Freeman and Howard: Season Previews

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Prep Hoops Dakotas is back for another preview article. In this piece, we are highlighting the Flyers and the Tigers. PHD loves Class B basketball and that is our focus in this article. Take a look below for info on Freeman and Howard.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3038255,"width":"249px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_c30825.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_c30825.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3038255" style="width:249px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Freeman Flyers — Focused, Fearless, and Ready to Fly High Again</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Flyers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"17px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:17px">The <strong>Freeman Flyers</strong> enter the <strong>2025–26 season</strong> with confidence and momentum after a breakout campaign that saw them <strong>punch their ticket to the Class B State Tournament</strong>. Under the direction of <strong>Head Coach Lance Friesen</strong>, Freeman took a major step forward last year — and expectations are sky-high once again!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Coach Friesen said it best</span>:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The player buy-in and the team-first attitude culminated with a trip to the State Tournament. Now the challenge is to stay humble and team-first to stay successful.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">This year, the Flyers return a strong core that combines experience, toughness, and a commitment to doing things the right way — the Freeman way.</span></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">Program Identity: Team First &amp; Trust</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the heart of the Flyers' success are three simple but powerful non-negotiables: <strong>Trust, Team First, and Control the Controllables.</strong> Coach Friesen has built a culture around accountability, effort, and shared goals — and it's clear that mentality has paid dividends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively, Freeman takes pride in <strong>multiple efforts every possession</strong>, emphasizing aggressive block-outs and relentless rebounding. Every player on the court is expected to defend, compete, and earn their minutes.</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">Backcourt Leadership</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Flyers' trio of returning guards — <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2253895' first='David' last='Walter']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249972' first='Luke' last='Peters']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2253896' first='Tayden' last='Kerrigan']</strong> — gives them one of the most experienced and dynamic backcourts in Region 4B. All three are capable <strong>three-level scorers</strong>, able to score from deep, the mid-range, or at the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Walter provides leadership and consistency, Peters brings relentless energy and elite defensive effort, and Kerrigan adds creativity and scoring punch. Together, they give Freeman a balanced attack that can adapt to any opponent.</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">Rebounding &amp; Toughness</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Freeman returns its top two rebounders in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2253895' first='David' last='Walter']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2247647' first='Tate' last='Sorensen']</strong>, both of whom set the tone with their strength, length, and aggressiveness on the glass. Expect this duo to once again control the boards and spark the Flyers' transition game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the perimeter, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2249972' first='Luke' last='Peters']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2253894' first='Luke' last='Miller']</strong> anchor the defense with their quickness, physicality, and nonstop motor. Peters' disciplined approach makes him one of the toughest on-ball defenders in the region, while Miller's anticipation and hustle bring valuable energy off the bench.</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">Depth &amp; Development</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Freeman leaned on a young group last year, that youth is now experience — and the program's depth continues to grow. The Flyers had a <strong>dominant JV team</strong> a season ago, and Coach Friesen expects several younger players to push for varsity minutes this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friesen emphasized the importance of staying sharp:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're acclimating ourselves to being the hunted instead of the hunter. We need to stay humble and hungry daily. We had a good offseason, but can't get stagnant — we have to continue to earn it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Potential Flyer 25-26 Roster &amp; Previous Season Stats</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2253895' first='David' last='Walter'] 6'5 So. - 18 ppg, 7rpg   </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2247647' first='Tate' last='Sorensen'] 6'2 Sr. - 14 ppg, 6 rpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2249972' first='Luke' last='Peters'] 5'11 Sr. - 10 ppg, 3 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2253896' first='Tayden' last='Kerrigan'] 6'0 So. - 7 ppg,  3 rpg, 2 apg, 2 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2253894' first='Luke' last='Miller'] 6'0 So. - 5 ppg, 3 rpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2565904' first='Oliver' last='Waltner']: 6'4 Jr. - 2 ppg, 2 rpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tannen Auch 6'0  jr. - 1 ppg, 1 rpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor Goodwin&nbsp; 5'9 Sr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2546045' first='Hunter' last='Nankivel']&nbsp; &nbsp;6'3 Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2980792' first='David' last='Malonga']&nbsp; 6'4 Jr.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brody Sorensen 5'11 So.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lane McCune 6'3 So.</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">Outlook &amp; Expectations</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a winning culture, experienced core, and one of the most balanced rosters in Region 4B, the Freeman Flyers are positioned for another deep postseason run. Their goals are clear — <strong>win the <span style="text-decoration: underline">Cornbelt Conference</span></strong> and <strong>return to the <span style="text-decoration: underline">State Tournament</span>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It won't be easy. <strong>Viborg-Hurley</strong>, <strong>Parkston</strong>, and <strong>Centerville</strong> headline a loaded region, but the Flyers have proven they can hang with — and beat — the best.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As Coach Friesen summed up:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It should be a fun season. Thanks for the coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2247647' first='Tate' last='Sorensen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2253895' first='David' last='Walter'] will be a scary two-headed monster. Watch out for this duo!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fun indeed. The <strong>Freeman Flyers</strong> are ready to take flight once again — and they'll have the entire state watching.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE FLYERS!! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3038272,"width":"407px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_ded843.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_ded843.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3038272" style="width:407px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Howard Tigers — Tough, Tested, and Hungry for More</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3038289,"width":"224px","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/HowardTigers-Logo_Centered-crop-682x448-1762116817.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/HowardTigers-Logo_Centered-crop-682x448-1762116817.jpg?w=681" alt="" class="wp-image-3038289" style="width:224px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Tigers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The <strong>Howard Tigers</strong> are gearing up for another gritty and competitive season in <strong>Class B, Region 3</strong>, under the leadership of <strong>Head Coach Nick Koepsell</strong>. After finishing <strong>17-6</strong> and coming just one win shy of a State Tournament berth last year, Howard is motivated, reloaded, and ready to make another deep postseason push.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We finished last season 17-6 and lost to Freeman in the SoDak 16,” said Coach Koepsell. “We lose four seniors, including two-time All-State player Luke Koepsell, but this group is hungry and ready to step up.</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">Returning Leader: The Engine That Makes It Go</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers will be led by their lone returning starter, <strong>junior point guard [player_tooltip player_id='2461048' first='Kolt' last='Becker'] (5'10)</strong> — the heartbeat of the team. Known for his energy and intensity, Becker sets the tone on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kolt plays with an unmatched intensity,” Koepsell said. “He'll be our floor general and guard the other team's best perimeter player every night. He can impact the game in so many ways without scoring a point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a full season of starting experience under his belt, Becker's leadership, toughness, and defensive presence will be key for Howard's success.</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">Defense First — The Tiger Mentality</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard basketball has long been known for its defense, and this year will be no different. Expect a <strong>hard-nosed, physical, and relentless</strong> approach every night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our goal is to hold teams in the low 40s,” said Koepsell. “We'll play our same style of defense — physical and disciplined — but this group has more quickness, which allows us to bring more pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Becker and <strong>sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='3038302' first='Brody' last='Spader'] (6'3)</strong> headline the defensive unit. Spader's length, athleticism, and versatility make him a tough matchup on the perimeter, while Becker's nonstop motor ensures constant pressure on opposing guards.</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">Rising Stars &amp; Key Contributors</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A talented group of young players will fill the void left by last year's graduating class — and there's no shortage of potential.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2442389' first='Chas' last='Shumaker'] (6'5 SO)</strong>: The Tigers' top post presence, Shumaker is poised for a breakout year. “Chas is a hard worker with huge potential,” said Koepsell. “He'll give us a scoring punch down low and control the paint defensively.”</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3038302' first='Brody' last='Spader'] (6'3 SO)</strong>: Already proven at the varsity level, Spader combines perimeter shooting with slashing ability and will be counted on to take a major step forward offensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3038307' first='Caden' last='Schwader'] (6'2 SR)</strong>: A senior leader who brings energy and effort every possession. “Caden has put in a ton of work and will be ready for his opportunity this season,” Koepsell added.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3038308' first='Owen' last='Feldhaus'] (5'11 SO)</strong>: A dynamic guard who can attack off the dribble and shoot from deep. “Owen has a ton of untapped potential — we're excited to see him take the next step,” said Koepsell.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3038309' first='Garrett' last='Feldhaus'] (6'5 SR)</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3038311' first='Sutton' last='Erickson'] (6'3 JR)</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2631290' first='Korbin' last='Shumaker'] (5'9 JR)</strong> will also play key roles off the bench, giving Howard valuable size, depth, and toughness.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rebounding will be a team effort, led by <strong>Shumaker</strong>, <strong>Spader</strong>, and <strong>Schwader</strong>, who are expected to dominate the glass for the Tigers.</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">Offseason Grind</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Tigers put in serious work over the summer, attending team camps in <strong>Wessington Springs </strong>and<strong> Webster</strong>, hitting the weight room consistently, and competing in a <strong>Warwick Workouts Summer League</strong>. Many players also stayed sharp on the <strong>AAU circuit</strong>, gaining valuable experience and confidence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We had great attendance all summer,” said Koepsell. “This group works hard, and that's going to pay off as the season goes on.</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">Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Koepsell knows the <strong>Region 3B gauntlet</strong> will be no easy task — but Howard is built for the challenge. With their trademark defense, improved quickness, and a balanced roster of emerging stars, the Tigers expect to be in the mix come March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our team goals are to finish as a top-three seed in our Region and make it back to the SoDak 16,” Koepsell said. “Every year, our goal is to make it to the State Tournament — and that won't change this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard's schedule is once again loaded, with four in-season classics and a tough conference slate that will test them early. But for a program that thrives on toughness and growth, that's exactly how they like it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll take some lumps early,” Koepsell admitted, “but if we stay healthy, I think we can be a dangerous team again by the end of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The bottom line:</strong> The Howard Tigers may be young, but they're battle-tested, disciplined, and determined. With <strong>Becker's leadership</strong>, <strong>emerging talent across the lineup</strong>, and <strong>Coach Koepsell's defensive blueprint</strong>, don't be surprised to see this team clawing its way back into a playoff push late in the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO THE TIGERS!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3038286,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_ba129e.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_ba129e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3038286" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->