Intros: Bowman, Brookings, Surrey

Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas (PGHD) has THREE Season Introductions for basketball fans to check out.   PHD has a combo platter with 2 teams from NoDak and 1 squad from SoDak.   We are looking at the Bowman County Bulldogs, Brookings Bobcats, and the Surrey Mustangs.   Bowman is currently ranked #2 in the State Polls. They are 1-0 on the season, having defeated South Heart 51-29.   Surrey is 0-1 on the season with a 59-81 loss to #10 ranked Tioga.   Brookings has not played a game yet.   When do they play next?   Bowman: 12/10/24 @ Watford City   Brookings: 12/13/24 home vs. Watertown   Surrey: 12/10/24 vs. North Prairie @ Nedrose   Introduction: Bowman County   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_6fa661.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1101428" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></figure>   Program: Bowman County   Mascot: Bulldog   Head Coach: Jaci Mrnak   Class: B   Region: 4   District: 7   [player_tooltip player_id='256954' first='Raegen' last='Honeyman'] hurt her knee during the summer, she is currently not back on the hardwood but the Bulldogs are looking forward to her joining them mid-season!   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> The Bulldogs' coaching staff is again looking forward to this season after coming off another great season leading into a back-to-back State B Tournament appearance We return ten varsity letter winners and four starters from last season. This season we will look to our six seniors in [player_tooltip player_id='256963' first='Sophia' last='Headley'], [player_tooltip player_id='256954' first='Raegen' last='Honeyman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1101551' first='Landyn' last='Gerbig'], Adyson Gerbig, Julie Claire Sarsland, and Kennedy Senn to established leadership and intensity within our program. Honeyman is a returning two time all region and 1st Team All State player for the Bulldogs. We will look for her to be dominate on the offensive end of the floor while being a lead communicator defensively. We also return two time All Region player [player_tooltip player_id='256963' first='Sophia' last='Headley'] who will be counted on to be our leader on the floor offensively and to bring her grit to the defensive side of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='1101551' first='Landyn' last='Gerbig'], [player_tooltip player_id='1101550' first='Adyson' last='Gerbig'], Julie Claire Sarsland, and Kennedy Senn are four seniors who have the experience and will be challenged to be half and full court defenders for us but also be confident scorers for our team. Not only will we look to our seniors for guidance this season, but we will be challenging others to work their way into the rotation. Juniors Raegan Stadheim, Teagan Homelvig, Liv Bowman, and Carlee Miller will be pushed to grow in their game this season. This team is bringing back a lot of varsity experience that we will use to our advantage. We are a team made of quickness that will be used to our advantage to transition on offense but also be aggressive defensively in the full and half court. Our team likes to play fast down the floor, making that a focal point to everything we do. These girls have a mindset that is contagious because they work for the common goal - WIN GAMES. They work together on both sides of the floor to do whatever it takes to win at the end of regulation. The coaching staff is looking forward to watching this squad compete this season -Coach Mrnak </blockquote>   2023-24 Stats   <figure class="wp-block-table"><table class="has-fixed-layout"><tbody><tr><td>NAME</td><td>GRADE</td><td>HEIGHT</td><td>PPG</td><td>RPG</td><td>STEALS</td><td>ASSISTS</td><td>BLOCKS</td><td>3FGM</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='256963' first='Sophia' last='Headley']</td><td>Sr</td><td>5'9"</td><td>14.7</td><td>8</td><td>87</td><td>98</td><td>10</td><td>29</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='256954' first='Raegen' last='Honeyman']</td><td>Sr</td><td>5'11"</td><td>16.2</td><td>6.3</td><td>66</td><td>50</td><td>13</td><td>30</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1101550' first='Adyson' last='Gerbig']</td><td>Sr</td><td>5'6" </td><td>5.1</td><td>3.3</td><td>55</td><td>69</td><td>0</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>[player_tooltip player_id='1101551' first='Landyn' last='Gerbig']</td><td>Sr</td><td>5'6"</td><td>2.5</td><td>1.9</td><td>37</td><td>35</td><td>1</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Julie Claire Sarsland</td><td>Sr</td><td>5'6"</td><td>4.5</td><td>3.4</td><td>53</td><td>69</td><td>1</td><td>18</td></tr><tr><td>Kenney Senn</td><td>Sr</td><td>5'10"</td><td>2.3</td><td>1.5</td><td>14</td><td>6</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr><tr><td>Teagan Homelvig</td><td>Jr</td><td>5'3"</td><td>1.6</td><td>1.1</td><td>9</td><td>9</td><td>2</td><td>33</td></tr><tr><td>Raegan Stadheim</td><td>Jr</td><td>5'5"</td><td>.8</td><td>1.1</td><td>4</td><td>6</td><td>0</td><td>25</td></tr><tr><td>Carlee Miller</td><td>Jr</td><td>5'5"</td><td>.9</td><td>0.1</td><td>0</td><td>1</td><td>0</td><td>50</td></tr><tr><td>Livia Bowman</td><td>Jr</td><td>5'3"</td><td>.7</td><td>0.6</td><td>0</td><td>3</td><td>0</td><td>0</td></tr></tbody></table></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_af5330.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1101567" style="width:190px;height:auto" /></figure>   With Jaci Mrnak   PGHD: What can you tell us about last season?   "Last season we ended with the record 24-4 with being District 5 Champions, Region 3 Champions, and 4th Place at the State Class B Tournament. Current senior [player_tooltip player_id='256954' first='Raegen' last='Honeyman'] was 1st Team All-State, All-Region, and All-District. Current senior [player_tooltip player_id='256963' first='Sophia' last='Headley'] was on the State Tournament Team, All-Region, and All-District."   PGHD: Do you have any non-negotiables?   "Within our program, we have two non-negotiables: 1. We will always support and encourage each other on and off the floor. We are our teammate's biggest cheerleader and will always be in their corner. 2. Be a DAWG, we will be the hardest working team on the floor giving everything we have for the win."   PGHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "Our defense hangs its hat on playing tough, swarming, in-your-face defense from the full court to the half court."   PHD: Who are your primary ballhandlers?   "Our primary ball handlers will be senior [player_tooltip player_id='256963' first='Sophia' last='Headley'], senior [player_tooltip player_id='1101551' first='Landyn' last='Gerbig'], and Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1101747' first='Jordyn' last='Honeyman']. Landyn is one of the fastest girls on our team. She has the ability to get the ball up the floor fast. Sophia and Jordyn have some of the best court vision we have ever seen. They both can find teammates in transition and are becoming great decision-makers."   PGHD: How did the off-season go for your team?   "In the offseason, we had the girls in the gym doing skill development two days a week grades 7-12. We also attended a few team camps where we were able to put players In potential positions for the upcoming season. We have many girls who put in the time in the gym getting up shots and it has made a difference. We also have several girls who lift regularly throughout the year and we believe that is a difference-maker as well."   PGHD: Who are your top returners?   "Top Returners: [player_tooltip player_id='256963' first='Sophia' last='Headley']: GRIT player who is all over the floor. Sophia is our leading rebounder on both sides of the floor. She is also one of our top scorers each night. Sophia is an unselfish player is always wants to work harder to get the extra deflection or steal that she leads into an assist to a teammate. Potential for All-District, All-Region, & All-State."   "[player_tooltip player_id='256954' first='Raegen' last='Honeyman']: Raegen is one of our top two scorers for our team as well. She is a versatile player who can get to work in the paint but also step out and knock down the three flawlessly. Raegen plays several spots for us on the floor and we look for her to be a rebounder for us as well. Potential for All-District, All-Region, & All-State."   PGHD: Do you have any up-n-comers we should know about?   "Up-and-Comers: [player_tooltip player_id='1101747' first='Jordyn' last='Honeyman']: Jordyn is going to fit in nice with our rotation. She has unbelievable court vision and is always looking for her teammates whether it is in transition or in the half-court. She also has the ability to be a great three-point shooter for us. We are excited to see her development throughout the season."   PHD: What are your team goals?   "Team Goals: We take each game one at a time and simply look to improve each day. One goal is we want to win our District and compete. Our second goal is we want to compete at a high level. In order to do that, we would like to have a winning season and strive to make it to the state level at the end of the season."   PHD: Who are your hardest workers?   "We have some natural hard-working girls on our team. Most of our team is made up of track and cross-country Champions who know what it means to put in the hard work to get the ultimate outcome. We see how this work ethic is brought to the basketball court."   PGHD: Who are the top teams and players in your Region:? "Teams: Central McLean, Grant County/Mott-Regent"   "Players: [player_tooltip player_id='380042' first='Laela' last='Jensen']: Hettinger Scranton, Adalyn Eng: Central McLean"   GOOD LUCK BULLDOGS!   Introduction: Bowman County   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/Bobcat-Image.jpg?w=500" alt="" class="wp-image-1101778" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></figure>   Program: Brookings   Mascot: Bobcats   Head Coach: Mitch McLagan   Class: AA   Players to Watch   Comments from Coach McLagan   [player_tooltip player_id='375940' first='Logan' last='Smidt'] (5'7") Senior - "Logan will run the point for us. She is an extremely consistent player. She has the ability to shoot from the outside as well as the ability to get to the rim. Logan does so much for us outside of her scoring. She's an incredible rebounder. We will look for her to lead us this year. Logan is committed to Southwest Minnesota State to play for Coach Webb."   [player_tooltip player_id='616253' first='Macy' last='Even'] (5'10") Junior - "Macy had a very strong sophomore season. Macy is a player that is very difficult to guard. Her length gives her the ability to post people up, she also led AA girls basketball in the 2nd half of last season in 3pt percentage. Macy was awesome last year which garnered All-ESD accolades. Macy's breakout game came on the road at Sioux Falls Lincoln where she scored 31 points. Macy was 5 for 5 from the 3pt line in that contest. Macy and Logan will help each other a lot in terms of taking pressure off of each other on the offensive end."   Tess Burns (5'11) Senior - "Tess is our rock. She is a great competitor and she works extremely hard. She is one of the better post defenders that we will see this year in high school basketball. She takes a ton of pressure off of our defense. We will need her to stay out of foul trouble. We are just a different team when she is on the floor. Tess is committed to SDSU to play softball for the Jackrabbits."   Kymber Buys (5'7") Senior - "Kymber is a really good athlete that is playing basketball. One of my favorite things about Kymber is that she hates to lose. That hate to lose rubs off on her teammates. When things get tough, it seems like Kymber just makes a play. She defends hard and will take on the role of guarding the other teams best player. Kymber is committed to play softball at SDSU."   [player_tooltip player_id='1053918' first='Sloan' last='McLagan'] (5'4") Junior - "Sloan was a major pleasant surprise for us last year. We didn't know how many minutes she would contribute in her sophomore season. In the first game of the season, we had to use her more than what we would have liked, because of foul trouble. Sloan was able to score 17 points in the game for us against Watertown. Sloan is a very quick-undersized guard for us. She has the ability to make things happen on the defensive end. She shot the ball very well from 3 last season, we would like her to extend her game in other ways. Because of her quickness, she has the ability to beat defenders off the dribble. We hope to see her penetrate more this season."   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_cce576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1101807" /></figure>   With Mitch McLagan   PGHD: How would you sum up last season?   "We were very disappointed with our 23-24 season. We truly thought we were ready to make the next step and start competing with the top-tier teams of AA basketball. We finished the season with a 7-13 record and a loss at Brandon Valley in the SoDak 16. As a coach, we always look back on what went well and what did not go well. The thing that kept sticking out to me is that our kids were not very connected. We didn't seem to enjoy playing with each other. This is something we have worked incredibly hard on and we had a great summer. We have a group that likes each other on and off the court. I think this is something that could help push us to where we want to be."   PGHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "First, LOVE this question."   "Non-Negotiables — Be a good person. I  know this is cliche and every coach probably says this. We hold ourselves to a very high standard. We once required community service work and now this has become a norm and something our kids want to do, rather than a requirement."   "Understand and model the fact that the game is bigger than "you" or the individual. This is rather new to us. Again, after seeing our team make-up last season, we knew we had to make some changes. We had individuals that made it about themselves. This is something that will completely derail a season and that will not happen in our program in the near future."   PGHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "I always thought I would be a coach that always played man to man and we would do everything the old school way. I have found that we have played a ton of zone in the past few years. We hang our hat on defense as a whole. We will probably play more zone than man. We do work on our man-to-man defense every day — as you know,  if you can't play man, you can't play zone. Our defense is going to be something that wins us games. There may be times that we struggle to score. We need to win games on the defensive end. The biggest thing that we are hanging our hat on this season is rebounding on both ends. We sat down and decided if there is one thing that we can do better than anybody else, it's going to be rebounding. This is a constant in our current practices."   PGHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "[player_tooltip player_id='375940' first='Logan' last='Smidt'] will be our primary ball-handler. We wanted to get her off the ball last year as we felt we could put her in more positions to score by having her off the ball. This was a poor decision by our coaching staff. We will start with Logan at the point and we will end with her running the point. [player_tooltip player_id='1053918' first='Sloan' last='McLagan'] will take over that role as Logan is getting a breather."   "Logan is a kid that really wants to win. She is the true definition of a gym rat. Logan is committed to play basketball at Southwest Minnesota State for Coach Webb. Logan's ability to score from anywhere on the court is big for us. She also rebounds extremely well for a point guard."   PGHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?   "We had the best offseason we have had in many years. As I mentioned earlier is that we needed to find a way to like playing with each other. We attended a league in Sioux Falls this summer and the connectedness was incredibly enjoyable to watch. We have kids that hang out on and off the court now. Our kids have one goal and that is to make the state tournament. If we can get all of our players to have that mindset then the entire season we will be successful."   PGHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounder?   "Tess Burns- Tess is such a strong and physical basketball player. Tess wants it! Tess has worked incredibly hard this offseason. The time she spent in the weight room and just becoming a better athlete is going to be very easy for our opponents to see."   "[player_tooltip player_id='375940' first='Logan' last='Smidt'] - Typically your point guard will not be one of your top rebounders but Logan's basketball IQ helps her a ton. She just understands the game more than most and has the ability to read the ball early."   PGHD: What are your team goals this year?   "Our team goals are pretty simple. 1) Make the State Tournament. 2) We want to out-rebound every opponent on our schedule."   PHD: Who will be your hardest worker?   "Tess Burns and [player_tooltip player_id='375940' first='Logan' last='Smidt'] will work pretty hard to take this title home. They just don't quit. They will play a ton of minutes for us. We are a different team when they are not on the floor."   PGHD: Who are the top teams and players in AA?   "1) Brandon Valley 2) Bishop O'Gorman 3) Spearfish 4) Sioux Falls Washington 5) Sioux Falls Jefferson"   "[player_tooltip player_id='528170' first='Brinley' last='Altenburg'] - Sioux Falls Jefferson"   "[player_tooltip player_id='404951' first='Grace' last='Peterson'] - Sioux Falls Washington"   "[player_tooltip player_id='421636' first='Alyvia' last='Padgett'] - Brandon Valley"   PGHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "First, I want to thank you for taking the time to cover girl's basketball in South Dakota. We are extremely excited to start this season. We really feel that we can make some noise this year. We want to compete with the top teams in the state. The newish SoDak 16 format makes the regular season so much more important. It is going to be very important for us to get off to a good start. After Christmas, we start a very daunting schedule."   GOOD LUCK BOBCATS!   Introduction: Surrey   Program: Surrey   Mascot: Mustang   Head Coach: Ron Aberle   Class: B   Region: 3   District: 6   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_4dab19.png?w=825" alt="" class="wp-image-1103052" style="width:517px;height:auto" /></figure>   2023-24 Stats   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_21f3f0.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1103037" style="width:1079px;height:auto" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_431660.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1103322" style="width:199px;height:auto" /></figure>   With Ron Aberle   PGHD: Could you write a couple sentences summing up last season?   "Surrey was the number 2 seed with an 8-2 District record. We lost our play-in game to go to the Regional Tournament to Our Redeemers. We had a great regular season we just need to carry that play into tournament time to go deep into the tournaments."   PGHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "Play with good sportsmanship and be the first to pick up a player off the ground."   PGHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "We will be trying a new defense this season playing a 1-3-1."   PGHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "[player_tooltip player_id='517111' first='Laney' last='Will'] is our ball handler she has the ball skills and is a shooter."   PGHD: How did the off-season go for your team/program?   "We ran a skills program at our school along with several team camps. We also played in the local YMCA league."   PGHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for   "[player_tooltip player_id='672932' first='MaKya' last='Gerding'] is an all-around player scoring in double figures most nights, a very good defender, and at 5'10" can dribble the ball up the court.  Many nights she will have a double-double.[player_tooltip player_id='517111' first='Laney' last='Will'] is our point guard, can shoot anywhere on the floor.  Is an excellent three-point shooter.[player_tooltip player_id='538165' first='Morgan' last='Andersen'] is a solid player, plays good defense, and is an excellent shooter, will score in double figures on any given night. Sienna Klimpel averaged 10.3 points per/game last season."   PGHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1103184' first='Ava' last='Keller'] a 6'2" 10th grader & Myliyah Munos 11th grader"   PGHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounders?   "I think [player_tooltip player_id='1103184' first='Ava' last='Keller'] will become our best rebounder she is 6'2" with long arms can jump well and really hustles."   PGHD: What are your team goals this year?   "Our goals are to play in the Regional Tournament and then go to State."   PGHD: Who will be your hardest worker?   "We have two [player_tooltip player_id='517111' first='Laney' last='Will'] & [player_tooltip player_id='538165' first='Morgan' last='Andersen']. They come to every event and are constantly in the gym and Laney was in a weightlifting program to get stronger."   PGHD: Who are the top teams in your Region?   "Berthold, Kenmare, TGU, Ryan, Our Redeemers & Tioga"   phd: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "We will have a lot of offensive power, we will need to work on our defense and rebounding. We are also not very deep in our bench."   GOOD LUCK MUSTANGS!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/prepGIRLShoopsdakotas.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1056252" /></figure>

Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas (PGHD) has THREE Season Introductions for basketball fans to check out.