This year the Girls have had a very memorable season that ended on February 26, 2022, to Harriet- Selby in overtime. They played Harriet-Selby in the second round of regions. This year girls’ basketball had a record of 13-9. They had a small team this year consisting of two seniors, five juniors, one Sophomore, and two freshmen. This year they started 4 juniors, Tyra Gates, Jaden Werdel, Abbi Blake, Ally Mullaney, and a freshmen Morgan Kolda. The girls’ basketball program will be graduating two seniors from their team, Taya Pawlowski, and Emily Gibson. While they were unable to make it to state this year the team did achieve some major accomplishments. “Just playing together more as a team and finding ways to battle back during those close games was a major achievement for us as a team”, said Coach McGough. When asked the question of “What hopes do you have for the girls relating to next year’s season” Tom McoGugh said, “I hope they have an extremely successful season and I predict them going all the way.” Looking at what our opponent teams are going to be like next year I don’t believe that any of them should be able to beat us, exclaimed Tom. The future is looking bright for Girls Rustler Basketball!
This year the Boys have improved their record, winning twice as many games as last year! Despite them improving and learning from their 2021 basketball season, their 2022 season ended for them after a lost to Lower Brule on March 1, 2022 during the first round of regions. When head boys’ basketball Coach Haaland was asked how their season was going, he responded by saying, “It was a big step from last year!” A major team accomplishment that was met during this season according to Coach Haaland was learning to play together as a team. “It may not show in the numbers or stats, but I feel we’re finally buying into what it takes to be a team”, sated Coach Haaland. A funny moment that Coach Haaland won’t forget was when he split his pants in Mobridge, he had to continue coaching the game with ripped pants. Even though their season didn’t end the way they wanted he really hopes next year they can take and even bigger jump. The starters for the Rustlers have been back and forth a lot this season but primarily they were Alex Schumacher (sophomore), Dylan Hass (junior), Trevor Werdel (junior), Memphis Frueh (junior) and Cole McKinstry/Andrew Knox (seniors). This year they graduated 4 seniors Cole McKinstry, Andrew Knox, Caden Gortmacker, Luke Johnson and stat Taylor Wetz. Next year they will graduate 7 seniors. The future is looking bright for Rustler boys’ basketball!