Hoops Preview: Estelline/Hendricks Redhawks Ready to Soar

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The <strong>Estelline/Hendricks Redhawks</strong> enter the 2025–26 season with high expectations. Under the direction of <strong>Head Coach Andy Hansen</strong>, this Class B squad has the firepower, chemistry, and confidence to make serious noise in <strong>Region 2</strong>, one of the toughest Regions in South Dakota basketball. After a strong <strong>16–4 campaign</strong> last winter, the Redhawks are aiming even higher — and they've got the talent to back it up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Will they make a trip to the coveted State B Tournament</span>? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2632356,"width":"339px","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:339px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Redhawks</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Firepower</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Redhawks hung their hats on offensive efficiency last year, ranking near the top of Class B in points per game. Hansen's squad thrives on <strong>unselfish play and crisp ball movement</strong>, embracing the “<strong>everyone eats</strong>” mentality — a philosophy built on making defenses guard all five players on the floor. With multiple shooters and slashing guards, this team can fill it up from anywhere.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Leading the charge is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2238341' first='Kyler' last='Carlson']</strong>, a <strong>6'0” senior guard</strong> and <strong>All-State Honorable Mention</strong> selection. Carlson is electric with the ball in his hands — a lightning-quick creator who can get downhill or torch defenses from beyond the arc (40% from three last season). He's the type of guard who makes everyone around him better.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2563318' first='Cade' last='Hexem']</strong>, a <strong>6'4” junior</strong>, brings a deadly shooting stroke of his own (38% from deep) and has added strength and confidence to his inside game. He's now capable of scoring in multiple ways and poses a serious matchup problem for smaller defenders.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2434046' first='Drayden' last='Cokens']</strong>, a <strong>6'0” sophomore</strong>, rounds out a dangerous perimeter trio. After hitting 34% of his threes as a freshman, Cokens returns with even more confidence — able to shoot off the catch or attack closeouts to finish through contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defensive Grit</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While offense fuels their highlight reel, Hansen's squad knows defense wins championships. The Redhawks emphasize <strong>team rotations and communication</strong>, working to take away shots inside and limit clean perimeter looks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anchoring the paint is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2967196' first='Larkin' last='Schultz'] (6'7”)</strong>, who provides much-needed rim protection and rebounding. <strong>Kam Hauck</strong> sets the tone on the perimeter, often tasked with shutting down the opponent's top guard. Together, they bring the defensive edge that will be crucial in the rugged Region 2B race.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Depth and Development</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The offseason was all about <strong>strength, athleticism, and toughness</strong> — knowing size disadvantages mean they'll have to outwork bigger teams. Rising players like <strong>Tayden Miller</strong>, <strong>August Dagel</strong>, <strong>Cooper Schaefer</strong>, and <strong>Kade Hauck</strong> give the Redhawks valuable versatility and defensive energy. Hansen says the first three can guard multiple positions, while Hauck provides instant offense from anywhere on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the glass, <strong>Schultz</strong>, <strong>Dagel</strong>, and <strong>Hauck</strong> lead the charge, attacking rebounds from every angle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Season Outlook</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Estelline/Hendricks has the experience, skill, and mindset to challenge the region's elite — a list that includes <strong>Castlewood</strong>, <strong>De Smet</strong>, <strong>Deubrook</strong>, and <strong>Iroquois/Lake Preston</strong>. With scorers like <strong>Carlson</strong>, <strong>Hexem</strong>, and <strong>Cokens</strong>, and a deep supporting cast willing to do the dirty work, this Redhawks squad is built to contend deep into March.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Hansen summed it up best:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:quote --> <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"><!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We want to build on the success we had last year with our ball movement, but also realize this is a new team. If we stay true to our identity — sharing the ball and locking in defensively — we'll be a tough team to beat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --></blockquote> <!-- /wp:quote --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">The Redhawks are ready. Class B — beware</span>!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO ESTELLINE/HENDRICKS!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3037994,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/SD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/SD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3037994" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->