Season Intro: Velva & Winner

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Happy Sunday and Happy Preview Season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The squads we highlight in this article, tip-off practice tomorrow, the wait is over!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">PHD is focusing on the <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Velva Aggies </span></strong>and the <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Winner Warriors</span></strong>. Both squads are fresh off a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP in FOOTBALL. The Aggies and Warriors are traditional powerhouse football schools and the communities are full of athletic families. Velva and Winner also have formable basketball programs. After an exhilarating fall, expect each program to carry that momentum onto the hardwood, pick up many wins, and have a successful hoops season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aggies and Warriors are tough, physical, athletic, strong, and they know how to win!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"14px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:14px">See below for a quick read on Velva and Winner, they are legit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"322px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2632356" style="width:322px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>School:&nbsp;</strong>Velva</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot:</strong>&nbsp;Aggies</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong>&nbsp;Isaac Sondrol (District Coach of the Year, last season)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong>&nbsp;3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District:</strong> 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong>&nbsp;12-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, the Aggies averaged 61 ppg and their opponents averaged 56. The Aggies compete in the toughest Region in class B, but they are hoping to put it all together and make a playoff push for the State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players to Watch</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1329685' first='Reggie' last='Bruner'] (2025) |6'2 G| - </strong>Averaged 18 ppg and 7 rpg. This stud athlete was All-District and All-Region last year. He is closing in on his 1,000 Career Point, expect him to hit that. Reggie is a flat-out DUDE.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2360582' first='Mason' last='McPeak'] (2025) |5'10 G| - </strong>Averaged 13 ppg and 3.5 apg. McPeak was All-District last year. This kid is the real deal with excellent speed &amp; quickness, smooth/accurate shooting, and a high IQ. Mason had a great summer and he will be an elite player in class B this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1329684' first='Ben' last='Schepp'] (2025) |6'2 G| -</strong> Averaged 12 ppg and 6 rpg. Schepp missed half of last season due to injury. Coach Sondrol says that Ben is one of the best athletes in the state. He was All-District as a freshman and sophomore.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2674884' first='Cooper' last='Kittleson'] (2026) |6'0 G| -</strong> A great defender for the Aggies. He shot the three-pointer at 36% last year and works his tail off on every possession.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2291867' first='Hank' last='Bodine'] (2025)|6'0 G| -</strong> He will be back to basketball after hip surgery last&nbsp;winter. This kid is a strong and aggressive playmaker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reese Steffen</strong>, <strong>Wes Nickelson</strong>, <strong>Mason Kraft</strong>, <strong>Kage Kambietz</strong>, and <strong>Bradyn Bossert</strong> all will be important role players for the Aggies as they can shoot, defend, and do the little things.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2674885' first='Matt' last='Bryant'] is a 6'6 Junior who will help the Aggies inside as the year&nbsp;progresses. You have to like his size and his work ethic is impressive. He will be a key player when the Aggies go up against opponents with interior length. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2674903,"width":"226px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/image_575540.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/image_575540.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2674903" style="width:226px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Isaac Sondrol</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How would you sum up last season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>After a slow start to the season, as a young team missing some players to injury, we improved every week and played really well down the stretch winning 10 games in a row after a 1-8 start.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Be You" &amp;&nbsp;Make every day count, it's a blessing to play this game.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Tremendous depth and athleticism!</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2360582' first='Mason' last='McPeak'],&nbsp;terrific handles and speed.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did the off-season go for the team/program?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>The off-season was solid, Juniors and Sophomores&nbsp;improved big-time!</em>"&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How does your District look in terms of competition?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>This will be the best District in the state, no questions. We very well could have 3 Teams from our District finish in the top 4 at the State Tourney.</em>" </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are your goals for the team/season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Our DEPTH will be our strength, our goal is constant pressure on defense as well as rim pressure on offense. We need to be in attack mode on both ends.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Team Goals-Make History. (Velva has never made the B)</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Any last comments?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I've been truly blessed with great student-athletes, high-character kids who work hard. This is a special group. Going to be a fun and challenging season!</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000"><strong>GOOD LUCK TO THE AGGIES!!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"277px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2632356" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2675028,"width":"272px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/winnerwarriors-crop-1169x768-1732993764.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/winnerwarriors-crop-1169x768-1732993764.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2675028" style="width:272px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>School:&nbsp;</strong>Winner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot:</strong>&nbsp;Warriors</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong>&nbsp;Brett Gardner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong>&nbsp;7</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong>&nbsp;17-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Returning Statistical Leaders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263163' first='Shawn' last='Hammerbeck'] (2025) -</strong> 15 PPG, 10.7 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven'] (2027) - </strong>10.6 PPG, 9.3 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1675908' first='Ryder' last='Halligan'] (2025) -</strong> 9.3 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249367' first='Zac' last='Olson'] (2026) -</strong> 3.5 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Landon Calhoon (2025) - </strong>1.0 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aiden Schroeder (2025) -</strong> .9 PPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players to Watch</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SR. [player_tooltip player_id='1263163' first='Shawn' last='Hammerbeck'] - 6'7 - C -</strong> Returning Starter - 3^rd&nbsp;team All-State basketball, All-State football, Nebraska Football commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>So. [player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven'] - 6'5 - F -</strong> Returning Starter -&nbsp;Big Dakota and SESD All Conference -Played for Sanford Hoops all summer, All Dakota Team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SR. [player_tooltip player_id='1675908' first='Ryder' last='Halligan'] - 5'11 - G -</strong> Returning Starter - SESD All-Conference</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>JR. Zac&nbsp;Olson - 5'8 - G -</strong> Returning Starter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SR. Landon Calhoon 5'11 - G</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SR. Aiden Schroeder 6'0 - G</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FR [player_tooltip player_id='2405782' first='Jalen' last='Tideman'] 6'2 - G -</strong> Played for Ambush basketball all summer&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SR Jackson Bachmann 5'7 - G</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SR Broden Duffy 5'9 - F</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SO William Jorgensen 6'1 - F</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>SO Carter Foster 6'3 - C</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2675213,"width":"230px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/image_262315.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/11/image_262315.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2675213" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Brett Gardner</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How would you sum up last season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We had a nice season last year and gained valuable experience. We only had 3 seniors last year, and only 1 played major minutes.&nbsp;We came up short in Regional play, but still had a nice season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We feel we defend very well.&nbsp;Our goal every game is to get after it on the defensive end of the floor.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We pressure the ball, and try and force tough shots.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2249367' first='Zac' last='Olson'] will be our starting point guard again.&nbsp;He started every game as a sophomore last year and did a great job of getting us in our offense and setting up movement.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We had a couple of student-athletes play on the AAU circuit and improved their games.&nbsp;We did some team camps and worked on learning new offensive roles.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We feel [player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven'] has the opportunity&nbsp;to take a big leap on both ends of the floor.&nbsp;He had a tremendous summer and loves basketball.&nbsp;He is in the gym every day working on his game.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2405782' first='Jalen' last='Tideman'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2675212' first='Carter' last='McKenzie'] will be nice players for us the next couple of years.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD:&nbsp;Who do you think will be your&nbsp;best rebounders?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1263163' first='Shawn' last='Hammerbeck'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven'] are both tremendous rebounders.&nbsp;We rely on them to grab the majority of our boards.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are&nbsp;your&nbsp;team goals this year?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We are hoping to be competitive in every game this year.&nbsp;Our goal is to improve throughout the year and give ourselves the best chance to be successful come February and March.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who is the top team in your Region?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Pine Ridge is a top 3 team in the state. They are so talented. Marvin Richards III is a 1^st&nbsp;team All-State player.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>PHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We feel we have a lot of depth this year that we can use to our advantage.&nbsp;We will defend hard, take care of the basketball, and play Warrior Basketball.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000"><strong>GOOD LUCK TO THE WARRIORS!!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1272514,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->