Standout athletes honored at awards night

Last Thursday evening the Hill City High School Theatre was filled with pride, applause and celebration as the school honored its student athletes during the annual Athletic Awards Night. Coaches, players and families gathered to recognize a year of record-breaking achievements, championship runs and incredible individual and team performances across all sports.

Girls volleyball coach Allison Henderson expressed deep pride in her team’s efforts this past season. The Rangers concluded an impressive run with a 29-4 record, falling just short in the Class A SoDak 16. 

Alysia Isakson earned Black Hills Conference Honorable Mention.

The Rangers football team, led by head coach Brett Eckert, made headlines with one of the most successful campaigns in school history, finishing 8-2 and advancing to the 9-AA Quarterfinals for just the fourth time ever. The team also became the highest scoring offense in Hill City history, averaging 48.3 points per game.

“There’s 26 teams that are in the 9-AA race. So to be recognized and have this many guys on that team is really exciting and a huge representation of our school, but also the hard work these kids put in,” said head coach Brett Eckert.

Hill City boasted four All-State selections: Brensen Veneklasen—Tight End, Logan Street—Special Teams, Devin Buehler—Quarterback (Honorable Mention) and Nick Schroeder—Running Back (Honorable Mention).

Buehler was named Rapid City Journal’s Best of the West Quarterback and  shattered multiple school records, including: single-game pass completions (21), single-game pass completion percentage (99 percent), season completion percentage (69.1 percent), season touchdowns (26), career passing yards (4,056), career pass completions (293), career touchdowns (44) and career points (261).

Kicker Street also now holds three records for most extra point kicks in a game (seven), most PATs (extra points) in a season (48) and a career PATs (48).

Coached by Anna Eckert, the girl’s basketball team finished 15-6, reaching the Class A Region 8 semifinals, with 12 letter winners: Kylee Alexander, Jessica Escalante, Naiya Ginsbach, Alaina Dean, Demi Schrier, Jaelyn Peters, Macie Ham, Daril Frandsen, Andee Fransen, Rarity Cournoyer, Aspen Veneklasen and Lillie Ham. 

All-conference honors went to Daril Frandsen, with honorable mentions for Naiya Ginsbach and Macie Ham.

Under coach Laramie Harvey, the boys basketball team enjoyed a season for the record books—achieving its first-ever state tournament appearance, breaking the school record for most wins and placing sixth at state.

Eight players received varsity letters: Buehler, Dax Frandsen, Zane Messick, Schroeder, Alex Stoeckmann, Everett Sullivan, Veneklasen and Brayden Wilkison.

Conference and State Honors: All-Conference: Buehler, Messick, Honorable Mention: Dax Frandsen, Sullivan, Class A 3rd Team All-State: Buehler, Best of the West (Rapid City Journal): Buehler (First Team), Messick (Second Team), All-Academic Team: Buehler, Stoeckmann.

Buehler finishes his basketball career as Hill City’s all-time leader in scoring (1,489 points), assists (438), steals (290) and rebounds (449). He also received the Spirit of Su Award at state.

 “I was always taught by my parents to leave things better than you found them. You guys, everyone left this program better than you found it, and I thank you for that,” said Harvey.

First-year coach Josh Robison led a young and determined wrestling team that experienced a year of growth.

Letter winners include: Joy Anderson (manager), Elizabeth Sutton (manager), Daisy Munoz, Cory Ronish, Justin Malone, Titus Sutton, Andres Hernandez and Caleb Garcia.

Robison handed out the honor of special awards: Rookie of the Year went to Malone. Service Award was honored to Munoz, who also received Wrestler of the Year. Ronish received the Character Award.

Both Munoz and Ronish earned Black Hills Conference Honorable Mentions, with Munoz qualifying for State.

Coach Rudi McDaniels’ cheer squads supported both football and basketball seasons with enthusiasm, spirit and dedication.

Football cheer letter winners are Layla Williams, Elizabeth Knapp, Anna Winter, Abigail Garcia, Jazzy Dubois and Mia Rapp.

Basketball cheer letter winners are L. Williams, Knapp, Winter, Dacey Williams and Ameya Bosby.

Golf coach Josh Daiss leads a promising squad with 16 athletes. 

Letter winners include Breylon Rahn, Max Rupert, Adolph Tyler and Leo Daiss. All-Conference honors went to Messick and Daiss. Tyler and Daiss received both All-Academic Black Hills Conference, and Academic All-State.

Coach Joe Noyes honored athletes from both track and cross country.

Cross country highlights include All-Conference recipient Cournoyer. All-Region Girls: Peters, Hadley Walker, Brooke Thayer-Burke, Aspen Veneklasen, Cournoyer. All-Region Boys: James DuBois, Aiden Williams, Barett Bush, Brandon Escalante and Tate Grabow.

Grabow was the individual 5-A State Cross Country Champion. Brandon Escalante earned Class A All-State.

The team also reset several school track records: A. Frandsen—300m hurdles, M. Hamm—Javelin, Sprint Medley Relay—Buehler, Grabow, Schelske, Wiese, 4x100 Relay—Wiese, Caleb Sobolik, Ayden Kurtz and Schroeder.

Allison Goodpastor presented the Renae Alexander Memorial Scholarship on behalf of the Alexander family to recipient Paiton Flick.

Blake Gardner presented the Ranger Shield of Faith Award, given annually to a senior boy who embodies the qualities of faith and character that coach Cory Ginsbach exemplified. This year had two recipients, Buehler and Daiss.

Wade Ginsbach awarded the All-Around Athlete to two exemplary student athletes, Buehler and L. Ham. 

Beloved community supporters John and Kris Knapp were recognized as Hill City Ranger Fans of the Year, honoring their unwavering commitment and presence at sporting events.

The evening was not only a reflection of athletic excellence but also of character, perseverance and community pride. As the Hill City Rangers look ahead to next year, they do so with momentum, motivation and a legacy of achievement.