Faribault Area Winter Sports 2019

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Thursday, December 5, 2019

FHS GIRLS BASKETBALL COACHES

Head coach: Patrick Garcia, first-year head coach Assistant coaches: Steven Sporre - fifth year Brooke Foley - JV coach Amanda Duval - C Squad coach

KEY PLAYERS

game in the 2018-19 campaign.

Olivia Bauer - sophomore, point guard/shooting guard, two-year letter winner. Bauer has a strong work ethic on both ends of the court. She plays hardnosed defense, and offensively she is terrific pushing it up the court. She has really good court vision when it comes to finding an open teammate.

Ellie Hunt - junior, guard, two-year letter winner. Hunt is a talented perimeter shooter and has the ability to bring the ball up the court when the pressure is high.

Zoe Fronk - senior, post, fouryear letter winner. Fronk, a captain on the team, will be called on as a veteran to lead the Falcons young players out on the court. She is physically strong down in the post.

Evy Vettrus - sophomore, point guard/shooting guard, two-year letter winner. Vettrus has excellent ball handling skills Maryn Hart - sophomore, and can create shots off the drib- post, one-year letter winner. ble. She averaged 9.1 points per Otaifo Esenabhalu - fresh-

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

man, post, one-year letter winner Isabel Herda - freshman, guard, one-year letter winner Meghan Swanson - sophomore, guard, two-year letter winner Kylie Petricka - junior, guard, two-year letter winner Kelsie Demars - senior, post, two-year letter winner

MOVED ON

Abby Van Ryn — The senior point guard, captain and AllConference player, who led the Falcons in most statistical categories, graduated in June.

2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK

Last year’s record was 5-21, with a Big 9 Conference record of 5-15. The Falcons placed fifth in the its section.

First year head coach Garcia spent five seasons with the program coaching the JV and ninth-grade squads so he’s already familiar with his players, their abilities and style of play.

Though he wants to team to play Faribault’s Zoe Fronk (44) looks to make a pass during a February 2018 game as teammate Abby Van Ryn (2) at a fast pace, he want to con- cuts toward the basket. Fronk, now a senior, is expected to be on of this season’s team leaders. (Daily News file photo) tinue to focus on each day as it comes. tive enthusiasm within our team “As the season progresses, I “As a team, we are going to ap- culture.” — Patrick Garcia expect our team to keep getting better and better as we learn our proach every day willing to learn new offensive and defensive phi- and grow. We will have relentless work ethic in our preparation for losophy,” he said. games while maintaining posi-

COACHSPEAK

Sophomore Evy Pettrus averaged more than 9 points a game last season.

She’s shown here during a January 2019 game. (Daily News file photo)

Table of contents FHS Girls Basketball ...................................... 2

MSAD Girls Basketball.................................. 8

BA Girls Basketball ........................................ 3

FHS Boys Swim & Dive ................................. 8

MSAD Boys Basketball ................................. 3

WEM/JWP Wrestling ..................................... 9

BA Boys Basketball ........................................ 4

FHS Boys Hockey ........................................... 9

WEM Girls Basketball .................................... 4

FHS Girls Hockey ............................................ 10

FHS Wrestling.................................................. 5

FHS Boys Basketball ...................................... 11

Team schedules............................................. 6-7 FHS Dance ........................................................ 11

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW December 2019 A special project of the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021 www.faribault.com Publisher: Chad Hjellming Regional Editor: Suzy Rook Sports Editor: Michael Huges Correspondent: Mike Randleman

Winter Sports Preview is distributed to subscribers and readers of the Faribault Daily News at no additional charge. All advertising contained herein is the responsibility of the M advertisers. All rights reserved.

H © 2019

N

Thursday, December 5, 2019

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 3

BA GIRLS BASKETBALL

MSAD BOYS BASKETBALL

BA guard Malia Hunt, who first-year coach Scott Trump calls “feisty,” defends the perimeter in a Jan. 15, 2019 home game against Randolph.

(Daily News file photo)

The loss of three graduating seniors and another who transferred out of state make it a rebuilding year for the MSAD boys basketball team. (Daily News file photo)

COACHES

Head coach: Scott Trump, first year Assistant coaches: Randy Meyer and Celeste Donlon

KEY PLAYERS

Mercedes Huerta - sophomore, guard, two-year letter winner. Last season’s leading scorer, Huerta also took home the award. She averaged 10.8 points, 2 assists, 3 steals and 2.8 rebounds per game. She is quick, aggressive, handles the ball well and is a threat inside and out.

Grace Ashley - senior, forward, three-year letter winner.

Ashley averaged 3 points and 3.4 rebounds per game last season.

She received a Gopher Conference Sportsmanship Award in 2018-29 and could be considered the heart of the team. Ashley’s developing solid inside moves along with her mid-range shot.

Kate Trump - freshman, guard, one-year letter winner.

Trump was the No. 2 leading scorer from last season with an average of 5.2 points per game.

sively feisty, Hunt looks to set up teammates Reagan Kangas - freshman, guard, one-year letter winner.

Kangas is aggressive and is developing into an inside and outside threat.

Lindsay Hanson - freshman, forward, one-year letter winner. Hanson is really developing her inside game, expected her to Malia Hunt- junior, guard, dominate on the boards this seatwo-year letter winner, Defen- son.

Additionally, she averaged 1.2 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. She’s got a high basketball IQ, is an inside and outside threat and was named last season’s Defensive Player of the Year.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Mercedes Huerta, left, comes around a screen from teammate Malia Hunt.

Huerta, a sophomore, was the Cardinals leading scorer last season. (Daily News file photo)

MOVED ON

Abby Strodtman, Maggie Viland and Kendra Kotek have graduated.

COACHES

Head coach: Lance Gonzalez, third year Assistant coaches: William Bissell, third year

KEY PLAYERS

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

year to play a lot of minutes.

Dow will be the Trojan’s point guard. Well respected by his Yahir Sanchez, junior, and teammates, Dow has assumed sophomore Karsen Schroeder. a leadership role on the young squad.

Meija is a hard worker who’s willing to hustle. Gonzalez calls Marc Nolasco, Adam Schneihim “very athletic” and the Tro- der and Ryan Stumbo have jans’ best defense player.

MOVED ON

Two young players will lead this team: sophomores Benny Dow and Jonthan Meija. For both, this year will be their first

MSAD BOYS BB

Continued on page 5

We Salute Our Student Athletes

GOOD LUCK ATHLETES!

2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK

While the Cardinals finished in the bottom of the Gopher Conference, they’ve got a new coach in Scott Trump. And they’re a young team that’s willing to work hard. Expect to see the Cards develop and improve as the season moves along.

COACHSPEAK

“I’m proud of the excitement around the program right now.

The players have been working hard this last summer and continue to come in early and stay late to implement a new system. We have a really dedicated group of player with great leadership. Expect to see us improve throughout out the season.” — Scott Trump

As the winter season begins we’d like to take this opportunity to wish our dedicated school athletes a great season.

430 4th St. NW, Faribault • 507-334-2201 • 1stunited.com

PAGE 4

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

BA BOYS BASKETBALL

Thursday, December 5, 2019

WEM GIRLS BASKETBALL COACHES

Head coach: Ty Kaus, second year Assistant coaches: Dan Lemcke, Lois Masberg and Jared LaFrance

KEY PLAYERS

Bethlehem Academy junior JJ Malecha will help lead a young Cardinals squad in 2019-20. (Daily News file photo)

COACHES

Head coach: Melissa Hager, second year Assistant coaches: Jason Langevin, second year; Alec Skluzacek, first year; Jacob Kuhlman, second year; and Taylor Kaiser, second year

KEY PLAYERS

Jack Jandro, senior, G — A quarterback on the football field and shortstop on the baseball diamond, Jandro is used to being at the center of the action. That will be the case as a senior leader at guard. He’ll be handling the ball more often this season and will use his athleticism to drive for his own shot or kick out to his teammates. Coaches describe him as a good anticipator.

JJ Malecha, junior, F — Malecha offers a post presence for BA. He’ll draw opponents’ biggest player while battling in the paint to provide much-needed scoring. He led the team in rebounding last season and has good footwork for a big man.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

It’s tough to single out one or two players as there will be a whole new wave of Cardinals making the leap from JV to varsity. A lot of production will

come from juniors and younger, and are expected to be at the top so watch out for how this young once again. group comes together against a well-rounded Gopher Conference. Be sure to keep a game pro“I love this group of boys. They gram handy. work hard and it is like a family.

We have some adversity early on in the year which will make us Jack Clark, Damon Trump, stronger as the season goes. It Griffin Malecha, Zach Van- is nice to have some systems in Thomme, Kyle Kohl and Ethan place from last year instead of Nutter. Starting sophomore for- starting over.” — Melissa Hager ward Brady Strodtman is also out for the season with a shoulder injury.

COACHSPEAK

MOVED ON

SEASON OUTLOOK

BY THE NUMBERS

1 — Returning varsity player, JJ Malecha.

54.2 — Points allowed per BA finished 11-14 (5-9 in the game in 2018-19. It was the third Gopher Conference) in 2018-19 straight season holding oppofor its third straight double-digit nents under 55 a night. win season. That was done with a veteran nucleus that now makes way for a group of young, unproven players. On the bright side for BA is that this year’s varsity group has played together collectively coming up through C squad and JV. The program is also more accustomed to varsity head coach Melissa Hager’s systems now that she’s in her second year. Clark and Trump provided much of the scoring last year, and their production will likely be recreated by committee. This year’s Cardinals are young Waterville-Elysian-Morristown team. Six seniors, including Griffin (25-2, 13-1) and Hayfield (24-5, Malecha, right, graduated in May. 13-1) shared the conference title (Daily News file photo)

Brielle Bartelt – junior, point guard, three-year letter winner and 2017-18 All-Gopher Conference player. Bartelt averaged 10.4 points, 2.4 assists, 2.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game in 201819. She’s a skilled offensive player that can score in a variety of ways and create opportunities for others. Bartelt quick hands defensively, anticipates very well and pushes the ball well in transition.

Toryn Richards – junior, wing, two-year letter winner, and second team All- Gopher Conference 2018-19 and AllConference 2017-18. Last year, Richards average 10.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 1.0 steal per game. She’s a very athletic wing that can defend any position, score from the inside and the outside, and is an aggressive player on both ends of the floor.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Waterville-Elysian-Morristown’s junior point guard Brielle Bartelt (2), already holds the school record for 3-pointers (117). Look for her to add to that total this winter. (Daily News file photo)

lot of improvement over the last year.

Autumn Taylor - junior, guard, returning letter winner.

An excellent defensive player that will step in and be one of the best defenders in the section and conference right away. Taylor is tough-minded player at both ends of the court.

MOVED ON

finals to St. Peter.

The Buccaneers move down a class and into a new section this season. While it comes into the season as the favorite, Sleepy Eye and BOLD have very strong returning teams and will be tough to beat. Springfield, Mountain Lake/Comfrey and St. Clair (last year’s sub-section champs) also return strong players and will be teams to watch this season.

Shelby Hermel, MaeLea Harmon, Paige Pittmann, Morgan Nusbaum, Makayla Paulson, “We are very excited about the Alexis Morsching and Lisa team we have for this season.

Saemrow have graduated.

While we need to replace a lot of talent and production from last year’s very successful team, we are excited to see what we can become this season. We should Last year, the Bucs were 21-6 be a very athletic team that can — 10-4 (second) in the confer- get up and down the floor. If we ence — losing in the sub-section can duplicate our success on the defensive end and improve our offensive efficiency, we have the chance to be a very strong team.”

— Ty Kaus

COACHSPEAK

2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK

Ellie Ready – junior, guard, returning letter winner. Ready came off the bench last year and averaged 4.8 point per game. She gained valuable experience as a sophomore, and is poised for bigger things this year.

Ready’s a strong shooter who can attack the basket and defend well.

Kylie Pittmann - junior, wing, returning letter winner. An athletic wing who can defend and shoot the ball from deep, Pittmann can put in points in a hurry. Kaus says she’s ready to step into a bigger role this year.

Trista Hering - senior, post, returning letter winner. Hering led Toryn Richards, shown here in January, was team in blocks last year WEM’s leading scorer in 2018-19. She’ll be and shot 46% from the counted on again to pour in the points. (Daily field. She has shown a News file photo)

BY THE NUMBERS

117 - The number of 3-pointers (a school record) Brielle Bartelt has scored so far in her high school career.

289 - The number of points WEM’s leading scorer, Toryn Richards, scored last season.

Thursday, December 5, 2019

COACHES

Head coaches: Jesse Armbruster, 20th year, and Jared Simo, (fifth year, first as co-head coach Assistant coaches: Dave Wieber, 28th year; Jake Staloch, second year; Brad Babcock, 22nd year; Kevin Palacios, sixth year; and Tyler Jakes, second year

KEY WRESTLERS

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 5

FHS WRESTLING

MSAD BOYS BB

Continued from page 3 graduated. Dylan Udave-Cardenas transferred to a school out of state.

He earned fifth place at sections wrestling at 145 pounds.

Sam LaCanne, senior — Injuries also robbed LaCanne of time on the mat last season. He was unable to compete at sections and will be hungry to finish strong in his fourth varsity season.

Tyler Boyd, junior — Boyd enters his third varsity season.

He earned all-conference honorable mention honors wrestling at 113 pounds.

Cael Casteel, junior — Casteel enters his third year on varsity and wrestled at 145 pounds a season ago.

2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK

Last year, MSAD posted a 3-18 record. As an independent team, they’re not part of a conference.

“This year, we are a different team as young players,” said coach Gonzalez.” We will be rebuilding with young players on the roster. This season is not about winning but growth (of) our young team.”

Josh Oathoudt, senior — Oathoudt enters his sixth year on varsity. He’s up to 103 career wins, is a former state entrant and was named all-conference last season wrestling at 152 pounds. The Guillotine ranks “I am looking forward to give him No. 9 at 152 in the preseason my players plenty of opportuniClass AAA state rankings. ties on the court this year.” — Riley Stoltz, senior — Stoltz Seventh-grader Bo Bokman is Lance Gonzalez Faribault’s Josh Oathoudt, left, was named Big 9 all-conference last season. (Daily News file photo) joined Oathoudt in eclipsing the a state champion youth wrestler century mark in wins last season. and could compete for a spot in He enters his sixth varsity sea- the lower weight classes. He’ll compete with freshmen Marcos but struggled against top-end 18 all-conference wrestlers, 16 son and earned all-conference have to contend with eighth- Ramirez and George Soto for competition en route to fourth state tournament entrants, nine honorable mentions in 2018-19. graders JT Hausen (22 wins) middle weight starting spots. Se- place in the conference. Seven all-state wrestlers and one state Stoltz will gun for his first state Elliott Viland (14 wins), Isaac nior DJ Saunders is a promising losses were by 10 points or fewer. champion. berth after finishing third at sec- Yetzer (12 wins) and D’Shaun transfer from Washington state The losses of Heyda, Underdahl and Erickson sting. With that tions at 126 pounds.

Davis (22 wins) who will fill who could crack the lineup. said, much of their lineup is inGael Ramirez, junior — the first three weights. Seniors tact and more potential state Ramirez enters his fourth varsity Christopher Forcier and twoqualifiers are waiting in the season. He owns 52 career wins time letter winner Alex Hoy will The Falcons graduated a trio wings. Northfield is ranked No. and placed fourth of leaders in Josh 6 in the preseason state rankings. at sections wresHeyda, Austin UnReigning champion Owatonna tling at 120 pounds. derdahl and Ethan to looks to be strong again with AlAiden Tobin, Erickson. Heyda bert Lea and Faribault hoping to ALL area teams sophomore — Tofinished with 115 be near the top, too. bin, like Ramirez, this season! wins and was a has racked up 52 2019 state entrant. #TogetherWeFly wins in his first Underdahl had 91 three varsity seawins and also made “We have a young squad, but sons. He placed 2019 state. Erick- great depth, especially in the sixth at sections son missed last sea- lower weights. We have indiwrestling at 113 son due to injury viduals who know how to compounds. but was a produc- mit themselves to team goals. If Dylan Lippert, tive starter in years we can avoid the injury bug and senior — Lippert past and was a lead- stay strong in mind and body dealt with inju• er in the room. we will again be a very competiries last season, tive team looking to make some but is tough when noise at the state level.” — Jesse healthy. The threeArmbruster year letter winner finished fourth at At times, as sections wrestling Serving students in grades 6-12 many as eight startat 182 pounds. ers were out of the Bryce Nolen, lineup in an injury 10 — Faribault ranks 10th in senior — Nolen plagued 2018-19 the state as far as career individwas also sidelined season. The Falcons ual state champions with 25. for a portion of battled to another 5 — The number of years of 2018-19, but brings Faribault sophomore Aiden Tobin has collected 52 wins entering winning season at the Falcons’ recent run of success four years of var- his fourth varsity season. (Daily News file photo) 14-11 (6-4 Big 9) that includes an 85-32 record, sity experience.

COACHSPEAK

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

GOOD LUCK

MOVED ON

COACHSPEAK

SEASON OUTLOOK

BA

Academic excellence • Values-based education • Proven results

BY THE NUMBERS

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PAGE 6

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW | THU

REGULAR SEASO

All schedules subject to change an

FHS BOYS BASKETBALL

Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. vs. Albert Lea Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. @Red Wing Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. vs. Rochester Mayo Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. @Rochester Century Friday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. vs. Austin Saturday, Dec. 21, 2 p.m. vs. Simley Thursday, Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. @Winona Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m. vs. Owatonna Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. @Mankato West Tuesday, Jan. 14, 8 p.m. vs. Northfield Friday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. vs. Rochester John Marshall Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. vs. Waseca Friday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. @Albert Lea Saturday, Jan. 25, 1 p.m. @Austin Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. vs. Red Wing Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. @Rochester Mayo Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. vs. Rochester Century Saturday, Feb. 8, 4 p.m. @Marshall High School Monday, Feb. 10, 7:15 p.m. @Byron High School Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. vs. Winona Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. @Owatonna High School Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. vs. Mankato West Friday, Feb. 21, 7:45 p.m. @Northfieldl Monday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m. @Rochester John Marshall Friday, Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. vs. Mankato East

FHS GIRLS BASKETBALL

Friday, Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. @Albert Lea High School Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:30 p.m. vs. Red Wing Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. @Rochester Mayo High School Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. Rochester Century HOME Friday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m. @Austin High School

employee owned

FHS GIRLS BASKETBALL (cont.)

Friday, Dec. 27, 7:30 p.m. @Mankato East High School Thursday, Jan. 2, 7:30 p.m. vs. Winona Monday, Jan. 6, 7:30 p.m. vs. Kasson-Mantorville Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m. @Owatonna High School Friday, Jan. 10, 7:30 p.m. vs. Mankato West Tuesday, Jan. 14, 6 p.m. vs. Northfield Friday, Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. @Rochester John Marshall Friday, Jan. 24, 7:30 p.m. vs. Albert Lea Saturday, Jan. 25, 1 p.m. vs. Austin Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:30 p.m. @Red Wing Friday, Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m. vs. Rochester Mayo Saturday, Feb. 1, 2:30 p.m. @New Ulm Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m. @Rochester Century Monday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. vs. Byron Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m. @Winona Friday, Feb. 14, 7:30 p.m. vs.Owatonna Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. @Mankato West Friday, Feb. 21, 6 p.m. @Northfield

DANCE

Saturday, Dec. 7, TBD @Cannon Falls Saturday, Dec. 14, TBD @Eastview Saturday, Jan. 4, TBD @Edina Saturday, Jan. 11, TBD @Lakeville South Big 9 Conference Meet Saturday, Jan. 18, TBD @Austin Saturday, Jan. 25, 9 a.m. @New Prague Section Class AA meet Saturday, Feb. 8, noon @Faribault High School

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GYMNASTICS

Saturday, Dec. 7, 1 p.m. @Mankato K&G Gymnastics Friday, Dec. 20, 6:30 p.m. vs. multiple schools Friday, Dec. 27, 6:30 p.m. vs. multiple schools Thursday, Jan. 2, 6:30 p.m. vs. multiple schools 42nd Annual Faribault Gymnastics Meet Saturday, Jan. 4, 11 a.m. vs. multiple schools Thursday, Jan. 9, 6:30 p.m. @Winona Friday, Jan. 17, 6:30 p.m. vs. multiple schools Friday, Jan. 24, 6:30 p.m. @Red Wing Friday, Jan. 31, 6:45p.m. @St. Peter Big 9 Conference Meet Saturday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m. @Austin

FHS BOYS HOCKEY

Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:15p.m. @Rochester John Marshall Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:15 p.m. vs. Fairmont Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. @Simley Saturday, Dec. 14, 12:30 p.m. vs. La Crescent-Hokah Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:30 p.m., vs. Mankato West Friday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m. vs. Rochester Lourdes Tournament TBD Thursday, Dec. 26 @ Schwan’s Super Rink Friday, Dec. 27 @Schwan’s Super Rink Saturday, Dec. 28 @Schwan’s Super Rink Thursday, Jan. 2, 6 p.m. vs. Winona Saturday, Jan. 4, 1 p.m. @Austin Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:15 p.m. vs. Albert Lea Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:15 p.m. @Red Wing Saturday, Jan. 18, 3 p.m. @Owatonna Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m. vs. Mankato East Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. @Kasson-Mantorville Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:15 p.m. vs. Rochester Mayo Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:15 p.m. vs. Rochester Century Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:15 p.m. @Mankato West Saturday, Feb. 1, noon vs. Winona Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:15 p.m. @Albert Lea Thursday, Feb. 6, 7:15 p.m. vs. Red Wing Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:15 p.m. vs. Austin

FHS GIRLS HOCKEY

Saturday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. @New Ulm Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. @Owatonna Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:30 p.m. @Mankato East Tuesday, Dec. 17, 5:15p.m. @Mankato West Saturday, Dec. 21, 12:45 p.m. vs. Totino-Grace Saturday, Jan. 4, noon vs. Austin Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:15 p.m. @Albert Lea Friday, Jan. 10, 7 p.m. @Rochester Lourdes Saturday, Jan. 18, 7 p.m. vs. Owatonna Thursday, Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m. @Worthington

FHS GIRLS HOCK

Saturday, Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m. @Roch Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m. @Roch Thursday, Jan. 30, 5:30 p.m. vs. Ma

FHS BOYS SWIM

Saturday, Dec. 14, dive 9:30, swim Saturday, Jan. 11, dive 9 a.m., swim Section True Team – Friday, Jan. 17, 5 p.m. @Austin Ellis Section True Team – Saturday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m. @Austin E

FHS WRESTLING

Thursday, Dec. 5, 5 p.m. @Grand M Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m. home Saturday, Dec. 14, 10 a.m. @Northfi Thursday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. @Winona Saturday, Dec. 21, 10 a.m. @Montic Friday, Jan. 3, 4 p.m. @Hibbing, Saturday, Jan. 4, 9 a.m. @Hibbing Thursday, Jan. 9, 5:30 p.m. triangul Saturday, Jan. 11, 9 a.m. @Stillwate Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. vs. Manka Saturday, Jan. 18, 10 a.m. @Eastvie Thursday, Jan. 23, 7 p.m. vs. Roche Triangular 7 p.m. vs. United South Friday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m. vs. Farmingto Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. vs. Northfi Saturday, Feb. 1, 9 a.m. @Hutchinso Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. @Owatonn

BA BOYS BASKET

Friday, Dec. 6, 7:15 p.m. vs. Bloomi Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:15 p.m. @Unite Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:15 p.m. vs. Tri Friday, Dec. 13, 7:15 p.m. vs. Medf Friday, Dec. 20, 7:15 p.m. @Maple Invitational Friday, Dec. 27, 4 p.m. @Hayfield Saturday, Dec. 28, 6 p.m. @Hayfield Friday, Jan. 3, 7:15 p.m. @Mankato Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:30PM @Wabasha Friday, Jan. 10, 7:15 p.m. vs. NRHE Monday, Jan. 13, 7:15 p.m. vs. Pine Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:15 p.m. @St. C Coaches vs Cancer Event Friday, Jan. 17, 7:15 p.m. vs. WEM Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7:15 p.m. vs. Hop Friday, Jan. 24, 7:15 p.m. @Bloomin Monday, Jan. 27, 7:15 p.m. vs. JWP

ursday, December 5, 2019

PAGE 7

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BA boys basketball (cont.)

Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:15 p.m. vs. United South Central Friday, Jan. 31, 7:15 p.m. @Medford Parents Night Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:15 p.m. vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa Thursday, Feb. 6, 7:15 p.m. vs. Maple River Monday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. @Grand Meadow Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:15 p.m. @NRHEG Friday, Feb. 14, 7:15 p.m. vs. Hayfield Monday, Feb. 17, 7:15 p.m. vs. Randolph Friday, Feb. 21, 7:15 p.m. @WEM

BA girls basketball

Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:15 p.m. @Blooming Prairie Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:15 p.m. vs. United South Central Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:15 p.m. @Triton Friday, Dec. 13, 7:15 p.m. @Medford Friday, Dec. 20, 7:15 p.m. Maple River Friday, Jan. 3, 7:15 p.m. @Cannon Falls Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:15 p.m. Hope Academy Friday, Jan. 10, 7:15 p.m. @NRHEG Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7:15 p.m. vs. Hayfield Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:15 p.m. vs. Belle Plaine Friday, Jan. 17, 7:15 p.m. @WEM Monday, Jan. 20, 7:15 p.m. vs. Trinity School at River Ridge Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:15 p.m. vs. Leroy-Ostrander Friday, Jan. 24, 7:15 p.m. vs. Blooming Prairie Monday, Jan. 27, 7:15 p.m. @JWP Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:15 p.m. @United South Central Friday, Jan. 31, 7:15 p.m. vs. Medford Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7:15 p.m. @Lyle Friday, Feb. 7, 7:15 p.m. @Maple River Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:15 p.m. vs. NRHEG Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:15 p.m. @Randolph Friday, Feb. 14, 7:15 p.m. @Hayfield

WEM boys basketball

Thursday, Dec. 5, 7:15 p.m. vs. Le Sueur-Henderson Friday, Dec. 6, 7:15 p.m. @St. Clair Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:15 p.m. vs. NRHEG Friday, Dec. 13, 7:15 p.m. vs. Hayfield Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:15 p.m. @Maple River Friday, Dec. 20, 7:15 p.m. @Medford Tournament Friday, Dec. 27, 12:30 p.m. @Henning/Saint Cloud Apollo HS Saturday, Dec. 28, TBD @TBD St. Cloud State Thursday, Jan. 2, 7:30PM @Norwood Young America Friday, Jan. 3, 7:45 p.m. @JWP Friday, Jan. 10, 7:15 p.m. @Blooming Prairie Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7:15 p.m. vs. United South Central Thursday, Jan. 16, 7:15 p.m. vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo

WEM boys basketball (cont.)

Friday, Jan. 17, 7:15 p.m. @Bethlehem Academy Tuesday, Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m. vs. Blue Earth Area Thursday, Jan. 23, 7:15 p.m. vs. Maple River Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:15 p.m. @NRHEG Thursday, Jan. 30, 7:15 p.m. @Hayfield Tuesday, Feb. 4, 7 p.m. @Madelia Friday, Feb. 7, 7:15 p.m. vs. Medford Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:15 p.m. vs. Blooming Prairie Friday, Feb. 14, 7:15 p.m. @United South Central Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:15 p.m. vs. Minnesota Valley Lutheran Thursday, Feb. 20, 7:15 p.m. @Belle Plaine Friday, Feb. 21, 7:15 p.m. vs. Bethlehem Academy WEM girls basketball

Friday, Dec. 6, 7:15 p.m. vs. Maple River Tuesday, Dec. 10, 7:15 p.m. @NRHEG Thursday, Dec. 12, 7:15 p.m. @Hayfield Tuesday, Dec. 17, 7:30 p.m. vs. Blue Earth Area Thursday, Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m. vs. Le Sueur-Henderson Friday, Dec. 20, 7:15 p.m. vs. Medford Invitational Friday, Dec. 27, noon vs. GFW @Tri-City United Saturday, Dec. 28, 6 p.m. @Tri-City United Friday, Jan. 3, 6:15 p.m. @JWP Tuesday, Jan. 7, 7:15 p.m. vs. St. Clair Thursday, Jan. 9, 7:15 p.m. @Cleveland Friday, Jan. 10, 7:15 p.m. vs. Blooming Prairie Tuesday, Jan. 14, 7:15 p.m. @United South Central Friday, Jan. 17, 7:15 p.m. vs. Bethlehem Academy Monday, Jan. 20, 7:15 p.m. @Belle Plaine Friday, Jan. 24, 7:15 p.m. @Maple River Tuesday, Jan. 28, 7:15 p.m. vs. NRHEG Friday, Jan. 31, 7:15 p.m. vs. Hayfield Monday, Feb. 3, 7:15 p.m. vs. St. Peter Friday, Feb. 7, 7:15 p.m. @Medford Tuesday, Feb. 11, 7:15 p.m. @Blooming Prairie Thursday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial Friday, Feb. 14, 7:15 p.m. vs. United South Central Tuesday, Feb. 18, 7:30 p.m. @Norwood Young America

WEM/JWP wrestling

Thursday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. @NRHEG Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. invitational @Blue Earth Area Saturday, Dec. 14, 9 a.m. invitational @Byron Thursday, Dec. 19, 5 p.m. quadrangle @Mankato East Friday, Dec. 20, 5 p.m. tournament @ Glencoe-Silver Lake Saturday, Jan. 4, 10:30 a.m. tournament @Norwood Young America Thursday, Jan. 9, 5 p.m. triangular @JWP Thursday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. @Medford Saturday, Jan. 18, 8 a.m. invitational @St. Croix Lutheran

WEM/jwp wrestling (cont.)

Tuesday, Jan. 21, 5 p.m. @St. Clair Thursday, Jan. 30, 7 p.m. @United South Central Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 a.m. tournament @JWP Mike Fasnacht Memorial Tournament Thursday, Feb. 6, 7 p.m. vs. Maple River @WEM

MSAD boys basketball

Neesam Classic Basketball Tournament Friday, Dec. 6 - Saturday, Dec. 7 @Iowa School for the Deaf Tuesday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m. @Chesterton Academy Thursday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. vs. Shattuck-St.Mary’s Monday, Dec. 15, 7 p.m. vs. Kaleoscope Academy Tuesday, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. @Immanuel Lutheran Wednesday, Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m. @AFSA Thursday, Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m. vs. Chesterton Academy Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m. vs. AFSA Thursday, Jan. 23, 6 p.m. @Kaleidoscope Academy Monday, Feb. 3, 5:30 @Shattuck-St. Mary’s GPSD Basketball Tournament – Thursday, Feb. 6- Saturday, Feb. 8 @Oklahoma School for the Deaf Thursday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m. vs. Metro Deaf School Monday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m. vs. Immanuel Lutheran

MSAD girls basketball

Neesam Classic Basketball Tournament Friday, Dec. 6 - Saturday, Dec. 7 @Iowa School for the Deaf Thursday, Dec. 12, 5:30 p.m. vs. Shattuck-St. Mary’s Monday, Dec. 16, 5:30 p.m. vs. Nova Classical Academy Wednesday, Dec. 18, 5:30 p.m. vs. Community Peace Academy Tuesday, Jan. 7, 5:30 p.m. @Immanuel Lutheran Wednesday, Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m. Vs. Metro Deaf School Tuesday, Jan. 14, 5:30 p.m. @NOVA Classical Academy Wednesday, Jan. 22, 5:30 p.m. @Hiawatha Academies Tuesday, Jan. 28, 5:30 p.m. @Schaeffer Academy Wednesday, Jan. 29, 5: 30 p.m. @Community of Peace Academy Monday, Feb. 3, 5:30 @Shattuck-St. Mary’s GPSD Basketball Tournament – Thursday, Feb. 6- Saturday, Feb. 8 @Oklahoma School for the Deaf Thursday, Feb. 13, 5:30 p.m. vs. Metro Deaf School Thursday, Feb. 20, 5:30 p.m. vs. Trinity School Monday, Feb. 24, 5:30 p.m. vs. Immanuel Lutheran School

Good luck to all our local athletes!

Faribault Daily News

PAGE 8

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

MSAD GIRLS BASKETBALL COACHES

FHS BOYS SWIM & DIVE COACHES

Head coach: Ryan SmithHastings, first year Assistant coach: Kali Bissell, third year

Head coach: Charlie Fuller, 34th year Assistant coaches: Isaiah Fuller, 10th year; and Bethany Fuller, fourth year

KEY PLAYERS

KEY PLAYERS

Ruby Hernandez-Gutierrez - junior, forward, one-year letter winner. Hernandez-Gutierrez plays with a lot of hustle and is a leader on and off the court.

Javanna Johnson - eighth grade, guard/forward, one-year letter winner. It’s Johnson’s second year on varsity. She’s got strong fundamental skills and plenty of potential.

Dalina Schwartz - freshman, guard/forward, two-year letter winner. Schwartz, an all-around player and a leader on and off the court, is the Trojans’ floor general.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Thursday, December 5, 2019

MSAD’s Javanna Johnson drives in for a shot against a Nova Classical Academy double team on Feb. 11, 2019. 2019-20 will be Johnson’s second year on the Trojan’s varsity squad. (Daily News file photo)

Esther Olakunle - eighth grade, forward, one-year letter winner Brooklyn Roggow - freshman, guard, two-year letter winner.

The team’s 2018-19 record was Holly Sheets - freshman, for6-12; they placed fifth in Greater ward, one-year letter winner.

Plains School for the Deaf basketball tournament. The team is not part of a conference.

Lariba Aputuligo and PreWith a majority of players recious Puente have graduated. turning from last year, the Trojans look to improve on their 2018-19 GPSD performance. To do so, coach Smith-Hastings says he’ll work on fundamentals with the young players.

2019-20 SEASON COACHSPEAK “Our team is very young and OUTLOOK raw with several players having

MOVED ON

improved on their skills by attending camps over the summer and staying in shape. We hope to play fast and create pressure on opposing teams consistently throughout the game. We have a good number of players (12) on the team, nice to have bodies to be able to scrimmage/run plays during practices. Players have been very motivated and look forward to the season.” — Ryan Smith-Hastings

A group of five Falcons are expected to lead the team through the season. All have placed high in the section meet. They are: Will Tuma - senior, middistance. In the 200 free, Tuma took 15th at February’s section meet.

Reilly Akemann - senior, sprinter. Aikman claimed 14th at the 2018-19 section meet in the 50 freestyle.

Mitchell Hanson - senior, individual medley and breaststroke. Hanson, 14th at sections in the 200 IM, shaved almost 4 seconds off his time between the 2019 conference championship and section meet.

Tanner Longshore - junior, individual medley and breaststroke. Longshore was 12th in the IM and 14th in the breaststroke at last winter’s section meet.

James Ohlemann - sophomore, diving. As a freshman, Ohlemann received all-conference honors and placed fifth — just out of the money — at last year’s section meet. He’s looking to improve on last year’s performance.

Now a sophomore, FHS diver James Ohlemann is looking to boost his scores and earn himself a spot at state. (Daily News file photo)

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

Calvin Gutzmann - senior, While Faribault remains in sprinter. Look for Gutzmann to Section 1A, perennial power have a breakout season in the Northfield moves up to Class short distances.

AA. Houston, which did not field a team in 2018-19, enters.

This year’s captains, Tuma, Aikemann, Hanson and Gutzmann Last year’s seniors, Tyler Bauwill take the leadership mantle. man, Rob Scheel, Sam Leopold, Th e Falcons, short on numbers, Josh Bohner and Joe Cap, have are still looking for interested departed. swimmers to join the team. Expect FHS to improve their times and technique throughout the season.

MOVED ON

BY THE NUMBERS

COACHSPEAK

“We have a good core group of athletes that we hope to build on.” — Charlie Fuller

2 — the number of seniors on this year’s team 6 — the number of seventhand eighth-graders on the squad

Shattuck-St. Mary’s pulled away in the second half to down crosstown rival Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf Jan. 23, 2019. First-year coach Ryan Smith-Hastings is looking for his team to improve on its 6-12 201819 record. (Daily News file photo)

2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK

Several Falcons swimmers will look to fill the void left by graduating senior Tyler Bauman, center, during the 100-yard backstroke consolation heat at Februaary’s Section 1A finals. (Daily News file photo)

Thursday, December 5, 2019

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 9

FHS BOYS HOCKEY

WEM/JWP WRESTLING COACHES

COACHES

Head coaches: Troy Stehr, ninth year, and Adam Roesler, 17th year Assistant coaches: Mike Richards and Trent Gunsolus

Head coach: Dean Weasler, seventh year Assistant coaches: Nate Nawrocki, fourth year; Dan Pumper, seventh year; Josh Nawrocki, first year; and Brett Vogelsberg, first year

KEY WRESTLERS

Tucker Rients, senior — Rients has been a constant producer in the lighter weights. He finished sixth at sections wrestling at 126 pounds and earned all-conference honorable mention honors.

Jaxson James, senior — James led WEM/JWP with a fourthplace finish at sections at 160 pounds and was third on the team with 12 wins.

Jacob Karsten, senior — Karsten returns at heavyweight where he finished sixth at sections last season.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Brant Melchert, senior — Melchert was 14-11 last year but was unable to compete at sections. He at 220 pounds pairs well with Karsten to provide stability at the end of dual meets.

Ethan Rider, junior — Rider led WEM/JWP with a 15-11 record and took eighth place at sections at 132 pounds.

Jaden Taylor, senior — Taylor missed most of last season due to injury, but he’ll seek a trip to state after coming close in 2018 with a third-place section finish at 195 pounds.

KEY PLAYERS

WEM/JWP’s Jaxson James, right, has placed top-four each of the past two years in the individual section tournament. (Daily News file photo)

MOVED ON

Dalton Klampe — Klampe finished sixth at sections at 152 pounds and was WEM/JWP’s representative for the all-conference sportsmanship award.

Donald Carlson — Carlson finished sixth at sections at 195 pounds and was asked to take on a bigger role in the lineup with Taylor’s injury.

SEASON OUTLOOK

COACHSPEAK

“We had a tough season last year and had difficulty keeping a consistent lineup throughout the season. Our focus this season is to make sure that we are doing the little things right. Our kids have set goals to make improvements in the classroom as well as in the wrestling room and hopefully we’ll make big strides in both areas from last year.” - Troy Stehr

Leighton Weasler, senior, F/D — Weasler enters his fourth season on varsity and was all-conference honorable mention. He led the team with 17 assists and was second with 24 points. Weasler is versatile with solid penalty kill shot blocking, great hands and puck skills.

Zack Slinger, sophomore, F — Slinger’s 21 goals tripled any other Falcon. He also had a team high 28 points, which helped him to all-conference honors in his second varsity season. He works hard and is proficient in the tough areas on the ice.

Zach Siegert, junior, F — Siegert enters his fourth year on

Sophomore Grady Goodwin expects to be one of the leaders of the Faribault defense this season. (Daily News file photo)

varsity. He’s a strong skater with a heavy shot who produced four assists and four goals.

Grady Goodwin, sophomore, D — Goodwin moves the puck well and is a good skater. The allconference honorable mention can do a little bit of everything and finished with four goals and nine assists last season.

Jordan Nawrocki, junior, F/D

— Nawrocki plays with heart and is not afraid to get into the corners. The three-year letter winner has good ice vision and knows how to deliver the puck as demonstrated by nine assists, which tied for second on the team.

FHS BOYS HOCKEY Continued on page 10

BY THE NUMBERS

WEM/JWP finished 3-18 overall and 1-4 in the Gopher Valley Conference. Due to injuries and 5 — Based on win totals, the a thin roster, dual wins were Grizzlies return their top five tough to come by. Improvement wrestlers this season. is expected thanks to a healthy Taylor and a hungry Melchert.

Maple River went unbeaten in conference and is gunning for its fifth straight title. Perennial state power Kenyon-Wanamingo is the favorite to return to state out of Section 2A.

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ULTIMATE TAN Jacob Karsten was one of three Grizzlies to place top-six at the individual section tournament a year ago. (Daily News file photo)

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PAGE 10

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Thursday, December 5, 2019

FHS GIRLS HOCKEY COACHES

Head coach: Mike Dietsch, first year Assistant coach: Steve Gravgaard, 10th year

KEY PLAYERS

Zack Slinger led Faribault with 28 points as a freshman in 2018-19. (Daily News file photo)

FHS BOYS HOCKEY Continued from page 9

Spencer Ell, senior, G — Ell enters his third year on varsity.

He’s one of the team leaders who controls the game and can make athletic saves. He split time last year, collecting a 6-5-1 record and leading with a .889 save percentage.

KEEP AN EYE ON

Jake Dolter, senior, G — Dolter and Ell expect to split time in net once again after posting similar stats. Dolter posted a 6-5 record with a .888 save percentage and a team best 2.98 goals allowed.

Noah Murphy, senior, F — Murphy was second on the team with eight goals last season. He’s one of several viable scoring options.

Braden Schroeder, senior, F — Schroeder collected four goals and four assists and could have a larger role in 2019-2020.

MOVED ON

improved from 9-15-2 (4-9-2 Big 9) in 2017-18 to 12-11-1 (68-1) a season ago. The Falcons are hopeful to make another leap and ascend from the middle of the Big 9 standings. There was no dominant team in Section 1 last year, so the Falcons will look to make some noise in the postseason after a first-round exit last winter.

COACHSPEAK

“I am excited for the season to start. We have some adversity to face early on this season but will come out of it a stronger team.

Our leadership needs to help keep the team focused on the task at hand and avoid outside distractions. Our dedication to the weight room has been awesome and I look forward to the team getting stronger throughout the season.” — Dean Weasler

BY THE NUMBERS

Daniel Drevlow, D — Drev6-2-1 — The Falcons’ record in low provided toughness on one-goal games last season. defense and was a leader for a 91.8 — The percent of total young team in 2018-19. He had points returning for Faribault in six assists.

2019-20.

Owen Williamson, D — Williamson was the other senior leader on last year’s team. He finished with four assists and a goal.

SEASON OUTLOOK

Faribault has been a young team the past two seasons. That’s no longer the case. The Falcons

Olivia Williamson, senior, F — Williamson enters her sixth season on varsity. The Division I Brown University commit was one of the state’s top scorers last season with 40 goals to go with 21 assists. She’s a team captain and earned all-conference and all-state honorable mention honors thanks to her strength on the puck and good vision.

Haley Lang, senior, F — Lang was all-conference in 2018-19.

She aids the Falcons with speed Olivia Williamson will finish out an illustrious career with the Faribault Falcons in 2019-20. (Daily News file and determination for the puck. photo) Lang is an accurate shot and tied for third on the team with 15 ice, shoots well, sees the ice and versatile all-around player who deeper run following. They finmoves the puck. communicates very well on the ished 19-7 (16-3 Big 9) last seagoals.

Rylie Starkson, junior, F — A ice/ son began the season 5-0 under Abby Goodwin, senior, F — Izzy Stephes, eighth grade, F new head coach Mike Dietsch, Lang is a team captain and one of determined and gritty player, has the Falcons’ more well-rounded a nose for the puck and makes — A hard worker who’s always who brings in 23 years of coaching experience from Shattuck-St. players. She was all-conference thing happen when she’s on the hustling up and down the ice. ice.

Bergen Williamson, freshMary’s. Learning his new syshonorable mention man, D — A consistent tems will take some time, but with 10 goals and 15 defenseman who does this veteran-laden squad has the assists. a great job in the front potential to compete for Big 9 Mikayla Bohner, of the net and is always supremacy. senior, G — Bohner working on the ice. possesses great knowledge of her position and under“It’s been a very fun and nice standing of her surWhile the Falcons start to the season. I’m sure I’ll roundings. She was return four out of end up learning more from the named team MVP their top five point girls this year than they will from and all-conference getters, as well as an me, but we will have fun doing thanks to a robust .91 all-conference goalie, it.” — Mike Dietsch save percentage and a they do lose some key 2.08 goals allowed avpieces. All-conference erage. forward Kayli BurEmily Wilder, sekhartzmeyer gradunior, D — Wilder is 40 — the number of goals by ated with 30 points and a solid defenseman, all-conference honor- Olivia Williamson in 26 games sees the ice and moves able mention forward last season. the puck well and is Ellie Knutson posted constantly hustling. Goalie Mikayla Bohner was named Faribault’s team MVP to 18. Contributors Olivia 5 — The number of wins the Serenity Knott, se- go with all-conference honors in her junior season. (Daily Morelan, Alexis Ve- Falcons has to open the season nior, D — Knott is an- News file photo) lander and Tori Pavel before falling to conference rival, other reliable cog on Northfield. also graduated.

Ashley Rost, junior, F — Hard defense, offering a good on-ice presence and smart puck han- worker on the ice, shoots the puck well and comes to the rink dling. with a great attitude.

Alli Velander, junior, F — After reaching the Section 1A Great attitude on the ice, great finals and losing to playoff rival, team player, knows her role and Rochester Lourdes, the Falcons Grace McCoshen, eighth goes out and does it every shift. are hoping to make an even Anna Selly, junior, F — A grade, D — Great vision on the

MOVED ON

COACHSPEAK

BY THE NUMBERS

KEEP YOUR EYE ON

SEASON OUTLOOK

Thursday, December 5, 2019

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 11

FHS BOYS BASKETBALL COACHES

COACHES

Head coach: Lisa Dahl, first year as head coach Assistant coaches: Jill Walker, Stefanie Thomas and Samantha Pierce

Head coach: Eric Hildebrandt, second year Assistant coaches: Dean Reiter, second year; Scott Morrissey, second year, and Anthony Gustafson, second year

KEY DANCERS

KEY PLAYERS

Abdimutalib Abdullahi, senior, F — Abdullahi was second on the team with 10.3 points per game and led with 1.3 steals. He showed ability to hit the three and drive to the basket. With Joe Palmer (23.7 PPG) graduated, the athletic 6-foot-4 forward will have to adapt to receiving more attention from defenses.

Nick Ehlers, junior, F — Ehlers at 6-foot-5 gives the Falcons a burgeoning post presence.

He continues to get stronger now as an upperclassman and will be asked to tangle with opponents’ top big men.

Maverick Jeanes, senior, G — Jeanes at 6-foot-2 had good ballhandling skills for his size.

He was also one of the Falcons’ better rebounders and can score, too.

KEEP AN EYE ON

The Falcons graduated nine seniors from last year’s squad.

New faces on varsity are Alex Sullivan, Hunter Nelson, Devin Lockerby, AJ Worrall, Jordan Klecker, Khalid Nurr and Joe Dozark.

Of those not yet mentioned, Nick Flom, John Palmer, Alex Leet, Evan Larson, Aqbal Abdullahi and Alex Gardner return varsity experience.

Abdimutalib Abdullahi adds versatility for Faribault with his ability to score and defend from all over the floor. (Daily News file photo)

ing point guard. He helped facilitate the offense and made hustle plays.

Guards Mitch Nelson and Trey Krannich, along with forward Jerad Moriarity also saw big minutes for the Falcons.

deeper and more athletic crew.

Abdullahi missed the early part of last season and still impressed while playing catch up. The team was also adapting to the systems of new head coach and former Faribault assistant, Eric Hildebrandt. Last year’s conference race was filled with state-ranked teams. Mankato East and Austin split the title and expect to be The Falcons finished 11-17 (9- tough again. Waseca is expected 13 Big 9) and earned eighth place to make a run at repeating as in the conference. Faribault won Section 2AAA champions. a playoff game for the fourth time in the past five seasons after knocking off Worthington “We are an athletic group with in round one. While they lack a depth. We are going to get better dominant force like Palmer this everyday in pursuit of becoming time around, there’s a case to be the best team we can become by made that this year’s group is a playoff time.” — Eric Hildebrandt

SEASON OUTLOOK

Captains – Alissa Battles, Madeline Casper, Lauren The Faribault Emeralds dance team took home another trophy, third in Rindahl and Brynn Whitten the 2019 state high kick competition. (Daily News file photo) Seniors – Alissa Battles, Madeline Casper, Alexis Owformances were also top notch, ens, Emma Paquette, Lauren earning the Emeralds third in Rindahl, Morgan Rist and kick and sixth in jazz at state.

“We have a whole new coachBrynn Whitten As usual, the squad kept its ing staff for Emeralds this year. routines and their themes hushWe are excited for the season hush, only revealing them at its which kicks with our first comLindsey Davis, Sarah Howell, annual community performance petition on Saturday, Dec. 7 in Tessa Longshore, Taylor Prieve Dec. 2.

Cannon Falls.” — Lisa Dahl But as any dance fan knows, NEED THREE MORE NAMES those will likely change — and HERE change again — over the course of the season.

COACHSPEAK

MOVED ON

2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK

While the coaching staff looks very different than in years past, Dahl was previously an assistant coach at FHS and all are Emeralds alumna, which means they understand not just the rigor of dance, but the high bar the Emeralds set for themselves.

Last year’s team won the Big 9 Conference title and placed first in kick 39.8 — The percent- and jazz at secage of scoring accounted tions. Its state perfor by 2019 graduate Joe Palmer.

6-4 — The Falcons’ record last season in games decided by single digits.

BY THE NUMBERS

COACHSPEAK

MOVED ON

Joe Palmer, F — Palmer will be missed most of last season’s large senior class.

He could score at will, pouring in 23.7 points per game despite seeing occasional double teams. The all-around player is now at Augsburg University.

Andy Prange, G — The ball was safe in Prange’s hands as the Falcons start-

FHS DANCE

BY THE NUMBERS

The Faribault Emeralds were one of 12 teams competing in the Class AA state jazz competition in February.

This team has its sights on yet another trip to Minneapolis. (Daily News file photo)

We wish you the best this season!

Water & Fire Damage • Carpet Cleaning Mold Remediation • Radon Mitigation Faribault’s Maverick Jeanes, left, and No. 24 Nick Ehlers will be key cogs in 2019-20. (Daily News file photo)

19 — the number of Big 9 Conference championships the Emeralds have won 16 — the number of hours a week the team rehearses 12 — the number of state championships captured by the Emeralds

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

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