PREP BASKETBALL: Boys basketball capsules, Red Rock Conference

ADRIAN

DRAGONS

Coach: Dean Schnaible.

Experience: 20th season, 240-154 overall.

2011-12 Record: 11-15 overall; 8-9 Red Rock Conference (tied for eighth place); 8-9 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Ellsworth in Section 3A South quarterfinal.

Players Graduated: Kyle Kilgore, Kody Henning, Brandon Weidert.

Players Returning: Nick Reyne, Jr., G; Jake Bullerman-Diekmann, Jr., F; Jordan Bertrand, Jr., C; Taylor Recker, So., F; Ben Henning, So., G; Adam Aggen, So., G; Collin Kemper, So., G; Brady Lonneman, So., C; Cody Polzine, So., F; Theron Miller, So., C; Tanner Kamm, So., F.

New Players: Chris Christians, Fr., F.

Strengths: Reyne and Recker return as starters from last year to lead the Dragons this season.

Weaknesses: The graduation of Kilgore (all-conference, all-state honorable mention) as well as Henning and Weidert (both all-conference honorable mention) leaves Adrian with a squad that is young and inexperienced at the varsity level.

Outlook: Schnaible wants his young Dragon team to improve with every game and to have fun out on the court. “This will be a learning season because of our youth and inexperience,” Schnaible said. “Our goal is to play hard and to play smart. We hope to raise some eyebrows in the conference.”

Schedule

Nov. 30: Fulda, L, 63-59

Dec. 1: at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, L, 83-36

Dec. 6: Edgerton, L, 80-70

Dec. 11: Murray County Central, L, 59-55

Dec. 14: Mountain Lake Area, L, 64-57

Dec. 17: George-Little Rock 68-51

Dec. 20: vs. Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, L, 68-29

Dec. 21: at Wabasso

Jan. 4: at Red Rock Central

Jan. 7: Minneota

Jan. 10: Hills-Beaver Creek

Jan. 14: at Windom Area

Jan. 15: Edgerton

Jan. 18: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Jan. 21: at Luverne

Jan. 24: at Ellsworth

Jan. 26: Southwest Christian

Feb. 1: Southwestern United

Feb. 7: at Murray County Central

Feb. 12: at Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 15: Ellsworth

Feb. 19: at Fulda

Feb. 22: Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 25: at Southwest Christian

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

EDGERTON

FLYING DUTCHMEN

Coach: Doug Van Kley.

Experience: 21st season.

2011-12 Record: 2-21 overall; 1-16 Red Rock Conference (tied for 11th place); 2-16 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Adrian in Section 3A South first round.

Players Graduated: Wade Gunnink, Johnny Menning, Omar Lopez.

Players Returning: Isaac Heard, Sr., G; Brett Ford, Sr., G; Austin LaFollette, Sr., G; Austin Mertens, Jr., C; Jesse Berning, Jr., G; Jorge Lopez, Jr., G;

New Players: A.J. Ciaburri, Sr., F; Evan Blom, Jr., F; Wyatt Butson, So., G; Jake Post, So., F; Andy Menning, So., F; Tyus Janssen, So., F; Luke Drooger, Fr., G.

Strengths: 6-foot-3 Heard and 6-5 Mertens return as starters for the Flying Dutchmen. Ciaburri, who is 6-6 and recently returned to Edgerton, should give Van Kley’s team another option in the post. Edgerton has decent size to go along with athleticism and perimeter shooting.

Weaknesses: Edgerton’s experience will be limited early on with a young bench.

Outlook: The Flying Dutchmen want to improve throughout the season and to be competitive in the Red Rock Conference.

Schedule

Dec. 6: Adrian, W, 80-70

Dec. 14: Westbrook-Walnut Grove, W, 92-71

Dec. 20: at Hills-Beaver Creek, W, 87-65

Jan. 4: Mountain Lake Area

Jan. 7: at Lakeview

Jan. 10: at Ellsworth

Jan. 14: Luverne

Jan. 15: at Adrian

Jan. 18: at Fulda

Jan. 21: Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

Jan. 24: at Southwest Christian

Jan. 25: Southwestern United

Jan. 29: at Red Rock Central

Feb. 1: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 7: Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 11: Minneota

Feb. 12: Lincoln HI

Feb. 15: Fulda

Feb. 18: Ellsworth

Feb. 19: at Murray County Central

Feb. 22: Southwest Christian

Feb. 25: at Southwestern United

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

ELLSWORTH

PANTHERS

Coach: J.D. Roberts.

Experience: Second season, 20-9 overall.

2011-12 Record: 20-9 overall; 11-6 Red Rock Conference (fourth place); 9-5 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Southwest Christian in Section 3A South final.

Players Graduated: Casey Schilling, Nick Nolte, Dalton Huisman, Travis Kvaale, Logan Ahlers, Luke Werner, Tom Skager, Tanner Kremin.

Players Returning: Daniel Kramer, Sr., G; Mitch Leuthold, Jr., G; Drew Cheskie, Jr., C; Johnathon Kramer, Jr., G.

New Players: D’Shaun Herman, Sr., C; Tim Nolte, Jr., F; Cole Meester, So., G; Madison Lewis, So., F; Tyler Kurrasch, So., G; Justin Kruse, So., C; Trei Hinrichs, Fr., F.

Strengths: Ellsworth will have a well-balanced roster, using six to eight players to contribute on the court.

Weaknesses: The Panthers will have some inexperience this season. Losing eight players to graduation is a big hit to any program, especially to a school the size of Ellsworth. The loss of all-conference forward Schilling (2,179 points and 1,110 rebounds in his Panther career) and all-conference guard Huisman are the top losses for the Panthers.

Outlook: “We don’t have the individual talent that we had last year,” Roberts said. “So it’s important that we play together in all aspects of the game to find success this season.” Ellsworth expects to find new leaders on the floor this season with the new Panthers figuring out their roles on the team.

Schedule

Nov. 29: Russell-Tyler-Ruthton, L, 60-45

Nov. 30: Harris-Lake Park, L, 70-63

Dec. 11: Southwest Christian, L, 71-41

Dec. 14: at Red Rock Central, W, 50-48

Dec. 15: at Pipestone Area, L, 48-42

Dec. 20: Murray County Central, W, 70-50

Dec. 27: Lakeview; MLA Tournament

Dec. 28: MLA Tournament

Jan. 4: at Fulda

Jan. 10: Edgerton

Jan. 15: at Hills-Beaver Creek

Jan. 18: at Southwestern United

Jan. 21: at Fairmont

Jan. 24: Adrian

Jan. 26: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Jan. 28: at Worthington

Jan. 29: at Southwest Christian

Feb. 1: Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 8: Red Rock Central

Feb. 12: Southwestern United

Feb. 15: at Adrian

Feb. 18: at Edgerton

Feb. 22: Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

FULDA

RAIDERS

Coach: Colby Pack.

Experience: Fourth season, 45-34 overall.

2011-12 Record: 20-8 overall; 13-4 Red Rock Conference (tied for second place); 14-3 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Ellsworth in Section 3A South semifinal.

Players Graduated: Matthew Appel, Aaron Tiesler, Mic Holinka, Clarke Hein, Keith Gehl, Max Dibble, Adam Jans.

Players Returning: Andy Oakland, Sr., G; Todd Peterson, Sr., G; Trevor Ruesch, Sr., G.

New Players: Nathan Getting, Sr., F; Zach Holt, Sr., G; Aaron Persing, Sr., G; Kole Kramer, Sr., F; Josh Ramerth, Jr., F; Cole Dierks, Jr., G; Ryan Schumacher, Jr., F.

Strengths: Oakland, Peterson and Ruesch return significant minutes to the Raiders, who will push the tempo and rely on their perimeter shooting.

Weaknesses: The loss of seven players to graduation, including all-conference post players, Appel and Tiesler, leaves Fulda with a roster that lacks overall size and strength.

Outlook: “We will be a completely different team than we were last year with five guys on the floor who can shoot from the perimeter,” Pack said. “We will hopefully be a fast-paced team that looks to get up and down the court quickly.”

Schedule

Nov. 30: at Adrian, W, 63-59

Dec. 8: at Wabasso, L, 65-56

Dec. 11: Red Rock Central, W, 65-56

Dec. 14: at Murray County Central, L, 61-60

Dec. 15: Luverne, L, 50-35

Dec. 17: at Springfield, L, 72-62

Dec. 20: George-Little Rock, W, 47-42

Dec. 28: Windom Area; Windom Area Tournament

Dec. 29: Windom Area Tournament

Jan. 3: at Lakeview

Jan. 4: Ellsworth

Jan. 12: at Minneota

Jan. 14: at Worthington

Jan. 15: at Southwest Christian

Jan. 18: Edgerton

Jan. 24: at Southwestern United

Jan. 26: Mountain Lake Area

Jan. 29: at Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 2: Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

Feb. 4: Murray County Central

Feb. 7: Southwest Christian

Feb. 12: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 15: at Edgerton

Feb. 19: Adrian

Feb. 22: at Red Rock Central

Feb. 25: at Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

HILLS-BEAVER CREEK

PATRIOTS

Coach: Steve Wiertzema.

Experience: 21st season.

2011-12 Record: 11-15 overall; 8-9 Red Rock Conference (tied for eighth place); 5-10 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Southwest Christian in Section 3A South quarterfinal.

Players Graduated: Seth Nuffer, Jordan Larson, A.J. Hoogeveen, Brady Vaughn, Taylor Reese, Ryan Weitgenant, Devin Klarenbeek, Cody Hulstein, Ryan Reit.

Players Returning: Dalton Bass, Sr., G; Zach Wagenaar, Sr., F; Jeff Sandbulte, Sr., G; Justin Kerkhove-Brandt, Sr., C; Dylan Gehrke, Jr., G.

New Players: John Gallagher, Sr., C; Jordan Wilhelmi, Sr., G; Isaac Tilstra, Jr., G; Dirk Thone, Jr., F; Braden Ellingson, So., G; Carey Taubert, So., C; Noah Holthaus, So., F.

Strengths: Returning all-conference guard Gehrke gives the Patriots experience in the backcourt. Hills-Beaver Creek will depend on its quickness along with hard work and a team-first attitude.

Weaknesses: The Patriots don’t have much size or experience in the paint, so rebounding will be a challenge for Wiertzema’s club.

Outlook: While the Patriots finished with a losing record last season, the team finished strong and nearly upset Section 3A champion and Class A runner-up Southwest Christian in the postseason. Last year’s losing mark was preceded by three consecutive years of 20-plus wins for Hills-Beaver Creek. “We look to be very competitive,” Wiertzema said. “We do need to gain some experience and get game confidence, though.”

Schedule

Nov. 30: Pipestone Area, L, 78-74

Dec. 8: at West Lyon, L, 58-51

Dec. 11: Southwestern United, W, 77-62

Dec. 14: at Southwest Christian, L, 91-63

Dec. 20: Edgerton, L, 87-65

Dec. 21: at Luverne

Jan. 7: Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

Jan. 10: at Adrian

Jan. 12: at Garretson

Jan. 15: Ellsworth

Jan. 18: at Mountain Lake Area

Jan. 21: Central Lyon

Jan. 24: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Jan. 25: Red Rock Central

Jan. 29: Fulda

Feb. 1: at Murray County Central

Feb. 4: at Lincoln HI

Feb. 7: at Edgerton

Feb. 12: Adrian

Feb. 15: at Southwestern United

Feb. 19: Southwest Christian

Feb. 22: at Ellsworth

Feb. 25: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

MOUNTAIN LAKE AREA

WOLVERINES

Coach: Shawn Naas.

Experience: 20th season, 265-208 overall.

2011-12 Record: 25-7 overall; 13-4 Red Rock Conference (tied for second place); 7-1 Section 2A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Rushford-Peterson in Class A third-place game.

Players Graduated: Beau Herrig, Kaleb Grev, Cody Penner, Tony Donkhong, Kyle Thiessen, Billy Soutthivong, Jordan Kirk, Nathan Dukes, Dylan Oeltjenbruns.

Players Returning: Tyler Friesen, Sr., F; Alex Schultz, Sr., F; Josiah Stoesz, Sr., F; Spencer Harder, Sr., G; Carter Kirk, Jr., F; Andrew Hempeck, Jr., G; Josh Grev, Jr., F; Cody Klassen, Jr., G.

New Players: Alex Gerdes, Jr., G; Jose Gonzalez, Jr., G; Tylor Duerksen, Jr., G; Zach Dickens, Jr., G; Josh Fast, Jr., F; Tyler Dick, Sr., F; David Lohrenz, Sr., F; Darby Harder, Sr., F; Nathan Adrian, Jr., G; Zach Fredericksen, Jr., F; Levi Blahnik, Jr., F.

Strengths: Carter Kirk, a 6-foot-7 two-time all-conference post, returns for his junior season after averaging nearly 17 points and 11 rebounds per game as a sophomore. The Wolverines are coming off a 25-win season and a fourth-place finish in last year’s Class A state tournament in the final season of the Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin pairing. Mountain Lake’s new co-op with Mountain Lake Christian will add some depth with Stoesz bringing 20 points and 11 rebounds per game as a junior from the MLC program.

Weaknesses: Mountain Lake Area lost plenty to graduation following last year’s ML/B-O state tournament run, which includes three-time all-conference forward Beau Herrig (1,584 points, 1,215 rebounds).

Outlook: Naas hopes that his players adjust to the new pairing and new talent entering the Mountain Lake Area program to give the Wolverines another successful season in the Red Rock Conference and in Section 2A.

Schedule

Dec. 4: at Springfield, L, 70-62

Dec. 6: at Jackson County Central, L, 80-77

Dec. 11: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove, W, 70-42

Dec. 14: Adrian, W, 64-57

Dec. 20: at Southwestern United, W, 80-78

Dec. 27: Lakeview; Mountain Lake Area Tournament

Dec. 28: Mountain Lake Area Tournament

Jan. 4: at Edgerton

Jan. 5: at Windom Area

Jan. 7: St. James Area

Jan. 10: Red Rock Central

Jan. 15: at Murray County Central

Jan. 18: Hills-Beaver Creek

Jan. 22: Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial

Jan. 24: at Madelia

Jan. 26: at Fulda

Jan. 29: Murray County Central

Feb. 1: at Ellsworth

Feb. 5: at Sleepy Eye Saint Mary’s

Feb. 7: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 12: at Red Rock Central

Feb. 15: at Southwest Christian

Feb. 19: Southwestern United

Feb. 22: at Adrian

Feb. 25: Fulda

Feb. 28-March 15: Section 2A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

MURRAY COUNTY CENTRAL

REBELS

Coach: Tim Bobeldyk.

Experience: Information was submitted not before the time of publication.

2011-12 Record: 14-10 overall; 10-7 Red Rock Conference (fifth place); 8-5 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Section 3A South quarterfinal.

Players Graduated: Chris Halbur, Nate Wieneke, Trent Carlson.

Players Returning: Jack Thony, Sr., G; Cole Bly, Sr., F; Sam Erickson, Sr., F; Darien Schreiber, Sr., F; Aaron Boock, Sr., G; Max Whitehead, Sr., F; Seth Bass, Jr., G; Mitch Reinsma, Jr., G.

New Players: Zach Ostman, Jr., F; Nick Petersen, Jr., F; Justin Bakke, Jr., G; Tyler Scotting, Jr., F.

Strengths: Information was not submitted before the time of publication.

Weaknesses: Information was not submitted before the time of publication.

Outlook: Information was not submitted before the time of publication.

Schedule

Nov. 30: at Sleepy Eye, L, 61-34

Dec. 1: Sleepy Eye Saint Mary’s, L, 64-52

Dec. 7: at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, L, 70-34

Dec. 11: at Adrian, W, 59-55

Dec. 14: Fulda, W, 61-60

Dec. 20: at Ellsworth, L, 70-50

Jan. 4: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Jan. 8: at Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

Jan. 10: at Southwestern United

Jan. 15: Mountain Lake Area

Jan. 18: Southwest Christian

Jan. 21: at Windom Area

Jan. 24: at Red Rock Central

Jan. 29: at Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 1: Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 4: at Fulda

Feb. 7: Adrian

Feb. 9: at Pipestone Area

Feb. 12: at Southwest Christian

Feb. 15: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 19: Edgerton

Feb. 25: Red Rock Central

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

RED ROCK CENTRAL

FALCONS

Coach: Brian Walker.

Experience: 13th season, 138-153 overall.

2011-12 Record: 11-15 overall; 8-9 Red Rock Conference (tied for eighth place); 7-8 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Fulda in Section 3A South quarterfinal.

Players Graduated: Daniel Maras, Dylan Bunting, Jordan Smith, Logan Willhite.

Players Returning: Henry Rogotzke, Sr., C; Jeff DeCock, Sr., G.

New Players: Maison Miller, Sr., F; Casey Engen, Sr., G; Tyler Halland, Sr., C; Austin Price, Jr., G; Sam Halter, Jr., F; Tanner Pederson, Jr., F; Thomas Blomgren, So., G.

Strengths: DeCock, a 6-2 guard who averaged 18 points and five rebounds a game, and Rogotzke, a 6-5 post that averaged 16 points and eight rebounds, return as all-conference starters. The Falcons will use their overall team quickness to play an uptempo style that uses a variety of defensive looks.

Weaknesses: Red Rock Central will be inexperienced on the perimeter and needs for its younger players gain confidence, gel with each other and to step into the roles that were lost through graduation.

Outlook: Finishing last season with a record just below .500 in the conference, the Falcons have the pieces to improve upon that mark in an always-challenging Red Rock Conference.

Schedule

Nov. 30: Springfield, L, 63-50

Dec. 6: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove, W, 60-50

Dec. 11: at Fulda, L, 65-56

Dec. 14: Ellsworth, L, 50-48

Dec. 20: at Wabasso, W, 65-56

Dec. 21: Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

Jan. 4: Adrian

Jan. 10: at Mountain Lake Area

Jan. 12: at Wabasso

Jan. 15: Southwestern United

Jan. 18: at Sleepy Eye Saint Mary’s

Jan. 22: Sleepy Eye

Jan. 24: Murray County Central

Jan. 25: at Hills-Beaver Creek

Jan. 29: Edgerton

Feb. 1: at Southwest Christian

Feb. 2: Lakeview

Feb. 7: at Southwestern United

Feb. 8: at Ellsworth

Feb. 12: Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 19: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 22: Fulda

Feb. 25: at Murray County Central

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

SOUTHWEST CHRISTIAN

EAGLES

Coach: Jamie Pap.

Experience: Eighth season, 129-48 overall.

2011-12 Record: 28-2 overall; 17-0 Red Rock Conference (first place); 15-0 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in Class A state championship game.

Players Graduated: Zach Huisken, Andrew Top, Keeran Sampson, Damon Vander Maten.

Players Returning: Dominic Nibbelink, Sr., G; Klint Knutson, Sr., G; Eric Talsma, Sr., F; Gabe Vander Veen, Sr., F; Kaleb Schelhaas, Sr., G; Leighton Sampson, Jr., C; Nate Pfeifle, Jr., G; Clayton Huisken, Jr., G.

New Players: Jake Robinson, Jr., G; Silas Top, Jr., G; Cole Vis, Jr., G; Luke Nibbelink, So., G.

Strengths: Knutson and all-conference guard Dominic Nibbelink return as starters for an Eagles team that finished as the runner-up in Class A following a 28-win season. Other key players, such as Talsma and Leighton Sampson, return for Pap, who said that he has “a great group of guys to work with.”

Weaknesses: While the Eagles return a solid roster, filling the void left by Zach Huisken and company will be Southwest Christian’s biggest challenge. Huisken set school records with 1,651 points and 1.108 rebounds during his Eagle career.

Outlook: The Eagles are coming off back-to-back seasons with 20 or wins, while also winning the Red Rock Conference in each season. Southwest Christian will be a favorite to win another conference crown, while challenging for another 20-win campaign.

Schedule

Dec. 6: Luverne, W, 69-30

Dec. 8: Dawson-Boyd, W, 72-51

Dec. 11: at Ellsworth, W, 71-41

Dec. 14: Hills-Beaver Creek, W, 91-63

Dec. 18: at Sioux Falls Christian, L, 60-42

Dec. 21: Central WI Christian

Jan. 4: Southwestern United

Jan. 5: Russell-Tyler-Ruthton

Jan. 10: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Jan. 12: at Pipestone Area

Jan. 15: Fulda

Jan. 18: at Murray County Central

Jan. 24: Edgerton

Jan. 26: at Adrian

Jan. 29: Ellsworth

Feb. 1: Red Rock Central

Feb. 2: Sisseton

Feb. 7: at Fulda

Feb. 9: Worthington

Feb. 12: Murray County Central

Feb. 15: Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 19: at Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 22: at Edgerton

Feb. 25: Adrian

Feb. 28-March 14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

SOUTHWESTERN UNITED

WILDCATS

Coach: Lon Eichenberger.

Experience: 16th season, 113-245 overall (Round Lake-Brewster).

2011-12 Record: 16-10 overall (as Southwest Star Concept), 1-16 overall (as RL-B); 9-8 Red Rock Conference (SSC, fifth place), 1-16 Red Rock Conference (RL-B, 12th place); 4-1 Section 2A (SSC), 0-6 Section 2A (RL-B).

2012 Postseason: Lost to Mountain Lake/Butterfield-Odin in Section 2A South final (SSC); lost to Madelia in Section 2A South first round (RL-B).

Players Graduated: Jameson Collin, Austin Leopold, Luke Henkels, Jacob Olson, Brady Meyer, Jake Walker.

Players Returning: Mark Ferguson, Sr., F; Kurt Schmitz, Sr., F; Andrew Kramer, Sr., G; Matthew Soto, Sr., G; Colin Meinders, Sr., C; Justin Jass, Sr., G; Erik Jass, Sr., G; Kyle Wendland, Sr., C; Luke Veith, Sr., G; Brandon Thurk, Jr., F; Zach Schumacher, Jr., C; Levi Taylor, Jr., C; Aaron Fest, Jr., F; Walker Crocker, Jr., G; Cole Bosma, Jr., G.

New Players: William Gouviet, Sr., F.

Strengths: The Wildcats return a lot of players with varsity experience from the former SSC and RL-B programs. SWU has the depth in the post and along the perimeter to be a balanced team. Eichenberger expects that there will be plenty of competition amongst the roster that should strengthen the team as the year progresses.

Weaknesses: With Southwestern United in its first year, it may take some time for the players to adjust to one another. Eichenberger said that his players will need to learn and accept their roles on the team throughout the season.

Outlook: While it is the first season for the Wildcats, many players return from the former Southwest Star Concept team that came two wins from making a trip to the state tournament last season. “We are very optimistic that the Wildcats will be successful and extremely competitive,” Eichenberger said. “The players’ enthusiasm is high and they come to practice with a solid work ethic.”

Schedule

Dec. 1: at Luverne, L, 84-61

Dec. 11: at Hills-Beaver Creek, L, 77-62

Dec. 20: Mountain Lake Area, L, 80-78

Dec. 21: Lincoln HI; Southwestern United Tournament

Dec. 22: Southwestern United Tournament

Jan. 4: at Southwest Christian

Jan. 7: at Springfield

Jan. 10: Murray County Central

Jan. 12: Canby

Jan. 15: at Red Rock Central

Jan. 18: Ellsworth

Jan. 24: Fulda

Jan. 25: at Edgerton

Jan. 29: Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 1: at Adrian

Feb. 5: Harris-Lake Park

Feb. 7: Red Rock Central

Feb. 8: Granada-Huntley-East Chain

Feb. 12: at Ellsworth

Feb. 15: Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 19: at Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 22: at Westbrook-Walnut Grove

Feb. 25: Edgerton

Feb. 28-March 15: Section 2A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

WESTBROOK-WALNUT GROVE

CHARGERS

Coach: Derrick Jenniges.

Experience: 10th season, 76-116 overall.

2011-12 Record: 4-20 overall; 3-14 Red Rock Conference (10th place); 2-11 Section 3A.

2012 Postseason: Lost to Red Rock Central in Section 3A South first round.

Players Graduated: Jacob Comnick.

Players Returning: Andrew Merrick, Sr., F; Taylor Lindaman, Sr., G; Aaron Hass, Sr., F; Reed Bakken, Sr., F; Shane Buchman, Jr., F; Alex Knutson, Jr., G; Matt Otto, Jr., F.

New Players: Trey Kockelman, Jr., F; Brody Williams, Jr., F; Tyson Berg, Jr., F; Mitchell Jarmer, So., G; Tristan Joel, So., G; Walker Christians, So., F.

Strengths: With seven returning letterwinners and four of those with multiple letters, the Chargers have a roster with plenty of varsity experience. W-WG’s backcourt quickness will be a plus.

Weaknesses: At 6-3, Hass is the Chargers’ tallest player, but Jenniges doesn’t feel that his squad will be too undersized as the entire Red Rock Conference lost a lot of height from a year ago. “While we do have the experience, we have struggled to compete in varsity games consistently that past two seasons,” Jenniges said. “It will be extremely important for us to take care of the ball, while executing offensively and rebounding on the defensive end.”

Outlook: A group of four seniors, led by all-conference honorable mention Taylor Lindaman, should help the Chargers improve upon last season’s four wins. The program’s most recent success was an 18-7 campaign in 2008-2009.

Schedule

Dec. 1: at Wabasso, W, 69-65

Dec. 4: Windom Area, L, 67-49

Dec. 6: Red Rock Central, L, 60-50

Dec. 11: Mountain Lake Area, L, 70-42

Dec. 14: at Edgerton, L, 91-71

Dec. 21: Lakeview; Southwestern United Tournament

Dec. 22: Southwestern United Tournament

Jan. 4: at Murray County Central

Jan. 8: at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton

Jan. 10: Southwest Christian

Jan. 14: Sleepy Eye

Jan. 18: at Adrian

Jan. 24: Hills-Beaver Creek

Jan. 26: Ellsworth

Jan. 29: at Southwestern United

Feb. 1: Edgerton

Feb. 5: Cedar Mountain/Comfrey

Feb. 7: at Mountain Lake Area

Feb. 12: at Fulda

Feb. 15: Murray County Central

Feb. 19: at Red Rock Central

Feb. 22: Southwestern United

Feb. 25: Hills-Beaver Creek

Feb. 28-14: Section 3A tournament

March 20-23: Class A State Tourney

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