White River Tigers (4-1)
In this article:
Before we dive into the White River Tigers of 2022-2023, let’s take a quick look back at last season… 2021-2022 Season: 21 wins and 3rd place at State Dylan Marshall is a key player that the Tigers lost to graduation,…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingBefore we dive into the White River Tigers of 2022-2023, let’s take a quick look back at last season…
2021-2022 Season: 21 wins and 3rd place at State
Dylan Marshall is a key player that the Tigers lost to graduation, however, his younger brother should step into the PG role is a seamless manner.
Coach Eldon Marshall has made it to the State Tournament 17 years in a row!! Talk about a LEGEND…
Fast forward to this season…
The Tigers have already played 5 games. Some teams in SD have yet to get a game in. White River was recently out in Rapid City for the Lakota Nation Invitational (LNI) where they went 3-1 and the Tigers brought home the runner-up trophy. White River had a wild Championship game with Rapid City Christian but came up a bit short. The teams played 4 games in 4 days at the LNI, talk about a tournament atmosphere! The rest of the regular season will seem like a cakewalk compared to the LNI at the start of the year. The Tigers have earned some time off, their next game is not until December 28th @ Corn Palace vs. Bridgewater-Emery
Scores This Season
W @ Jones County 83-44
W @ LNI vs. Marty 82-52
W @ LNI vs. Todd County 59-32
W @ LNI vs. Lakota Tech 52-43
L @ LNI vs. Rapid City Christian 77-79
Congratulations to Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6'4" | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD on scoring his 2,000 career point earlier this season! That is quite an accomplishment!
Top Tigers to Watch
Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6'4" | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD (2023) 6’4 G|
He was White River’s leading scorer last year averaging 29.8 ppg, led them in rebounds with 6.3 rpg, and averaged 2.4 assists. Sayler was voted Class B 1st team All-State last year, made the State B All-Tourney team, and the Argus Leader First Five. Joe has signed to play basketball at SDSU. Sayler has put in the time and work to be where he is today and he is still very much improving. Joe is a captain and the Tigers will look to his leadership this year. Sayler will be a major force once again this season and he will certainly be in the running for Player-of-the-Year in South Dakota.
Nic Marshall Nic Marshall 6'1" | PG White River | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’1 PG|
He averaged 9.3 ppg last year and was 2nd in assists at 3.6 apg. Nic had a fantastic AAU season. Look for Nic to score more points this season as he step into a new role. MArshall is very good at taking the ball to the rim and his outside shot has improved. Nic has improved on the defensive end, he is one of the quickest guards on this Tiger roster. The young Marshall is a captain and a leader.
Gavin Folkers Gavin Folkers 6'4" | SF White River | 2023 State SD (2023) |6’2 F|
He averaged 8.1 ppg and 3.5 rpg last season. Gavin will have an even bigger role this year. He has good size/length, will need to play strong post-defense and rebound for the Tigers. Offensively, he can post and knock down triples. Folkers is a captain this year and White River will need him to be a leader.
TJ Beardt (2023) |6’1 F|
He is strong and physical. TJ is a good forward/post-defender for the Tigers. White River will need him to rebound on both ends and score in the paint. Beardt has been working hard to improve his overall game.
Mackenzie Wike Mackenzie Wike 5'10" | SG White River | 2025 State SD (2025) |5’8 G|
He is very quick and has niched his role as being one of the hardest working on-ball defenders that the Tigers have. That is a very important role for White River. Wike is very good at taking the ball to the rim and finishing.
Teagen Bouman (2025) |5’11 G|
He plays solid defense and can knock down an open shot. Teagen is very coachable and eager to get better.
Evastine Wright Evastine Wright 6'6" | SF White River | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’5 F|
He has grown physically and his size will help him contribute on the court. Logan’s ballhandling and shooting have improved because of the effort and time he puts in.
Ryatt Wooden Knife (2024) |5’10 G|
He is quick and works hard on every play. Ryatt will be another great on-ball defender for the Tigers. Ryatt does whatever the team needs him to do.
Q&A with “The Legend” Eldon Marshall
PHD: What are your goal for the season?
Coach Marshall: “Our team goals are the same every year, get to the State Tournament and give ourselves the chance to be State Champs. We know we have to put in a lot of work in the process and improve every day individually and as a team.”
PHD: What are the strengths of this Tiger team?
“This year we have speed and quickness and we have a lot of guys who can shoot the 3. We have guys that have played together for a long time so we have good chemistry and cohesion.”
PHD: What has you excited about this season?
“I’m always excited to see the guys improve individually and as a team throughout the year. If we commit to playing defense, rebounding, and communicating, this team has a great chance to be one of the best in the state.”
Good Luck Tigers!