(This is another in a series of basketball previews for teams that are participating in the 2021 Lakota Nation Invitational)

By Rich Winter

Another year, another deep run is expected from Eldon Marshall’s White River boys basketball team.

The Tiger boys were ranked No. 2 in the preseason polls and earned the No. 1 seed for the upcoming Lakota Nation Invitational. 

“This year we have speed and quickness and we have a lot of guys who can shoot the three,” Marshall said. “We have guys that have played together for a long time so we'll begin with good chemistry and cohesion but we'll need to continue to build on our team attitude.”      

Top returners: 

WHITE RIVER  

Joe Sayler - 6'3 Junior - Joe was our leading scorer last year averaging 29 ppg, led us in rebs with 6.8 rpg, and averaged 3.1 assists. As a sophomore he scored his 1,000th point, voted Class B 1st team all-state last year, made the State B all-tourney team, and the Argus Leader Second Five. He's verbally committed to SDSU. Joe has put in the work to get where he is today and he is still very much improving. He will be a major force for us this year and will be in the running for player of the year in South Dakota.    

Joe Sayler averaged 29 points per game as a sophomore

Dylan Marshall - 6'1 Senior - Dylan averaged 16 ppg, 2nd in rebs at 4.3, and led us in assists with 3.8 ppg and led us in 1.7 steals per game. Dylan has worked very hard to improve as he's become accustomed to running point guard for us. He's a strong defender and has emerged as one of our leaders. We'll need him to continue to improve his all around game and be the guy that quarterbacks our team.   

Nicolas Marshall - 6'1 Sophomore - Nic started as a freshman last year and averages 4.4 ppg.  We'll need him to score more for us this year as he's good at taking the ball to the rim and he's worked to improve his outside shot. He's improved defensively and he'll need to continue to improve as he's one of our quickest guards.   

Bryson Morrison - 6'2 Sophomore - Bryson's role will be increased this year as we will need him to rebound, defend, and score more points. He worked hard to improve this offseason and he is still working to get better in all phases of his game. He's strong in the paint and he can shoot from outside, we're looking for Bryson to be a major contributor this year.   

 Kendrell Cuevas - 6'5 Junior - Kendrell has good size and he’s strong. We'll need him to rebound and improve defensively, he'll be one of our very best at challenging and blocking shots.  Kendrell also has a very good outside shot and we'll need him to utilize his ability to score this year.    

Gavin Folkers – 6’2 Senior – Gavin will play a major role this year, he has size and will need to play post defense and rebound for us and offensively he can post and knock down a 3. 

Camden Young – 5’11 Senior – Camden is a senior who plays very good defense for us. He’ll contribute by being one of our hardest workers and    

Mackenzie Wike - 5'8 Freshman – Mackenzie is a freshman that is very quick and has niched his role as being one of the hardest working on ball defenders we have, and that’s a very important role for us. He’s very good at taking the ball to the rim and finishing.  

Teagen Bouman – 5’11 Freshman – Teagen plays solid defense and can knock down an open shot, he’s very coachable and eager to get better. 

TJ Beardt – 6’1 Junior – TJ is strong and physical and a good forward/post defender for us. We’ll need him to rebound on both ends and score in the paint.   

Kalan Collins – 5’11 Senior – Kalan is a great kid with a great work ethic, he’s a very hard worker who knows how to be vocal and take charges.   

Logan Wright – 6’1 Sophomore – Logan has grown physically and his size will only help him contribute on the court, his ball-handling and shooting has improved, need to continue to improve.    

Outlook: 

“Our team goals are the same every year, to get to the state tournament and give ourselves the chance to be state champs,” Marshall said. “We know we have to put in a lot of work in the process and improve every day individually and as a team.   

White River opens their season Friday, at home vs. Jones County. The Tigers play Pine Ridge for their challenge game at the Lakota Nation Invitational on Wed, Dec. 15. Marshall’s squad opens bracket play, Thursday, Dec. 16 against No. 8 seed Rapid City Christian. 

“I’m always excited to see the guys improve individually and as a team throughout the year,” he said. “If we commit to playing defense and communicating, this team has a chance to be one of the best in the state.”