Perham Boys Basketball Returns, New Coach Focuses on Leadership
Perham completed its first week of basketball practice under new head coach Grant Dierkhising, with the preseason devoted to reacclimating players and evaluating offseason improvement. The Yellowjackets, coming off a 19 and 7 season, must replace three graduating starters, and the team opens at Pelican Rapids on December 5.
Perham’s boys basketball program wrapped its first week of practice on December 2 as players and coaches worked to rebuild leadership and assess progress ahead of the season. First year head coach Grant Dierkhising led sessions that emphasized fundamentals and role clarity as the Yellowjackets transition from last year’s 19 and 7 campaign.
Practice drills were hands on and specific. The bigs boxed each other out, guards ran the three man weave, and forwards worked on shooting as coaches evaluated who will take on expanded responsibilities. The preseason focus was on getting players reacclimated to game speed and on identifying which underclassmen are ready to step into varsity roles after the graduation of three starters.
Returning junior Cypress Thiel figures into the rotation alongside a core of sophomores and other underclassmen. The team’s early schedule for the 2025 to 2026 season includes an opening road game at Pelican Rapids on December 5. Practice photos and the full season schedule accompany this report to help fans plan attendance and support.
For Otter Tail County the stakes go beyond wins and losses. High school sports provide regular opportunities for physical activity, social connection, and youth mentorship across the community. A coaching change and the elevation of younger players create chances for new leadership to emerge, which can strengthen team culture and broaden participation. Local businesses and civic groups that support game nights also feel the ripple effects when schools draw crowds for evening competitions.
Maintaining access to athletics is an equity issue for small towns, where school programs are often the main outlet for recreation and youth development. Ensuring that underclassmen receive coaching attention, consistent practice time, and safe facilities matters for both competitive success and community health. Athletic programs that prioritize skill development and leadership can help reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing among teenagers.
Perham will test its early work in the coming days as the Yellowjackets travel to Pelican Rapids December 5. Continued preseason drills and evaluations will shape lineups and minutes for a season that represents both continuity from a strong record and a period of transition for players and the wider community.
