Are the Todd County bigs, big enuff...
Weston Frazier looks for an inside hoop while fellow big man, Loren Dragg lurks, if necessary!
As Todd County gets ready to lace em up tonight, there is optimism galore that this could be a special year for the Falcons. The boys return a number of players, especially guards, have an interesting transfer, one of the best sophomores in the state and a bunch of junk-yard-dogs that will be scrapping for playing time.
While the guards will be solid and the bench will be helpful, if there is one question surrounding this team as they hit the hardwood tonight for the opener with Valentine, Nebraska, is just what are the big guys going to bring to the table?
It seems the bulk of those big guys will be comprised of seniors, Weston Frazier and Loren Dragg, both of whom are in the 6-foot-2, 6-foot-3 range. While the Falcon bigs aren't gigantic, they both bring a unique skill set to the team.
"Offensively, they are a tough guard, they have good feet and they are quick," Mike Hammer, Falcon coach told me. "Loren can jump out of the gym and Wes is more of a back to the basket guy."
While Frazier might be a back to the basket guy, have seen him snap off 25-footers in open gym. Dragg, had a terrific summer and he's a quick leaper that can get off the ground multiple times, and in a hurry on the second jump.
Looking forward to seeing seniors John Hacker and Umpo Kills In Sight
Senior John Hacker threading the needle to an open teammate.
Asked Umpo what hair he's going with Friday night...I know, but it will be a surprise for everyone else....He's a pesky defender, who Hammer calls one of his best on-ball defenders. Hacker is longer than you might think, a terrific scorer that can jump, run, and finish!
Shoot the 3 and play some D - Welcome home Lucas Iron Heart
After playing in White River for three seasons, Lucas Iron Heart came back to Todd County for his senior season.
Could not be more excited to see what Lucas Iron Heart brings to the table. Have gotten to know him a little better this fall and just a really exceptional young man. Good kid that has been steeled with some big-time basketball up in White River. He's been in a lot of big games, he's knocked down big shots and you can bet his experience and leadership are going to be factors for Todd County.
Welcome back A-Train....OOOOOHHHHHHH
Always hard for me to talk about Aiden Bizardie. Known him since he was about four and watched him ascend through the ranks. Hammer calls him one of the best sophomores in South Dakota, regardless of class. Bizardie averaged 15-point something last season, as a freshman, and his game has expanded dramatically from last year.
The bench will outwork you....Lotta these bench guys aren't very big but they are tougher than hell in a lot of respects. Gavyn Spotted Tail - hard worker, gutty....Tristan Shaw - really good leaper, hasn't gotten a lot of varsity minutes but has game. Skyler Yellow Eagle - Terrific football season and he'll compete with anyone. Jesse Allen - made podium in state cross country in just his first year doing the sport...That's wicked. He's got a nice game, he'll hustle and he'll make his teammates better.
One thing about Todd County is they usually start slow. It's not irregular to see them 3-6 in January and digging their way uphill all season. Middle of the year last season, Hammer installed a Sonny Prue fueled offense that really seemed to help the Falcons take off. Well, the offense is back and so are a ten players that ran it a year ago. Look for Todd County to hit the ground running tonight and get a demonstrative win over Valentine.
Looking ahead, if the seeds hold in the first round of LNI, Todd County will face Red Cloud in day two of the winter classic...OOOOOOOOHHHHHHHHH, I like it!
Will the Lady Falcon student section bring it tonight
There has been a ripple of excitement this fall at volleyball games and at the season opener, basketball, with Bennett County the other night as the Todd County student section is figuring it out...
Have always felt that the Todd County student section is a little bit lacking. Seems like in years past the kids don't sit together, they don't scream together and they don't create the home-court advantage for the team on the floor that other teams enjoy.
That said, there has been a nice little burst of activity from the student section this fall. Despite the volleyball team not having a great year, the kids showed up and they brought it every night. Other than a subdued, Kaiden Chauncy, in the picture above, those boys are bringing it.
But, with Tank Herman managing, Bryce Hammer keeping stats and Lucas Iron Heart running with the big dogs, curious to see if the Lady Falcons return the favor and give some back to the guys that supported them so loudly this fall.
Hmmmmm, while I'll be in St. Francis for the Little Wound game can't wait to see what the student section looks like.
