Herald-Star names its 3rd annual All-County, Honorable Mention basketball team

HOT SPRINGS – It’s been a few weeks since we’ve been able to report on any local sports here at the Fall River County Herald-Star, so there really is no better time than the present to announce the newspaper’s third annual All-Fall River County High School Basketball team.

Selection for both the boys’ and girls’ all-county teams are statistic-based and intended to highlight the accomplishments of the top players for Hot Springs, Edgemont and Oelrichs this past season. The team finishing the best overall for the boys and the girls each earned three players on the All-County Team along with two on the Honorable Mention list. All other teams earned two on the All-County Team and one Honorable Mention.

As a recap of all the teams’ accomplishments, the Oelrichs Tigers had the best record for the county’s boys’ teams as they finished 12-8 overall. Hot Springs and Edgemont meanwhile each finished with 4-17 records. On the girls’ side, the Oelrichs’ Lady Tigers had an 11-11 record, but actually finished just behind Edgemont, with a 7-14 record, in the regular season Region 7B standings. The Edgemont Lady Moguls were undefeated this year versus the other two county teams. The Hot Springs Lady Bison meanwhile finished with a 1-20 record this season.

Congratulations to the following All-Fall River County and Honorable Mention basketball players!

BOYS  ALL-COUNTY

Benny Benson of Oelrichs, 6’4”, Jr., G/F

“Benny had a great season leading us in most categories as well as attitude,” said head coach James Knutson. “He had multiple games with near triple double’s and often guarded the other teams best player whether guard or big.”

Nick Tobacco of Oelrichs, 5’11”, Sr., G

“Nick started the year late and missed some games in between but when he played he helped us tremendously,” Coach Knutson said. “He scored over 20 points in multiple games including a 30 point burst against Edgemont.”

Toby Swallow of Oelrichs, 6’0”, Sr., G/F

“Toby has been a three-year starter for me, starting over 60 games in his career,” said Coach Knutson. “His impact doesn’t show up in stats but he’s always in the right place at the right time.”

Wrider Allison of Hot Springs, 6’3”, Jr., F

10 PPG, 6 RPG, Wrider was the best player on a very young and inexperienced team, according to Hot Springs’ head coach Aaron Noteboom. “His leadership and dedication to the program are second to none.”

Braden Grill of Hot Springs, 6’3”, Soph., F

5 PPG, 5 RPG, “Braden showed drastic improvement as a basketball player this year,” Coach Noteboom said. “He is a team oriented, high character individual whose hardworking, selfless attitude influences those around him.”

Caleb Simons of Edgemont, 6’0, Jr, F

20.8 PPG, 8.5 RPG, 2.9 SPG, 2.5 APG, 7 charges Simons (521) broke the EHS career rebounding record (462) held since 1962, surpassed 1,000 points climbing up to 3rd on the EHS scoring list with 1,191 career points, and was named to his 3rd straight All-West River Tournament team. He was also recently named to the Panhandle Athletic Conference First Team.

Grant Darrow of Edgemont, 5’4, Jr., G

7.5 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 1.9 APG, 56 deflections, Darrow led EHS with 27 made three-point shots and improved in nearly every statistical category this season. Was a Panhandle Athletic Conference Honorable Mention. “Earned a spot as a captain with the effort he brings to every practice and game,” Coach Joe Martin said.

HONORABLE MENTION

JJ Braveheart of Oelrichs, 5’10”, Jr., G

“Our emotional leader, JJ is a good shooter with great passing vision,” said Coach Knutson. “He often focused on setting up his teammates first and then looking to score second.”

Lewis Wilson of Oelrichs, 5’11”, Jr., F

“Lewis started the year at Center for us and often out rebounded smaller teams,” Coach Knutson said. “He could score and had a couple games where he scored 20+ when we needed it.”

Tres Schaack of Edgemont, 6’0, Jr, F

Junior showed great improvement this season by averaging 3.2 points per game, along with three rebounds and one assist per game.

Camron Maciejewski of Hot Springs, 5’7”, 8th, G

5 PPG, 3 APG, “As an 8th grader, Camron stepped up and became a major contributor to the varsity basketball team,” Coach Noteboom said. “His ability to shoot the ball and handle pressure situations set him apart from many athletes his own age.”

GIRLS ALL-COUNTY

Morgan Peterson of Edgemont, 5’6”, Soph., G

10 PPG, 33 three-pointers on the season, led the team in steals, 4.1 rebounds per game, shot 37% from the field. Her best game of the season was 24 points and 5 rebounds vs. Oelrichs. Named to the Panhandle Athletic Conference 2nd Team. “Morgan always has a positive attitude, very coachable and comes to the gym ready to work every night or AM practice,” her coach Lane Ostenson said.

Peyton Ostenson of Edgemont, 5’9”, Frsh., G/F

7 PPG, 30 three-pointers on the season, 4.2 RPG, shot 34% from the field. Her best game was 16 points and 7 rebounds vs. Sioux County. Named to the Panhandle Athletic Conference 2nd Team. “Peyton truly understands the game of basketball,” Coach Ostenson said. “Her court sense is unbelievable. Supercompetitive almost to a fault. Has that desire to win every time she gets a chance to play. Coaches dream to coach – Positive, Exceptional Hard Worker, Leads by example.”

Lizzy Tidball of Edgemont, 5’7”, Sr., G

5.8 PPG, led the team in rebounding, 73% from the Free Throw Line (team leader,) shot 35% for 2 pointers. Her best game was 13 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists vs. Moorcroft. She was also a PAC Honorable Mention. “Lizzy to say the least was ‘tough’ this season,” Coach Ostenson said. “She played in all 21 games, playing through a nasty ankle injury. She was tough on the floor from bringing the ball up the court, playing defense or rebounding the ball. Lizzy as a senior, leaves some pretty big shoes to fill for next year!”

Crystal Stands of Oelrichs, 5’7”, Sr., G/F

Was the team’s leading scorer on the season, making a total of 195 baskets while shooting 34 percent from the field and 41 percent from the free throw line. She was also second on the team with 39 assists, while grabbing 53 rebounds.

Jada Rouillard of Oelrichs, 5’4”, Jr., G/F

Was the leading rebounder on the team with a total of 159, including 108 defensive boards. Jada was also the team leader in both assists (46) and steals. (46). 

Tyler Warner of Hot Springs, 5’9”, Sr., G/F

8.8 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 2.9 SPG, 1 BPG, “Tyler was our lone senior and was a catalyst on defense,” said her coach Mike Remington. “Her length posed problems on defense which put us in situations be creative on defense. Despite playing at the top of our defense, she was second on the team in rebounding. Tyler did a little bit of everything and will be a hard player to replace. Three year letter winner.”

Katie Harris of Hot Springs, 5’9”, Jr., G/F

8.9 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 0.6 BPG, “Katie was our leading scorer this past season and was asked to do a lot outside of her comfort zone. Katie is very physical and likes taking charges,” Coach Remington said. “She is a very hard worker that I’m glad is back for one more year.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Jenna Ostenson of Edgemont, 5’7”, Sr., F

4.6 PPG, tied for second on team in rebounds, second in steals per game, shot 28% from the field on the year. Best game was 16 points vs. Hot Springs. She was also a PAC Honorable Mention. “Jenna missed five games this year due to injury and illness, but when she was not on the floor we struggled without her leadership,” said Coach Ostenson. “We scored an average of seven points per game less without her suited up. She was one of our captains for the team and her leadership was remarkable. Her positive attitude was infectious. Led by example and by motivating her teammates.”

Elli Hollenbeck of Edgemont, 5’11”, Jr., C

5.6 PPG, shot 44 % from the field, 3.5 RPG, shot 70% from the free-throw line. Her best game was 15 points vs. Wall. “Elli played in all 21 games this year,” Coach Ostenson said. “When we could get the ball inside, even if it came back out our team was more successful during those games. Elli had games this year where she was a force in the paint. Elli could have a great year as a senior next year if that consistency will develop under the basket, both offensively and defensively.”

Molly Little of Oelrichs, 5’7”, Soph., F/C

Was second on the team in scoring and had the team’s highest shooting percentage from both the field (38%) as well as the free throw line (47%). She was second on the team in total rebounds with 118.

Kylene Baker of Hot Springs, 5’8”, Soph., G/F

5.5 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 2 SPG

“Kylene played four different positions and was asked to handle the ball against pressure,” Coach Remington said. “She was our leading rebounder and second on the team in steals. She plays exceptional defense and is rarely out of position. She always puts the team first.”

Fall River County Herald Star

EDGEMONT OFFICE: 410 2nd Avenue   Edgemont, SD 57735-0660 | 605.662.7201
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