Titans aim to turn speed into success this season

The Tea Area High School girls’ basketball program enters the 2025 season with renewed confidence and a roster full of eager competitors ready to take the next step. Under the direction of Head Coach Taylor Fechner who is now in his seventh season as a head coach, serving five in Canton and this marking his second year in Tea. Fechner is looking for the Titans to build on last year’s defensive identity while also using their fast, physical style of play.

Fechner is joined by assistant coaches Clayton Sorum and Stephen Waltner.

Last year, the Titans finished 7–14. From that squad, Tea Area graduated three seniors, including starters Kya Haynes and Reese Hammerquist, along with Sienna Mork, the team’s first post option off the bench.

While numbers are slightly down this year, with 18 athletes out, Fechner says competition remains fierce.

“All are fighting for varsity jerseys and anyone who makes the varsity team will likely play meaningful minutes,” he said. “This is going to allow us to be a deep team, with a large portion of those minutes coming from freshmen and sophomores.”

The younger players bring energy and depth, and several returners bring valuable experience to the floor.

“We should play fast and pride ourselves on the defensive end,” Fechner said. “Our strength last year was our defense, and we’ve definitely gotten better at it this summer.”

Rebounding remains a key focus as the Titans prepare to match up with larger teams.

“Defensive rebounding has to be a priority,” Fechner noted. “Overall, we are a small team and have to play with a level of physicality to have success. We can’t get beaten up in the rebounding department.”

Tea Area will be tested early and often in a competitive slate that includes several of the state’s top programs. Fechner points to Sioux Falls O’Gorman as the “head of the class,” with Brandon Valley, Sioux Falls Washington, and Rapid City Stevens also fielding strong teams this season.

Despite their size, the Titans are ready to push the pace and bring toughness to the court.

“We want to play fast. We want to play physical even with our lack of size,” Fechner said. “Should be a fun group to watch this season.”

2025 Varsity Roster includes (returning varsity athletes denoted with an asterisk): 

Anna Binde*

Ellie Clayberg*

Jaycie Babb*

Preslie Benning*

Tatym Slykhuis*

Natalie Gass*

Talli Peschong*

Piper Benning*

Emma Lingren*

Grace Bialas*

Paige Sabers*

Jayna VanLaecken*

Sub Varsity roster includes: 

Abuol Deng

Addison Brech

Daphne Decker

Logan Castle

Lillian Turek

Ella Kamps

McKenzie Mattson

The Titans will kick-off their 2025 season on Monday, Dec. 8 when they travel to Sioux City to take on Sioux City North. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.

They will be at home on Friday, Dec. 12 when they host Huron in double-header action with the Tea Area High School boys’ basketball team. The Titan girls are scheduled to tip-off at 6:30 p.m. The Titan girls will be home again on Dec. 18 when they play host to Brookings. Tip-off is set for 6:30 p.m.