Titans and Eagles: Team Previews

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two of Class B's toughest squads — <strong>Leola-Frederick</strong> and <strong>Wall</strong> — are gearing up for big seasons. Both are well-coached, experienced, and full of talent. The Titans bring grit and discipline under <strong>Coach Brock Pashen</strong>, while the Eagles, led by <strong>Coach Ryan Kjerstad</strong>, return as a favorite to get to the State Tournament. Look out for these two programs to make serious noise this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"278px","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:278px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Leola-Frederick Titans</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3037601,"width":"118px","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/Titans-Logo.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/Titans-Logo.png?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-3037601" style="width:118px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As the 2025–26 season tips closer, the <strong>Leola-Frederick Titans</strong> look poised for another strong campaign. After a stellar 19–3 record last winter and a Lake Region Conference championship, the Titans enter the new year with experience, talent, and unfinished business. Head coach <strong>Brock Pashen</strong> believes his group has what it takes to win a lot of games again — especially if they can stay healthy when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last year, the Titans' postseason hopes were derailed by injuries, falling just short in the SoDak 16 qualifier against Waverly-South Shore. But the foundation of success remains solid. “We went 19–3 and won the Lake Region Conference,” said Pashen. “Injuries eventually caught up with us, but this group learned a lot and continues to build on that success.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Identity</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defense has long been a Titan trademark, and that won't change this season. “We hang our hat on man-to-man defense,” Pashen explained. “But we also emphasize knowing when adjustments are needed and finishing each possession with a rebound.” That attention to detail and toughness is what makes Leola-Frederick so hard to play against.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Backcourt Leaders</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the heart of the attack is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297365' first='Westyn' last='Thorpe']</strong>, a returning <strong>First Team All-Conference</strong> selection. “He's the quickest kid on the floor and creates scoring opportunities for others,” Pashen said. Thorpe's ability to push tempo and dictate the pace makes him one of the most exciting guards in the region.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Defensive Stoppers</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans also bring elite effort and grit on the defensive end. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634581' first='Milo' last='Sumption']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1551743' first='Titus' last='Kippley']</strong> are the tone-setters. “Their combination of effort, length, quickness, and physicality make them prime defenders to take on the opponent's top player,” said Pashen. Both also play key roles as rebounders, pursuing the ball with relentless energy on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Rising Talent</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future is bright for the Titans, too. Two sophomores — <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2464876' first='Jace' last='Thorpe']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3037622' first='Noah' last='Heuer']</strong> — are expected to take major steps forward. “Jace is entering his third year of varsity play and has logged meaningful minutes,” said Pashen. “Noah is a quick, fast guard who gets better the more he plays.” Their continued growth adds depth and spark to an already balanced roster.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Offseason Work</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leola-Frederick had a productive offseason, emphasizing development and chemistry. “We had skills sessions and attended team camps at Moorhead State and Groton,” said Pashen. The work appears to have paid off, as the Titans look sharp and cohesive heading into November.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Team Goals and Regional Outlook</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The message for this season is simple: stay healthy and peak in March. “We want to be in a place to make some noise come playoff time,” said Pashen. Competing in a strong region that includes <strong>Warner</strong>, <strong>Aberdeen Christian</strong>, and <strong>Waubay-Summit</strong>, the Titans know every game will test them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Top players to watch across the Region include <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297365' first='Westyn' last='Thorpe']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1634581' first='Milo' last='Sumption']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2475375' first='Brennan' last='Wolf-Donat']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2255042' first='Brooks' last='Jett']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2255041' first='Luke' last='Kaiser']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2475038' first='Hogan' last='Hlavacek']</strong> — a group that ensures competitive, high-level basketball night after night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a disciplined approach, veteran leadership, and a group hungry to take the next step, the <strong>Leola-Frederick Titans</strong> have all the tools to be one of Class B's most dangerous squads this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This group plays for each other,” said Coach Pashen. “They work hard, they care about the program, and they take pride in wearing that Titans uniform. If we keep that mindset, we'll be right where we want to be when it counts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000","fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE TITANS!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3037630,"width":"236px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_58fed8.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_58fed8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3037630" style="width:236px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Wall Eagles</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Wall Eagles</strong> have become one of the premier programs in South Dakota Class B basketball — and they're showing no signs of slowing down. Coming off the best season in school history, the Eagles enter 2025–26 as one of the clear-cut favorites to make another deep postseason run. With talent, depth, and defensive toughness at every position, <strong>Head Coach Ryan Kjerstad's</strong> group looks primed for a return trip to the <strong>State Tournament</strong> — and they're hungry for more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Last year was the best season in the history of Wall basketball,” said Kjerstad. “It was our second State Tournament appearance and our first-ever win at State. We went on to win the Consolation Championship.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That breakthrough campaign cemented Wall as one of the elite small-school programs in the State — and the standard has only risen since.</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>Built on Defense and Effort</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ask Coach Kjerstad what defines Wall basketball, and his answer comes without hesitation: <strong>defense</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>“Our focus is defense,” Kjerstad said. “Effort and relentless pressure — that's what we hang our hat on.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's a mindset that has become the Eagles' identity. With more than 10 players capable of playing elite-level defense, Wall overwhelms opponents with energy and discipline from start to finish.</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>Experience and Leadership in the Backcourt</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few Class B teams can match the Eagles' combination of experience and star power. The program returns <strong>two All-State players</strong> and <strong>four All-Conference selections</strong>, giving Kjerstad a veteran core that knows how to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That leadership will be crucial as Wall once again looks to compete with the best. The Eagles' guards set the tone on both ends — defending with intensity and pushing the tempo offensively — making them one of the most balanced units in the state.</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>Offseason Growth and Momentum</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If there was any doubt about Wall's hunger heading into the new season, the offseason erased it. “It was amazing,” said Kjerstad. “Many of our players played for <strong>Ambush</strong>, coached by Kent and Josh Mueller. Our team also played in the Rapid City Stevens summer league and went undefeated, bringing home the championship — beating a couple AA schools in the process.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That level of summer success has only strengthened team chemistry and confidence.</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>Depth and Rising Stars</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wall's depth is one of its greatest weapons. Juniors <strong>Deacon Haerer</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2275466' first='Carter' last='Sundall']</strong> are both emerging talents making great strides, while sophomore <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2275456' first='Chase' last='Carlbom']</strong> is already drawing attention for his elite athleticism and skill. “He continues to improve every day,” said Kjerstad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the boards, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2275483' first='Dawson' last='Handcock']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2527947' first='Younger' last='Amiotte']</strong>, <strong>Trevor Schulz</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2311913' first='Emmet' last='Dinger']</strong> anchor a strong rebounding unit that controls the glass with physicality and hustle. Austan Kjerstad is also one of the top rebounders for the Eagles.</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>The Standard: Pursuing Excellence</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While goals for the season are still being fine-tuned, the Eagles' focus is clear — constant improvement. “We just try to continuously pursue excellence in all areas,” said Kjerstad. “If we pursue that to its fullest, the results will follow.”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That commitment to discipline and hard work has made Wall a model of consistency. With a loaded roster and championship mentality, few teams in Class B will match their balance or depth.</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>Eyes on Another State Run</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Kjerstad believes his roster is stacked with top-tier talent. “Our team will have nine or more of the best players in the region,” he said confidently.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The combination of experience, athleticism, and relentless defense makes Wall a legitimate contender to cut down the nets again this March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're looking forward to it and couldn't be more excited,” said Kjerstad. “This group plays with pride, passion, and purpose — and that's what makes Wall basketball special.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000","fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE EAGLES!!</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 -->