Budding big man Owen Schelske provides scoring spark off Kernels' bench

Mitchell's 6-foot-6 sophomore center posted his first career double-double off the bench on Tuesday.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

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Just a sophomore, Owen Schelske stands 6-foot-6 and is already the tallest player on the Mitchell High School boys basketball roster. This winter, Schelske is proving he has ample skill on the hardwood to pair with his exceptional size, providing a big boost for the Kernels during his first season seeing major varsity action. In a must-win game against Sioux Falls Washington, Schelske delivered his best performance yet, posting his first career varsity double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Why it matters

Schelske has quickly evolved into one of Mitchell's key pieces to making a state tournament push, and opposing teams are already zeroing in on him as one of the most important players to stop. His size and physicality in the post have made him a valuable asset for the Kernels.

The details

Schelske is a bruiser near the basket, consistently producing good looks at the hoop, rebounding misses or making opposing players foul him in the process. That style was part of Schelske's arsenal anyway, but it was refined and sharpened by a season of playing against former Kernel center Gavin Hinker, who graduated following last season.

  • On Tuesday night, Schelske posted his first career varsity double-double against Sioux Falls Washington.
  • For the season, Schelske averages 6.1 points and 3.7 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.

The players

Owen Schelske

A 6-foot-6 sophomore center for the Mitchell High School boys basketball team who is providing a scoring spark off the bench.

Colton Smith

A senior forward for the Mitchell High School boys basketball team who is familiar with the style of play required to succeed in the post.

Ryker Kreutzfeldt

The head coach of the Mitchell High School boys basketball team who has praised Schelske's development and impact on the team.

Gavin Hinker

A former Kernel center who graduated last season and is now playing for the Dakota Wesleyan University men's basketball team, helping to prepare Schelske for the physicality of varsity basketball.

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What they’re saying

“We had the size advantage, and playing with (frontcourt-mate) Colton (Smith), a lot of attention is on him, so I just got a lot of rebounds and put up a lot of layups.”

— Owen Schelske (mitchellrepublic.com)

“When I listen to other coaches talk about our team, it's Colton (Smith), and then Schelske is usually the second one they talk about. He's just so hard to guard; so big and physical, and most of the time, he goes right at you.”

— Ryker Kreutzfeldt, MHS head coach (mitchellrepublic.com)

“He's done a really good job at just embracing how physical it is down there. A lot of kids shy away because it's just constant fighting for your shot, fighting for a rebound. You've just got to get in there and work as hard as you can, and that's when he's at his best.”

— Colton Smith, MHS senior forward (mitchellrepublic.com)

What’s next

The Kernels will continue to rely on Schelske's size and physicality as they push for a state tournament berth.

The takeaway

Schelske's emergence as a key contributor off the bench showcases the Kernels' depth and the team's ability to develop young talent. His combination of size, skill, and toughness make him a valuable asset for Mitchell as they aim to make a deep postseason run.