Season of Optimism: Sharks Set Sights on Breakout Year

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As November approaches and gyms across South Dakota buzz with preseason energy, optimism is running high for the <strong>Iroquois–Lake Preston Sharks</strong>. After a year of growth and valuable experience, the Sharks enter the 2025–26 campaign with confidence, chemistry, and a renewed belief that they can compete with the best in <strong>Class B Region 2</strong>. With a solid core returning and a commitment to defense and teamwork, this group is eager to make some noise when the ball tips off this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3035724,"width":"189px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/ILPsharks.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/ILPsharks.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-3035724" style="width:189px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Iroquois–Lake Preston Sharks: 2025–26 Team Preview</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class B | Region 2 | Head Coach: Brock Dufek</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the calendar turns to November, the <strong>Iroquois–Lake Preston Sharks</strong> are ready to hit the hardwood with renewed confidence and purpose. After an up-and-down <strong>8–14</strong> campaign last season, the Sharks return a core group of experienced and athletic players eager to flip close losses into wins. Head Coach <strong>Brock Dufek</strong> enters the season optimistic, emphasizing growth, toughness, and defensive intensity as the team builds toward a postseason push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had our ups and downs but the team worked hard throughout the season," said Dufek. “We had a couple close games that could have gone either way, and I think this season, we'll be on the other side of those games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Identity</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sharks may not have overwhelming size, but they make up for it with quickness, grit, and defensive pressure. Dufek's squad prides itself on being disruptive — quick feet, active hands, and a relentless approach to wearing down opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two players anchor that defensive mindset: <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249810' first='Lucas' last='Peskey']</strong> and <strong>Benjamin Curd</strong>. Peskey, a 6'0" junior guard, is a tenacious defender with excellent anticipation and a knack for creating turnovers. Curd, meanwhile, brings toughness and versatility, willing to guard anyone from a quick perimeter scorer to a physical post player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>You have to be able to defend — that's a non-negotiable for us," Dufek said. “Lucas and Ben set the tone with their effort and willingness to do whatever it takes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sharks Backcourt: Quick, Smart, and Skilled</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offense will once again be powered by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249810' first='Lucas' last='Peskey']</strong>, who returns as the team's leader in points, assists, and steals. A high-IQ, unselfish guard, Peskey is expected to be the catalyst in nearly every statistical category. He'll be joined by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470162' first='Rexton' last='Blue']</strong>, a skilled scorer and playmaker returning from an ACL injury. The combination of Peskey's control and Blue's offensive instincts gives the Sharks a dynamic one-two punch in the backcourt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Depth at guard is also a strength. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2871773' first='Brycen' last='Blue']</strong> and <strong>Aidan Query</strong> bring speed and tenacity, attacking the rim and defending with intensity. <strong>Peyton Hope</strong>, a capable shooter with good length, will stretch defenses from the corners and capitalize on driving kick-outs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frontcourt: Young but Talented</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sharks' frontcourt is young, but filled with promise. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2871767' first='Ervin' last='Carter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2871772' first='Carter' last='Arbeiter']</strong>, both 6'2" sophomores, were among the team's best rebounders last season despite limited minutes. Carter is a high-motor forward who finishes efficiently around the rim, while Arbeiter adds athleticism, toughness, and the ability to knock down clutch shots. Both are poised to take significant steps forward this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It'll be a toss-up between Ervin and Carter for our best rebounder,” said Dufek. “They were number one and three on our team in rebounds last season — and I see both surpassing those numbers this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Offseason &amp; Team Chemistry</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This summer, the Sharks focused on building cohesion through open gyms and skill work. Much of the emphasis was placed on understanding movement — when to cut, when to space, and how to operate together as a unit. With that foundation in place, Dufek believes this group is ready to play with rhythm and purpose on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Outlook &amp; Expectations</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a blend of experienced guards, emerging frontcourt talent, and strong defensive principles, Iroquois–Lake Preston looks ready to make noise in <strong>Region 2B</strong>. The Sharks' athleticism and balance give them a chance to surprise teams down the stretch — and Coach Dufek believes their best basketball is yet to come.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our goal is to make a run in the postseason,” Dufek said. “We have the talent and athleticism — now it's about making it all work together. This team's ceiling is very high, and I'm excited to see where they go.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Players to Watch</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249810' first='Lucas' last='Peskey'] (6'0” Jr.)</strong> – Do-it-all guard; elite defender, scorer, and playmaker.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2871767' first='Ervin' last='Carter'] (6'3” So.)</strong> – Strong rebounder and finisher inside.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2871772' first='Carter' last='Arbeiter'] (6'2” So.)</strong> – Athletic forward who hits timely shots.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2470162' first='Rexton' last='Blue'] (5'11" Jr.)</strong> – Skilled guard returning from injury, poised for impact.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>Benjamin Curd (5'11" Jr.)</strong> – Tough, versatile defender willing to do the dirty work.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Coach Dufek's Regional Outlook</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top teams in Region 2B include <strong>Castlewood, De Smet</strong> (led by <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2286030' first='Grant' last='Wilkinson']</strong>), and <strong>Wessington Springs</strong> (<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1651328' first='Colby' last='Flowers']</strong>). But Dufek believes <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249810' first='Lucas' last='Peskey']</strong> and the Sharks deserve to be part of that conversation as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"20px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:20px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE SHARKS THIS SEASON!!</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 -->