Milbank Bulldogs: Season Review

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline">The South Dakota high school basketball season is in the books, but we are taking a look back! Prep Hoops Dakotas is publishing a series of Season Reviews to help recap and celebrate the season.</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">We are looking at a Class A squad, the<strong> Bulldogs</strong> from <strong>Milbank!</strong> They have a strong program, are well-coached, and a large amount of up-n-coming talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bulldogs made a nice run to the SoDak 16 this season, they were one game away from making it to the State Tournament. The future certainly looks bright in Milbank!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">See below for player stats, team stats, and an in-depth Q&amp;A session.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2835656,"width":"137px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/milbankbulldog.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/milbankbulldog.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-2835656" style="width:137px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Head Coach:</strong> Logan<strong> </strong>Diede</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Region:</strong> 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Record:</strong> 12-11 (Lost to Hamlin in the SoDak 16)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1842251,"width":"252px","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:252px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Milbank Bulldogs</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2835787,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/image_efd882.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/image_efd882.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2835787" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2835786,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/image_527c84.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/image_527c84.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2835786" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2511663,"width":"307px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/08/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2511663" style="width:307px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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 past season was a lot of fun. The growth and development of our group was incredible. Anytime you graduate all of your production from a team, there are going to be a lot of question marks around what the next season will look like. In the 2023-2024 season we were heavily led by our seniors in every statistical category, so coming into the 2024-2025 season - I was excited about the group we had coming back, but there was little to no previous varsity experience outside of a couple guys, so I knew it would take some time to play the way we wanted to play. We play a very difficult schedule, and the front side of our schedule is usually loaded with some difficult games, so these boys were challenged against some of the state's best teams right out of the gates. There was never any quit in this group, they worked as hard or harder than any time I've had before, and were an extremely coachable group of young men. We have high expectations within our program and inside the team circle we knew we could make some noise this year, but I would imagine many on the outside of that circle never envisioned us finishing the season with a winning record and another SoDak16 appearance. We were able to do that because of the character of this team and their willingness to play as hard as they possibly can, being coachable, and being great teammates.</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>There are countless fun memories along the way, but one that stands out is when [player_tooltip player_id='1959434' first='Jack' last='Howard'] hit a 3/4 court shot at the buzzer to beat Waubay-Summit! You don't get to experience many shots, and game winners, like that long the way, and that was definitely a very memorable moment. And obviously going to Roncalli in the Semifinal of our Region play, beating them - and earning our 4^th&nbsp;SoDak16 appearance in 6 years!</em>"&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>PHD: How did your team overcome adversity?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Battling through adversity is something we are always focused on overcoming. This group just doesn't quit; they keep competing and stay focused on what is right in front of them. That is the mission every year. All that matters is what is right in front of you. Whether it be the drill we are in at practice, or if it's the possession in front if you in a game - nothing prior or after matters.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are a few things your&nbsp;team improved on this season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We improved from top to bottom in just about every way.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>PHD: Who are some role players that stood out to you?</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We had a handful of players stand out at times this year. Every player gave us something along the way, whether it be in practice or in games. [player_tooltip player_id='1551740' first='Sam' last='Rick'], a sophomore guard, was our go-to guy from start to finish. He started the year really struggling with shooting the ball, but as the year went on, his shooting percentages increased dramatically, and he was our closer - and was voted as a 2^nd&nbsp;team All-Conference player in our Conference.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Can you talk about your seniors?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We have 4 seniors that are graduating from this year's team. [player_tooltip player_id='2047842' first='Graham' last='Lightfield'], <strong>Bryan Meyer</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='2675716' first='Emmett' last='Hanson'], and <strong>Charlie Peery</strong>. They will all be missed in their own way on the court. Graham has been our starting point guard since halfway through his Sophomore season, [player_tooltip player_id='2675716' first='Emmett' last='Hanson'] was a force us inside all year and led the Conference in rebounding, <strong>Bryan Meyer</strong> hit a lot of big shots this year in his first year of playing varsity basketball, and <strong>Charlie Peery</strong> just brings so much positive energy and is a fantastic team guy who can also hit shots from the outside. While we are thankful for their efforts in this program on the court, they will be missed as people a great deal as well. They all have bright futures ahead!</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 have the bulk of our core coming back next season and hope to hit the ground running in the 2025-2026 season. [player_tooltip player_id='1551740' first='Sam' last='Rick'] started every game for us and led us in scoring on his way to an All-Conference year and will be entering his junior season next year - we will look for him to have a huge offseason to be ready for a very productive and efficient season next winter. We have a handful of other guys coming back that will be Seniors next year that will be pivotal keys to our success as well - <strong>Ryan Keeton</strong>, [player_tooltip player_id='1959434' first='Jack' last='Howard'], and <strong>Esteban Abrego</strong> were 3 juniors that got plenty of experience under their belt this season. [player_tooltip player_id='2675902' first='Jeter' last='Scoular'], who will be a junior next season, had a few runs on varsity this season, and we will look for him to have a big offseason to be ready to play the point for us next season. [player_tooltip player_id='2549830' first='Lincoln' last='Holscher'], an athletic and talented freshman this season, averaged about 13 minutes per game for us on varsity this season, and has a bright future in this program with 3 seasons left in front of him. <strong>Harley Zemlicka</strong>, another athletic inside/out player will be entering his junior season next year and [player_tooltip player_id='2675873' first='Emmett' last='Snaza'], a 6'6" freshman this past season, looks to really make gains in the weight room and with post work this offseason to continue to get his body ready to compete for us with his size the next 3 seasons.</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>We really try to play team defense, and focus on being in gaps, helps, and quick to rotate. We have a lot of effort on that end of the floor, but [player_tooltip player_id='1959434' first='Jack' last='Howard'], [player_tooltip player_id='2047842' first='Graham' last='Lightfield'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1551740' first='Sam' last='Rick'] really battled for us on the defensive perimeter this season and [player_tooltip player_id='2675716' first='Emmett' last='Hanson'] was our man in the middle protecting the rim and eating up the rebounds.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who was your top interior player?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2675716' first='Emmett' last='Hanson'] was our interior player this past season. He is a big, strong, very athletic kid with a high motor - he always played as hard as he possibly could, and his athleticism made him a top rebounder in our conference, and he had a few big nights scoring as well.</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>We are very excited about the offseason in front of us to continue to improve our athletes in the weight room and on the court. We have a lot to be excited about with where the culture is at in this program, but the goal is to get to that next step and get beyond the SoDak16 game! Go Dogs!</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE BULLDOGS THIS OFFSEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2835656,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/milbankbulldog.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/milbankbulldog.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-2835656" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->