Winner Warriors: 21 Win Season
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We are checking out the Winner Warriors for this season review article. This program has a rich history of success and they proved again this year that they know how to consistently win games. The Warriors did not make it…
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Continue ReadingWe are checking out the Winner Warriors for this season review article. This program has a rich history of success and they proved again this year that they know how to consistently win games. The Warriors did not make it to State, but they won 21 games, beat multiple teams that went to State, and they made it to the SoDak 16. Winner was one the top defensive teams in the state, regardless of class. They held their opponents to 41.3 ppg! Winner loses some talented seniors but they bring back a nice core and they have some up-and-coming players to look out for. Keep reading for more info on the Warriors and their 2022-23 basketball season.
School: Winner
Mascot: Warriors
Head Coach: Brett Gardner
Class: A
Region: 7
Conferences: Big Dakota & SESD
Record: 21-2
Playoffs: Lost in SoDak 16 to Hot Springs by a score of 47-43
Wins Against: Wagner, Stanley County, Sully Buttes, Chamberlain, Custer, Bon Homme, Parkston, Lyman, St. Thomas More, Todd County, Mt. Vernon-Plankinton, Gregory, Miller, Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, St. Francis Indian, McLaughlin, Platte-Geddes, Mobridge-Pollock, Crow Creek, Bennett County, Lakota Tech.
Shout-out to Blake Volmer Blake Volmer 6'0" | CG Winner | 2023 State SD on his All-State selection!
Stat Leaders
Blake Volmer Blake Volmer 6'0" | CG Winner | 2023 State SD (2023) |6’3 G| – 19.1 ppg, 9.3 rpg, 4 apg, 23 3FGM, 100 FTM, 6 charges taken
Shawn Hammerbeck Shawn Hammerbeck 6'7" | PF Winner | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’7 PF| – 11.4 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.7 apg, 5 3FGM, 42 FTM
Aiden Barfuss Aiden Barfuss 6'0" | SG Winner | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’0 G| – 11.1 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 36 3FGM, 28 FTM, 2 charges taken
Ethan Bartels Ethan Bartels 6'2" | PF Winner | 2023 State SD (2023) |6’3 F| – 6.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 15 3FGM, 11 FTM
Silas Chasing Hawk (2023) |5’8 G| – 4.8 ppg, 1 rpg, .9 pg, 31 3FGM, 5 FTM, 2 charges taken
Ryder Halligan Ryder Halligan 5'11" | CG Winner | 2025 State SD (2025) |5’9 G| – 2 ppg, 1.4 rpg, .5 apg, 8 3FGM, 6 FTM, 1 charge taken
Pierce Nelson (2023) |5’10 G| – 1.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, .7 apg, 7 3FGM, 2 FTM, 4 charges taken
Chaz Blotsky (2023) |5’11 G/F| – 1.6 ppg, 1.9 rpg, .7 apg, 4 3FGM, 5 FTM
Team Stats
PPG: 59.3 OPPG: 41.3 3FGM: 130 FTM: 203 FT%: 70 RPG: 32.9 APG: 14.7 SPG: 9.7 TOPG: 9.7 Charges Taken: 15
Team Comments from coach Brett Gardner
“We had a real nice season this year. We were undefeated at home and were able to capture both of our conference championships (Big Dakota/SESD). We appreciate everything our Seniors did for us. We held teams to 41.3 points per game by defending the perimeter and finishing with a defensive rebound. We are going to miss their presence every day. Thank you, Blake Volmer Blake Volmer 6'0" | CG Winner | 2023 State SD , Ethan Bartels Ethan Bartels 6'2" | PF Winner | 2023 State SD , Chaz Blotsky, Silas Chasing Hawk, and Pierce Nelson.”
Q&A with coach Gardner
PHD: How would you sum up the season for your squad?
Coach Gardner: “We had a very successful season. We are disappointed in how it ended but are proud of what we accomplished this year.“
PHD: Do you have any fun memories from the season that happened off the court?
Coach Gardner: “The feeling in the locker room and bus trips after a big victory was special.“
PHD: What were some of the highlights on the hardwood that stick out?
Coach Gardner: “Our chemistry this year was really good. Our guys passed the ball very well. They gave up a good shot to get a great shot. Our defensive rotation was another thing that stood out.”
PHD: Who are a couple of role players that stood out to you?
Coach Gardner: “ Aiden Barfuss Aiden Barfuss 6'0" | SG Winner | 2024 State SD and Shawn Hammerbeck Shawn Hammerbeck 6'7" | PF Winner | 2025 State SD had big years for us. Aiden averaged 11.1 ppg, and 3.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, while Shawn averaged 11.4, 7.6, and 1.7. We are excited about those two returning starters.”
PHD: Can you talk about your seniors and what will be missed?
Coach Gardner: “The leadership our seniors brought was phenomenal. Blake Volmer Blake Volmer 6'0" | CG Winner | 2023 State SD and Ethan Bartels Ethan Bartels 6'2" | PF Winner | 2023 State SD were 3-year starters.”
PHD: Who are some up-and-comers to look out for in the future?
Coach Gardner: “Zac Olson, Ryder Halligan Ryder Halligan 5'11" | CG Winner | 2025 State SD , and Carter Craven are three underclassmen who will play a huge role for us going forward.”
PHD: What are the plans for the offseason?
Coach Gardner: “The majority of our guys play baseball in the summer and stay very active in the spring as well. We will do our acceleration program and try to get in the gym a couple of times for open gyms.“
PHD: Did any of your players receive postseason awards?
Blake Volmer Blake Volmer 6'0" | CG Winner | 2023 State SD – 2nd Team All-State – SESD – Big Dakota Conference, Aiden Barfuss Aiden Barfuss 6'0" | SG Winner | 2024 State SD – SESD – Big Dakota Conference, Shawn Hammerbeck Shawn Hammerbeck 6'7" | PF Winner | 2025 State SD – SESD- Big Dakota Conference, Ethan Bartels Ethan Bartels 6'2" | PF Winner | 2023 State SD – Big Dakota Conference.