Baltic Bulldogs: Season Rewind
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In this article, we are reviewing the season for the Bulldogs. Baltic is a Class A team in Region 3. The season did not end the way they wanted as they lost to Madison in the Region Quarterfinals. However, this…
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Continue ReadingIn this article, we are reviewing the season for the Bulldogs. Baltic is a Class A team in Region 3. The season did not end the way they wanted as they lost to Madison in the Region Quarterfinals. However, this squad improved throughout the year and they have multiple up-and-coming players to keep eyes on.
Season Record: 9-12
Wins: Flandreau, Chester Area, Garretson, Parker, Colman-Egan, Alcester-Hudson, Menno, Elkton-Lake Benton, Tri-Valley
Coach Alex Langner Comments on the season
“Our season was really a tale of two seasons. We went 2-9 in our first 11 games and learned a lot about who were we as a group. We finished the year going 7-2 and ending our season with a 9-11 record. We ran into Madison in the region tourney, they were playing extremely well and made the SoDak16.“
“As for our season, our team really developed good chemistry from top to bottom. That is a strong reflection of the leadership of our upperclassmen. The players accepted the roles that were put before them in order for our entire group to be successful. It was great to see a team-first approach from the kids and really support one another day in and day out, not just in games, but practice as well.”
Q&A with coach Langner
PHD: Can you tell us about your role players?
Coach Langner: “Our bench players of Beau Breece, Blake Hookie, Dylan Runestad Dylan Runestad 5'11" | SG Baltic | 2026 State SD , Ben Erickson Ben Erickson 6'1" | CG Baltic | 2026 State SD , Kellen Artz Kellen Artz 6'9" | PF Baltic | 2026 State SD , and Trevor Cuperus did a great job for us in the minutes they played off the bench. They were high-energy players that were asked to come in and hold a lead or to come in and defend. Offensively they provided sparks for us in key situations of games that allowed us to stretch our lead, especially in the 2nd quarter of games. These players were a group that enjoyed their time collectively together at the JV level finishing 12-3 and competing night in and night out. They are a strong foundation to build our future around.”
PHD: What can you tell us about your seniors?
Coach Langner: “Our seniors did a great job being the leaders we needed them to be this year. Matt Muston, Gunner Schultz, and Tayden Hansen took on roles and understood that they would have to provide the intangibles that would be necessary for us to get into the win column during the 2nd half of the year. They provided the positive attitude and competitive spirit we want to build our program around and as a coach I’ve appreciated their time for the past 4 years.”
PHD: Thoughts on the future?
Coach Langner: “Looking forward we are going to turn to our two returning starters to provide a heavy amount of scoring and leadership for our team for next season. Mark Ditter Mark Ditter 6'1" | PG Baltic | 2024 State SD and Jack Erickson Jack Erickson 6'5" | SF Baltic | 2024 State SD burdened a heavy amount of the scoring load for us this year, and more will be expected next season. Our group is coming back with high expectations for next season, and I believe we have a group that is going to put in the work in the gym and the weight room for us to take the next step as a program to compete in Class A basketball.”