By Jody Schumaker

In their younger years you could hear an echo of a basketball dribbling in the gym, the clang of a basketball hitting iron, and a swish of a made basket—all seemed like a common occurrence with these two Dell Rapids Quarrier teammates.  Zane Schumaker (Mount Mary—freshman guard) and Ty Hoglund (Dakota Wesleyan—freshman guard) were in third/fourth grade when they began playing this game together as teammates; however, on November 22, 2016 in Yankton, SD, something changed.

They were together on the floor again, but this time playing against each other.  As Hoglund would say following the game, “that just felt weird”.   It was also a bit strange watching from the stands cheering for both, but rooting for one.   I’m sure this sequence has occurred several times within the state, perhaps even here in Dell Rapids—recent memory includes two brothers from Dells playing against each other.

Memories returned of these two hitting three point shots as young grade school kids, barely with the strength to get the ball to the rim, but with all the confidence of a veteran ball player.  It didn’t take long to know they had something special.  At a young age, their uncontrolled speed and over abundance of energy are now a bit more enhanced, controlled, and times with pin point accuracy.  Their time in the gym, hours of practice, to push their passion for the game only continues to grow, and oh how it shows with the improvement and enhancement of their individual and team skills.  Even as college freshman both are showing signs of leadership and gamesmanship on veteran teams.  They are no longer boys.  These two former grade school kids, who possessed tons of energy and love of basketball, are now grown men still possessing the same energy and love of the game.

It was a bit strange not seeing them wearing Quarrier orange and black, instead sporting two different shades of blue with a splash of white.  The names have changed from Schmidt, Hammer, and Karst to names like Thok, Martin, Tellas, and Spicer.  The chemistry built with years of playing with their old teammates, now needs to be quickly developed with their new teammates for a future of success on the court.  Their teams may be heading in different directions, as Dakota Wesleyan pulled away from Mount Marty to capture the win this night, but both these former Quarriers again showed their skill and ability to their new fans of Lancers and Tigers.

The Lancer and Tiger fans will get to know and enjoy watching these two play for the next four years, as we Quarrier fans have been doing for many years.  Oh yes, there were fans from Dell Rapids in the stands watching this match-up, perhaps bringing back memories of state tournament runs, 25 foot bombs, awesome passes, last second shots, and a love for the game attitude.  This won’t be the last time they will be on the floor together.  They could possibly see each other another seven times, since both schools play in the very talented GPAC conference, and are scheduled to play twice a year, if they both decide to continue to play the game—I have a hunch they will.   They will move on to do great things in their life and enjoy life as friends on and off the court, and when they get together, not only will they visit about high school experiences, but now they can throw it a bit about college.

As I watched them interact following the game, talking and laughing about the game and their current teammates, but still holding on to that connection from the past.  Schumaker had the first opportunity to experience playing against a former Quarrier when Mount Marty faced Morningside on November 16, 2016 and former Quarrier Bryce Koch.  Hoglund will get the same opportunity when Dakota Wesleyan faces Morningside on November 30, 2016.   All in all, I can say it was a lot of fun to watch these two play again, even if they weren’t on the same team.  They are representing Quarrier basketball and coach Fersdahl quite well in their new roles and teams.

Zane and Ty will face off again on February 1, 2017, as Dakota Wesleyan hosts Mount Marty at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD at 8 p.m.