Baltic Bulldogs: Season Recap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD is looking at the Bulldogs from Baltic in this Season Recap article. They had a historic season and the program is heading in the right direction! Baltic is in Region 3, one of the toughest in SD, and they play a daunting schedule. The Bulldogs deserve your respect and they will make noise in the near future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px","fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-weight:200">SHOUTOUT to [player_tooltip player_id='1656547' first='Jack' last='Erickson'] for being named 3rd Team All-State, he is in great company!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2410535,"width":"223px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/balticbulld.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/balticbulld.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2410535" style="width:223px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team:</strong> Baltic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot: </strong>Bulldogs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> <em>Alex Langner</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong> 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Record:</strong> 14-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1842251,"width":"315px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><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" style="width:315px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GP:</strong> 22 <strong>PPG:</strong> 60.5 <strong>OPPG:</strong> 50.8 <strong>FG%: </strong>43.9 <strong>FGMPG:</strong> 24 <strong>eFG%:</strong> 49.1 <strong>2FG%:</strong> 52.6 <strong>3FG%:</strong> 28.7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>3FGMPG:</strong> 5.7 <strong>FT%:</strong> 56.4 <strong>FTMPG:</strong> 6.8 <strong>RPG:</strong> 8.5 <strong>ORPG: </strong>8.5 <strong>APG:</strong> 14.8 <strong>SPG:</strong> 9.3 <strong>BPG:</strong> 3.6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Individual Leaders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beau Bruce (2024) |5'11 G|</strong> - <strong>GP:</strong> 22, <strong>PPG:</strong> 5.6, <strong>FG%:</strong> 35.2, <strong>RPG:</strong> 3.9, <strong>APG:</strong> 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1840960' first='Mark' last='Ditter'] (2024) |5'11 G|</strong> - <strong>GP:</strong> 22, <strong>PPG:</strong> 8.8, <strong>FG%:</strong> 42.6, <strong>RPG:</strong> 3, <strong>APG:</strong> 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656547' first='Jack' last='Erickson'] (2024) |6'5 G/F|</strong> - <strong>GP:</strong> 22, <strong>PPG: </strong>21.5, <strong>FG%:</strong> 45.5, <strong>RPG:</strong> 6.2, <strong>APG:</strong> 3.1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'] (2026) |6'9 F|</strong> - <strong>GP:</strong> 22, <strong>PPG:</strong> 8.5, <strong>FG%:</strong> 53.6, <strong>RPG:</strong> 7.6, <strong>APG:</strong> 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blake Hookie (2024) |6'2 G/F|</strong> - <strong>GP:</strong> 22, <strong>PPG:</strong> 6.8, <strong>FG%:</strong> 41.5, <strong>RPG:</strong> 4.7, <strong>APG:</strong> 1.5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641266' first='Ben' last='Erickson'] (2026) |6'1 G|</strong> - <strong>GP:</strong> 22, <strong>PPG:</strong> 4, <strong>FG%:</strong> 37.1, <strong>RPG:</strong> 2.8, <strong>APG:</strong> .7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2410633' first='Trevor' last='Cuperus'] (2026) |6'5 F|</strong> -<strong> GP:</strong> 21, <strong>PPG:</strong> 2.2, <strong>FG%:</strong> 45.5, <strong>RPG:</strong> 2, <strong>APG:</strong> .5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad'] (2026) |5'11 G|</strong> - <strong>GP: </strong>20, <strong>PPG:</strong> 3.4, <strong>FG%:</strong> 25, <strong>RPG:</strong> 1.3, <strong>APG: </strong>1.1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Q&amp;A with coach <em>Alex Langner</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></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>This season was one of the most successful teams that the Baltic Boys basketball team has seen in some time. The overall excitement within our community for this program and its success is due to the hard work and dedication that this group of boys put forth in the off-season and throughout the year to get better and be the best versions of themselves they could be. We had great team chemistry and each player really bought into the roles that they played. While we didn't get to the end goal that we set out for, this team has made a lasting impact on the development of this program.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any fun memories you want to share with us?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>If you would ask each of our kids what their favorite moments were from this season, I'm sure many of you would tell you that winning against Dell Rapids would rank right up there. Somewhere around 30 years since Baltic beat Dells, unfortunately, they got us in the postseason.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I think a lot of their best memories probably would start from the team camps we traveled to last summer at Creighton, through the moments they were together off the court throughout the season.</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>"<em>Our team was lucky to avoid the injury bug this year. We had a few sprains and small injuries, but nothing that really set us back as a group.  Our biggest adversity that we faced was that our numbers really weren't really big as far as participation in our program. Our kids accepted any challenge that was put before them and really accepted whatever came as a challenge.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are a few things your team improved on throughout the season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I think defensively was our biggest area of improvement. Our kids love to play offense, what team doesn't? Our kids found joy in really shutting teams down and getting out and being athletes in the open floor. They figured out that if we put the effort in on one end of the floor it translated into opportunities on the other.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some role players that stood out to you?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I think our two seniors who were in their first year as varsity starters really shined in their roles as the year went on. <strong>Blake Hookie</strong> and <strong>Beau</strong> <strong>Breece</strong> did a great job of doing little things that we asked them to do throughout the year. Our bench guys, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641266' first='Ben' last='Erickson']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2410633' first='Trevor' last='Cuperus']</strong> really gave us a lot of great minutes throughout the season. The chemistry of this team really started with this group of guys. It was important that they brought value to the group and were able to play through their talents consistently.</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></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>You hope that your Seniors leave a lasting mark on a program as a coach. This group did just that. [player_tooltip player_id='1656547' first='Jack' last='Erickson'] had one of the best offensive years statistically that anyone has ever had in Baltic's history. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1840960' first='Mark' last='Ditter']</strong> plays what we call winning basketball. He makes the teammates around him better and does whatever it takes to come out on top. <strong>Blake Hookie</strong> really was an emotional leader for this group throughout the year. <strong>Beau Breece</strong> became the floor leader this group needed. He forced the pace for us offensively and defensively was a constant for us. Our group of younger guys really look up to this group and hopefully take from them the amount of time that they spent in the gym to see the success that they did. As a coach you hope to see your program be player-led, this group did that. They really took the reins of this team and allowed us as coaches to focus on the details and were great about handling expectations throughout the season.</em>"</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></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We don't leave the cupboard empty by any means. Our core of Sophomores are going to need to step up this offseason and put the time in the weight room and gym if we want to see continued success. [player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'] will be our lone returning starter. At 6'9, Kellen will get a lot of the focus to start the year, but this group has such good balance, we are going to get key contributions from all of them. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad']</strong> is a guard who is quick and has continued to become a better shooter and scorer. The more he plays the more comfortable I hope he gets defensively. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641266' first='Ben' last='Erickson']</strong> is a kid who showed spurts offensively and defensively was as consistent as anyone on our team this year. I think a real sleeper for next year is going to be <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2410633' first='Trevor' last='Cuperus']</strong>. Trevor is a big body who has continued to get better and better as his basketball career has gone on. Trevor is going to do some big things for us next year and will be a nice compliment to Kellen at 6'5 and growing.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who was your best defensive player?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Defensively I think we had a number of guys who you could label as our “best” based on the given night, but I think the duo of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1840960' first='Mark' last='Ditter']</strong> and <strong>Beau Breece</strong> definitely gave us the most consistency on the defensive end of the floor. Basketball has become such a perimeter-oriented game, and the ability to guard the basketball has become so important. These two did it as well as anyone I've had as a coach. I knew regardless of matchups what I was going to get from each of these two throughout the season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Any last comments/thoughts on the season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Basketball is a long season with a lot of ebbs and flows. This season our group consistently gave us great effort, competed night in and night out. They brought our community together and gave our school something to be proud of. They should be extremely proud of what they accomplished throughout this season. As a program, we are in a better position because of this group and we hope that with continued effort, we only continue to grow.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800","fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800">Best of luck to the Bulldogs in the offseason!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2410514,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/balticbulldogspic-crop-4448x2921-1712860209.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/balticbulldogspic-crop-4448x2921-1712860209.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2410514" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->