Pierre T.F. Riggs Governors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is a basketball preview, but we first have to wish Pierre good luck in the 11AA State Football Championship! The Governors are #1 in State, have a perfect 11-0 record, and square off against the Tea Area Titans at 1:00 this afternoon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most of these basketball players are on the football squad, so they should bring plenty of confidence and toughness into the basketball season. In my opinion, Pierre will be one of the top teams in AA hoops. [player_tooltip player_id='963751' first='Lincoln' last='Kienholz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='963775' first='Jackson' last='Edman'] might be the most dynamic duo in the state of South Dakota! These two are going to put on a spectacular performance every game. The Govs have many other nice athletes and players to work with as well. Pierre is led by a young, up-and-coming coach, <em>Brianna Kusler</em>. She knows the game well and she will have the Govs ready to compete with the best. Keep reading for more info on the Govs from Pierre!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1659175,"width":381,"height":250,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/jacksonedmannnn-crop-1368x899-1668262636.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/jacksonedmannnn-crop-1368x899-1668262636.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659175" width="381" height="250"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Campea Photography</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-large-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Team Comments from coach <em>Brianna Kusler</em></strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">"<em>We return all but one who saw considerable varsity minutes last season. We will look to lean on our experience, athleticism, and versatility this season as we return to a competitive "AA" field. "AA" basketball has proven to be a fight each night regardless of the opponent, and this year will be no different. We are looking forward to our experienced depth and will continue to utilize our defense and rebounding to kick-start our offensive transition providing us with multiple ways to score.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1659200,"width":404,"height":265,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/govvv-crop-1218x800-1668264009.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/govvv-crop-1218x800-1668264009.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659200" width="404" height="265"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Campea Photography</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Top Govs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='963751' first='Lincoln' last='Kienholz'] (2023) 6'3" </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>20.3 PPG / 7.5 RPG / 2.4 APG / 1.5 SPG - Lincoln is an explosive, versatile player with the ability to score anywhere on the floor. He attacks strongly/aggressively and elevates or finishes around the basket with poise. He is a dynamic playmaker who has strong court awareness &amp; outstanding rebounding ability. Lincoln is a Prime Time athlete, a freak dunker, and his pull-up jumper is unstoppable. Kienholz is a University of Washington football commit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='963775' first='Jackson' last='Edman'] (2023) 6'7" </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>12.2 PPG / 7.7 RPG / 2.2 APG / 1.1 SPG - Jackson is long, athletic, and one of the top rim protectors in the Dakotas. He has great awareness, passing ability, and has continued to extend his range. He is a dynamic slasher/finisher and his jump shot is a serious threat from every level. Edman will be a monster on both ends of the court this season. Jackson plays with tremendous passion and he is a force inside offensively and defensively. Edman is committed to Black Hills State for basketball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1659260' first='Christian' last='Busch'] (2023) 6'4"</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6.4 PPG / 3.0 RPG / 0.6 APG / 0.3 SPG Christian brings versatility and an inside presence to the Govs. He has a smooth release from extended range &amp; he forces defenses to respect him. Busch has good awareness inside, he creates opportunities for his teammates and himself.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ben Heisler (2023) 6'4"</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.5 PPG / 1.8 RPG / 0.4 APG / 0.1 SPG - Ben is an extremely athletic forward that has continued to grow into his game in the past year. He has the ability to play above the rim and hit extended-range shots. Ben will add depth in the post for the Govs. Heisler will be a crucial piece of the puzzle for Pierre.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brecken Krueger (2023) 6'2" </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.7 PPG / 1.9 RPG / 0.8 APG / 0.3 SPG - Brecken handles the ball well and he shoots the rock with confidence. Krueger creates opportunities for his teammates and himself from the guard position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Merkwan (2023) 6'3" </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.7 PPG / 1.1 RPG / 0.4 APG / 0.6 SPG - Jack is a quick, athletic guard with great defensive abilities. He was plagued with an injury for a large part of last year. Look for Merkwan to return as a strong contributor with the ability to score in multiple ways.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jacob Mayer (2023) 5'11" </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2.9 PPG / 1.6 RPG / 1.7 APG / 0.5 SPG - Jacob pushes well in transition and he forces the release of defenses. He reads the floor well, continues to improve his scoring ability, and his confidence continues to rise. Mayer will have a high-quality season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1384888' first='Jett' last='Zabel'] (2024) 6'4"</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3.2 PPG / 4.4 RPG / 1.2 APG / 0.6 SPG - Jett is a strong defender and a great rebounder. He has the ability to defend multiple positions with his size and he continues to grow his offensive post presence. Zabel has a ton of potential as a versatile offensive player, an aggressive rebounder, and a ferocious defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cade Kaiser (2024) 6'2" </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1.7 PPG / 1.0 RPG / 0.7 APG / 1.1 SPG - Cade is a quick, athletic guard with outstanding defensive and rebounding abilities. He elevates well in the mid-range game and has grown his ball-handling abilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Carson Ahartz (2023) 6'6"</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> 0.8 PPG / 1.0 RPG / 0.2 APG / 0.3 SPG - Carson adds length and versatility to the Gov roster. He can play multiple positions and has an extended-range shooting ability.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800","fontSize":"55px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:55px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Good Luck to the Governors</span>!</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><p class="has-large-font-size"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1659198,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/lincolnkienholz.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/lincolnkienholz.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659198"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Campea Photography</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1659218,"width":800,"height":525,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/busch-crop-1344x883-1668264649.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/busch-crop-1344x883-1668264649.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659218" width="800" height="525"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Campea Photography</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1659221,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/pierretf-crop-1125x739-1668264783.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/11/pierretf-crop-1125x739-1668264783.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1659221"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->