Preseason Preview: Elkton-Lake Benton Elks
The Elks are a veteran team that brings back many experienced players. They have played in big games in past years and they know what it takes to win. Look out for Elkton-Lake Benton, they are going to be a…
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Continue ReadingThe Elks are a veteran team that brings back many experienced players. They have played in big games in past years and they know what it takes to win. Look out for Elkton-Lake Benton, they are going to be a tough team. Read below for comments from Head Coach Steve Erickson, information on the players, and their full schedule.
Team Strengths from Coach Steve Erickson:
“I think one of our strengths is the experience we have coming back. We are a veteran team, we have been to back-to-back SoDak 16 games so they have been in some big games/atmospheres. I don’t think they will be intimidated by that type of thing. We have a group that is pretty interchangeable with their positions and can do multiple things on the floor, so we are hoping to mix things up and keep ourselves in positions to take advantage of mismatches/opportunities as they present themselves to us.“
Coach Erickson talks about team goals and expectations:
This will be our first year moving up to Class A. We have re-worked our schedule a bit and picked up some quality opponents that will give us a challenge every night out. We have a group that loves the game, loves to compete, and has been a part of successful teams. They know and understand what it takes to play at a high level consistently so they will put in the work to do that.
Top Players
Aiden Erickson (2022) |5-9 G|
He has been on the varsity squad since his 8th-grade year. Aiden has started since his sophomore season. Erickson will be a team captain and a leader for the Elk. He can score in a wide variety of ways. Erickson has improved his jump shot in the last year. Aiden is skilled at getting to the rim and finishing through contact. The Elk will need him to stay on the court, defend, rebound, and help carry the load this season. Aiden was voted 2nd team All-DVC last season.
Miles Harming (2022) |6-2 G|
He has been on varsity since his 8th-grade year and Miles started last season. He has always been a consistent shooter but he has improved all areas of his game over the course of his career. Harming has grown and his length will create mismatches. Miles will help mix up the things that the Elk do on offense and defense. He is a very good defender that is not afraid to rebound. Miles will be a team captain and a huge part of what the Elk do this season. Harming was a 3rd team All-DVC last year.
Ryan Krog (2023) |6-1 F|
He has a unique skill set with the abilitly to basically play every position on the floor when needed. Look for Ryan to step into a starting role this year. He will create matchup problems on both ends of the court. Krog is a physically strong player that rebounds and defends at a high level. Ryan is a tremendous passer and he sees the floor well. Krog can also shoot the ball at a high level.
Logan Kuehl (2022) |5-10 G|
He was a key reserve on the varsity last season. Logan put in the time this offseason to improve his game. Expect Kuehl to be an important piece for Elkton-Lake Benton. He can fill it up from deep once he gets rolling. Logan has improved at putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rack. Logan will be counted on in a big way on both ends of the floor.
Isaac Jaacks (2022) |6-4 F|
He is likely the most athletic player on the roster. Isaac has started to put things together and he understands the game at a much better level. Jaacks is big, has length, jumps very well, and he is great at running the floor. Isaac will be a vital piece of the puzzle.
Riley Hunter (2022) |5-10 G|
He will be a key reserve. Riley understands the game, has good handles, and he defends at a high level. Hunter is a great kid and he understands his role. Riley will accel at coming off the bench and he will provide a nice lift.
Cameron Lorden (2022) |6-4 F|
He will be a long and lanky post. Lorden will be a key rotation player for the Elk. Cameron will give Elkton-Lake Benton the ability to do more things defensively as he will help cover up the paint with his length.
Lane Thompson (2022) |6-0 F|
He will be a rotation guy as a post player. Lane does the dirty work. Thompson will defend, rebound, and help do the little things on both ends of the floor.
Garrett Neill (2024) |5-10 G| Carson Griffith (2024) |6-4 F|
They will both be a couple of guys that have a chance to crack the rotation and provide depth. They need to continue improving parts of their game, but they have the ability to help if called upon.
Coach Erickson comments on the excitement heading into the season:
“We are excited to get started with another season. The opportunity to compete and play this game is wonderful and they embrace that. They compete each and every day to make each other better and push each other to be their best. Coach Harming (my assistant) and I have coached this group of seniors since they were in third grade, both having sons as seniors with kind of bittersweet, but is exciting at the same time. They understand this is the last go at it and fully expect they will do everything they can to make it the best year possible for the entire team.”
Elk Schedule
December 10 @ Milbank
December 14 (home) vs Castlewood
December 17 (home) vs Lake Preston
December 21 @ vs Colman-Egan
December 30 Huron Classic vs TBD @ Huron Arena
December 31 Entringer Classic vs Madison @ Brookings
January 4 (home) vs Estelline/Hendricks
January 7@ Canton
January 10 @ Dell Rapids St. Mary
January 14 (home) vs Arlington
January 22 Dakota Valley Conference Classic vs. TBD
January 25 (home) vs Dell Rapids
January 27 (home) vs Oldham-Ramona/Rutland
February 1 (home) vs Deuel
February 3 @ De Smet
February 10 (home) Sioux Falls Lutheran
February 12 @ Garretson
February 14 (home) vs Baltic
February 17 @ Deubrook Area
February 25 (home) Hanson