By: Abby Smith

During the 2023-2024 school year, the Mustangs saw great success as state champs in basketball and volleyball. This season is going to come with many successes and maybe some losses all while working toward a state title.

With the changes that come in all sports, Sheyenne will need to figure out what works best for their teams. There are many predictions that can be made about these seasons but only time will tell.

Last year SHS volleyball lost two seniors: Isabelle Albrecht and Mia Engel. While the inevitability of seniors leaving can be hard, losing just two was not as drastic as years past. With three new freshmen on the varsity roster, they will need to work with them and other young players to get them used to the chaotic atmosphere.

Shanley lost to the Mustangs during the EDC and state championship last year. With a target on their back, Sheyenne took on Shanley this season and lost 3-1. Every team will give everything they have to take the title away, but the Mustangs will continue to grow and improve their chemistry and take everything they learn to the state championship court.

SHS varsity football lost 16 seniors last year yet brought in many new starting players. To accomplish their goals the Mustangs want their seniors to step up and be good leaders. They want teammates who can hold the underclassmen accountable and show them that they play hard from start to finish.

Football has had a very strong start to their season but have had losses against the west. The team needs to understand that they are going to have to work through challenges, but if they can do that then a state title is right in reach.

Last year, girls basketball lost two seniors, Brynn Bishop and Brenna Dick. The Mustangs base their offense and defense around the current players’ strengths. Brenna Dick was a key player to the Mustangs offence so finding someone that will take her place is going to be a big change. Sheyenne wants to have confident players out on the court giving it their all and the girls team is full of players ready to step up and take that role.

One team that might stand in the way of that state title this year is Horace. Last year, the mustangs lost twice to Horace, so if they manage to grab the win against them this year, it will mean a lot to the team. Mustangs are hoping to give everything they got to win them a state title this year.

Boys basketball lost 6 seniors last year and star player Tommy Ahneman who was the majority of their starting lineup. With only one returning player, Sheyenne will have to make up an entirely new team. There are many ways they could go about their play style this year with a whole new team, it will be interesting and exciting to see how this season plays out.

Sullivan Ihry and other seniors will have to show underclassman what it takes to be on the Sheyenne Mustangs basketball team. If this team remains set on the idea of becoming state champs for the second year in a row and willing to work and put in as much effort to get to the point of winning, nothing can stand in their way.