The Andes Central/Dakota Christian girls’ and boys’ basketball seasons both came to end, unfortunately falling short of qualifying for the state tournament. The teams both fought hard in post-play. The Lady Thunder ended their season after advancing to the SoDak 16 where they played Ethan. The ladies played an incredible game only falling short three points to Ethan. The Thunder ended their season in post-season district play against Tripp-Delmont/Armour with a score of 38-54. Even though their seasons did not end the way they had hoped, the four seniors have some final thoughts on their final basketball season playing for the AC/DC Thunder. The four seniors are Neveah Morgan, Claire Johnson, Anaias White Eyes, and Peter Backes.

Neveah Morgan

Neveah Morgan is the daughter of Brian Morgan Sr and the granddaughter of Diane and Craig Krsnak. Neveah has been playing basketball since she was a fifth grader. When she was a middle schooler, she wanted to be like the upperclassmen. When she found out that they played basketball, it made her want to start playing and she has been playing ever since. Neveah has been very lucky to have some great coaches throughout her basketball career that have not only helped her but peaked her love of the game as well.

The best part of her senior season was making it to the SoDak 16. Neveah’s team goal for this season was to make it to the state tournament. Even though they were one game short of achieving that goal, as a team they accomplished more than they had expected. Neveah’s personal goal was to play as a team for the season and that goal was definitely accomplished.

Neveah enjoys playing defense more because she enjoys making hustle plays so that her other teammates can score. Her favorite shot is taking a 3-point shot from the wing. Neveah played a guard position for the Thunder. She lettered all four years in basketball. This season was probably her favorite season of her high school career. Making it to the SoDak 16 gave her aa great feeling.

Neveah will attend the University of South Dakota for either sports medicine or business in the fall. She would like to say thank you to all of her teammates and coaches for always pushing not only her, but the team as a whole to be the best they could be. She is very proud of everyone on the team and would not trade this team or season for the world. To her parents, community and the student body she would like to say a huge thank you for all of the support throughout the season. It was wonderful always having people at every game and cheering section through it all no matter the outcome of the game. Her advice for her teammates for next season would be give it your all. The team has so much potential and can go as far as the state tournament next year if they put the work in.

Claire Johnson

Claire Johnson is the daughter of Brian and Kathy Johnson. Claire has been playing basketball since she was a sixth grader. Growing up, she was surrounded by basketball and was always cheering on family members at their basketball games. It always seemed like a fun game and is how she first became interested in the sport. What kept Claire motivated was all of the people that continuously supported and encouraged her from day one, especially the younger kids that look up to her. The best part of her senior season was being able to make it to the SoDak 16 and all of the memories she made with her teammates that she will cherish.

Offense is Claire’s favorite part of the game because that when she can get to move with the ball. For her, it enhances the excitement of the game. Claire’s favorite shot as a guard for the Thunder would be a three-pointer. Highlights of Claire’s basketball career for ACDC include being a four-time basketball letterwinner, varsity captain and making it to the SoDak 16 two out of the four years of high school.

Next fall, Claire will be attending Mitchell Technical College for their LPN program. Claire feels immense gratitude for the entire season. In all honesty, she could not have imagined going through this journey with any other group of girls. She wants to say thank you. Coaches, thank you for the guidance, dedication, and positivity throughout the season. To the community, thank you for the unwavering support and following the team throughout the season. Team spirit was shows in the gym at all games and the athletes could feel all the love and support coming from the bleachers. Lastly, to her returning teammates, she is eager to see what they all will accomplish in the coming years. She will be cheering the team on and as always, Go Thunder!

Anaias White Eyes

Anaias White Eyes is the son of Natanee Patterson and Lawrence White Eyes. He is the grandson of Adeline Jandreau, Nate Patterson and Dee O’Conner. Anaias has been playing basketball since he could walk. He became interested in basketball because he was always around the sport growing up and he enjoyed everything about it. Anaias’ coaches, mom and father figure, Jon Lanuza, all helped him get better at basketball as well as enjoy the game.

For Anaias, the best part of his senior basketball season was winning and the work that was put in to get better every game. He enjoyed watching the team get better and learn how to work together. As a team, they became more disciplined and learned a system that worked for them. The team achieved their goal of constant improvement throughout the season. This was a very special season for Anaias and one that he will always remember.

Anaias enjoys playing offense more than defense because he believes that scoring is the most fun part of basketball. As a shooting guard for the Thunder, Anaias’s favorite shot was a corner three-pointer off the catch or dribble.

After graduation, Anaias plans to attend WyoTech and graduate with a automotive technician degree. Anaias would like to thank his teammates, coaches, parents, and community for making basketball enjoyable and for taking the time to help others learn and grow in the game. This season was a major improvement in comparison to last year’s season. It was nice to win games. It felt good not to be expected to lose every game.

Peter Backes

Peter Backes is the son of Jon and Sara Backes. He has been playing basketball since he was a fifth grader. Peter became interested in basketball after watching his dad play during his childhood. Peter credits his love for the game to all the support that he received from people throughout his career from teammates, coaches, and family members. The best part of Peter’s senior season would be winning as a team. For Peter, the team accomplished the goal of them feeling like a real team.

Peter enjoys playing offense as opposed to defense, because to him offense is way easier. As a guard for the Thunder, Peter’s favorite move is a hesi into a layup. This season’s accomplishments for Peter include SCC All-Conference team, Great Plains All Conference team, Little Missouri Valley All Conference and being named Thunder Most Outstanding Offense player.

After graduation, Peter plans to attend South Dakota State University and major in physical therapy. Peter would like to thank his teammates, coaches, parents and the community. Thank you for believing in him and for everything. It was a hard season for the Thunder, but Peter says that was what made it so rewarding. His advice to his teammates for next season would be to remember to play for each other because that is all you have, is each other.

Congratulations to both the Lady Thunder and Thunder teams on great seasons. Thank you to the seniors for all of your dedication and leadership on your teams.