Rec Sports
Expert Q&A on Youth Sports Injuries
Playing sports is a great way for kids to gain confidence, make friends and stay active — but it also comes with the chance of getting hurt. Every year, more than 3.5 million youth athletes under the age of 14 need medical treatment for sports injuries. The good news is that half of these injuries could be prevented with the right training and safety steps.
To help parents understand how to keep young athletes in the game, MU Health Care sports medicine specialists Clayton Nuelle, MD, and Brady Fleshman, MD, hosted a webinar covering the most common questions about preventing, treating and recovering from sports injuries.
This Q&A blog shares the doctors’ expert tips so you can help your child stay healthy, recover faster and enjoy sports for years to come.
Injury Prevention: Building Stronger, More Resilient Athletes
Q: Are there specific stretches or exercises that can help prevent common injuries?
Absolutely! There are general recommendations like strengthening the right muscles and improving flexibility. We use the Hip Myrtl Routine, which is a set of exercises that targets the hips and core. Research shows that core strengthening can lower the risk of lower body injuries by 39%. We also recommend the FIFA 11 Soccer Injury Prevention Program. This warm-up routine designed for soccer players has been proven to reduce ACL injuries by up to 52%. It includes strength, balance and agility drills to help protect athletes’ knees from serious injuries.
Q: Does injury prevention advice change with age?
Yes, it definitely does. A child’s body changes as they grow, and so do the types of injuries they’re most likely to face. For young kids aged 6-15, the biggest concern is growth plate injuries. Growth plates are soft areas at the ends of bones where growth happens. Since they’re the last part of the bone to harden, they’re more vulnerable to fractures. If kids are repeatedly stressing the same growth plate by playing one sport over and over, the risk of injury increases. That’s why exposing kids to different sports at a young age is so important — it gives their bodies a chance to recover and develop evenly. Studies show that overuse injuries and burnout are more common when kids specialize in one sport too early.
As kids get older and their growth plates start to close, they’re more prone to ligament and tendon injuries, like ACL tears and tendonitis. Strength training and proper conditioning become more important at this stage to protect those vulnerable areas. And even if your teen wants to focus on one sport, I still recommend they take time off between seasons to give their body a chance to rest and recover. When they’re going through growth spurts, their bodies are using more energy to grow bones, which means they have fewer resources for recovery — so rest and proper nutrition are essential.
The Role of Equipment in Injury Prevention
Q: Is there certain sports equipment that can help prevent injuries?
There is! The right gear can make a huge difference in keeping kids protected while they play. The first thing I recommend is a mouthguard. They are a must for contact sports like football, basketball and hockey. Athletes who don’t wear mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental injuries. Plus, some studies also suggest that wearing a mouthguard may reduce the risk of concussion by cushioning the impact to the jaw and head.
Next, make sure your child’s shoes fit well and provide proper support for the sport they’re playing. I always tell parents to check shoe sizing regularly — kids grow fast, and shoes that are too tight or too loose can lead to blisters, ankle sprains and long-term foot issues.
Finally, a well-fitted helmet. A properly fitted helmet can reduce concussion severity by up to 30%. To check the fit, lift the outer shell of the helmet slightly. If the padding is snug, your child’s forehead should move with it. If the helmet shifts or feels loose, adjust the straps or padding to get a secure fit.
Q: I saw an article about Q-Collars helping athletes avoid brain injuries. Should I consider one for my football player?
Right now, the science on Q-Collars is still developing. The FDA has authorized Q-Collars for reducing brain movement inside the skull, but there’s no solid evidence yet that they actually prevent concussions or traumatic brain injuries. It’s an area we’re still learning about, and more research is needed before we can make strong recommendations.
Avoiding Burnout: Pushing Too Far or Too Hard
Q: My child is stubborn and wants to push themselves too far. What advice can I give them?
It’s great when kids are motivated, but pushing too hard can lead to injuries that keep them out of the game longer. Athletes need to increase their strength, endurance and flexibility over time. Progressive conditioning helps prevent overuse injuries and improves performance in the long run.
It’s also important for kids to listen to their bodies. Pain beyond normal muscle soreness is a warning sign. If your child feels sharp or persistent pain, they need to take a step back. Playing through pain increases the risk of more serious injuries, like stress fractures or ligament tears, that can have long-term effects.
Rest and recovery are just as important as training. Taking breaks isn’t a sign of weakness — it’s how the body rebuilds and gets stronger. Research shows that athletes who sleep less than 6 hours a night are 70% more likely to get injured. Lack of rest also increases the risk of burnout, which can lead kids to quit sports altogether.
Pushing too hard now can lead to chronic pain and lasting injuries that follow them into adulthood. Helping your child understand the balance between hard work and smart recovery is key to keeping them in the game for years to come.
Q: How can I tell the difference between my kid being sore and my kid actually being hurt?
It can be tough to know when a complaint is serious or just a reaction to a tough workout. Normal soreness after intense training is expected — it usually shows up within 24 hours and goes away after a day or two with rest. But pain that sticks around or feels sharp and persistent is a red flag. If the pain doesn’t improve with rest, it could be a sign of an injury that needs medical attention.
Swelling, limping or changes in movement are also signs that something more serious might be going on. If your child is favoring one side or having trouble walking, it’s time to get them checked out. This is especially true for knees — anytime a child has a swollen knee, they should be seen by a doctor. Knee swelling can indicate a more complex injury, like a ligament tear or joint issue, that requires proper treatment. When in doubt, it’s always better to play it safe and have a sports medicine specialist take a look.
Mental Support After Injury
Q: If my kid gets injured, how can I help them mentally cope?
Getting injured can be tough for young athletes — not just physically but emotionally too. I always tell parents to help their child see the injury as a temporary setback rather than a failure. Framing it as an opportunity to come back even stronger can help them stay motivated and focused on recovery. Staying positive is key, but it’s also important to set realistic goals. Small, achievable goals — like regaining strength or completing a rehab exercise — help build momentum and give kids a sense of progress.
Support from teammates, coaches and sports medicine professionals can also make a big difference. Being part of a team isn’t just about playing. It’s about connection and belonging. Keeping your child involved with their team, even if they can”t play, helps maintain that sense of community. Studies show that injured athletes are more likely to experience depression or anxiety, so staying socially connected and engaged can help protect their mental health. If you notice signs that your child is struggling emotionally, don’t hesitate to reach out for additional support.
When Healing Takes Longer Than Expected
Q: Are there red flags that an injury isn’t healing properly?
Yes, there are definitely signs that an injury might not be healing the way it should. If your child’s injury continues to swell or cause pain well after the expected healing time, that’s a red flag. Lingering pain or recurrent swelling often means that the tissue hasn’t fully healed or that there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Another sign to watch for is limited movement. If your child can’t regain full mobility in the injured area even after they’ve had time to recover, it could indicate a deeper problem like joint damage or muscle weakness.
You should also be on the lookout for signs of compensatory injuries. When one part of the body is injured, kids naturally adjust their movement patterns to avoid pain. That can lead to overuse of other muscles or joints, which increases the risk of new injuries. For example, a child with a knee injury might start shifting more weight onto the other leg, which could cause strain or injury in the hip or ankle over time. If you notice any of these issues, it’s important to have your child evaluated by a sports medicine doctor. Catching and treating these problems early can prevent long-term damage and help your child get back to playing safely.
Q: Are there signs my child should stop playing a sport entirely due to recurrent injuries?
Deciding whether a child should stop playing a sport because of injuries is never easy — it really depends on the type, severity and frequency of the injuries. Every case is different. That’s why it’s important to look at the bigger picture and assess how often your child has been injured and how well they’ve recovered each time.
Concussions are one area where I tell parents to be especially cautious. There’s no magic number of concussions that automatically means a child should stop playing, but repeated head injuries can have serious, long-term effects on brain health. The key factors I consider are how often the concussions have happened, how severe they were and how long it took for your child to recover. If those patterns are concerning, it may be time to rethink the sport or adjust how they’re playing.
If you’re not sure what’s best, that’s where a sports medicine doctor can help. We can evaluate the injury history and determine whether it’s safe for them to keep playing or if modifications are needed to reduce the risk of future injuries. The goal is always to protect your child’s health while helping them stay as active as possible.
When to Consider Surgery
Q: How do I know if surgery is the right decision for my child’s injury?
Surgery is rarely the first option for sports injuries, especially in young athletes. Most injuries can be treated successfully with bracing, physical therapy and rehab, so those should always be tried first.
That said, if your child is dealing with chronic pain or limited movement that’s preventing them from participating in sports despite trying nonsurgical treatments, surgery may be necessary. Functional issues — like trouble running, jumping or pivoting — are often a bigger concern than pain alone.
Every injury is different, so it’s important to consult with a sports medicine specialist. We can assess the injury, evaluate how well nonsurgical treatments are working and help you decide if surgery is the best next step.
Keeping Young Athletes Healthy and Strong
Helping young athletes stay in the game isn’t just about preventing injuries — it’s about creating a balance between training, recovery and long-term health. By encouraging smart training habits, using the right equipment and recognizing when to seek medical care, parents can play a crucial role in their child’s athletic journey.
Stay Proactive and Informed
- Keep an open dialogue with your child about their body and how they feel.
- Encourage proper rest, hydration and nutrition to support recovery and performance.
- Don’t ignore persistent pain — early intervention can prevent long-term problems.
For more expert advice, watch our Preventing Youth Athlete Injuries Webinar.
SALINEVILLE – Southern Local Schools will soon implement a campaign in partnership with the Columbiana County Educational Service Center to inform students that “YOU Matter Here.”
District Federal Programs Coordinator Kristy Sampson said plans will begin in January to begin brainstorming strategies which stress students’ importance in both the school and the community. The project stems from a developmental asset survey from the Search Institute conducted by the Columbiana County ESC and involving junior high and high school students countywide who are between the ages of 12 to 18. The developmental assets are building blocks for healthy development to help young people grow up healthy, caring, and responsible.
“Columbiana County ESC partners with the guidance counselors to conduct the asset survey every couple of years with students to determine which of the developmental assets the students have developed and which assets the students need support with. They are going to do a campaign kickoff this year entitled, ‘YOU Matter Here,’ to focus on the main asset categories or pillars identified as areas of need based on student responses, and they are encouraging school districts to review the data and find ways to implement the ‘YOU Matter Here’ concepts with their youth.”
Sampson added that the survey data indicated three main pillars, or categories, where students’ responses indicated a need for support: sense of belonging and self-identity; parental presence and power; and community involvement. The campaign aims to boost awareness and positivity, and she will coordinate a stakeholders’ meeting over the next month to begin planning for implementation at Southern Local.
“We’ll host a meeting with stakeholders to look at our county data and district specific data to move forward in supporting our students. We will work with Melissa Galbreath, the lead for the Columbiana County “YOU Matter Here” campaign to begin our process. This is the first time we’ve done this campaign,” she continued, saying one aspect may be to seek the development of a third space for kids to find enrichment and support. “Research shows that kids who have positive environments outside of home and school possess more of the positive developmental assets.”
But more discussion will be needed before efforts get underway.
“We can plan activities and supports to help our kids here at Southern Local realize they matter here in our buildings, they matter here in our classrooms, and they matter here in our extra-curricular activities as well as in the community,” Sampson said.
Any community member interested in becoming involved with the planning process may contact Sampson at the administrative office by calling 330-679-2343, Ext. 4203, or email kristy.sampson@slindians.org.
Rec Sports
Real Madrid are convinced former youth team defender will come back ‘sooner rather than later’
According to the latest information shared by Rodra via ESPN, there is a growing belief that Jacobo Ramon is destined to return to Real Madrid sooner rather than later.
The journalist mentions that the former youth team defender’s development in Italy has not gone unnoticed.
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Currently plying his trade with Como, under Cesc Fabregas, Ramon has taken major steps forward this season, both in terms of responsibility and consistency.
In fact, he has grown into a genuine defensive leader despite being just 20 years old.
His composure, reading of the game, and ability to organise the back line have made him a key figure in Como’s defensive structure.
A smart buy-back option
It is said that Real Madird have been closely monitoring their young centre-backs, aware that defensive renewal is an issue that must be addressed carefully over the coming seasons.
While external signings often grab headlines, Madrid remain committed to developing solutions from within, and Ramon is now firmly part of that conversation.
Real Madrid are keeping a close eye on Jacobo Ramon. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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One of the key factors keeping Madrid relaxed is the contractual control they still hold.
The club included a buy-back option worth around €8 million, which can be activated next summer.
That clause gives Madrid a clear and affordable pathway to bring him back once they feel the timing is right.
Inside Valdebebas, there is a strong sense that this return is not a question of “if”, but “when”.
What makes Ramon’s case particularly compelling is how quickly he has adapted to senior football away from Spain.
Now, with defensive planning already underway, Ramon is increasingly seen as a natural solution, one who knows the club, understands its demands, and is proving himself step by step at the highest level.
Youth athletes looking to improve their technique, mechanics and confidence may find a new home with Pahrump Valley Junior Athletics.
Recently launched by local coach David Wilson, a lead instructor for the Pahrump Valley Junior Golf Association, Wilson’s vision is simple — build strong athletes. Build confident kids. Build a powerful future for Pahrump.
“Our mission is to develop well-rounded, disciplined, confident young athletes who are building the future of our community,” Wilson said. “We train them in a variety of areas, from speed, power, and agility to hand-eye coordination, endurance, and flexibility. The idea is to start younger so that kids have a strong foundation as they move into middle and high school athletics.”
The program comes as part of a broader effort to engage kids in sports early, addressing a common challenge many coaches have seen in Pahrump: students entering middle and high school sports with limited experience and preparation.
Aiming to serve kids in first through twelfth grade, Wilson draws on his years of coaching and playing experience.
From high school and college basketball to local youth programs, Wilson believes starting early is key.
In addition to group sessions, individual training will be available, with plans to work closely with local high school coaches to ensure that kids are prepared for the expectations of middle and high school athletics.
The program will begin this summer at the Pahrump Valley High School track and field, with sessions expected to run three to four times a week.
Fees are still being finalized, but organizers are committed to making the program affordable for all families, with memberships and discounts for multiple sessions.
Wilson’s inspiration comes from a lifelong love of sports and teaching.
Having played basketball at Bakersfield College, Crete Nebraska and coaching for three years at Pahrump Valley High School, Wilson understands the value of positive coaching and mentorship.
“I had coaches who were amazing teachers, and they shaped not just how I approached sports, but how I approached life,” Wilson said. “I want to bring that same experience to the kids here in Pahrump.”
With strong community support, Wilson is optimistic about the program’s impact.
“The community here is awesome — supportive, caring, and invested in their kids. We just want to give back and help kids grow, have fun, and succeed,” he said.
For parents and young athletes eager to get started, the program promises a mix of structured training, skill-building, and, most importantly, enjoyment of sports.
“By the end of the day, it’s about creating a culture where kids want to come, want to play and feel successful,” Wilson said.
To inquire about the program, contact David Wilson at pvjuniorathletics@gmail.com
Contact Jacob Powers at jpowers@pvtimes.com. Follow @jaypowers__ on X.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) -We just heard from Sundance Wicks on Tuesday night about how much he enjoyed bringing his Wyoming Cowboys back to South Dakota to take on the Jackrabbits at the Sanford Pentagon.
Every player and coach I’ve talked to since it was built has raved about the venue.
Our Sam Tastad put together some the reactions we’ve captured after the 100th Division One Basketball game was played on the Heritage Court at one of the coolest courts in the country.
<“I thought it was an unbelievable atmosphere. As good as in college basketball. No one tell me that’s a neutral site game,” said Oklahoma men’s basketball coach Porter Moser.
“It was absolutely unbelievable. I was talking to a Pentagon representative and he said that’s the best environment he’s heard in 100 games that have been here,” said Nebraska men’s basketball player Pryce Sandfort.
“It’s a milestone I wouldn’t of thought we would reach,” said Sanford Sports Vice President of Operations Jesse Smith. “After amount of effort it took to get game one and these Division I games off the ground, I never could have imagined we would be looking at hosting our 100th game.”
“They make you feel super welcome. They treat women’s basketball like its a sport. They put on a show and make us feel great about being here,” said South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley.
“To hear people say it is mandatory for people to play a game in the Sanford Pentagon is music to our ears,” said Sanford Sports President of Operations Steve Young.
“It was a home court and please can I take the fans. I think what the Pentagon folks is great. I would love to thank them as well,” said Iowa women’s basketball coach Jan Jensen.
“It felt like a home game with amount of fans there starting chants. You could definitely feel energy there,” said former Iowa Hawkeyes player Lucy Olsen.
“Every game is going to be by recently bias. But it was absolute electric in here. But I would put our experience in our arena with big time major fan support and community support. Major production,” said Young.
“Most memorable game was the Iowa and Gonzaga game that happened during COVID. We got the biggest game. We had Number one in country against the Number three team in the country and no one could come in and watch game. We felt like we were watching a secret scrimmage up until this Saturday with the Huskers was the Northern State national championship game against Ferris State. It ended on a last second shot and this play was loud and so much fun,” said Smith. “100 games means we have put ourselves on map as best in nation for college basketball. That was one of things our leadership had set out to do when we built this facility. We want to be a place for basketball, whether that’s youth basketball, AAU basketball, collegiate and professional. Now we can sit here and say we have checked those boxes. We have met all those goals and we want to keep going. Let’s keep going and do another 100.”
Copyright 2025 Dakota News Now. All rights reserved.
The event, held Thursdays for over 45 years, involves patrons “betting” on turtles in a ring, with proceeds benefiting charities for unhoused residents
Brennan’s Pub, a longtime Marina del Rey bar known for its turtle racing tradition that has drawn crowds and controversy for nearly 50 years, will close permanently after business Saturday.
An Instagram post from the pub announced the closure, inviting patrons to final hours Friday starting at 4 p.m. and Saturday from noon, culminating in one last turtle race at 9 p.m.
The event, held Thursdays for over 45 years, involves patrons “betting” on turtles in a ring, with proceeds benefiting charities for unhoused residents—raising more than $300,000 total, according to the pub’s website.
The races have faced criticism from animal welfare groups, including a 2024 protest outside the bar organized by In Defense of Animals and others, who argued the noisy environment stresses the turtles and constitutes exploitation.
Bar officials have defended the practice, noting on-site veterinary care, a dedicated habitat and safety rules like no pointing or booing.
The pub, at 4089 Lincoln Blvd., has hosted events including turtle races, trivia and sports viewings.
SIOUX FALLS — A few years ago, Luke Hannemann was serving as an assistant coach under Sioux Falls Roosevelt boys basketball coach Mitch Begeman when the two coaches came up with a simple but bright idea.
For decades, the Presidents Bowl Football Games had served as one of the single-largest fundraising opportunities for booster clubs in the Sioux Falls School District.
Begeman and Hannemann noticed it, and with the holiday break providing the perfect time during the basketball season to put on something similar, the two coaches decided to float the idea to others during an end-of-season coaches’ meeting.
“We just said, ‘Hey, can we make this happen and do something like this?'” Begeman said. “I think all the [athletic directors] jumped on board pretty quick with the idea and obviously being able to fundraise some more dollars for our school district and our activities.
“Here we are three years later and doing this, and that’s really kind of how it all started was just by conversations and collaboration and then bringing it to the administrators.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
What emerged was an extension of the Presidents Bowl made for the hardwood.
Hannemann, who is now in his second season as boys basketball coach at Sioux Falls Lincoln, and Begeman will each lead their respective teams onto the court Monday and Tuesday when the third annual Presidents Bowl High School Basketball Classic gets underway at the Sanford Pentagon.
All eight varsity games will be played on Heritage Court. Here’s a quick glance at the schedule:
Monday, Dec. 29
- Girls: SF Lincoln vs. SF Roosevelt, 11 a.m.
- Boys: SF Lincoln vs. SF Roosevelt, 1 p.m.
- Girls: SF Washington vs. SF Jefferson, 3 p.m.
- Boys: SF Washington vs. SF Jefferson, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 30
- Girls: SF Jefferson vs. SF Lincoln, 11 a.m.
- Boys: SF Jefferson vs. SF Lincoln, 1 p.m.
- Girls: SF Roosevelt vs. SF Washington, 3 p.m.
- Boys: SF Roosevelt vs. SF Washington, 5 p.m.
A number of sponsors have since teamed up with the Presidents Bowl Committee to assist in bringing the two-day showcase to life.
With a seating capacity of 3,250 — featuring four executive suites, 12 loge boxes and a pair of corner suites — Heritage Court serves as the ideal playing surface for the varsity basketball teams of each city school to gather annually for a holiday showcase.
“They do things the right way with what everybody’s talked about, just the small details of making this kind of a big deal for these kids, and I think that’s the appreciation the coaches all really do see,” Begeman said. “These guys put on such a quality event. It’s great to make it a big deal for these kids because some of these kids may not get to do something like this ever again.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
Throughout the day, the auxiliary courts surrounding Heritage Court will showcase junior varsity, sophomore and freshman games between the four city public schools. Meanwhile, a youth basketball clinic has also taken place prior to the showcase.
Begeman knows there’s still a lot that could be done to grow the event in the coming years. He’d like to explore the possibility of allowing the varsity squads to compete for a Presidents Bowl trophy, something the ADs would need to hash out collectively in order to make the logistics work.
But the growth from the inaugural year of the showcase until now couldn’t be made possible without the many volunteers associated with the Presidents Bowl, as well as the financial backing from dozens of corporate sponsors.
“I’m just thankful that people took the conversation that we had four years ago and said, ‘All right, let’s do this,'” Begeman said. “This should be about the kids, and it is about the kids and the experiences. And I think when it makes sense like it does, it got put into action pretty quick.”
Here’s a brief breakdown of each varsity team heading into this year’s Presidents Bowl High School Basketball Classic:
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Tim Reck (5th year)
- Record: 1-2 (lost at Roosevelt 63-58, lost vs. Brandon Valley 63-58, won at O’Gorman 66-58)
- Top returners: Jase Unzen, Colby Nuttbrock, Kwai Mayen, Caleb Goodroad
- Coach’s comments: “I’m really looking forward to playing out at the Pentagon. Talking to my guys, they’ve grown up playing out there. They’re really excited to be playing out there again this year. I know we’ve got two really tough opponents we’re going to have to play, but it’s a great time to also see where we are at the beginning of the season.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Shaunteva Pruett (5th year)
- Record: 1-2 (won at Roosevelt 59-48, lost at Brandon Valley 73-44, lost at O’Gorman 76-48)
- Top returners: Brinley Altenburg, Taylor Silvernail, Abby Horner, Lydia Johnson, Macy Bryant, Kaia Pauli
- Coach’s comments: “The Pentagon does a phenomenal job with the venue by just making our kids feel special, from the locker room to the starting lineups to the environment on the court as well. … We have a lot of experience. We graduated one senior last year, so we have six seniors this year on our team.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Luke Hannemann (2nd year)
- Record: 3-0 (won at Washington 66-59, won at Harrisburg 66-53, won vs. Yankton 62-38)
- Top returners: Sam Ericsson, Sam DeGroot, Brody Schafer, Lucas Honner, Jaden Haley, Owen Duffy
- Coach’s comments: “It’s a great experience to be able to play at the Pentagon. … We’ve got six seniors this year and a good group of juniors, so we’re kind of heavy in our senior and junior group this year. But they’re a really fun group to be around, and I’m just lucky to be coaching those guys.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Zach Wessels (2nd year)
- Record: 0-4 (lost at Yankton 61-10, lost at Washington 57-12, lost vs. Harrisburg 50-17, lost vs. Tea Area 58-26)
- Top returners: Ingrid Ready, Regan Van Meeteren
- Coach’s comments: “We have a lot of girls who haven’t played on that floor yet, so that’s going to be a ton of fun just being under the lights and stuff. We’re a pretty young team. We have one senior and one junior. … We’re just excited to go play out there.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Mitch Begeman (10th year)
- Record: 3-0 (won vs. Jefferson 63-58, won vs. O’Gorman 70-68, won at Brandon Valley 67-50)
- Top returners: Memphis Bylander, Deondre Painter, Bryson Skogsberg, CJ Schmaus
- Coach’s comments: “We spent a lot of time on the floor this summer just growing and connecting as a team. I think that was something we identified from last year. We thought it was really important to focus on that this year, but this group just likes each other a lot. And it’s just really fun to coach a team that’s bought in and likes to be around each other. We’re very excited and just hoping we can keep stacking good days, good practices, and try to find some more wins on the year.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Blake Bradfield (4th year)
- Record: 0-3 (lost vs. Jefferson 59-48, lost vs. O’Gorman 62-37, lost vs. Brandon Valley 76-33)
- Top returners: Henlee Loof, Kalli Harris, Emma Adams, Katelyn Duin
- Coach’s comments: “Our girls and myself knew going into the season that our first six games were against top-five teams preseason. We knew it was kind of a gauntlet, but I challenged them to kind of keep it in perspective. We’re going to be battle-tested early. I’d rather have that to see where we’re at and see where we need to get to as the season progresses.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Jeff Tobin (5th year)
- Record: 1-2 (lost vs. Lincoln 66-59, won at Yankton 54-42, lost vs. Harrisburg 57-41)
- Top returners: Jhace Woods, Ben Sprecher, Sam Uhing
- Coach’s comments: “We’re just excited about the nucleus we have and maybe the team that we can become. The fun part, as coaches, is we’re not necessarily sure who we are yet. That’s the fun part about December. … Thank you so much for all the work that goes into making this a great weekend. We’re privileged to get to play in it. We don’t take it for granted.”
Trent Singer / Sioux Falls Live
- Coach: Jamie Parish (12th year)
- Record: 3-0 (won vs. Lincoln 57-12, won vs. Yankton 57-24, won vs. Harrisburg 64-48)
- Top returners: Dana Harpe, Rylan Kennett, Josie Biteler
- Coach’s comments: “This is just a unique event. It’s a great experience for our kids. I know we’ve talked about it before, but the Pentagon is a special place. … Who we are right now is going to look significantly different in January, and again, it’s going to look different in February. We’re just really excited with this group of kids to watch them grow and get better.”
Trent Singer is a sports reporter for Sioux Falls Live. He focuses his coverage on Augustana men’s hockey and Sioux Falls area sports. Singer’s previous stops include Just Women’s Sports, the Southeast Missourian and the Kentucky New Era.
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