New Coach Brings Fast Paced Vision to Thunder Basketball

Medina Pingree Buchanan's girls basketball program opened a new chapter this winter under head coach Jeremy Schmidt, who took the job in May and began formal practices on November 17. The Thunder roster includes 13 players for the season, a notable turnout for a small school program still recovering from a three win campaign last year. The team opened its season December 2 against Maple River.

Schmidt arrives with experience coaching younger age groups and spent the summer working with players through team camps and open gyms as part of a push to raise fundamentals and conditioning. He has adopted a fast paced offensive approach and has emphasized quicker possessions and transition opportunities as tools to improve the team's competitiveness. The coaching staff plans to blend experience from returning contributors Brynn Sorenson, Lauren Markegard and Teryn Mittlider with an infusion of youth. Several eighth graders will fill significant roles this season, a common pattern in small school athletics where depth depends on younger cohorts.

For Stutsman County, the Thunder's restart has local implications beyond wins and losses. High school sports serve as a social hub in rural communities, driving attendance at Friday night games and volunteer support for travel and facilities. Increased participation to 13 players helps sustain a full practice rotation and reduces injury risk from limited substitutions. The program's emphasis on development also creates a pipeline into middle school and youth leagues, reinforcing long term player retention for the district.

On the competitive front, the team aims to climb back into contention for regional tournaments, a benchmark that would signal measurable progress from last season. Success will depend on how quickly younger players adapt to varsity speed, how effectively Schmidt's fast paced system is implemented, and on continued community backing for travel and conditioning resources. For families and local fans, early season results will matter less than the program's trajectory, as consistent training and year round engagement can translate into stronger teams in coming seasons.

The Thunder season now unfolds with a mix of optimism and practical constraints. With clear goals, returning pieces, and a coach focused on player development, Medina Pingree Buchanan will test whether its blend of youth and experience can restore competitive balance and reconnect the community around high school basketball.