Hamlin Chargers: 3rd Place Finish
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We are taking a look back at one of the top teams in South Dakota high school basketball this past season. They are loaded with young talent, the Chargers will return two All-State Players. Hamlin also has one of the…
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Continue ReadingWe are taking a look back at one of the top teams in South Dakota high school basketball this past season. They are loaded with young talent, the Chargers will return two All-State Players. Hamlin also has one of the top coaches in the state. Elite talent and excellent coaching, no wonder the Chargers had such an epic season!
Team: Hamlin
Mascot: Chargers
Head Coach: Todd Neuendorf
Class: A
Region: 2
Conference: Northeast, Lake Central
Record: 21-4
Playoffs: 3rd Place at State
Wins Against: Groton Area, Howard, Dell Rapids, Tiospa Zina, Webster, De Smet, Redfield, Mt. Vermon-Plankinton. Aberdeen Roncalli, Sisseton, Milbank, Castlewood, Florence-Henry, Deuel, Aberdeen Christian, Clark-Willow Lake, Flandreau, Great Plains Lutheran, Clark-Willow Lake, Madison, Sioux Valley, Elk Point-Jefferson.
Player Comments from coach Neuendorf
“ Tyson Stevenson Tyson Stevenson 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2024 State SD and Easton Neuendorf led us offensively averaging 14 and 13 points per game. Tyson became our go-to guy down the stretch and Easton controlled the game and set the pace for us throughout. Zac VanMeeteren Zac VanMeeteren 6'6" | SF Hamlin | 2025 State SD and Dawson Noem Dawson Noem 6'4" | SF Hamlin | 2025 State SD not only provided offense but also did a great job of defending in the post.” ( Brennan Keszler Brennan Keszler 6'4" | SF Hamlin | 2023 State SD , Evan Stormo Evan Stormo 6'3" | SF Hamlin | 2025 State SD , and Jackson Wadsworth Jackson Wadsworth 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2026 State SD are mentioned below)
Q&A with Todd Neuendorf
PHD: How would you sum up the season for your squad?
Coach Neuendorf: “I thought our team improved throughout the season. I thought we were playing our best basketball in March. We finished up with a 21-4 record and a Third-place finish with our only loss to eventual State Champs, Dakota Valley.“
PHD: Do you have any fun memories from the season that happened off the court?
Coach Neuendorf: “I think the bus rides and State Tournament back-to-back girls and boys provide a lot of fun times for our kids, school, and the community.“
PHD: What were some of the highlights on the hardwood that stick out?
Coach Neuendorf: “Winning the NEC Conference, qualifying for the State Tournament for the first time in 30 years. We played in the Hanson Classic at the Pentagon, DWU Classic in Mitchell, and the Hoop City Classic…Our kids got to play in a lot of great venues. Along with winning the SoDak 16 game in Huron Arena, which is one of the best gyms to play basketball in the State!“
PHD: How did your team overcome adversity?
Coach Neuendorf: “We started the season with two starters out…One missed the first 6 games and the other missed the first 10 games. It made us better as a team. When we got them back, our team never missed a beat and continued to improve throughout the State Tournament.“
PHD: What are a few things your team improved on over the course of the season?
Coach Neuendorf: “Our defense, especially ball screen defense improved immensely. Also, we began to rebound the ball much better down the stretch.“
PHD: Who are a couple of role players that stood out to you?
Coach Neuendorf: “ Jackson Wadsworth Jackson Wadsworth 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2026 State SD is a freshman who came off the bench and provided scoring from behind the three-point line. He is a heady player and he played a large role for us all year.“
“ Evan Stormo Evan Stormo 6'3" | SF Hamlin | 2025 State SD is a sophomore who started for us last season but missed the first 10 games due to a Football injury. Once Evan returned after the first 10 games, he not only provided us with an offensive presence, but he also provided us with defensive structure.“
PHD: Can you talk about your seniors?
Coach Neuendorf: “We graduate to Seniors Brennan Keszler Brennan Keszler 6'4" | SF Hamlin | 2023 State SD and Rylan Bawdon. Both of these young men provided great leadership throughout the season. Brennan started and provided a finisher at the rim and the ability to slash to the basket. Rylan came off the bench and provided us with another perimeter shooter. We want to thank both of them and wish them the best going forward as they continue their post-high school education.“
PHD: Who are some up-and-comers to look out for in the future?
Coach Neuendorf: “ Aiden Abraham Aiden Abraham 6'2" | SF Hamlin | 2026 State SD is a freshman who played for our JV squad. He has the ability to play both on the inside and the perimeter. Boden Stevenson Boden Stevenson 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2027 State SD an 8th grader who can handle the ball and score it from the perimeter.“
PHD: What are the plans for the offseason?
Coach Neuendorf: “We plan to be in our gym working and improving individual skills along with our conditioning, speed, and agility program. We will play in team camps along the way also.“
PHD: Did any of your players receive postseason awards?
Coach Neuendorf: “Easton Neuendorf and Tyson Stevenson Tyson Stevenson 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2024 State SD were both First-Team All-Northeast Conference and Brennan Keszler Brennan Keszler 6'4" | SF Hamlin | 2023 State SD was Second Team. Easton Neuendorf, Tyson Stevenson Tyson Stevenson 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2024 State SD , and Brennan Keszler Brennan Keszler 6'4" | SF Hamlin | 2023 State SD were also all Conference in Lake Central Conference. Easton Neuendorf and Tyson Stevenson Tyson Stevenson 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2024 State SD were selected All-Tournament Team at State. Easton Neuendorf and Tyson Stevenson Tyson Stevenson 6'2" | SG Hamlin | 2024 State SD were selected to the All-State 3rd Team.“