2023 Winter Rewind Players and Coaches Reads
Girls Basketball
Honorable Mention
Morgan Hanson- IKM-Manning– Senior
Hanson took over the point guard role for the Wolves this season and became one of their top players. She developed nicely as the season went on, able to create shots for herself in the lane, or set up teammates for easy buckets. Hanson was 2nd on the team in scoring and rebounding, led the team in assists and was 4th in steals.
Mabel Langel- IKM-Manning— Senior
Langel led the Wolves in scoring and rebounding, giving them a player inside they could begin their inside-outside offense with. She was strong in the post on both sides of the ball, leading IKM-Manning in steals. She worked well with Abbagail Neilheisel in their high low-offensive set.
Audrey Jensen- Audubon— Senior
Jensen had to take over the role as the main ball handler this season and improved as the season progressed. She became an offensive threat from beyond the 3-point line as well as getting to the lane. She led the Wheelers in scoring, was 2nd on the team in assists, tied for 3rd in steals and 4th in rebounding.
Emma Stream- Paton Churdan— Senior
Steam put together her best season of her career in her senior season. She scored in double figures in almost every game, going over 20-points several times. She teamed with sophomore Becca Anderson to give the Rockets a pair of threats. Stream finished 2nd on the team in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals.
Kendall Quirk- East Sac—- Sophomore
Quirk became one of the Raiders building blocks as a Sophomore, giving them a great presence on the backboards while showing in the postseason win over IKM-Manning that she could turn into a scoring force in the future. Quirk nearly pulled down 200 rebounds this season, leading the team while finishing 3rd in scoring and steals. She plays with great energy and physicality.
Madison Tunning- Carroll— Senior
Tunning has always been a hard worker on the defensive end, frustrating opposing point guards. This season, she continued that trend while extending her defensive pressure to post players. Tunning became an offensive threat for Carroll as her senior season went on and was part of the spark that helped the Tigers to a great run after the holiday break. She finished 4th in scoring, 2nd in steals and assists.
3rd Team
Maggie Ragaller- Ar-We-Va— Senior
Ragaller plays with great energy, using her athleticism and quickness to harass opposing players on defense or blow by them on offense to get easy buckets. She does a nice job of attacking the lane off the dribble but isn’t afraid to shoot the three if defenses back away. Ragaller was oftentimes the focus of opponents but still led the Rockets in scoring, assists and steals and was 4th in rebounding.
Becca Anderson- Paton Churdan— Freshman
Anderson showed as a freshman that the future looks very promising in Paton Churdan. She can handle the ball very well, allowing her to get to the rim or clear herself for a shot outside. She is a good shooter that will continue to get better. Anderson isn’t just a scorer, seeing the floor well and was one of the top rebounders in the area. She led the Rockets in scoring, rebounding, assists and steals.
Malia Clayburg- Coon Rapids Bayard— Freshman
Clayburg continues to shine for the Crusaders, coming off great softball and volleyball seasons. She is a double-double waiting to happen and is also very good defensively as well. She broke the single game record for steals in a game for the Crusaders late in the season, finishing 3rd on the team in steals, behind Breeley Clayburg and another freshman in Anna Hart. Malia was 2nd in the team in scoring and 2nd on the team in rebounding.
Makenna Steiger- East Sac— Sophomore
Steiger grew in her confidence in the second half of the season and became a force for the Raiders. She finished the season, hitting nearly 40% from 3-point range becoming a huge threat for the Raiders. Steiger ended the season 2nd on the team in scoring and assists, using her ability to handle the ball to make defenses pay for rushing out to take away the outside shot. The Raiders have some really talented underclassmen and the future looks bright.
Frannie Glynn- Kuemper— Junior
Glynn has always been a hard worker on the basketball court and that continued in her junior season. She is one of the top rebounders in the area and a solid defender in the post. She was a great leader for a young Knights team that took huge steps forward. This season she didn’t look to score as much as her role changed but she still excelled in what that role was. Glynn led the Knights in rebounds and block shots while finishing 4th in steals.
Elsa Tiefenthaler- Kuemper— Freshman
Tiefenthaler showed great flashes as a freshman with her gritty and tough playing style. She isn’t afraid to attack the rim and finds a way to score in traffic and found herself at the free throw line more than any Knight this season. When she wasn’t attacking from the inside, she was punishing teams with a nice jump shot. Tiefenthaler is a hard nosed defensive player, having a great competitive nature. She finished 3rd on the team in scoring, 4th in rebounding and 2nd in assists and steals.
2nd Team
Shay Sinnard- Carroll— Senior
Sinnard wrapped up her basketball career at Carroll with the best season of her career. She improved in every aspect of the game, becoming a more explosive scorer, and a very good defender. Her continued growth helped the Tigers to a great run the 2nd half of the season. Sinnard has great athleticism, using that to score over taller defenders, create problems for opponents on the perimeter or inside defensively and to become a solid rebounder. Shay was 3rd on Carroll in scoring, 4th in rebounding and 2nd in steals.
Camryn Schable- Carroll- Senior
Schable put the wraps on a strong basketball career, helping the Tigers to a nice run in the postseason, scaring a number of the top programs in the state. She has always been a good outside shooter, adding an ability to get to the rim this season. Her bucket in the lane against DC-G in Regionals set the tone for a great Tigers performance. She added a huge 3 in the 4th quarter that gave Carroll the momentum. Schable was 2nd on the Tigers in scoring, led them in rebounding and was 4th in assists and steals.
Lauren Boell- Kuemper—- Junior
Boell fit the Knights aggressive style of play very well with her ability to get in the lane and create shots in traffic. She was strong enough to finish inside, getting herself to the free throw line when she didn’t. Boell has a nice midrange jumper, enjoying the shot from the wing and baseline. She is a good defender on the perimeter. Lauren ended the season 2nd on the team in scoring and rebounding while being 3rd in steals and assists.
Anna Hart- Coon Rapids Bayard— Freshman
Hart exploded on the scene for Coon Rapids Bayard this season, becoming a strong leader at the point guard spot, getting the Crusaders into their offensive sets along with being one of the best defenders in the area. Hart is capable of locking down other guards and is great at jumping passing lanes or doubling an opponent to come up with the steal. She led the Crusaders in steals and assists, was 3rd in scoring, and 4th in rebounds.
Tiela Janssen- Glidden Ralston— Junior
Janssen showed she is one of the top players in the area and one of the elite shooters around, tying the record for most made threes in a single game this season against Coon Rapids Bayard. Her ability to shoot from the outside, forced defenses to guard her tight, allowing her to drive to the lane, or pullup for mid-range jumpers. Janssen was 2nd on the Wildcats in scoring and assists, led the team in steals and was 4th in rebounding.
Mary Bontrager- East Sac— Senior
Bontrager did a great job helping a young team grow this season, playing a lot of minutes with several sophomores, freshman and a junior. She was unselfish, helping them get into the flow of the game and did what was ever necessary to keep her team in the games. Oftentimes she would take over games in the 2nd half. She ended the year leading the Raiders in scoring, rebounds and assists and was 3rd in rebounding. Bontrager was really strong attacking the lane but could also step out and knock down a three.
1st Team
Katelyn Aden- Carroll— Sophomore
Aden became one of the top players in the area this season, on both ends of the floor. She understands how to use her length and athleticism to create problems for opposing offenses. She harasses opposing guards out front, blocks shots on post-players inside and jumps passing lanes, leading to fastbreaks for the Tigers. Aden wasn’t just good on defense, she helps handle the ball for the Tigers, can get into the lane and create shots for herself or her teammates. She is proficient from three as well. Aden paced Carroll in scoring, assists and steals. She was 3rd in rebounding.
Paige Klocke- Glidden Ralston— Senior
Klocke was a double-double it seemed like every night, oftentimes scoring more than 20 points while pulling down nearly 20 rebounds a game. She did that while playing injured all season. She plays extremely hard inside, though she is undersized in the post. She was capable of knocking down the outside shot and helped them break the pressure with her ball handling skills. Klocke will go down as one of the top players in Wildcats history over the last 20 years. Paige led the Wildcats in scoring and rebounding, scoring over 400 points and grabbing nearly 300 rebounds. She 3rd on the team in assists and steals.
Breeley Clayburg- Coon Rapids Bayard— Junior
Clayburg continues to be one of the best athletes in the local area and is a force on the basketball court. She is dominant inside, on both ends of the floor, creating matchup problems for most opponents. She has a high motor for rebounding, though most defenses try to pack things in around her. She has a nice soft tough around the rim and can step out and hit the jumper if needed too. Breeley’s defensive ability keeps most teams from attempting to attack the lane. She paced the Crusaders in scoring and rebounds while finishing 2nd in steals.
Catherine Mayhall- Kuemper— Senior
Mayhall will go down as one of the best 5 on 5 players in Kuemper history, becoming the All-Time leader in scoring, assists and steals. She is one of the best leaders in team sports and it showed this season as the only senior on the team. She helped a young group grow and become one of the better teams in the Hawkeye 10 by the end of the season. Her knowledge of the game helps her to do everything well. She can shoot the three, has a great midrange game and can score at the rim against bigger players. She is a solid rebounder on both sides of the floor, sees the floor very well and is great at jumping passing lanes on defense. Mayhall led the Knights in scoring, assists and steals and was 3rd in rebounding.
Kylee Schleisman- South Central Calhoun— Senior
Schleisman was the quarterback that made everything go for the Titans, helping them reach the rankings again this season and another great year. She is an amazing ball handler and sees the floor extremely well. It was hard to pressure the Titans due to her ability to handle the ball in pressure. Kylee was really good at attacking the basket and had an uncanny ability to score while drawing fouls. She was an outstanding free throw shooter, hitting over 84% from the line. Schleisman was a very good passer, oftentimes seeing things that others didn’t, putting her teammates in a great position to score. She is a good shooter from the outside and an underrated defender. Kylee was 2nd on the team in scoring, led the team in assists and steals and was 3rd in rebounds. She will head to Wartburg to play basketball.
1st Team and Girls Basketball Player of the Year
Riley Batta- South Central Calhoun— Senior
Batta wraps up a great career at South Central Calhoun. She will go down as one of the best to ever wear a Titan uniform. Her and Kylee Schleisman were instrumental in the Titans becoming one of the best teams in the area. Batta plays in the post due to the fact they need her too. She has the ability to score from the outside as well and helps with handling the ball when needed. She is really good in the lane, often battling girls taller than her. She is an elite rebounder, setting the record for most rebounds in a game in her career and becoming an all-time leader for points and rebounds for her career. Batta paced the Titans in rebounding, nearly grabbing 100 offensive rebounds this season. She also paced the Titans in scoring and blocked shots while being 2nd in steals and assists. She will head to Northern State University to play Volleyball.
Girls Basketball Coach of the Year
Andrew Klenk- Kuemper— 1st Year
Coach Klenk took over the Knights this season with one senior and a bunch of young, raw but athletic kids. He helped the Knights to one of their best seasons in recent years, knocking off State Qualifier in Glenwood along with a ranked LoMa team and an underrated Carroll team. Kuemper finished the season 13-9 and 6-4 in the Hawkeye 10, tying St Albert for 5th. They were playing their best basketball after the Holiday break, going 9-4 with their losses to Heelan and Lewis Central along with Atlantic and a good Underwood team in the Regional Semifinals. His strategy this season of attacking the rim and not settling for threes, made them a tougher team to defend and their aggressive man-to-man defense was critical to their success over the final 13 games.
Boys Basketball
Honorable Mention
Ben Ramsey- IKM-Manning— Freshman
The freshman became a nice scoring threat for the Wolves, who used a balanced offensive attack to keep defenses off-balance. Ramsey was strong from the outside, taking the second most 3-point attempts on the team. He didn’t just settle for outside shots, taking the ball to the hole, getting to the free throw line 2nd most on the team. He finished the year 2nd on the team in scoring, led the team in assists and was 2nd on the team in steals.
Caden Keller- IKM-Manning— Senior
Keller was a nice all-around player for the Wolves this season, scoring inside and outside, rebounding the ball well and protecting the rim on the defensive side. His athleticism allowed him to defend guards or post players. He finished 3rd on the team in scoring, led the team rebounding and blocks. He also had 41 assists and 25 steals.
Shaydon Thurman- Paton Churdan— Senior
Thurman finished his career with a solid season, leading a very young team. He attacked the basket well, getting to the free throw line while knocking down shots from the outside. He led the team in scoring, rebounding and steals.
Ethan Olberding- Glidden Ralston— Senior
Olberding uses his quickness to create problems for opposing teams, getting into the lane and all the way to the rim with a nice hesitation move. He has a nice midrange jumper and is a good 3-point shooter. His quickness also allows him to jump passing lanes on defense, helping him lead the Wildcats in steals. He also led them in points, and assists while finishing 4th in rebounding.
Cade Behrens- Coon Rapids Bayard— Junior
Behrens became a key player for the Crusaders as they made a nice run the 2nd half of the season. His ability to score forced defenses to have to defend more players, making the Crusaders a tougher team to defend. Behrens made a team high 62 threes, 45 more than anyone else on the team. He finished 3rd on the team in scoring and rebounds. The Crusaders won 7 of their last 9 games.
Kyelar Cleveland- Ar-We-Va— Senior
Cleveland closed out his career with a strong senior season, playing his best basketball late in the season. He was a good presence inside with Emmett Neumann, giving them a nice one-two punch. He ended the season 2nd on the team in rebounds, 5th in scoring and 2nd on the team in blocks.
Emmett Neumann- Ar-We-Va— Junior
Neumann had the best season of his career and is poised to have a great season next year as a senior. He is learning how to use his great length to his advantage on both ends of the floor. He shot over 50% from the field inside this season. He paced the Rockets in scoring and in rebounding, pulling down over 80 offensive rebounds. He added a team high in blocked shots and was 3rd on the team in steals.
Joe Clark- South Central Calhoun— Senior
Clark had a typical year for the Titans, doing everything well, specializing in the things that don’t always draw a lot of attention. He shoots the ball well, inside and outside. Sees the floor well and is good anticipating on defense. He finished the season 4th on the team in scoring, 3rd in rebounding, steals and assists.
Sam Julin- East Sac— Sophomore
Julin’s emergence this season helped the Raiders come on strong in the back half of the season. His ability to knock down shots took a lot of pressure off the inside game, forcing defenses to have to defend the perimeter. He ended the year with 41 made threes, the most on the team. He finished the season 3rd on the team in scoring. The Raiders won 7 of their last 10 games.
Jack White- Carroll— Senior
White worked really hard in the off-season to get better inside, because he knew his team needed his presence in the post. He was undersized but that didn’t matter to him. He felt he could physically hold up against taller players and did just that. His never stop attitude helped the Tigers battle against one of the strongest leagues in the state. He ended the season 3rd on the team in rebounds, 5th in scoring after not starting to begin the season.
Brock Badding- Kuemper— Freshman
The freshman splashed on the scene as a dead eye three point shooter. He continues that with a huge three against Sioux Central last Saturday in the District Final, helping propel Kuemper to State for the first time since 2018. Badding sits with 52 made threes on the season, hitting 38%. He is 3rd on the team in scoring heading into the state tournament.
DJ Vonnahme- Kuemper— Junior
Vonnahme is one of the keys to the Knights great run this season. His athletic ability makes him a threat on both sides of the floor, giving the Knights a rim stopper and rebounder on defense, who is quick enough to defend guards and strong enough to defend big guys in the post. Vonnahme can shoot the ball well from the outside and has good enough handles to get in the lane and to the rim. He missed several games due to injury this season but still is 5th on the team in scoring and 3rd in rebounding. Kuemper went 4-5 in games he didn’t play in.
3rd Team
Carson Kanne- Kuemper— Junior
Kanne is a big reason the Knights are heading to the State Tournament on Tuesday to take on Roland Story. He helped Kuemper start quickly against Sioux Central, attacking the rim as he has done all season long. His ability to get to the rim has been a strength of his, allowing him to score inside or find a teammate for an open look. Kanne is a very good free throw shooter, hitting several clutch free throws late in the District Final win. He is currently the team leader in assists and 4th in scoring.
Tanner Gotto- Carroll— Senior
Gotto was outstanding for Carroll this season, giving them a strong outside shooter with an ability to drive to the rim. Tanner helped an inexperienced group of players develop into a strong team that pushed Heelan in the District Semifinals after knocking off a good Sergeant Bluff Luton team on the road. He was huge in the win at SBL. Gotto finished the season 2nd on the team in scoring, 3rd in rebounds and 4th in assists.
Bryce Berlau- Carroll—Senior
Berlau was an outstanding shooter for the Tigers this season, forcing teams late in the season to face-guard him to keep the ball out of his hands. His quick release created issues for defenses, since it didn’t take long for him to get the shot off. He shot over 40% from three and from the field overall. Bryce was 3rd on the Tigers in scoring, led the team in assists and was 5th in rebounds.
Ryan Clair- East Sac— Freshman
Clair was a big reason the Raiders took a huge jump late in the season, giving them a great weapon on the inside, teaming with Luke Wright. Clair has an uncanny ability to rebound, understanding where the ball is coming off the rim, then is able to go get it. He uses his long arms and length to become one of the top rebounders in the area. He finished the season as the top scorer and rebounder for East Sac while finishing 3rd in steals and 2nd in blocked shots.
Carson Bauer- Audubon- Senior
Bauer wrapped up a really good career with another strong season. He is very good at attacking the rim off the baseline and hurts defenses with a good outside shot. He isn’t just a scorer for the Wheelers, as he rebounds and defends well. Carson finished as the leading scorer for Audubon while finishing 2nd in rebounding and steals, he was 3rd in assists and tied for the team lead in blocked shots.
Reed Hinners- IKM-Manning— Senior
Hinners wasn’t the leading scorer for IKM-Manning but may have been the engine that kept them rolling this season. He played with great energy, filling any role the team needed to win. Reed is the ultimate team first player, doing everything well. He was 2nd on the team in rebounding, 4th in scoring, 3rd in assists and 4th in blocked shots.
2nd Team
Ross Kusel- IKM-Manning— Junior
Kusel was the go-to- scorer for an IKM-Manning team that had good balance all season long. He is a good outside shooter, hitting nearly 40% from three but can also score in the midrange game and get to the rim. He hit nearly 46% from the field all together this season. Ross was more than a scorer, giving the Wolves a strong defensive presence as well. He led IKM-Manning in scoring and steals. Was 2nd in blocked shots and assists while finishing 4th in rebounding.
Edward Miller- Audubon— Junior
Miller came on the scene last year, then fully announced his presence this season. He became a tough player for opposing coaches to contain with his ability to score inside or outside. He played with more confidence and was stronger physically this season. He ended the season 2nd on the Wheelers in scoring, while leading them in rebounding, assists and steals while tying for the team lead in blocked shots. He is poised to have a big senior season.
Luke Wright- East Sac— Junior
Wright started the season as the guy every defense wanted to stop. He ended the season in the same situation for the Raiders, but helped several younger teammates grow. He is strong around the rim with a nice midrange jumper. He might be at his best along the baseline. Wright is strong physically, allowing him to be successful on the defensive side of the ball as well. Wright was 2nd on the Raiders in scoring, rebounding and assists. He was tied for 3rd in steals and led the teams in blocked shots.
Lance Clayburg- Coon Rapids Bayard— Senior
Clayburg wraps up a basketball career for the Crusaders as one of the hardest working players in school history. He played with great energy every game, helping him climb to second in school history in rebounds. He is extremely strong on the inside, allowing him to score and rebound in heavy traffic. He has a knack for rebounding on the offensive end, nearly reaching 100 offensive rebounds this season alone. His athletic ability allows him to defend all five positions, helping him to lead to the team in steals. He was also the top rebounder, 2nd on the team in scoring and 3rd in assists.
Tyler Lightner- South Central Calhoun— Senior
Lightner was a spark plug for one of the top offenses in the area, using his quickness to get into the lane along with being a solid outside shooter. His aggressive mentality was perfect for what the Titans wanted to do. He understands how to use his quickness to jump passing lanes, leading to easy buckets on the other end. Lightner was 3rd on the team in scoring, led the team in assists and steals and was 5th in rebounding.
Trey Hunter- Carroll— Senior
Hunter became an elite player for the Tigers as the season progressed. He became a strong defender, oftentimes matching up against opponents top perimeter scorer. He has a great knack of getting into the lane and going up over taller defenders, finishing a large number of off-balance shots. He was huge in Carroll’s postseason run, playing big in their win over Sergeant Bluff-Luton and giving them a lift defensively against Heelan with a nice block against the Crusaders big man at the rim. Hunter finished the year 4th on the Tigers in scoring, 2nd in rebounding and steals and 3rd in assists. He tied for 2nd in blocked shots.
1st Team
Evan Hammer- Carroll— Junior
Hammer played with great energy on both ends of the floor and never walked off the court without giving everything he had. That was infectious for his teammates, helping Carroll grow into a good ballclub by the end of the season. He has a knack for taking over games in the 2nd half or 4th quarter if Carroll needed it. His quickness made him tough to defend and his ability to spring back up allowed him to grab rebounds from taller players by tipping them to himself. He led the Tigers in scoring and rebounding and also in steals and blocks. He was 2nd on the team in assists.
Michael Kasperbauer- Kuemper– Junior
Kasperbauer was vital to the Knights run this season. He teamed with Carson Kanne to be aggressive getting to the rim early in games, helping the Knights open up their effective outside shooting game. He has an uncanny knack for getting shots off against much taller players and finishes well at the rim. When he wasn’t punishing teams off the dribble, he was spotting up on the wing or baseline and knocking down three’s. Kasperbauer shot nearly 40% from three, helping him lead the Knights in scoring. He was 4th in assists and steals.
Dawson Gifford- Kuemper— Senior
Gifford had a tremendous senior season on both ends of the court. He often matched up with the opposing teams top scorer and found ways to slow or shut them down. When he wasn’t guarding the primary ball handler he could be found reading passing lanes, jumping them and getting easy baskets on the other end. Gifford was strong off the dribble along with being a threat from the outside and may have been the Knights best passer. He heads to the State Tournament 2nd on the team in scoring and in assists, while leading the team in steals.
Cal Heydon- Coon Rapids Bayard— Freshman
Anyone that had paid attention to Crusaders athletics the past couple of years, knew there was a talented young athlete coming through the ranks. Cal Heydon didn’t explode on the scene for that reason but he did take the area by storm. He understands how to use his height and athleticism to help him get shots for himself and as the season progressed he was able to create better looks for his teammates. Heydon is an explosive jumper, with a nice midrange game and is very strong at the rim. He improved from the outside as the season went, but will continue to work on that part of his game. Defenses now have a season of film to try and figure out how to slow him down. He led the Crusaders in scoring, assists, steals and blocked shots and was 2nd on the team in rebounds.
Gavin Batta- South Central Calhoun— Junior
Batta was one of the key players on an outstanding Titans team this season. He is a very good outside shooter with really good handles, allowing him to get open looks, even if the defense had good coverage on him to begin with. Batta shot nearly 35% from deep with tremendous range. His ability to shoot from the outside, forces defenses to close out on him, making it easier for him to get to the rim. Batta was 2nd on the team in scoring and rebounding and 4th in assists.
1st Team and Boys Basketball Player of the Year
Eli Wheelock- South Central Calhoun— Senior
Wheelock was extremely good this season, helping lead a Titan offense that was really explosive. He is a very good shooter that can score at the rim or hurt teams from deep. He has really good range, oftentimes scoring from well beyond the three-point line. Wheelock was at his best late in games when the team needed someone to take a big shot. He shot over 50% from the field and nearly 53% from three-point range, making 52 from deep this season. He is a weapon at the free throw line, knocking down 84% of his free throws. Wheelock paced the Titans in scoring and blocked shots, was 2nd in assists and steals while finishing 4th in rebounds. He will take his basketball skills to the next level and will announce at a later date where.
Boys Basketball Coach of the Year
Sean Minnehan- Kuemper
Minnehan will take another team to State on Tuesday as the Knights square off with Roland Story at 10:30 in the morning. This year’s team got off to a great start, winning 10 of their first 11 games. They entered the season that liked to shoot the three but developed into a team that was just as good going to the rim, creating shots at the rim or kicking to their many shooters. Most people think of Kuemper as an offensive team, being the highest scoring team in the local area this season, but their success starts on the defensive end. Minnehan did a great job utilizing the Knights great depth, playing 10 guys in nearly every game this season, helping to wear down opponents by the early part of the 2nd half in a number of games. Kuemper enters the State Tournament 18-6, having gone 8-1 in the Hawkeye 10. They knocked off an undefeated Sioux Central team to qualify for State.
Boys Wrestling
2nd Team
Khyean Hawkins- South Central Calhoun— Senior
Hawkins had a very good senior season, going 27-15, just missing a trip to the State Tournament. He was at his best late in the season, going 5-0 at the South Central Calhoun Duals with 4 of the wins by fall. He finished 4th at 285 pounds at the Twin Lakes Conference Tournament and was 2nd at the Coon Rapids Bayard Tournament.
Will Healy- Kuemper— Senior
Healy closed out his senior season in style, qualifying for the State Tournament at 170 pounds. He went 0-2 in two extremely close matches at State, wrestling very well. He went 31-17 on the season taking 2nd place at the District Meet, going 3-1 on the day. His best day of the regular season may have been at the Bill Kane Duals, going 5-0 with 2 wins by fall.
Owen Nepple- Kuemper— Sophomore
Owen picked up great experience as a Sophomore, qualifying for the State Tournament where he finished his season 25-16. Nepple ended his State Tournament run 0-2, nearly winning his 2nd round consolation match. Nepple qualified for State by taking 2nd place at the District match, going 3-1. Nepple enjoyed the Bill Kane Duals, going 5-0.
Caleb Hoffman- Kuemper— Freshman
Hoffman broke on the scene as a Freshman, qualifying for the State Tournament, going 30-17 on the season. He picked up a win at the State Meet, winning by fall in the 2nd round consolation. He was a 2nd place finisher at the District meet, going3-1 with a pair of wins by fall. Like many of his teammates, Hoffman had a great day at the Bill Kane Duals, going 4-1 with 3 of his wins by fall.
Hutton Pasche- East Sac— Senior
Pasche wrapped up his career with a 35-20 mark on the season. He just missed a State bid at the districts, falling to the 3rd place finisher from Hinton in a hard fought match. Hutton took 4th place at the Twin Lakes Conference Meet. He was wrestling very well at the end of the season, going 3-0 with 3 wins by fall against Denison Schleswig, Ridge View and Storm Lake.
Garret Ortner- East Sac— Senior
The senior was injured at the District meet, ending his season at 28-21. He entered the day as a realistic qualifier for the State Meet. Garret took 3rd at 126 pounds at the Twin Lakes Conference, going 3-1 with a win by major decision and 2 by decision. He went 2-0 in a dual meet against Denison Schleswig and Ridge View.
Johnny Cortez- Coon Rapids Bayard— Freshman
Cortez had a very nice season, going 21-11, taking 3rd at the District meet where he went 2-2 and didn’t get a chance for the wrestleback. Both of his wins were by fall in the 1st period. The Freshman is part of a large group of young wrestlers that are looking to restore Coon Rapids Bayard’s tradition. He had a strong day at the Ogden Tournament late in the season, taking 3rd place with both of his wins by fall.
Raiden Doty- Coon Rapids Bayard– Senior
Doty is a great story, having never wrestled before this season. He quickly became a force for the Crusaders, turning that into a bid to State with an unbelievable day at the District Meet. He went 3-0 with all 3 wins by fall and the last 2 in a combined 47 seconds. He ended his one season in wrestling 20-10.
Chase Ragaller- Carroll— Junior
Ragaller was very strong during his junior season, finishing the year 38-13. He was really in charge at the Regional Dual Tournament, winning 8-2 against Webster City, in a match he controlled. Ragaller wrestled this season at 170 pounds, finishing 3rd at the Raccoon River Conference Tournament. He went 3-1 with all 3 of his wins by fall.
Owen Klocke- Carroll— Sophomore
Klocke was a part of the large contingent that qualified for the State Tournament for Carroll this season. He took 2nd place at the District Meet in Webster City at 152 pounds, advancing into the Championship match. He finished the day going 2-1 winning his wrestleback to clinch the trip to State. Klocke opened his State Tournament run with a win.
Cael Nelson- Carroll— Junior
Nelson was one of the six Carroll wrestlers to make the State Tournament, clinching his bid with a 5-1 win in the District Championship match. Nelson went 3-0 at the District meet with his first-two wins by fall in a combined 1:39. Nelson picked up a win at the State Tournament, finishing his season 36-11. Nelson claimed the championship at 126 pounds at the Raccoon River Conference and won the Herb Irgens title as well.
Lane Elmquist- Audubon— Freshman
The Freshman was a big bright spot for the Wheelers this season, going 24-14. He just missed qualifying for the State Tournament, taking 3rd at Glenwood. Elmquist took 3rd at the Wheeler Invitational late in the season, going 2-1 with both wins by fall. He also took 3rd at the Western Iowa Conference Tournament. He went 3-1 there with all 3 wins by fall.
1st Team
Naylan Gulbranson- South Central Calhoun— Junior
The Junior went 34-13 this season, wrestling at 195 pounds and 182 pounds. He wrestled at 182 at the District meet, falling in the semifinals after picking up a win by fall in 27 seconds in the quarterfinals. His best tournament of the year may have been at the South Central Calhoun Duals where he went 5-0.
Brock Nattress- South Central Calhoun— Junior
Nattress wrapped up an outstanding junior season going 47-7 and making the State Tournament. He dropped a hard fought match in the opening round, ending the tournament 0-2. He qualified for State, taking 2nd place at the District Meet at West Monona at 145 pounds. He went 2-1 at the meet, falling in the championship match. He won his previous two matches by Fall and Major Decision. Nattress took 3rd at the Twin Lakes Conference Meet.
Riley Parkis- Kuemper— Senior
Parkis was one of four Knights to qualify for the State Tournament, ending his season at 36-7. He bumped up to 132 pounds this season and was very effective there all season. He picked up a win at the State Tournament, going 1-2. He was dominant in this win at State, winning 10-3. Parkis won the District meet to qualify as the 8th seed. He was 3-0 at Districts. Riley took 2nd place at the Hawkeye 10 and won the Rich Gray Invite.
Charlie Veit- East Sac— Junior
Veit made it to the State Tournament for the second straight season, going 2-2 while wrestling very well. He picked up a win by fall at State at 138 pounds. Veit entered the State Meet as a 7 seed after winning his District. He was perfect at the West Monona District meet, going 3-0 with 2 wins by fall and a dominant 10-4 win in the championship match. Veit won the Twin Lakes Conference Tournament and was 2nd at the Herb Irgens Tournament.
Bradyn Burns- East Sac— Junior
Like Viet, Burns made the State Tournament and wrestled very well, going 2-2 with a win by fall and a tight loss in the 1st round. Burns ended his junior campaign 44-15 and is poised to have a big senior season. He qualified for State, taking 2nd place at the District Meet, going 2-1 and advancing to the Championship match. He won his first match by fall and squeezed out a 5-4 win in the semifinals which helped him not have to wrestleback. Burns took 3rd at the Twin Lakes Conference Meet.
Tyler Mohr- Coon Rapids Bayard— Sophomore
Mohr was strong at heavyweight for a young Crusaders squad, finishing the season 25-11. Mohr won the Rolling Valley Conference Tournament, going 3-0 with a pair of wins by fall. Tyler took 4th at the AC/GC Tournament late in the season and was 2nd at the Ogden Invitational while finishing 3rd at the Griswold Tournament.
Colton Wieland- Carroll— Senior
Wieland advanced to the State Tournament as a senior this year, going 33-8. He was great at using his strength, overpowering many of his opponents this season. He went 1-2 at the State Tournament, picking up a win by Fall. He entered State as the 8th seed, after having a great run at the District Meet. He went 2-0 at the District Meet, winning the title by fall. Colton also won his match at the Regional Dual Tournament and was 2nd at the Herb Irgens.
Dreylen Schweitzer- Carroll— Senior
Schweitzer was the top finisher at the State Tournament from the local area, wrapping up a tremendous senior season with a 5th place finish and a 37-16 win. Schweitzer went 6-2 at State with a win by fall in the 5th place match. He was seeded 14th heading into the State meet, having a great tournament run. He took 2nd place at the District meet at 113 pounds. Dreylen won the championship at the Herb Irgens and was 4th at the Raccoon River Conference Tournament.
Jireh Gallegos- Carroll— Senior
Gallegos moved up to 160 pounds this season and was ranked the whole season, climbing into the top 5. He finished his season, 41-6, qualifying for the State Tournament where he went 1-2 with a nice win by fall in the 2nd round consolations. Gallegos always wrestled aggressively and that worked to his benefit, helping him win the District Championship, going 3-0 with 2 wins by fall and a tech fall. He took 2nd at both the Raccoon River Conference Meet and the Herb Irgens.
1st Team and Boys Wrestler of the Year
Cooper Ludwig- Carroll— Junior
Ludwig qualified for State for the first time this season, getting on a roll after an early season loss. He finished the regular season 40-2 and went 43-4 after a strong performance at the State Tournament. Ludwig went 3-2 at State, winning his opening round match 7-0. He bounced back after a tough loss to win by fall and then by sudden victory in the 3rd Round Consolation. Ludwig spent most of his Junior season in the top 10. He earned that ranking with Championships at the District meet, Herb Irgens, Regional Duals and the Dallas Center-Grimes Tournament. Ludwig took 3rd at the Raccoon River Conference Meet.
Boys Wrestling Coach of the Year
Eric Nagl- Carroll
The Tigers continued to become a power in the Raccoon River Conference and Western Iowa, advancing their most wrestlers to State in over 50-years. Nagl and his staff have developed a passion for Wrestling in the area, getting large numbers of kids out. That helped them be extremely successful at tournaments this season. They qualified for the Regional Dual Tournament for the first time, competing well against Webster City. Carroll was 6th at the Dallas Center- Grimes Invite, went 4-1 at the Ogden Duals, took 1st at their Invitational and took 3rd at the Herb Irgens Invite. The Tiges knocked off Ballard for a second straight year and finished 3rd at the Raccoon River Conference Tournament.
Girls Wrestling
2nd Team
Scout Rohlfs- South Central Calhoun— Junior
Rohlfs finished up her Junior season going 18-6. She was at her best in tournaments, taking 2nd place at the Twin Lakes Conference Meet, winning the Riverside Tournament, the Audubon Tournament, the Titans Invite and the Panorama Scramble.
Lacey Martin- South Central Calhoun— Junior
Martin had a strong season for the Titans, going 32-13, just missing a bid to the State Tournament. She went 3-2 at the Regional Qualifier, but didn’t get a chance to wrestleback after winning her 5th place match. Martin was 2nd at the Twin Lakes Conference Meet with both wins by fall; she finished 3rd at the Emmetsburg and Spencer Invites.
Kourtney King- South Central Calhoun— Freshman
King was one of the Titans State Qualifiers, going 20-12 on the season. She took 4th at the Regional Qualifier, earning her trip to State. King ended a nice run at State going 1-2 with her win by fall in the 1st period. She was really strong all season, battling an injury that required surgery after the season. She took 1st at the Twin Lakes Conference Meet. She took 2nd at the Spencer Tournament, 2nd at the Emmetsburg Tournament and 2nd at the Boone Invite.
Sadie Smith- Kuemper— Freshman
Smith went 23-17 in her first season in varsity wrestling. She wrestled well at the Regional qualifier, taking 5th place but didn’t get a chance to wrestleback for 4th. She went 4-2 in her last matches of the season. Smith took 2nd place at the East Sac Tournament, was 2nd at the Ballard Scramble and took 2nd place at the West Central Valley Invite in the last month of the season.
Olivya Mack- East Sac—Freshman
Mack advanced to the State Tournament this season where she went 1-2 with her win by fall in just over 1:00. Mack qualified for the State meet by winning her Regional Qualifier, going 3-0. Mack kept getting stronger as the season went on, taking 2nd at the Titan Starcade, the Twin Lakes Conference Meet. She won the Panorama Scramble.
Emma Daniels- Carroll— Freshman
The freshman advanced to the State Tournament this season, picking up a win at the State Meet. She qualified for the State Tournament by taking 3rd at the Regional Qualifying Meet. Daniels took 3rd at the Bill Smith Battle at the Bluffs, she was 2nd at the East Sac Tournament. She won the Jack Mendenhall Invite.
Kloee Jones- Carroll— Junior
Jones qualified for the State Tournament, finishing 3rd at the Regional Qualifying meet, going 4-1, with 3 wins by fall. She finished her season at 20-14 and wrestled well at State, losing in her final match 5-4. Jones started the season really strong, winning the Audubon Tournament and the Wolves Tournament.
1st Team
Delanie Westcott- South Central Calhoun- Senior
Westcott finished 2nd at the State Qualifying meet, sending the senior to the State Tournament. She went 3-1, losing in the championship match 6-3. She won her first match at State by fall, finishing the season 31-15. Westcott was strong all season, winning the Emmetsburg Invite and the Audubon Tournament, taking 2nd place at the Twin Lakes Conference Tournament and the Boone Invite.
Grace Hoffman- Kuemper— Junior
Hoffman closed out a very strong season at the State Tournament, going 2-2 with both her wins by fall. She ended the season 30-13. Hoffman took 2nd at the East Sac Tournament and the Ballard Scramble. Hoffman could always be found cheering on her teammates and helping out with moves they could use during their matches. She qualified for the State Tournament, taking 3rd at her Regional Qualifier, falling in the semifinals before battling back to win the 3rd place match.
Olivia Villegas- East Sac— Senior
Villegas qualified for the State Tournament, finishing her season at 19-12. She helped lead a young group of Raider wrestlers to a strong season. Finishing it by going 1-2 at State with her win by fall. Her route to state wasn’t easy, having to wrestle seven matches at the Regional Qualifying meet, going 5-2 and having to win a 5th place and 4th place match to advance. Villegas was strong all season, taking 2nd at the East Sac Tournament and the Audubon Tournament. She was 3rd at the Twin Lakes Conference Tournament.
Averi Burke- Carroll— Junior
Burke started the season strong, taking 4th at a huge tournament at Nevada to begin the season, then took 2nd at the Audubon Tournament. She got stronger as the season went on, winning the East Sac Tournament with all 3 of her wins by fall. She won the Bill Smith Battle of the Bluffs, picking up a pair of wins by fall. Burke qualified for State by taking 4th at the Regional Qualifying meet. She wrestled well at State, going 0-2 against strong competition.
Julia Kanne- Carroll— Junior
Kanne was really good all season, wrestling with a smart aggression. She broke on the radar right away, winning the Audubon Tournament with all three of her wins by fall. She took 2nd place at the Jack Mendenhall Invite, she won the Panorama Tournament, the East Sac Tournament and the Bill Smith Battle of the Bluffs. She headed to the Regional Qualifier on a roll. Julia qualified for State, taking 2nd at the Qualifier, going 2-1 with her loss in the finals. She had a really good showing at State, going 3-2, winning all three of her matches by fall. Julia finished the season, 25-6.
1st Team and Girls Wrestler of the Year
Evelyn Kramer- South Central Calhoun— Junior
Kramer earned herself a trip to the State Tournament where she wrestled well, qualifying for the Quarterfinals before dropping her first match. She won her first match at State with a hard fought 12-9 win, then won the 2nd round by fall in the 1st period. Kramer ended her season at 38-9. Kramer qualified for the State Tournament, taking 3rd place at the Regional Qualifier. She went 4-1 at the qualifier with 3 wins by fall and a tech fall. Kramer claimed the Twin Lakes Conference Championship. She also claimed titles at the SC Invite, the Riverside Tournament, the Panorama Scramble and the Emmetsburg Invite.
Girls Wrestling Coach of the Year
Sam Vonnahme- Carroll
Vonnahme took a new program and set a high standard with the Tigers sending 5 wrestlers to State. Carroll showed great growth as the season progressed, becoming one of the top teams in the area. Carroll finished 6th at the Regional Qualifier, which turned out to be one of the toughest meets in the State. They had 13 girls wrestle this season with 3 wrestlers winning more than 20 matches. Coach Vonnahme led the Tigers to a 3rd place finish at the Bill Smith Battle of the Bluffs, were 2nd at the East Sac Tournament and were 4th at the Jack Mendenhall Invitational.
