The South Dakota basketball community is celebrating excellence on the sidelines, as the Basketball Coaches Association has unveiled its 2026 Region Coaches of the Year. This prestigious honor recognizes the strategic minds and dedicated leaders who guide their teams to success, a testament to the hard work that defines the sport at every level.

Parkston's boys' basketball program stood out in Region 7, with head coach Bill Marquardt and assistant Matt Grave both earning top honors. Their leadership propelled the team to an impressive 18-4 season, showcasing the impact of a cohesive coaching staff. Meanwhile, in Region 6, Freeman's Lance Friesen was named head coach of the year after masterfully leading his team to a Class B state championship with a dominant 24-2 record.

On the girls' side, the awards highlight championship pedigree and consistent performance. Ethan's Tom Young, who coached the Class B state champion Rustlers, was named the Region 7 head coach of the year. Wagner assistant Tera Koupal earned the region's assistant coach honor after helping guide the Red Raiders to a 19-5 record and an eighth-place finish in the Class A state tournament. For lower-level coaching, Avon's Becky Haenfler and Wall's Ashley Kier shared Region 5-8 coach of the year honors.

These coaches exemplify the leadership and commitment that inspire players to push their limits, both on the court and in their pursuit of personal excellence. Congratulations to all the honorees for their outstanding contributions to South Dakota basketball.