The Summit League has been South Dakota State’s personal playground during the last few seasons, with the Jacks running all over the rest of the conference and posting some impressive victories over ranked opponents along the way. However, this year has proven to be a bit of a different story, with South Dakota State already losing several non-conference games and a conference game at home against Oral Roberts. As for the Bison, that leaves them with the chance to make a move in league play this year.  “There’s going to be five good teams in the conference and it’s going to be fun to see things shake out,” said junior Whitney Trecker.

 

The Bison are one of those teams with a large part due to the emergence of several freshman players on the team. Janae Burich, a 6’5” center, has given the Bison a physical presence and a shot blocker in the post. Danielle DeGagne has been playing solid overall with her lanky 5’10” frame. And Hannah Linz has provided great vision and sharpshooting for the Bison, gaining more confidence in her shot each game. After having injuries take away almost all of the team’s bench a season ago, head coach Carolyn DeHoff has not only been able to use the bench but has been able to use many different combinations that have worked very well.

 

“Our depth and being able to blend our depth in,” DeHoff said about her team’s strengths. “You don’t often want to see three freshmen on the floor but those are three freshmen that are put into battle every day in practice and when you get an upperclassman or two with them it helps.”

Katie Birkel is one of those upperclassmen who have been phenomenal all year for the Bison. Just a sophomore, Birkel has been nothing short of fantastic all season, controlling the point for the Bison and moving the team in the right direction. And although she is the starting point guard, Birkel has shown the ability to score as well, coming in as the second leading scorer behind Inger Hodgson 15 games into the season.

 

With that balance on the floor, the Bison have the chance to play with any team in the conference, while making sure not to overlook anyone. “You’ve got to take it one game at a time and never overlook anyone because if you do you will get upset,” DeHoff said.