22-04-2025
State title run earns Laue a Player of the Year nomination
CASTLEWOOD, S.D. (KELO) — Our first finalist for boys basketball Player of the Year is Bryon Laue, who helped lead Castlewood to a state championship.
'Ever since my freshman year when they first made it, it's kind of just been something that I've wanted to have the feeling of,' Castlewood senior Bryon Laue said. 'I've never gotten it, but to finally get it, it was just amazing to see that all of the hard work had paid off.'
Castlewood claimed their first state championship since 2001, following three dominant wins over Lyman, Wessington Springs and Viborg-Hurley. Perhaps their best three game stretch of the season.
'As a coaching staff, we've sat down after the tournament and watched the games on TV,' Paul Raasch said. 'We were like, 'holy cow, it looks a lot easy on TV, than it felt like as it was going'.'
Much of the Warriors' success came from senior standout, Bryon Laue. He posted more than 16 points and 12 rebounds per game.
'Talent wise and psychically he's a tremendous player, but I think the thing that separates Bryon this year from a lot of other players in the state, was his focus and dedication to the goal that we had as a team,' Raasch said.
A 24-2 season helped Castlewood hoist their first state title trophy in 24 years, while also earning Laue a nomination for Player of the Year.
'Bryon doesn't like the spotlight. He defers to his teammates. Every time we do something like this, he hesitates a little bit,' Raasch said.
'I don't really look at personal goals that much and personal accomplishments,' Laue said. 'I just like to think back to the things we did as a team this year and I think that's really the most important thing.'
Laue has committed to play at USF next season.
We'll unveil our 2025 Players of the Year in our Player of the Year Special airing Saturday at 9:30 a.m. on KELO-TV.
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