Messick hits 1,000 point milestone

Hill City senior Zane Messick reached a major career milestone Tuesday night as the Rangers rolled past Hot Springs 60-20 in the opening round of the Region 8A boys basketball playoffs.

An all-senior starting line-up took the court for the final home game of the season. The Rangers came out aggressive on both ends of the floor, moving the ball well and spreading out the offense. The team’s hustle defense set the tone early, forcing turnovers that converted into offensive opportunities. 

Brensen Veneklasen, Isaiah Brewer and Brodi Moriarty each added a basket during the early run, while Dax Frandsen and Messick chipped in four points apiece as the Rangers raced to an 18-0 lead to open the game.

The Bison broke through in the second quarter, but Messick controlled the offense, going on an unanswered run, scoring 15 of the Rangers’ 21 second-quarter points. He capped the half by hitting a three-pointer at the buzzer to give Hill City a commanding 38-5 lead.

Messick wasted little time following the break—laying in the first basket of the quarter that would push him over the milestone 1,000 career point mark. 

Head coach Laramie Harvey called a time out to recognize the moment as the home crowd erupted, and the student section unveiled a banner honoring the accomplishment. Messick is one of only four student athletes to hit the lofty goal in Hill City’s history. 

“It’s a big deal,” said Harvey. “In the grand scheme of things, there’s not many guys that have been a part of something like that as a team and then individually for Zane. 

“He’s only the fourth guy ever to do it. It’s a credit to Zane and what he’s put into it, and the accolade shows what he’s done.”

With the outcome well in hand, Hill City continued to extend its lead while rotating through its roster. The Rangers closed out a 60-20 victory to advance to the second round of the region tournament. 

“It’s nice to be able to give everybody an opportunity to play in front of the crowd,” said Harvey. “Some of those kids are the ones that we are going to have to rely heavily on next year.”

The postseason run continued Friday night when Hill City traveled to Rapid City Christian (RCC) to face off against the Comets. The critical matchup between the two teams identical records would determine which team would move on to the SoDak 16 and which team would see its season come to an end.

The team knew they needed to come out with “energy, fire and everybody being locked in,” said Harvey ahead of the matchup. 

“We’ll have our hands full,” he said. “They’ve got a couple of kids that are very solid.”

Hill City started strong taking an early 7-4 lead in the first quarter before RCC rallied a nine-point run. 

Messick got the last word, nailing a three-point shot at the buzzer to bring the Rangers within five, (15-10) heading into the second.

“We’re constantly trying to find the balance of being a team this year,” said Harvey. “When we show that we can play as a team, we’re a tough game for anybody.”

The Comets began to take control of the game in the second quarter, showcasing their outside shooting, sinking four three-point shots as part of a 21-point quarter.

Moriarty put up six points, Messick added two and Frandsen chipped in two for Hill City’s 12 second-quarter points.

RCC continued to build its advantage in the second half, eventually securing a 68-40 win to advance to the SoDak 16.

Hill City finished the season with a record of 13-9.

“We’ve had some, like most seasons, roller coaster ups and downs,” said Harvey.

Looking ahead to next year, Harvey reflected on the team’s graduating seniors.

“You always miss the seniors. They put in a lot. A few of them contributed a whole lot last year to a team that had done something no Hill City team has ever done before. Personally, I’m grateful for that,” he said. “They each offer something to the program and they’ve committed a lot. They’ll be missed.”