Crazy Horse: Season Synopsis

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For this review article, we are looking at a talented squad that is led by <em>James Bagwell</em>. The Crazy Horse Chiefs had an outstanding season with 17 wins and a trip to the SoDak 16. The only bad part is, they met up with De Smet who ended up going on to win the State Championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Chiefs had a couple of talented seniors that could have easily been named to the All-State team. This squad was very balanced and they exceeded most people's expectations. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for Crazy Horse in the future! They are headed in the right direction and the Chiefs have loads of young talent. Do not be surprised if you see Crazy Horse making a deep playoff run next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">See below for stats, comments from coach <em>Bagwell</em>, and some Q&amp;A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team:</strong> Crazy Horse</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot:</strong> Chiefs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> <em>James Bagwell</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class: </strong>B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong> 7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 17-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Playoffs:</strong> Lost in SoDak 16 to De Smet 89-54</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Wins Against:</strong> Takini (x3), Cheyenne-Eagle Butte, Dupree, Wakpala (x3), Sunshine Bible Academy, St. Francis Indian School, Omaha Nation (NE), Oelrichs, Flandreau Indian School, Bennett County, Tiospaye Topa, Kdaoka Area, Philip</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1842251,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1842251" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Stat Leaders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1819648' first='Noah' last='Iron Horse'] (2023) |6'3 G|</strong> - 22.1 ppg, 6 rpg, 4 apg, 3.1 spg&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hyden Martin (2023) |6'5 F|</strong> - 17.1 ppg, 8.8 rpg&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1912871' first='Richard' last='Pumpkin Seed'] (2024) |5'9 G|</strong> - 16.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 6 apg, 2.5 spg&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1912862' first='Donnie' last='Hoof'] (2026) |5'8 G|</strong> - 10 ppg, 4 apg, 2.1 spg&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>LeBron White Eagle (2024) |6'5 C|</strong> - 6 ppg, 9 rpg&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1912875' first='Devaughn' last='Milk'] (2025) |5'10 G|</strong> - 8 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1912787,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/crazyhorseheaddress.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/04/crazyhorseheaddress.jpg?w=813" alt="" class="wp-image-1912787" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center","fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"> "<em>Our varsity players played well this year and set a standard for our young guys. Our strength was our defense, we pressured the ball and forced turnovers, and that was really the key to our success. Offensively, we always had 5 guys on the floor that could all dribble, pass, and shoot. That made us difficult to guard. They really bought into the culture and the style of play that was implemented this year. We played hard and did it together. The most impressive thing from my varsity guys was the commitment to the intangibles off the court which allowed us to be successful on the court.</em>"&nbsp;<strong>-<em>James Bagwell</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Q&amp;A with coach <em>Bagwell</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How would you sum up the season for your squad</span>?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>We had a really good season. We won 17 games, played in the two Championship Games, one at LNI and the Dakota Oyate Tournament. We were able to make it to our first SoDak 16 game in school history which was a great experience. We definitely gained some momentum going into our off-season.</em>"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any fun memories from the season?</span>&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>There were so many fun memories this year. We were able to knock off Philip in the Regionals to advance to the SoDak 16. We beat them on their home court. The environment was electric. Understanding the stakes and for my guys to respond the way they did was awesome. I actually enjoyed the SoDak 16 game against De Smet, as a competitor you always want to play the best, and that environment was great as well.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>My guys are very close-knit, so the best times were definitely the road trips and overnight stays.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What were some of the highlights on the hardwood that stick out</span>? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>The highlight for me was seeing our guys play every game. No one expected much from us this year but our kids worked really hard they were a joy to coach and watch every game.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did your team overcome adversity</span>? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>We overcame adversity by sticking together and just doing the work.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are a few things your team improved on over the course of the season</span>? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>I felt our team really improved defensively as the year went on. Shifting, being in help-side, active hands, contesting shots without fouling. Those things always give you a chance to be successful.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a couple of role players that stood out to you</span>? </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>: </strong>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1912862' first='Donnie' last='Hoof'] is a freshman, but he really played well for us in big games. Against Philip, any time there was a run or we needed a basket he was poised and made big shots. That was impressive.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em><strong>Lebron White Eagle </strong>really played his role well for us. He averaged 2 charges per game, was the anchor of our defense, and is a high IQ guy. He did things that wouldn't always be seen in the stat sheet but his impact on winning for us was huge this year.</em>"  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Can you talk about your seniors and what will be missed</span>?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>Every year for coaches, his guys who have participated and helped build the program graduates. I will miss them being a part of our culture and helping lay the foundation for the program.</em>"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some up-and-comers to look out for in the future</span>?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>I mentioned freshman guard [player_tooltip player_id='1912862' first='Donnie' last='Hoof'] who will have a great career.</em>"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1912875' first='Devaughn' last='Milk'] was one of my first guys off the bench this year, he is very quick defensively and offensively. I am looking forward to his continued development, he's going to be exciting to watch for years to come.</em>"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I had two junior varsity guards who had a great year [player_tooltip player_id='1913089' first='Tyrell' last='Ashley'] in 8^th&nbsp;grade. A guard, he's special and a natural. I am really excited about his development. Kaydo Hornbeck a freshman guard works really hard and got more comfortable offensively and defensively as the season progressed.</em>"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are the plans for the offseason</span>?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>We plan to spend time working on our bodies getting bigger, stronger, and faster. Also, our skill development. We saw some things we were really good at this year and things we need to improve to be a great team. A lot of guys are planning to play AAU so the exposure of continuing to play high-level competition will be great for us as well.</em>"&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Did any of your players get invited to an All-Star game</span>?&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Bagwell</span>:</strong> "<em>We did have <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1819648' first='Noah' last='Iron Horse']</strong> and <strong>Hyden Martin</strong> get invited to play in the Lakota All-Star game.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1399487" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->