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LUVERNE — By and large, the Southwest Minnesota Shootout summer showcase was successful again with 96 regional teams holding court.
Two gymnasiums were used, including Luverne High School’s historic classic venue with its auditorium-like feel.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Blake Bosma (center) and Austin Musch (20) vie for a rebound during a Southwest Minnesota Shootout game in Luverne’s Classic Gymnasium on Wednesday, July 16. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
For nearly two decades now, this event has been a staple these parts — under the direction of Ellsworth resident Curt Schilling.
Pipestone Area Schools, Edgerton, Southwest Minnesota Christian and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s boys program participated.
Local boys powerhouses Southwest Minnesota Christian and Hills-Beaver Creek squared off during the Southwest Shootout. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“Curt runs a really good tournament,” PAS head girls basketball coach Grant Everson said. “The games start on time, and the referees are really good. It’s good for our girls.”
Schilling reported officials are sanctioned from the Minnesota State High School League, the South Dakota High School Activities Association and Iowa’s two gender-based organizations.
“We enjoy it,” PAS head boys coach Michael Slaba, who really likes the variety of competition. “We get teams we don’t see in the season. We can play freely, and not worry about scouting reports.”
Pipestone Area Schools boys basketball coach Michael Slaba reacts during a Southwest Shootout game versus Adrian-Ellsworth. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
For Slaba, it’s a chance for the Arrows to showcase their skills and also try new elements.
There’s one rule teams must adjust quickly to. Fouls count as one point for the opponent on the scoreboard.
Slaba said that keeps defenses on their toes, and also allows teams on offense to be aggressive.
Games are played with a running 18-minute clock. However, the shot clock isn’t enforced.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Amyra Mahik (right) battles for control of the basketball during a Southwest Minnesota Shootout game versus West Lyon of Iowa on Thursday, July 17, in Luverne. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
This was the latest summer basketball opportunity for four Arrows: Jadyn Kor, Amyra Mahik, Josie Danks and Blake Bosma.
Kor plays for Minnesota Rise 2026 Hulke, which played in several tournaments in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and the Run For The Roses in Louisville, Ky., where she was named to the all-tournament team in the Aqua Division.
Danks and Mahik both play for the Sanford Sports program’s 15U White team which went 5-0 at the North Tartan Meltdown in the Twin Cities and then was victorious in four games last weekend at the Sanford Falls Brawl — earning championships in each event.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Josie Danks defends a West Lyon player during the Southwest Shootout in Luverne. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Bosma plays for the Southwest Minnesota Stars 14U team, which has earned several runner-up finishes at tournaments in the region (both Sioux Falls, S.D., and St. Cloud).
Other local players on SW Minnesota Stars teams are Kade Moffitt, Reece Gilbertson and Colin Scholten from Edgerton and Russell-Tyler-Ruthton’s Lane Wichmann.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Cayden Zephier jumps for the opening possession. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Arrow boys have participated in open gymnasium sessions on Tuesday night at the high school, and morning workouts.
Slaba reported more than 70 percent participation in the school’s Acceleration program devoted to strength and conditioning.
The Arrow boys went 2-1 during games on Wednesday, July 16, with wins over Adrian-Ellsworth and George-Little Rock (Iowa). DeSmet (S.D) topped PAS in the team’s third game.
The PAS boys roster featured seniors Austin Musch, Cayden Zephier, Matthew DeBates and Trevor Doppenberg, juniors Zayne Zollner, Nicholas Bruns and Luka Quist — plus underclassmen Carson Van Hoecke, Jakob Dion, Caden Bruns, Zahir Bashir and Bosma.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Nick Burns shields an Adrian-Ellsworth player during the Southwest Shootout. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The girls roster was Taryn Tuinstra, Emersyn Smidt, Avery Reinhard, Kenzley Pater, Jersey Fenicle, Rhaelee Heidebrink, Isabella Russell, Makenley DeWilde, Danks, Mahik and Kor.
PAS girls faced stiff competition in the Thursday, July 17, morning session.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Kenzley Pater saves the ball from going out of bounds during a game versus West Lyon. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The Arrows defeated West Lyon; however, suffered losses to Central Lyon (Rock Rapids, Iowa) and traditional Minnesota Class A powerhouse Minneota.
Even though scores were kept, getting playing time and developing both teamwork and individual skills were more important outcomes on these two days.
Everson said he appreciates that several girls play basketball independently from the school.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Rhaelee Heidebrink drives toward the hoop, scoring two points versus West Lyon. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
“I think they’ve all had success, and it keeps them busy doing different things,” the coach commented.
What’s more, the PAS girls participated in a summer league at Marshall as a means for betterment. The girls played four games spread over two evenings.
Pipestone Area Schools’ Taryn Tuinstra defends an inbounds pass. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Tentatively, the Arrow girls will open the 2025-26 season on Thursday, Nov. 20 at Montevideo, followed by the home opener Nov. 25 against Lac qui Parle Valley. The boys travel to Jackson County Central on Dec. 2 for its first game, and then first home date Dec. 5 against Blue Earth Area.
Readers, look for a gallery of photos from this event on our website later this week at: www.pipestonestar.com.
Click on the photo galleries tab at the far right of the home page.