With the entire team returning from a year ago, a wealth of experienced gained from a 12-9 season, and a ramped up schedule, the Baltic Bulldog boys basketball team is ready to take the next step and be in the conversation of a state caliber team in 2025-2026.
Seniors Kellen Artz, Dylan Runestad, Trevor Cuperus, Ben Erickson, and Cooper Garry are back for this season. Ben Berg (sophomore) and Bradyn Hanson (junior) also return from a season ago. Brody Aday (senior) will be a new addition to the Bulldog team this year.
“Our off season was one where we built on where we finished last year. We gained a lot of valuable experience playing in the Impact league against a lot of top Class AA teams. We also were lucky enough to travel to Kansas University in Lawrence and compete against some high-level teams from across the country there. Our kids have really grown together this summer, and it shows with our communication on the court,” said head coach Alex Langner.
“Our guys want to take the next step this year. We ended last year with a real sour taste in our mouths, and it didn’t end the way we wanted it to. Our guys want to get to that SODAK 16 level and have an opportunity to play to get to Rapid City. This group of seniors have been a part of our varsity program since they were 8th graders, and they have really grown up the last few years. They have a great team chemistry, and I think, ultimately, they have reached a point where they just care about winning. I am looking forward to seeing what happens with this group this season and how we can improve week to week and game to game.”
The Bulldogs start the 2025-2026 season at Beresford on Friday, December 12th.
