Randy Fletcher

Randy FletcherRELIANCE ‘LONGHORNS’ – 1965

      A long-range shooter with few peers, Randy dazzled crowds throughout his basketball career.

      Randy was a versatile athlete at Reliance. As a senior he placed fifth in the state cross country meet, took third in the pole vault at the state track meet, and earned all-state honors in basketball for the second time.

      A four-year starter, Randy led the Longhorns to two conference titles while scoring over 1,900 career points. The 6-foot guard averaged 33.9 points a game during his final season with a single-game high of 63. That year the Longhorns, coached by Darrell Cadwell, were undefeated until losing to the eventual Class B state champion Alexandria Beavers in the championship game of the region tournament.

      Randy then performed with such distinction at Dakota Wesleyan University that upon his graduation in 1969 the school retired his jersey No. 22. He was only the second player in the 52-year basketball history of the Tigers to have his number retired. Randy totaled 1,829 points at Wesleyan, averaging 18 points a game for his career.

      The Tigers claimed three South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference titles during Randy’s four years. He was named all-conference twice. Randy helped Wesleyan begin a remarkable streak when during his freshman season the Tigers won the Wayne State (Neb.) Holiday Tournament. It signaled the start of a 14-year run in which DWU won a holiday tournament each season behind the coaching of Gordon Fosness.

      Also a standout golfer as a collegian and later in the amateur ranks, Randy was inducted into the DWU Hall of Fame and the SDIC Hall of Fame.

      Randy and his wife Glenda live in Lennox. Randy has two children: Deanna and Sheldon; and four stepchildren: Michelle, Brian, Joel and Lonnie. The South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to induct Randy as a member of its Class of 2012.

Comments (12)

  • Brock Rops

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    Mr. Fletcher was my middle school science teacher and middle school basketball coach. We would practice at 6:30 in the morning. But we enjoyed it and enjoyed him. Congratulations on your induction and God bless!

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  • Tammy Fredrickson

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    Way to go Randy! What an Honor and well deserved! Thank you for the many years of coaching and teaching as well!

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  • Donna White

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    Didn’t realize the talent you had Randy. Knew you were a great coach and good teacher. Congratulations to to you on this award.

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  • Brent Clark

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    Awesome Job Randy! Well Deserved!

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  • Sarah Bentz

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    Congrats Gramps! We always new you were awesome. Im proud to say you are my father-in-law and a wonderful grandpa to our girls.

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  • brian bentz

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    As a coach, friend, and my dad i could not have asked for a better role model in my life. Randy has meant more to me and my family that i could ever express in words . If you havent had a chance to meet him and talk with him,i wish everybody could, because he would make a great difference in everyones life, because he has for me. thanks gramps and congrats

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  • Hannah Heiberger

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    You rock grandpa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Awesome work. You are quite the basketball player.xoxoxo

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  • Michelle Heiberger

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    Congratulations Pops! We are very proud of your acccomplishments on and off the court! Thanks for being who you are!

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  • Cam Lind

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    Randy was the best pure shooter that I have seen in 60 years of watching South Dakota High School Basketball. His range was unreal and he would have hundreds more points in high school and college if he had played when they had the 3 point shot. Dazzled fans for many years.

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  • Ryan Rothenberger

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    Congratulations Mr. Fletcher! I had no idea you were such a great basketball player back in the day, but I do remember having some exciting games while playing for you in middle school. Thanks for being such a great teacher of the game. What a great honor/achievement making the SD High School Basketball HOF!

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  • Sylvan Coles

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    Although I went to Chamberlain High, I did get a chance to see you play in practice once and to this day remember the Sports Illustrated article about your 63 point game. Congratulations on your remarkable career. All the best, Sylvan Coles

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  • John G. Mogen

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    It was an honor to play amateur basketball with you, Randy. Such a fine player and such a fine person!

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