Season Recaps: Baltic and Spearfish

The high school season may have ended sooner than they hoped, but both squads proved they were solid all year long. In this edition of Season Recaps, Prep Hoops Dakotas takes a look at the Baltic Bulldogs and Spearfish Spartans—two teams loaded with noteworthy ballers who brought toughness, talent, and consistency to the floor. These groups deserve recognition and praise for the seasons they put together and the impact they made along the way.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><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" style="width:287px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Baltic Bulldogs   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/balticbulld.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/balticbulld.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3576810" style="aspect-ratio:1.7474589974589974;width:202px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Class: A   Region: 3   Head Coach: Alex Langner   Record: 13-9 (lost in SoDak 16 Qualifer)   Statistical Leaders   [player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad'] - 21 gp, 40.9 FG%, 12.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.2 apg, 1.1 spg   [player_tooltip player_id='2637594' first='Cooper' last='Garry'] - 21 gp, 39.4 FG%, 6.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.4 spg   [player_tooltip player_id='2410633' first='Trevor' last='Cuperus'] - 21 gp, 56.3 FG%, 9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.4 apg, .4 spg   [player_tooltip player_id='2562417' first='Brody' last='Aday'] - 21 gp, 42.4 FG%, 1.8 ppg, 1.4 rpg, .4 apg, .2 spg   [player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'] - 21 gp, 57.8 FG%, 15.4 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.6 apg, .9 spg   [player_tooltip player_id='1641266' first='Ben' last='Erickson'] - 21 gp, 42.3 FG%, 9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2 spg   [player_tooltip player_id='2475686' first='Ben' last='Berg'] - 21 gp, 37 FG%, 1.9 ppg, 1.2 rpg, .6 apg, .3 spg   Season Recap   The Bulldogs wrapped up their season with a hard-fought 45–41 loss to Flandreau in the Region 3A semifinals. It was a physical, defensive battle between two quality teams, but ultimately marked the end of the road for a senior-led group that helped shape the program over the past several years. The Bulldogs closed the year with a solid 13–9 record.   Leading the way all season was senior [player_tooltip player_id='1656544' first='Kellen' last='Artz'], who put together an impressive stat line of 14.6 points, 10 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game. Artz was a cornerstone of the program—impacting the game on both ends while growing into a vocal defensive leader. His presence and all-around production will be tough to replace.   [player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad'] emerged as the team's floor general, averaging 12.6 points while adding 2.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. He consistently put pressure on defenses with his ability to get downhill and create, while also proving he could knock down shots when left open. His leadership took a noticeable step forward as the season progressed.   [player_tooltip player_id='1641266' first='Ben' last='Erickson'] brought a relentless competitive edge, finishing with 9 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 steals per game. Whether it was diving on the floor, defending the opponent's top player, or stepping into different roles, Erickson did whatever was needed to help the team win.   [player_tooltip player_id='2637594' first='Cooper' last='Garry'] added 6.6 points per game and made his biggest impact on the defensive end. His ability to create turnovers and turn them into offense gave the Bulldogs momentum in key moments throughout the season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2410633' first='Trevor' last='Cuperus'] was the emotional leader and heartbeat of the team, averaging 9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He handled the physical work inside and brought energy that teammates fed off of, often swinging the momentum with his effort and intensity.   [player_tooltip player_id='2562417' first='Brody' last='Aday'] may not have filled up the stat sheet (1.8 points, 1.4 rebounds per game), but his value went far beyond numbers. Aday was a key piece in practice, a reliable presence off the bench, and a true glue guy who helped bring the team together.   This senior group leaves behind a lasting impact. Over the past five years, they've helped build a culture that made the program something special to be a part of. As they move on, the foundation they set will now be carried forward by the next group, with the expectation of continuing to push the program in a positive direction.   BEST OF LUCK TO THE BULLDOGS THIS OFFSEASON!!   Spearfish Spartans   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/spearfish.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/03/spearfish.jpg?w=1000" alt="" class="wp-image-3576800" style="aspect-ratio:0.9755932421975755;width:149px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Class: AA   Head Coach: Ben Schultz   Record: 15-6 (lost in SoDak 16)   Season Recap   The Spearfish Spartans put together a season that proved they were one of the most legit teams in the state. Coached by Ben Schultz, the Spartans finished 15–6 and were just one game away from punching their ticket to the state tournament. It's a tough way to end the year, but make no mistake—this group was the real deal.   This was a team that had talent, toughness, and a competitive edge every single night. Even though they fell just short of their ultimate goal, it doesn't take away from how strong this season really was.   Off the court, this group was just as connected as they were on it. Team camps, dinners, bowling nights, and just hanging out in the locker room built a bond that showed up when it mattered. You could tell this was a group that genuinely enjoyed being around each other.   On the floor, a few guys really stood out. [player_tooltip player_id='2708783' first='Karsen' last='Seyer'] made a big jump this season as the team's sixth man. He brought versatility defensively, rebounded at a high level, and became a real scoring threat. [player_tooltip player_id='2344085' first='Bennett' last='Kortan'] set the tone with his work ethic and competitiveness—flat out one of those guys who raises the standard for everyone else. Night in and night out, he competed as hard as anyone you'll see.   Inside, [player_tooltip player_id='2612675' first='Cooper' last='Gibbs'] gave the Spartans a strong presence. Even playing a bit out of position, he battled against bigger bodies, finished efficiently, and held his own defensively in ball screen situations. Defensively as a whole, Kortan and [player_tooltip player_id='2338059' first='Kamren' last='Davis'] led the way, giving this team an edge on that end of the floor.   What really stands out about this group, though, is the seniors. Their love for competition and willingness to do whatever it took to win set the tone. Effort was never something that needed to be coached—they just had it. Groups like that don't come around often, and that's going to be the biggest thing this program misses.   Behind the scenes, Coach Yost deserves a ton of credit. From scouting to practice planning to building relationships with players, he's a huge piece of what makes this program go. The impact he has doesn't always show up publicly, but it's a big reason this team continues to trend in the right direction.   At the end of the day, this season was about more than just wins and losses. It was about the process. This group showed that you can do a lot of things right and still fall short—but it's how you respond that matters. That mindset is what will stick with this team moving forward.   The Spartans may have come up one game short, but this was a season that showed exactly what Spearfish basketball is all about.   BEST OF LUCK TO THE SPARTANS THIS OFF-SEASON!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1842251" /></a></figure>

The high school season may have ended sooner than they hoped, but both squads proved they were solid all year long. In this edition of Season Recaps, Prep Hoops Dakotas takes a look at the Baltic Bulldogs and Spearfish Spartans—two teams loaded with noteworthy ballers who brought toughness, talent, and consistency to the floor. These groups deserve recognition and praise for the seasons they put together and the impact they made along the way.