Season Preview

Coach Gardner gave SDSB the following season preview information:

What is your team outlook for 2011-2012?

The Hill City boys basketball team will work very hard this season.  A huge reliance will be placed on the defensive end of the court as our fundamentals develop.  We are blessed to have some really good student-athletes who are trustworthy and hard workers; on and off the court.

Which of your players do you expect to have the most "impact" this year?

We return Derek Skillingstad (6’6 SR) who has been on the varsity since he was a 7 th grader.  Derek has been all conference as a sophomore and a junior and is approaching 1,000 points for his career.  Unfortunately Derek’s season will be limited by Chron’s disease, which he was diagnosed with this summer.

John Lucas (6’0 SR) is a great shooter and a good leader.

Dietric McConnell (6’0 SR) is a spark plug and a very hard worker.

Gage Skillingstad (5’11 SO) has very good athletic ability and strength.  He could be one of the best players in the area if he continues to develop and stays healthy.

Which teams will be your toughest competition?

Every team in the Black Hills Conference in competitive.  Any team could win it this year and advance from our area.  Belle and Lead will be sleepers; Hot Springs will be much improved; and STM, Custer, Red Cloud, and Spearfish will be the face of our conference this season.

Which new players do you anticipate on your 2011-2012 roster?

Dylan Thomas (5’8 SO) is a dynamic player.  He will miss the first part of the season with knee surgery, but when he returns he will help us.

Pedro Villalobos (5’8 JR) will help handle the basketball and fill the void created by graduating last years point guard.

Jared Price (6’0 SR), Evan Callis (6’0 SR), Cody Scott (6’3 JR), Zach Siemonsma (6’3 JR), Kenner Langenbau (6’2 FR), Brady Groves (5’9 JR), Caleb Widerhold (6’2 JR), Joey Burnette (6’1 FR), JD Anderson (5’11 SO), and Angel Simental (5’11 FR) will all compete for playing time.

Season Update

Stats

The Rangers finished the 2010-2011 season with a record of 8-12.

History

The Rangers have never won a state basketball championship.

All BHC (2011-2012)
Derek Skillingstad
John Lucas (honorable mention)

All BHC (2010-2011)
Derek Skillingstad
Justin Klein
John Lucas (honorable mention)

ALL STATE PLAYERS

2nd Team
2000 Clint Ginsbach

3rd Team
2002 Dan Halter