All Eyes on the Cards: DRSM’s Road to the Big Dance

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Cardinals of Dell Rapids St. Mary are once again poised to be a premier Class B squad in South Dakota, and they are hungry for more than just another appearance in March. The plan is to get back to the State Tournament, but this group wants to arrive with purpose, play under the bright lights, and bring home hardware! Winning is nothing new for the Cards, and the school is still buzzing from a 9B State Championship on the football field, proving that at DRSM, excellence carries through every season.</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">On the hardwood, the Cardinals are guided by Colby Fitzgerald, a sharp basketball mind and former standout for DRSM. He understands what it takes to compete at a championship level, and this year's roster has the makeup to do just that. Senior guards [player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1642569' first='Lincoln' last='LeBrun'] will steady the offense, each bringing experience and leadership to the floor. Defensively, the Cardinals will rely on depth, athleticism, and constant pressure that wears opponents down and creates scoring chances in transition. Keep eyes on Hanson and LeBrun, they will have huge seasons, and have the playmaking ability to be All-State ballers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">Even after graduating major talent last season, DRSM has emerging players ready to step forward. Look for Joe Trumbauer and [player_tooltip player_id='3150499' first='Isaac' last='Ahlers'] to grow into bigger roles, while versatile defender [player_tooltip player_id='2390625' first='Jaxon' last='Baumberger'] will be crucial for guarding multiple spots on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px">The goals in DRSM are clear. Compete for a conference title, secure a strong Regional position, and punch their ticket to State. The Cardinals are built on work, commitment, effort, and opportunity earned. With talent at the top of the roster, depth throughout the lineup, strong coaching, and a Championship mindset, this has all the makings of another standout season for Dell Rapids St. Mary. <span style="text-decoration: underline">Best swishes</span>!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>School:</strong>&nbsp;Dell Rapids St. Mary</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Mascot:&nbsp;</strong>Cardinal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Head Coach:</strong>&nbsp;Colby Fitzgerald</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Athletic Director:</strong>&nbsp;Casey Michel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Region:</strong> 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Conference:</strong> Dakota Valley (DVC)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>24-25 Season:</strong> 24-2 (3rd at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3150417,"width":"331px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/dellrapidstmaryCardinal-Basketball-.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/dellrapidstmaryCardinal-Basketball-.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3150417" style="width:331px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"330px","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:330px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Players To Watch</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"11px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:11px"><em>*Comments from Coach Fitzgerald</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson'] (Sr 5'11 G)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>4 year returning starter who will have the most game time experience for the Cardinals. Trimmier will be asked to be the floor leader for the Cardinals this season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1642569' first='Lincoln' last='LeBrun'] (Sr 6'0 G)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Returning starter for the Cardinals from a year ago. Will be asked to take on more of a scoring load for the Cardinals as a knockdown outside shooter.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2288945' first='Peyton' last='Lamb'] (Sr 6'5 F)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>A reserve from a year ago, Lamb will take over as the man in the middle for the Cardinals. With his ability to stretch the floor from the outside, we look for Peyton to really elevate his game for his senior campaign.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2390625' first='Jaxon' last='Baumberger'] (Jr 6'4" F)</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>A six-man for the Cardinals a year ago, we look for Jaxon to step into a starting role for the Cardinals this season. The versatile wing will be asked to play various spots on the floor for the Cardinals this season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2508303,"width":"249px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2508303" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Colby Fitzgerald</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>Last season we were able to reach the Class B State Tournament and finished with a 3rd place finish. We were fortunate to reach the State Tournament for the 8th time in school history and finished the season with a 24-2 record.</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 pride our program of encouraging multisport athletes with the size and numbers at St Mary's. We have great dedication and always tell our players that opportunities are only earned by what effort you put in. Nothing is ever given to you</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>Our defense this season will rely on our depth and athleticism. We will try and pressure the basketball as much as possible to create easy scoring opportunities on the offensive end.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be a couple of your lead&nbsp;guards?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson'] (Sr) &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1642569' first='Lincoln' last='LeBrun'] (Sr) will be our veteran guard combination. Each started all 26 games for us a year ago. [player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson'] is an ALL-DVC performer from a year ago and [player_tooltip player_id='1642569' first='Lincoln' last='LeBrun'] will be asked to produce more on the offensive end for the Cardinals this season.</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>The Cardinals lost two 1st Team All-State players from a year ago. We have a lot of up-and-coming players looking for opportunities to get on the floor. The Cardinals will return 12 letterwinners from a year ago with hopes to duplicate last season's success.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a few of your top defensive players?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>With the right mindset, [player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson'] is one of the best on-ball defenders in the State. Trimmier has a knack for pressuring the ball and making the opposing PG work to set up an offense. At 6'4" [player_tooltip player_id='2390625' first='Jaxon' last='Baumberger'] has the ability to guard multiple positions on the floor, which will be key to the Cardinals' success this upcoming season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Sophomore Joe Trumbauer will be competing for minutes this upcoming season. Trumbauer will be asked to play backup PG for the Cardinals this season with hopes of having a breakout season. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='3150499' first='Isaac' last='Ahlers'] will get an opportunity to showcase his growth this season and in the years to come as well.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who do you think will be your&nbsp;best rebounders?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I do not think we will have one rebounder this season who will continuously lead the team. We will need all 5 players on the court to team rebound throughout the season for the Cardinals to have success.</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>Our goal each year is to make it the Class B State Tournament in Aberdeen. We want to compete for a DVC Conference Championship each year along with setting ourselves up with a good Regional seed for postseason play.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some of the top teams &amp; players in your Region?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Teams – Bridgewater-Emery, Colman-Egan, Howard, Sioux Falls Lutheran.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Players – [player_tooltip player_id='1808755' first='Ben' last='Weber'] (BE), [player_tooltip player_id='2430303' first='Caden' last='Zwart'] (CE), [player_tooltip player_id='3150502' first='Sam' last='Borg'] (SFL), [player_tooltip player_id='2461048' first='Kolt' last='Becker'] (Howard).</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Our coaching staff is looking forward to getting to work with another great group of players this upcoming season. We are going to compete hard each and every night with hopes of setting ourselves up for a post-season run come March!</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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 CARDINALS THIS SEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3150356,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/dellrapidscards.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/dellrapidscards.jpg?w=967" alt="" class="wp-image-3150356" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->