Hillsboro-Central Valley Burros

The Hillsboro-Central Valley Burros enter the new season with a renewed sense of belief and the feeling that they're ready to climb in a tough and tradition-rich Region 2. After competing hard last year but coming up short in the biggest matchups, HCV returns with improved offensive ability, added depth, and a roster loaded with quickness and athleticism—traits that should elevate their defensive intensity and versatility.   With more players pushing for minutes and a group capable of handling multiple roles on both ends of the floor, the Burros expect to be harder to score on, more balanced, and better prepared to close out games against top-tier competition. And in a Region that features no nights off and plenty of established contenders, they know consistency and toughness will be essential.   The talent is there. The depth is growing. The mindset is sharpening. As the new season begins, HCV is determined to put itself firmly in the Class A conversation and prove it belongs among the region's best.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_adb404.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_adb404.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3072405" style="width:178px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Schools: Hillsboro & Central Valley   Mascot: Burro   Head Coach: Elliot Rotvold   Athletic Director: Dave Nelson   Class: A   Region: 2   24-2025 Record: 8-14   HCV Burros   Last Season: 8-14 (5th in Class  A Region 2)   Returning Players   [player_tooltip player_id='2335334' first='Chase' last='Haffely'] 6'2” Senior – 8.3 pts., 6.0 rebs., 3.8 assists   [player_tooltip player_id='3072249' first='Tyson' last='Leshuk'] 6'2” Senior – 7.0 pts., 3.2 rebs., 2.0 steals   [player_tooltip player_id='2347911' first='Bryce' last='Miller'] 6'4” Junior – 7.2 pts., 5.9 rebs., 3.3 assists, 2.5 steals   [player_tooltip player_id='2713094' first='Alexander' last='Dufner'] 6'5” Senior – 9.7 pts., 5.6 rebs.   Brody Rogenes 5'9” Senior – 1.1 pts. 1.0 rebs.   Jaren Reed 5'10” Senior – 1.0 pts., 1.0 rebs   Rylan Buchholz 5'11” Senior – 1.0 pts., 1.0 rebs   Other Players to Watch   Drew Barclay 6'1” Senior – 7.5 pts. (JV)   Griffin Mitzel 6'1” Junior – 7.5 pts. (JV)   Austin Cotton 5'11” Junior – 5.0 pts (JV)   [player_tooltip player_id='2821904' first='Trey' last='Johnson'] 6'0” sophomore – 6.5 pts. (JV)   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> [player_tooltip player_id='2713094' first='Alexander' last='Dufner'] led the team in scoring coming off the bench last season and has had a good off-season in preparation. He will be counted on to man the middle for the team and be a big scorer. [player_tooltip player_id='2347911' first='Bryce' last='Miller'] had a great off-season and is poised to be a top scorer for the team, along with being a defensive stopper. He is a versatile wing player who will have to play lots of positions. [player_tooltip player_id='3072249' first='Tyson' last='Leshuk'] is an excellent defender and athlete that plays bigger and can go inside to help with some scoring punch. [player_tooltip player_id='2335334' first='Chase' last='Haffely'] is the other returning starter that will be counted on to have a great year as he is a good shooter and great competitor. We will need to find some depth from the next 7 or 8 guys and there will be good competition for playing time. -Elliot Rotvold </blockquote>   Last season, the Burros battled hard in Region 2 but couldn't quite break through in the biggest games against Devils Lake, Thompson, or Grafton. Their lone win over a top-four team came in dramatic fashion with a last-second road victory at Four Winds. Offensively, scoring was a challenge at times, but the players have put in the work and should show noticeable improvement this year. Defensively, HCV expects to be tough once again, leaning on their quickness and athleticism to apply more pressure and play with greater aggression. Defense and rebounding have always been core program principles, and that mindset remains unchanged.   This year's group should also feature more depth and better overall offensive ability, giving them added flexibility on the defensive end. With 10 or 11 players pushing for minutes, competition will be high, and while the four returning standouts will shoulder major responsibilities, several others have the potential to emerge as key contributors. Versatility will be another strength, as nearly every player handles the ball well and can fill multiple roles on both ends of the floor.   The Burros have the pieces to contend for a Region 2 title this season, but once again the Region will be loaded. Establishing roles early will be important, especially with a challenging opening stretch that includes Central Cass, Kindred, and Devils Lake—three of the top teams in the division. Devils Lake, Four Winds, Grafton, and Thompson remain strong within the region, while Carrington, MPCG, and Harvey-Wells County are all capable of winning on any given night. The schedule also includes several Region 1 opponents and perennial Minnesota powers like Fertile-Beltrami and Ada-Borup West, ensuring few—if any—easy nights.   Class A is tough basketball from top to bottom, and the Burros have continued to grow in the mindset necessary to compete at that level. They've been better the last two years than their record has shown, but improving in late-game execution will be key to taking the next step. With the talent returning and a deeper, more versatile roster, HCV aims to put itself firmly in the Class A conversation as the season progresses.   BEST OF LUCK TO THE BURROS!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/ClassABasketball.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/ClassABasketball.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2713048" /></a></figure>

The Hillsboro-Central Valley Burros enter the new season with a renewed sense of belief and the feeling that they're ready to climb in a tough and tradition-rich Region 2. After competing hard last year but coming up short in the biggest matchups, HCV returns with improved offensive ability, added depth, and a roster loaded with quickness and athleticism—traits that should elevate their defensive intensity and versatility.