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Neb. Sub-Districts; Avon at Gayville-Volin; Flandreau Indian at Centerville; Viborg-Hurley at Elk Point-Jefferson BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ 8TH Sergeant Bluff-Luton at YMS (4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ 7TH YMS at Sergeant Bluff-Luton (4 p.m.) Tuesday, February 13 BASKETBALL, MEN’S Grace at MMC (8 p.m., KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S Nebraska Christian College at MMC (6 p.m., KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Avon at Hanson; Bridgewater-Emery vs. Irene-Wakonda at Irene; CorsicaStickney vs. Tripp-Delmont-Armour at Armour; Lennox at Beresford; Mount Vernon-Plankinton at Bon Homme; Parker at Garretson; Parkston vs. Andes CentralDakota Christian at Corsica; Sioux City West at Dakota Valley; Vermillion at Wagner; Viborg-Hurley at Menno; Winner at Platte-Geddes BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Neb. Sub-Districts; Bridgewater-Emery vs. Irene-Wakonda at Irene; Canistota at Scotland; Corsica-Stickney vs. Tripp-DelmontArmour at Armour; Ethan at Freeman; Garretson at Parker; Mount Vernon-Plankinton at Bon Homme; Parkston vs. Andes Central-Dakota Christian at Corsica; Sioux Falls Christian at Gayville-Volin; Vermillion at Wagner; Viborg-Hurley at Menno Wednesday, February 14 BASKETBALL, MEN’S USD at Oral Roberts (7 p.m., KVHT-FM) BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S USD at Omaha (7 p.m., KVHT-FM) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls (USD) Thursday, February 15 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Andes Central-Dakota Christian vs. Kimball-White Lake at Mitchell; Beresford at Sioux Falls Christian; Freeman Academy-Marion at Menno; Freeman at Gayville-Volin; Irene-Wakonda at Canistota; Platte-Geddes at Wagner BASKETBALL, BOYS’ MS YMS at Mitchell (4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Neb. Sub-Districts; Beresford at Sioux Falls Christian; Canton at Alcester-Hudson; Freeman Academy-Marion at Menno; Freeman at Gayville-Volin; Madison at Dakota Valley; Parker at Tea Area; Parkston vs. Mount Vernon-Plankinton at Plankinton; Platte-Geddes at Wagner; Tripp-DelmontArmour at Scotland BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ MS Mitchell at YMS (4 p.m.) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls (USD) TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE INDOOR Nebraska Tune-Up (USD) WRESTLING, PREP Neb. State Championships at Omaha Friday, February 16 BASKETBALL, MEN’S MMC at Hastings (7 p.m., KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S MMC at Hastings (5 p.m., KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Andes Central-Dakota Christian at Sunshine Bible; Bon Homme at Gregory; Boone Central-Newman Grove at Crofton; Bridgewater-Emery at Parker; Canton at Alcester-Hudson; Freeman at Avon; Hartington-Newcastle at Randolph; Madison at Dakota Valley; Menno at Scotland; Mount Vernon-Plankinton at Parkston; Niobrara-Verdigre at Neligh-Oakdale; Norfolk Catholic at Hartington Cedar Catholic; Omaha Nation at Allen; Ponca at Creighton; Tea Area at Elk Point-Jefferson; Tripp-Delmont-Armour vs. Ethan at Mitchell; Wausa at Bloomfield; Wynot at Laurel-Concord-Coleridge BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Watertown at YHS (7 p.m., KVHT-FM, KYNT-AM); Andes Central-Dakota Christian at Sunshine Bible; Gayville-Volin at Bon Homme; Tea Area at Elk Point-Jefferson; Tripp-Delmont-Armour vs. Ethan at Mitchell BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ JV Watertown at YHS (4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ SOPH Watertown at YHS (5:30 p.m.) BOWLING, CLUB HS Dell Rapids at Yankton (4 p.m.) HOCKEY, PEEWEE State ‘A’ Tourn. at Brookings SOFTBALL, COLLEGE UNLV Rebel Classic The Dakota Valley student section tries to distract a free throw shooter during the 2017 South Dakota State Class A Boys’ Basketball Tournament. (USD vs. San Jose State, 12:15 p.m.; USD vs. CSUNorthridge, 7 p.m.) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls (USD) WRESTLING, PREP S.D. Regions — 2A at Sioux Falls (Beresford-Alcester-Hudson, Dakota Valley, Vermillion, 1 p.m.); Neb. State Championships at Omaha Saturday, February 17 BASKETBALL, MEN’S Omaha at USD (3:30 p.m., KVHT-FM, MidcoSN, ESPN3) BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S Oral Roberts at USD (1 p.m., KVHT-FM, MidcoSN, ESPN3) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ YHS at Watertown (7 p.m., KVHT-FM, KYNT-AM); Viborg-Hurley vs. BridgewaterEmery at Emery BASKETBALL, BOYS’ JV YHS at Watertown (4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ SOPH YHS at Watertown (5:30 p.m.) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ 9TH YHS at Watertown (DH, 4 p.m.) HOCKEY, GIRLS’ JV Aberdeen at Yankton (DH, 2 & 7 p.m.) HOCKEY, BANTAM Rushmore at Yankton (4 p.m.) HOCKEY, PEEWEE State ‘A’ Tourn. at Brookings SOFTBALL, COLLEGE UNLV Rebel Classic (USD vs. New Mexico, 2:30 p.m.; USD vs. Seattle, 4:45 p.m.) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls (USD) WRESTLING, PREP Neb. State Championships at Omaha; S.D. Regions — 2B at Salem (Elk PointJefferson, Marion-Freeman, Parker, 10 a.m.); 3B at Miller (Andes Central-Dakota Christian; Bon HommeScotland-Avon; Kimball-White Lake-Platte-Geddes; Parkston; Wagner, 10 a.m.) Sunday, February 18 HOCKEY, GIRLS’ JV Aberdeen at Yankton (11 a.m.) HOCKEY, BANTAM Rushmore at Yankton (9 a.m.) HOCKEY, PEEWEE State ‘A’ Tourn. at Brookings SOFTBALL, COLLEGE UNLV Rebel Classic (USD vs. UTEP, 10 a.m.) Monday, February 19 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. Sub-Districts; Corsica-Stickney at Parkston; Hanson at Scotland; Irene-Wakonda at Bon Homme; West Central at Elk Point-Jefferson Tuesday, February 20 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Brookings at YHS (7 p.m., KVHT-FM, KYNT-AM); Neb. Sub-Districts BASKETBALL, BOYS’ JV Brookings at YHS (4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ SOPH Brookings at YHS (5:30 p.m.) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ 9TH Brookings at YHS (DH, 4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ YHS at Brookings (7 p.m., KVHT-FM, KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ JV YHS at Brookings (4 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ SOPH YHS at Brookings (5:30 p.m.) Wednesday, February 21 BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S South Dakota State at USD (7 p.m., KVHT-FM, MidcoSN, ESPN3) Thursday, February 22 BASKETBALL, MEN’S USD at South Dakota State (7 p.m., KVHT-FM, WNAX-AM, MidcoSN) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. Sub-Districts; Andes Central-Dakota Christian at Gayville-Volin; Gregory at Platte-Geddes Friday, February 23 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Beresford at Tea Area; Burke-South Central at Avon; Colome vs. TrippDelmont-Armour at Armour; Dakota Valley at Lennox; Menno at Centerville; Vermillion at Canton BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Neb. District Finals BOWLING, CLUB HS State Tourn. at Brookings (Yankton, 9 a.m.) HOCKEY, GIRLS’ JV State Tourn. at Watertown HOCKEY, BANTAM State ‘A’ Tourn. at Rapid City SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Louisiana Tech Inv. at Ruston, La. (USD vs. Missouri State, 11 a.m.; USD vs. Louisiana Tech, 3 p.m.) TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE INDOOR Summit League Championships at Fargo, N.D. (USD) WRESTLING, PREP S.D. State Championships at Sioux Falls (10 a.m.) Saturday, February 24 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Brandon Valley at YHS (6 p.m., KVHT-FM, KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ JV Brandon Valley at YHS (1:30 p.m.) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ SOPH Brandon Valley at YHS (2:45 p.m.) BASKETBALL, BOYS’ 9TH Brandon Valley at YHS (DH, 1:30 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Brandon Valley at YHS (4:15 p.m., KVHT-FM, KYNT-AM) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ JV Brandon Valley at YHS (1:30 p.m.) BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ SOPH Brandon Valley at YHS (2:45 p.m.) HOCKEY, BOYS’ JV Oahe at Yankton (7 p.m.) HOCKEY, GIRLS’ JV State Tourn. at Watertown HOCKEY, BANTAM State ‘A’ Tourn. at Rapid City SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Louisiana Tech Inv. at Ruston, La. (USD vs. Alcorn State, 1 p.m.; USD vs. Saint Lewis, 3 p.m.) TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE INDOOR Summit League Championships at Fargo, N.D. (USD) WRESTLING, PREP S.D. State Championships at Sioux Falls (10 a.m.); Neb. Dual Tourn. at Kearney Sunday, February 25 HOCKEY, BOYS’ JV Watertown at Yankton (2 p.m.) HOCKEY, GIRLS’ JV State Tourn. at Watertown HOCKEY, BANTAM State ‘A’ Tourn. at Rapid City SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Louisiana Tech Inv. at Ruston, La. (USD vs. UMass-Lowell, 9 a.m.) Monday, February 26 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. District Finals (C2) D2) Tuesday, February 27 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. District Finals (D1/ coln March coln Thursday, March 1 BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Neb. State Tourn. at Lin- Friday, March 2 BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. Class AA Qualifier; Neb. State Tourn. at Lincoln HOCKEY, BOYS’ JV State Tourn. at Mitchell SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Grand Canyon Classic at Phoenix, Ariz. (USD vs. UNLV, 10 a.m.; USD vs. Grand Canyon, 3 p.m.) Saturday, March 3 BASKETBALL, MEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls BASKETBALL, BOYS’ S.D. Class AA Qualifier BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ Neb. State Tourn. at Lincoln HOCKEY, BOYS’ JV State Tourn. at Mitchell SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Grand Canyon Classic at Phoenix, Ariz. (USD vs. Valparaiso, 10 a.m.; USD vs. Princeton, 12:30 p.m.) Sunday, March 4 BASKETBALL, MEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls HOCKEY, BOYS’ JV State Tourn. at Mitchell SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Grand Canyon Classic at Phoenix, Ariz. (USD vs. Grand Canyon, 11 a.m.) Monday, March 5 BASKETBALL, MEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE NCAA Zone Diving Championships at Minneapolis Tuesday, March 6 BASKETBALL, MEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls BASKETBALL, WOMEN’S Summit League Championships at Sioux Falls SOFTBALL, COLLEGE USD at Arizona State (7 p.m.) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE NCAA Zone Diving Championships at Minneapolis Wednesday, March 7 SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE NCAA Zone Diving Championships at Minneapolis Thursday, March 8 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. State Tourn. at Lincoln BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. State A Tourn. at Watertown; S.D. State B Tourn. at Aberdeen SOFTBALL, COLLEGE USD at Arizona Friday, March 9 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. State Tourn. at Lin- BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. State A Tourn. at Watertown; S.D. State B Tourn. at Aberdeen SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Wildcat Inv. at Tucson, Ariz. (USD vs. USC Upstate, noon; USD vs. Wisconsin, 2 p.m.) TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE INDOOR NCAA several regional Class A teams utilize a more aggressive defense. “The style of ‘A’ basketball is a little different,” Christensen said. “They (many Class B teams) are not as big, and in ‘A’ we will have to deal with more defensive pressure. Our offense has switched entirely due to dealing with that pressure.” While the Pheasants may take some lumps early — the team faces Sioux Valley in the third game of the season, the third of three straight Big East contests to open the slate — Friesen feels they will be ready come March. “We can be a tough team by the end of the season,” he said. “We’re a team that has a lot of skill.” Follow @JCimburek on Twitter Championships at College Station, Texas Saturday, March 10 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ Neb. State Tourn. at Lincoln BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. State A Tourn. at Watertown; S.D. State B Tourn. at Aberdeen SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Wildcat Inv. at Tucson, Ariz. (USD vs. USC Upstate, noon; USD vs. Wisconsin, 2 p.m.) TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE INDOOR NCAA Championships at College Station, Texas Thursday, March 15 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ S.D. State AA Tourn. at Sioux Falls; S.D. State A Tourn. at Rapid City; S.D. State B Tourn. at Aberdeen BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. State AA Tourn. at Sioux Falls SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE NCAA Women’s Championships at Columbus, Ohio Friday, March 16 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ S.D. State AA Tourn. at Sioux Falls; S.D. State A Tourn. at Rapid City; S.D. State B Tourn. at Aberdeen BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. State AA Tourn. at Sioux Falls SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Tiger Classic at Memphis, Tenn. (USD vs. Eastern Michigan, 3:45 p.m.; USD vs. SIU-Edwardsville, 6 p.m.) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE NCAA Women’s Championships at Columbus, Ohio TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE OUTDOOR Baldy Castillo Inv. at Tempe, Ariz. (USD) Saturday, March 17 BASKETBALL, BOYS’ S.D. State AA Tourn. at Sioux Falls; S.D. State A Tourn. at Rapid City; S.D. State B Tourn. at Aberdeen BASKETBALL, GIRLS’ S.D. State AA Tourn. at Sioux Falls SOFTBALL, COLLEGE Tiger Classic at Memphis, Tenn. (USD vs. Tennessee Tech, 9 a.m.; USD vs. Memphis, 1:30 p.m.) SWIMMING & DIVING, COLLEGE NCAA Women’s Championships at Columbus, Ohio TRACK & FIELD, COLLEGE OUTDOOR Baldy Castillo Inv. at Tempe, Ariz. (USD) Roy Wilcox, Agent 200 W 4th ST Yankton, SD 57078 Bus: 605-665-7140 www.roywilcox.com