The Winner basketball program’s successful seasons culminated in both head coaches being named the Region 8 coach of the year by the South Dakota Basketball Coaches Association.
Brett Gardner received the honor after leading the Warrior boys to a 16-6 record. Larry Aaker guided the Winner girls to a perfect 22-0 mark with a berth in the Class A state tournament for a second consecutive season.
In Region 7, Platte-Geddes’ Frank Cutler was named the boys coach of the year and Corsica-Stickney’s Lorisa Broughton earned the honor on the girls side.
The Black Panthers qualified for the Class B state tournament with a 20-3 record under Cutler. Meanwhile, Broughton had coached the Jaguars to a 24-0 record, including a 65-42 win over Irene-Wakonda in the Class B girls state tournament first round.
Mount Vernon/Plankinton’s Jason Helling was named the assistant boys coach of the year. On the girls side, Gregory’s Lonnie Klundt and Parkston’s Eric Norden tied as the assistant girls coach of the year for Region 7.
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Region 5 saw Howard’s Nick Koepsell named the boys coach of the year. The Tigers earned a 16-5 record this season. Meanwhile, Hanson’s Ray Slaba notched assistant boys coach of the year honors.
