Castlewood Warriors – Team Preview
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There is a rich history of basketball in Castlewood. They added to that history last season as they went to another Class B State Tournament. The Warriors will bring back a very talented team and they will be one of…
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Continue ReadingThere is a rich history of basketball in Castlewood. They added to that history last season as they went to another Class B State Tournament. The Warriors will bring back a very talented team and they will be one of the heavy favorites to get back to the Big Dance! Castlewood is a Class B team from Region 3. Read below for a deep dive into the Warriors!
Last season, Castlewood end the year with an 18-8 record and a 6th-place finish at State. In the opening round of the State Tournamnet, they lost a thrilling overtime game to Lower Brule who went on to finish 2nd. The Warriors will have a new head coach this season, Paul Raasch. He is a seasoned veteran, Raasch has been a head coach for 37 years! Coach Raasch spent 16 of those years in Langford. The Castlewood coaching staff will be rounded out with Jeff Sikkink, Ryder Johnson Ryder Johnson 6'3" | SG Groton Area | 2026 State SD , and Mike Thyen.
Off-Season
The Warriors had as good of an offseason as you could hope for. Castlewood had to adjust to having a new head coach. Do not forget about the gym being unusable because of last spring’s Tornado. The Warriors had to travel for summer practices/workouts, which obviously is not ideal. They also had to play without one of their key guys due to an injury. However, he is back and ready to roar! With all of the adversity they dealt with, the Warriors will still be primed for a big season.
Key Returning Players
Carson Kirwan Carson Kirwan 6'4" | SF Castlewood | 2023 SD (2023) 6’4” – Versatile & athletic player, coming off a knee injury from last season. Expect a huge season!
Booker Schooley (2023) 6’0” – He is a very good defender and Booker does a lot of things well. He is a high-energy guy!
Lane Tvedt (2024) 6’1” – His 3rd year starting, has good skills as a combo guard. Tvedt is a potent offensive threat!
Bryon Laue Bryon Laue 6'9" | PF Castlewood | 2025 State SD (2025) 6’8” – Runs the floor well. A force on the blocks. Laue is the #2 ranked prospect in the 2025 class!
Jackson Schofield (2024) 6’3” – A solid forward. Schofield moved into the starting lineup last year. Had a great summer!
Joe Decker (2023) 5’10” – A great shooter and solid defender. Decker contributed very well off the bench last year!
Up-and-Coming Warriors
Quincy Thu Quincy Thu 6'1" | SG Castlewood | 2024 State SD (2024) 6’1” – A scrappy forward who can shoot. He plays bigger than his size.
Bowen Ryan Bowen Ryan 6'0" | SG Castlewood | 2024 State SD (2024) 6’0” – A combo guard who plays very hard. He will add depth to the rotation.
Jamison Keszler Jamison Keszler 6'1" | CG Castlewood | 2025 State SD (2025) 6’0” – He has good instincts at the guard position and can really shoot it.
Jyler Tharaldsen (2024) 6’2” – He has good strength and rebounds well.
Kabren Jackson (2024) 6’0” – A smart player who will add depth to the front line.
Coach Paul Raasch comments on the Warriors style of basketball
“We will play as fast as possible but will also look to exploit mismatches in the half-court with our overall size. Defensively we will play a variety of defenses designed for pressure both full and half-court.“
Coach Raasch talks about the Warrior Schedule
“We have a loaded schedule with several Class A opponents and quality B opponents…….De Smet, Hamlin, Sioux Valley, Clark-Willow Lake, Waubay-Summit, Madison, and Deuel are maybe a few of the bigger games that stand out on our schedule.“
Coach Raasch comments on Region 3
“De Smet is a two-time defending State B champ and returns some key players.“
“Wolsey-Wessington historically has good athletes and plays an aggressive schedule.“