Faribault winter sports preview

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL • BETHLEHEM ACADEMY • WATERVILLE-ELYSIAN-MORRISTOWN • MINNESOTA STATE ACADEMY FOR THE DEAF BASKETBALL • HOCKEY • DANCE • WRESTLING • BOYS SWIM AND DIVE • GYMNASTICS

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

December 2016D

FARIBAULT EMERALDS

Table of contents

Faribault Emeralds..........................................................................................................................2 FHS boys swim and dive...............................................................................................................3 FHS boys basketball........................................................................................................................3 BA boys basketball..........................................................................................................................4 WEM boys basketball.....................................................................................................................4 MSAD basketball..............................................................................................................................5 WEM/JWP wrestling.......................................................................................................................5 Team schedules............................................................................................................................6-7 FHS wrestling....................................................................................................................................8 FHS gymnastics................................................................................................................................8 WEM girls basketball......................................................................................................................9 FHS girls basketball.......................................................................................................................10 BA girls basketball.........................................................................................................................10 FHS boys hockey............................................................................................................................11 FHS girls hockey.............................................................................................................................11 WINTER S ORTS REVIEW • DECEMBER A special project of the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021 • www.faribault.com Publisher Sam Gett Regional Editor Brad Phenow Sports Editor Adam Holt Sports Reporter Matt Bigelow

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Emeralds hope hard-work attitude results in success So far, hard work has paid off for the Faribault Emeralds.

In their first competition, the Emeralds swept first in both high kick and jazz at the varsity and JV levels. But more improvement will be needed to get to the end goals.

So far, that get-to-work attitude is there for Faribault.

“It’s really important to have it now,” senior Madisson Morris said. “If you don’t’ work hard now, you’re not going to be able to work hard l a t e r .

You build on it; dance is something you build on over the course of time.

So if I don’t do something right now correct, I’m not going to be able to do it on the floor on Saturday correctly.”

That’s been the story on the Emeralds so far — a willingness to work and learn. It had them ahead of schedule early on, and might have them looking at improving on a second-place finish in kick from last season.

The key is to have that attitude now, rather than needing to try and change it later in the season.

“It’s hard to change a bad habit, especially with dance team,” senior Alana Bresnahan said. “If you’re doing something super lazy and not full out, it’s hard to correct that a week before sections. That’s something we kind of learned the year we got third at state a while back, that we can’t just start pushing at sections. We got moved up to triple-A and so we had to work our butts off all summer. I feel like we’ve kind of learned from that, and ever since, that’s when we started having our winning streak back.”

The goals are high again now, and whether or not that changes, will be left to time to tell.

“We strive for the top and see what the girls are looking like, and better determine if we can still stay with that goal,” coach Lois Krinke said.

“As long as we keep rolling, don’t plateau,” senior Gracie Donahue said. “Keep climbing the mountain.”

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December 2016

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 3

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SWIM AND DIVE

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

Falcons return almost everyone, eye big finishes Falcons need all hands on deck approach The Falcons lost one swimmer from last year and gained more than a handful this season, and that’s got coach Charlie Fuller excited.

Exchange student Erris Boshnjaku is the only swimmer not back for the Faribault High School boys swim and dive team this season, and with a strong group of upperclassmen, the expectations are higher after rebuilding last year.

“We have an opportunity to something really good with the people that we have,” Fuller said. “We need to work hard to get there and we’ve got to hope that everything falls in place the way that I’m hoping it does.”

Senior Paul Sadergaski is one of the top swimmers in the state and won the 100-yard butterfly as a junior.

All three of his teammates on the 200 medley relay that went to state are back too, with juniors Adam Rechtzigel, Carter Howell and Derek Bokelmann.

Returning seniors Carl Ziegler, Chris Lane, Ethan Johnsrud and Ian Moon will also look to finish their high school careers on a high note.

“We’re all really excited,” Lane said. “We know

what we’re capable of now. It’s not a rebuilding year like it was last year.”

Fuller’s also happy to have more divers. Tanner Longshore returns, and will be joined by freshmen Connor Sherwood and Hunter Strouth.

Just having some better numbers this year will help FHS in dual meets, too.

“I made out my lineup for our first meet against [Rochester] Mayo and I was able to fill every spot in the varsity lineup,” Fuller said. “Every spot. I haven’t done that in years. Seriously, because of our numbers.

We haven’t had the numbers to do it with.”

The combination of numbers, talent and experience has FHS aspiring more toward the kind of finishes it had in recent years — fourth at state twice and third in 2015.

“We’re expecting a lot,” Lane said. “Since we’re returning so many people — we sent that one medley relay to state last year — we’re expecting a lot out of it.”

“Just have everybody improve and have a good season all-around,” Ziegler said.

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 14-14 (10-14 Big 9) Seventh in Big 9 Postseason: Lost 55-29 to Marshall in Section 2AAAA semifinals

WHO’S GONE

F Win Hunter, G Brady Combs, G Ramsey Shaffer

WHO’S BACK F Kade Hart, G TJ Hunt, G Cody Ehlers, G Joe Jackson, F Chase Ernste

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Ninth in Big 9 21st at Class A state State participants: Paul Sadergaski, Carter Howell, Adam Rechtzigel, Derek Bokelmann

TJ HUNT

WHO’S BACK Sr. Paul Sadergaski, Jr. Carter Howell, Jr. Derek Bokelmann, Jr. Adam Rechtzigel, Sr. Carl Ziegler, Sr. Chris Lane, Sr. Ethan Johnsrud, Sr. Ian Moon

ADAM RECHTZIGEL Rechtzigel had a good season in a number of strokes for the Falcons last year, and he was part of the FHS medley relay with Paul Sadergaski, Carter Howell and Derek Bokelmann that qualified for state.

Good Luck To All Our Local Athletes!

Hunt’s role becomes more important for the Falcons this year, not only due to losses via graduation, but with Kade Hart’s status unclear for the season.

Hunt earned honorable mention honors in the Big 9, averaging just under seven points, three rebounds and three assists.

The Faribault High School boys basketball team returns five key players after winning 14 games a season ago. The most important player of that bunch is 6-foot-8 forward Kade Hart.

Success for the Falcons starts and stops with senior forward Kade Hart. Hart averaged 14.6 points and 7.9 rebounds as a junior, and the Bemidji State signee is one of the top five or six players in the Big 9. Hart’s been dealing with a wrist injury suffered during the football season and mono. It’s unclear when he’ll be back and if/when he does return, it will inevitably take some time to get back to full strength.

For a team that doesn’t have a lot of proven scoring on the perimeter, Hart is the key as he’s the focal point of the Falcons’ offense. If he’s out for an extended period of time, the complexion of their season changes.

With that said, Hart isn’t the only important returner for FHS. TJ Hunt and Chase Ernste started a majority of the games last year for the Falcons and Cody Ehlers and Joe Jackson were the first two guys typically off the bench. Those four should be able to provide stability and productivity.

“That’s the good thing about this group,” said Walsten. “They’ve figured out how to battle and they played most of the summer without [Hart] as he was playing with his AAU team. TJ and Cody have played quite a bit, Chase is back and Joe is a guy we’re looking for to step up.”

Hunt earned honorable mention honors in the Big 9 last season. Ehlers was the team’s top shooter a year ago, Jackson was a change-of-pace backup who excelled especially on the defensive end and Ernste is a glue guy who does a lot of the dirty work inside.

None of those guys looked to score a lot last year but they’ve all got certain skills that fit nicely around Hart. Without him, they’ll all have to step up and do a little more.

“I think chemistry is going to be huge this year,” said Hunt. “We played summer league games together without him and we had a lot of the same guys. So we kind of learned to lean on each other.”

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PAGE 4

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY BOYS BASKETBALL

December 2016D

WEM BOYS BASKETBALL

Returning talent means high hopes for Cardinals WEM has a Big 3, but other contributors key The Bethlehem Academy boys basketball team might have the most collective experience of any team in the Gopher Conference. The crazy thing is that the Cardinals might also be the youngest still.

BA brings back its entire starting five and one of its top bench players from last year. It’s that returning talent and experience that has the Cards excited for this upcoming season.

“I think we have a chance to do well this year,” said senior guard Brendan Trump. “My goal is to go deep in sections. I think we have a chance to do that. There aren’t a lot of teams that can say they return all five starters.”

BA started four underclassmen a year ago and it showed a lot of times. The Cardinals would play well for stretches, but there were inconsistencies and mistakes that could simply be chalked up to youth. Those mistakes dwindled as the season went along and the Cards found themselves in a lot of close games.

While they only won nine games a year ago, the trial-by-fire way in which they gained experience was incredibly valuable.

The roster is still fairly young — Jack Clark and Damon Trump are both sophomore starters — but its balanced and talented. Clark might be one of the best players in the league as just a sophomore. The Trumps are solid guards as well and Avery Hunt and Alex Bongers can make things happen in the frontcourt. Throw in Hunter Dienst as a shooter off the bench and whatever BA gets out of its newcomers and there’s a making of a much more competitive team.

“I think the difference between this year’s team and last years’ team is just a year of growth,” said Trump. “Guys are bigger and stronger. And we’re more experienced. The game slows down for guys. It’s not as fast the more you play.”

“That shows,” said head coach Eric Hildebrandt. “They pick things up really well. They are smart and you can tell that they’ve played together for a while. That’s a fun thing to build on.”

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 9-19 (3-9 Gopher) Sixth in Gopher Conference Postseason: Lost 54-51 to Grand Meadow in Section 1A-West quarterfinals

WHO’S GONE F Ben Jandro, F John Healy

WHO’S BACK F/G Brendan Trump, F/G Avery Hunt, G Jack Clark, G Damon Trump, F Alex Bongers, G Hunter Dienst

DAMON TRUMP BA saw Trump and Jack Clark start as freshmen a year ago, and will look for another step forward from the two this season.

Trump played AAU ball this past summer with Wear Out the Net, a program based out of Lakeville.

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BA

T • 507.334.6433 • S

largely boxed out to clear space for rebounders and did some dirty work in the low post on offense. But a lot of little things can add up.

“Just having them score five, six, seven points per game, play defense, help out on defense, help out on rebounding, help set screens,” McBroom said. “Score a bit obviously. Anything they can do to take the load of our shoulders a bit.”

Olson is working back from a knee injury suffered in the football season, so until his return, that’s a little more pressure on everyone else to keep the ship on course early. While he started his high school career as a dominant presence in the paint, his game has expanded, and he’ll be a wing in college. If he’s able to play outside more as a senior, that should clear up room inside for WEM’s other post players, as most opponents will need to decide which position they want to give up size to.

The Bucs don’t need the world from the rest of the roster, but capable contributions could go a long way toward staying near the top of the Gopher Conference.

LOGAN SENDLE The number of proven scorers on the Bucs is down from last year, but that shouldn’t be an issue. Sendle wasn’t asked to score much last season, but will take on more of that responsibility, and proved capable with 17 in the Bucs’ season opener.

The senior guard also sets the tone on defense, where he pesters the opponent’s top player.

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 25-4 (11-1 Gopher) Gopher Conference co-champions Postseason: Lost 51-46 to Maple River in Section 2AA-South final

WHO’S GONE G/F Kallen Dorenkemper, G Tyler Tegmeier, F Dalton Grose

WHO’S BACK F Zac Olson, G/F Dallas McBroom, G Logan Sendle

SCHEDULE

Good Luck Area Athletes!

FA

The Buccaneers know who will do the heavy lifting on the scoreboard. Identifying how the supporting players fit in will determine a lot about how their season goes, though.

The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown boys basketball team has a trio of senior standouts with Zac Olson, Logan Sendle and Dallas McBroom.

How the Bucs fill in around those three, especially in the post, will matter on both ends of the court.

So far, the effort is there.

“All the things that a coach likes to have at the beginning of the year; they’re working hard, they’re paying attention,” coach Jeff Wagner said.

Luke Polzin and Bradley Edel could see most of the minutes in the post. Olson and McBroom can work inside as well, but their versatility and ability to play outside as well will help create favorable matchups.

Wagner said Polzin’s strength is his ability to put the ball on the floor and pass, while Edel has length and offers some diversity in the post. They won’t be asked to do too much — last year, Dalton Grose

THE NHE

HTSDENTA .C M

Friday, Jan. 13 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 19 at Jordan, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at BA, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Blooming Prairie, Thursday, Dec. 15 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Waseca, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27 vs. BA, 7:15 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Harry Brown’s Tuesday, Jan. 31 vs. Belle Plaine, Holiday tourney 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 at Harry Brown’s Friday, Feb. 3 at Maple River, 7:15 Holiday tourney Thursday, Jan. 5 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 at TCU, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10 at Loyola, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11 vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Blue Earth Area, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 vs. St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 24 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 27 at K-W, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, March 2 vs. St. Peter, 7:15 p.m.

December 2016

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

MSAD BASKETBALL

Trojans thinking ‘reload’ rather than ‘rebuild’ The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf basketball team heads into the 2015-16 season with a lot of new faces. That doesn’t do anything to change the Trojans’ expectations though.

MSAD needs to replace All-American forwards Matt Sherman, Josh Strom, Junior Peters and Anthony Barger, and while that presents a big challenge, head coach Lee Jones doesn’t view the team as “rebuilding.”

“Our expectations for this upcoming season will be dominating in tournaments,” said Jones. “I believe we have a solid team that will make noise here.”

The Trojans lost a lot, but the cupboard is far from bare. Kyrell Cummings averaged a double-double last year, earning All-American honors. Dawson Moder was a solid backup guard who excelled on the defensive side of the floor and John Fechter was a forward

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 18-10 GPSD Tournament champions Sections: Lost to Southland in Section 1A-West first round, 74-52.

who contributed in limited minutes inside.

Those three will step into bigger roles this year and Jones is expecting them to lead the way. He’s also excited about some of the newcomers on the roster, most of whom reside in the junior class.

“It is tough to replace the players we lost in those seniors,” said Jones. “This year we will have solid players who understand the system. We have solid veterans this year in Kyrell [Cummings], Dawson [Moder] and John [Fechter] and we have several players that would be surprising players this year in the junior class. We will still have a good team.”

The Trojans are coming off one of the best seasons in school history that saw them win the GPSD tournament, host and win a section game and earn an NDIAA National Championship. Jones was also selected as the DeafDigest Coach of the Year.

WHO’S GONE Junior Peters, Matt Sherman, Josh Strom, Anthony Barger

WHO’S BACK F Kyrell Cummings, F Dawson Moder, John Fechter, F Adam Rohde, F Javis Johnson, F Jon Schmidt, G Sam Bondhus

PAGE 5

WEM/JWP WRESTLING

Grizzlies expecting more for 2016-17 season Last season ended disappointingly for the Grizzlies, but they’ve got high expectations for 2016-17.

The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown/Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton wrestling team lost just two seniors last year and is expecting to be anchored by its newest crop of upperclassmen this winter.

Co-coach Adam Roesler said fighting for a conference title isn’t out of the question. After struggling in duals last year, the Grizzlies got off to a 2-0 start last week, beating Waseca and Le Sueur-Henderson. The narrowest of losses early in the team section tournament provides some motivation for this coming postseason, too.

“We want to be in the top four of our section,” Roesler said. “We figure if we can get in that, who knows where it can go from there.”

Junior Adam Rients is the lone Grizzly who’s placed in sections multiple times. Up in the heavier weight classes, Will Storch returns as a Gopher Valley champion, and seniors Luke Borneke, Shae Wheelock and Gage Eastwood have also started the season off well.

Roesler said he likes what Kurtis Crosby, Braydon Johnson and Zach Voegele have done, whether it’s fighting to keep opponents from getting bonus points or being willing to wrestle up a weight class.

A long streak of sending wrestlers to state ended last season, but the Grizzlies see six of seven wrestlers who made it to the second day of individual sections back this year.

SCHEDULE

9:15 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 at Maple River tri, Thursday, Dec. 8 vs. Medford, 7 p.m. 5 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 at Northfield invite, Saturday, Jan. 14 at Medford invite, 10 a.m.

10 a.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 at Faribault tri, Tuesday, Jan. 17 home tri, 5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 home tri, 5 p.m., Friday, Dec. 30 at Eau Claire invite, Friday, Jan. 27 at Madelia quad, 5

S to p in & Wa rm U p

By Our F ir e p la ce !

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 7-11 Postseason: Lost 32-31 to Glencoe-Silver Lake/ Lester Prairie in Section 2AA first round

WHO’S GONE Reid Ayers, Justin Hill

WHO’S BACK Adam Rients, Jaden Taylor, Andrew Larson, Braydon Johnson, Gage Eastwood, Will Storch, Luke Borneke p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2 vs. USC, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4 home tournament, 10 a.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10 at Mound Westonka, 5 p.m.

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PAGE 6

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

December 2016D

REGULAR SEASON

All schedules subject Wednesday, Dec. 28 vs. Tuesday, Feb. 21 at Friday, Jan. 20 at Mankato Saturday, Feb. 11 at Section Tuesday, Jan. 24 vs. Dodge West, 7:30 p.m.

County, 7 p.m.

1AA meet, KM to change and current TBD, Harry Brown’s Holiday Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 vs.

New Tourney Thursday, Jan. 26 at Mankato Friday, Feb. 24 vs.

Century, through Dec. 6

FHS BOYS BASKETBALL

Friday, Dec. 9 vs. Northfield, 7:45 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 10 vs. Sauk Rapids-Rice at Hopkins, 9 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 vs. John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

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Good Luck to All this Season.

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Thursday, Dec. 29 vs. TBD, Harry Brown’s Holiday Tourney Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 vs. Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 vs. Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Century, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 vs. Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28 at Northfield, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3 vs. Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 at John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11 vs.

Hutchinson, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 27 at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, March 3 at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

FHS GIRLS BASKETBALL

Tuesday, Dec. 6 vs. Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 vs. Northfield, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 Harry Brown’s Holiday Tourney Thursday, Dec. 29 Harry Brown’s Holiday Tourney Tuesday, Jan. 3 vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 at Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 vs. Century, 7:30 p.m.

Ulm, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 at Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28 at Northfield, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3 at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 vs. John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 vs. Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 vs.

Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 24 at Century, 7:30 p.m.

FARIBAULT EMERALDS

Saturday, Dec. 10 at Fridley, 12 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14 at Cannon Falls Saturday, Jan. 21 at Big 9 meet, JM Saturday, Jan. 28 at New Prague Thursday, Jan. 2 at Farmington

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FHS GYMNASTICS

West, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Century, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2 at La Crescent, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 4 at Northfield, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 vs.

Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 vs. Le Sueur-Henderson, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 16 at Albert Lea, 7:15 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 18 vs. Red Wing, 1 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8 at Austin, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Red Wing, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Northfield, 6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7 home invite, 11 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 at KassonMantorville, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 vs. John Marshall, Century, Mayo, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14 at Farmington invite Friday, Jan. 27 vs. Mankato West, Mankato East, 6 pm.

Saturday, Jan. 28 at Northfield invite Thursday, Feb. 2 at Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Red Wing, Owatonna, 6:30 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11 at Big 9 Thursday, Dec. 8 vs. Mankato meet, Red Wing, 3 p.m.

East, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 vs. John Tuesday, Dec. 6 vs. Albert Marshall, 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Mayo, Lea, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8 at Mankato 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 vs. Austin, East, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 vs. 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Winona, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at Austin, Burnsville tourney Thursday, Dec. 29 at 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 30 at River Falls Burnsville tourney Friday, Dec. 30 at Burnsville tourney, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 31 at River tourney Friday, Jan. 6 at Tartan, 6 Falls tourney, TBD Tuesday, Jan. 3 vs. Waseca, p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7 at Century, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 7 vs. Century, 11 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. Northfield, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 vs.

Northfield, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at Winona, 7 Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21 at Austin, p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 at 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 24 at Mounds Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21 vs. Austin, View, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 vs.

7 p.m.

Mankato West, 7 p.m.

FHS GIRLS HOCKEY

FHS BOYS HOCKEY

December 2016

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 7

GAME SCHEDULES

Saturday, Jan. 28 at John Marshall, 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 vs.

Northfield, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2 vs. Century, 7 p.m.

FHS BOYS SWIM AND DIVE

Thursday, Dec. 8 at Mayo, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 15 vs. Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 17 at Albert Lea invite, 10 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 at John Marshall, 6 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5 vs. Northfield, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. Austin, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14 at South St. Paul invite, 1 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Mankato West, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 21 at Section 1A true team, 10 a.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 vs.

Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28 at State true team Thursday, Feb. 2 at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10 Big 9 diving, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 11 Big 9 Friday, Feb. 10 at Farmington Tuesday, Jan. 24 vs. Loyola, swimming, 1 p.m. tri 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 at JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27 at WEM, 7:15 Thursday, Dec. 8 at Albert Lea, p.m.

7 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 at Randolph, Monday, Jan. 30 vs.

Thursday, Dec. 15 vs. Austin, 7 7:15 p.m.

Glenville-Emmons, 7:30 p.m. p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8 at Belle Tuesday, Jan. 31 vs. Grand Saturday, Dec. 17 at Northfield Plaine, 7:30 p.m.

Meadow, 7:15 p.m. invite, 10 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 at Zumbrota- Friday, Feb. 3 vs. Blooming Thursday, Dec. 22 vs. WEM/ Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m.

Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

JWP, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 vs. WEM, Tuesday, Feb. 7 at USC, 7:15 Thursday, Dec. 29 at Fargo 7:15 p.m. p.m. tournament Friday, Dec. 16 at Blooming Thursday, Feb. 9 vs.

Friday, Dec. 30 at Fargo Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. tourney Thursday, Dec. 22 at Triton, Friday, Feb. 10 vs. Medford, Thursday, Jan. 5 vs. Mayo, 7 7:15 p.m.

7:15 p.m. p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Thursday, Feb. 16 at Maple Friday, Jan. 6 at Eastview tri, Hayfield invite River, 7:15 p.m.

4:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 at Hayfield Friday, Feb. 24 vs. NRHEG, Thursday, Jan. 12 vs. Northfield, invite 7:15 p.m.

JM, 5 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 3 vs. Cannon Friday, Jan. 13 at Henry Sibley Falls, 7:15 p.m. tri, 4:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 vs. USC, 7:15 Friday, Jan. 20 at Mankato East, p.m.

7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 at Medford, Tuesday, Dec. 6 vs. Randolph, Saturday, Jan. 21 at Eastview 7:15 p.m.

7:15 p.m. invite, 10 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 vs. Maple Friday, Dec. 9 vs. ZumbrotaThursday, Jan. 26 at Mankato River, 7:15 p.m.

Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m.

West tri, 5 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 14 at Pine Saturday, Dec. 10 at Trinity Thursday, Feb. 2 vs. Century, 7 Island, 4 p.m.

School, 6 p.m. p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 vs. Tuesday, Dec. 13 at WEM, Saturday, Feb. 4 at Armstrong Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:15 p.m.

7:15 p.m. tourney, 9 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 at NRHEG, Friday, Dec. 16 vs. Blooming Thursday, Feb. 9 at Owatonna, 7:15 p.m.

Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

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Monday, Dec. 19 vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 27 vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 3 at Belle Plaine, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 6 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 vs.

Southwest Christian, 7 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at Maple River, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 17 at WabashaKellogg, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 26 vs. JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 27 vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Cannon Falls, 6 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 10 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 16 vs. St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 20 at Loyola, 7:30 p.m.

MSAD BOYS BASKETBALL

Tuesday, Dec. 6 vs. Prairie Seeds Academy, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 8 vs.

International School, 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 12 vs. Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 vs.

Community of Peace, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5 vs. Charter Stars, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 10 at Cristo Rey, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at Clerc Classic Wednesday, Jan. 18 at International School, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 28 vs. Bethany Academy, 2 p.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 at Charter Stars, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2 vs. Cristo Rey, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 at Community of Peace, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at GPSD Tournament Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Hope Academy, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 22 at Prairie Seeds Academy, 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 27, TCAC tournament

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PAGE 8

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING

December 2016D

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASTICS

Improvement of young guys key for Falcons’ success Additional numbers should greatly improve FHS THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 21-4 (8-2 Big 9) Third in Big 9 Postseason: Lost to Farmington in Section 1AAA championship State qualifiers: Ryan Mullennex, Felipe Ramirez, Edwin Santiago, Ike VanThomme

WHO’S GONE Edwin Santiago (285), Ryan Mullennex (160), Tony Avila (138), Ike VanThomme (170), Anthony VanThomme (152)

WHO’S BACK Sr. Felipe Ramirez, Jr. Cain Van Ryn, Jr. Dillon McEachran, Jr. Austin Rendler

FELIPE RAMIREZ Ramirez made it to state last year, falling in the consolation bracket. He’s back as the highest-ranked of the Falcons, and will seek not only a return to state as an individual, but try to power the team to a section title as well.

The Faribault High School wrestling team finished the year on a high note, advancing to the section final and nearly pulling off an upset over Farmington before sending 13 wrestlers to the second day of individual sections.

Four Falcons got to state and while only Felipe Ramirez is back, the end-of-the-year run showed what kind of talent the wrestling team has overall.

Cain Van Ryn and Austin Rendler both just missed out on state qualifications last year, finishing third in their weight divisions.

Riley Stoltz and Ren Ross both finished fourth while Josh Oathoudt, Dillon McEachran and Josh Heyda all finished fifth. Austin Underdahl also wrestled on the second day and finished eighth.

The Falcons know what they are getting with Ramirez — who enters the year ranked No. 3 at 220 pounds. He went to state last year and should be favored to get back there again this year.

McEachran and Van Ryn are upperclassmen now and guys the Falcons will rely on for stability and production. The batch of returning underclassmen might be the key to the season though. Stoltz, Oathoudt, Heyda and Underdahl were good last year as eighth and ninth-graders. Getting those young guys to take the next step — not big steps, even just moderate ones — could mean the difference between another season and one that ends with a deep section run or a possible trip to the state tournament.

“We’re missing some big parts right now but we feel like we can [do really well] if we push ourselves a little more,” said Ramirez. “I think they can look up to the guys before them that finished strong. Be that next guy that steps up and does big things.”

The Falcons won’t be at full strength until later in the season as they’ll be without Rendler for roughly half the season while Heyda was just recently cleared to return. That just means there is more opportunity for someone to come in and pleasantly surprise.

“That’s our mentality,” said Armbruster. “Here’s 31 guys. We’ve got 14 weight spots. Who wants it?”

BEFORE OR AFTER THE GAME!

Numbers might be the key to success for the Falcons this season.

The Faribault High School gymnastics team dealt with a lot of injuries last season, which forced some more inexperienced girls into varsity spots they weren’t always ready for. This year, a few more girls are out, and while it might not seem like much, those extra gymnasts can make a big difference.

“It’s gone really well,” head coach Larissa Rasmussen said. “Numbers are up. Not a ton, but we had a couple more girls come out this year.

Mostly girls who have been in gymnastics before but have been out of it for a few years.”

The additional gymnast will help out with the team’s depth and consistency, which were the two areas lacking most a year ago. With many of the younger gymnasts improving, adding more competitors to the fray should only help the team.

“It’s exciting, because last year, we hardly would have even a full varsity,” senior Haley Sullivan said. “It will be nice because once these girls grow up a little more, when they’re juniors and seniors, they’ll be at a very competitive level, and they’ll be something to watch out for in the Big 9.”

The Falcons lost Maria McDonough, one of the best to come through the program, but the growth of the gymnasts who return could mean FHS is stronger in the team scoring.

The additional numbers mean there’s less stress on the junior varsity gymnasts to have to fill in if there’s an injury. That will only help with the development of the more inexperienced girls, and in the long run, could mean a lot for the future of the program.

“I expect to have an actual JV team this year too, and have them actually get a team score,” Rasmussen said. “Because last year we would only have maybe one or two girls compete JV because we didn’t have the numbers, they didn’t have the skills or be out with injury.”

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Conference meet: Ninth at Big 9 Championships Section meet: Sixth at Section 1AA Championships State qualifiers: Maria McDonough (fourth in all-around)

WHO’S GONE Maria McDonough

WHO’S BACK Sr. Haley Sullivan, Jr. Anna Nietz, Fr. Evie Wood

ANNA NIETZ Nietz and senior Haley Sullivan are the Falcons’ leaders, both as captains, and as contributors. Neitz led the Falcons in the all-around in their first meet, and the hope is she’ll be healthy all year after dealing with a bad ankle last season.

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December 2016

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

WEM GIRLS BASKETBALL

Buccaneers need Hermel, Masberg to lead way THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 25-4 (12-0 Gopher Conference) Gopher Conference champions Postseason: Lost 55-52 to NRHEG in Section 2AASouth final

WHO’S GONE G Tierney Winter, G/F Kamryn Kendall, G/F RaeAhana Harmon, F Haley Domonoske, F Erika Olson

WHO’S BACK G Kate Masberg, G Shelby Hermel

The Buccaneers will look very different this year. With most of last year’s scoring and rebounding gone, there’s lots of opportunity for new players to earn minutes.

The Waterville-Elysian-Morristown girls basketball team has very different expectations, returning two varsity regulars from last year in senior Kate Masberg and sophomore Shelby Hermel. Star guard Tierney Winter and her 16 points, 8.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game are gone, as are Erika Olson’s 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds.

Masberg and Hermel don’t have to replace those numbers, and no one player on the roster needs to step in and score 15 points a game. But in being the veterans, the two need to guide the Bucs in other ways, both in practice and in games.

“Both of those two players are lead by example kind of kids,” coach Gabe Hauer said.

“Which, everybody has a different leadership quality. Kate, we’ve worked with her to be a vocal leader, but that’s just not her personality. She does work hard at practice, and you watch her run the floor — that’s one of the best things she does on the court to get some easy baskets — I wish the other girls would see that, and they do see that.”

The benefit of having maybe eight to 10 new players fighting for playing time is that the competition should push everyone on the roster.

“I think it will be a little more when people know if they’re playing JV, maybe they’ll work a little harder to get on varsity,” Masberg said. “Stuff like that.”

The immediate concern for

PAGE 9

SCHEDULE Friday, Jan. 6 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 6 vs. Waseca, 7:15 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 9 vs. TCU, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 9 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 12 vs. JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 13 vs. BA, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 13 at Le SueurFriday, Dec. 16 at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Henderson, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 22 vs. Jordan, 7:15 Tuesday, Jan. 17 at Blue Earth Area, p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 28 at Harry Brown’s 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 20 at Blooming Prairie, Holiday tourney 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 29 at Harry Brown’s Tuesday, Jan. 24 vs. USC, 7:15 p.m.

Holiday tourney Friday, Jan. 27 at BA, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 5 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

WEM is to have everyone on the same page defensively and offensively. That doesn’t take a sweet jump shot to do, just a bit of leadership. That’s what the Bucs need from their veterans.

“Those kind of things, in terms of leadership, yeah, anytime you’re the returning players, you’re automatically looked at either by the coaching staff or your teammates to be the ones to get your organized in what we’re doing on offense, or what the other team’s doing on defense,” Hauer said. “So those are things that we have to trust in them to be able to do that. Hopefully those two are ready to do that.”

Monday, Jan. 30 vs. K-W, 7:15 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 3 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 7 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 9 at Triton, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 14 vs. Loyola, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 17 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Tuesday, Feb. 21 at St. Peter, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 23 at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

SHELBY HERMEL One of two returning rotation players for the Bucs, Hermel and Kate Masberg will need to lead both on the score sheet and on the court for a young team that’s still figuring some things out.

The sophomore guard has 26 points through two games and epitomizes the athletic style of play the Bucs want to channel this season. She’s at her best slashing to the rim, but if she can provide some outside shooting too, it makes WEM much more dangerous.

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PAGE 10

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

December 2016D

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY GIRLS BASKETBALL

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL

Depth in post could be big advantage for FHS Skluzacek, Meyer to carry scoring load for Cards Size matters. The Falcons are going to put it to good use.

The Faribault High School girls basketball team has a lot of cause for optimism this season. The thing the head coach Bill Bardal might like most about his team is the depth of quality post players at his disposal.

“Our strength is our post play,” said Bardal. “Anytime we can, we’ll get the ball inside. [Elana] Palmer is an all-conference player so anytime we can; we’re going to get her the ball.”

Palmer was a force at times last year for FHS, averaging 11 points and six rebounds for the 13-win Falcons. She’s back for her senior year, but she’s not alone.

Maddi Rendler sat out last year due to transfer rules but averaged just less than 10 points per game as a sophomore at Bethlehem Academy. Megan Gehrke was a key bench player last year for the Falcons and Bardal’s repeatedly said he’s got high hopes for her as she makes the sophomore-to-junior jump. And Anna Combs missed most of last year with a knee injury and is making her way back to the lineup.

There’s more talent in the paint now than the Falcons have had in a long time.

“I’m excited for that,” said Palmer. “Last year we didn’t have that as much. We have so much more depth inside and I think it’s fun when you have that many posts.”

The FHS offense will still run through Palmer and junior guard Grace Amacher, but for a team that relies on its defense and rebounding as much as the Falcons do, that size can make a big difference.

“We’re going to be really tall compared to a lot of teams in the conference,” said Amacher. “I think that will be a big advantage for us.”

Combs and Rendler may not play huge minutes as they come back from various injuries, but both are capable of making a difference. Gehrke’s proven she can rebound and play well inside; for her it’s just about finishing consistently and staying aggressive.

Palmer is as good as it gets inside and she combines athleticism and tenacity to present problems few other posts can in the conference.

“These girls are going to have to know that they have roles,” said Bardal. “It’s nice to be able to have the extra posts that we have. It’s a great problem to have, the extra posts. Each player has to know their role and be satisfied with their role. If we can do that, we can do really well.”

CONFERENCE OUTLOOK The Falcons might be better this year, but every win they get will be earned.

The Big 9 should be well-represented in state rankings again this year as Winona and Northfield are among the top teams in Class AAA and Rochester Mayo and John Marshall are strong in Class AAAA.

THE LOWDOWN

THE LOWDOWN

LAST YEAR’S INFO

LAST YEAR’S INFO

Record: 13-14 (9-13 Big 9) Eighth in Big 9 Postseason: Lost 48-34 to Jordan in Section 2AAA quarterfinals

Record: 12-15 (2-10 Gopher) Seventh in Gopher Conference Postseason: Lost 68-39 in Section 1A-West first round

WHO’S GONE G Jenna Wetzel, F Ellery Akemann

WHO’S BACK F Elana Palmer, G Grace Amacher, G Rachel Hanson, F Megan Gehrke, F Lauren Isaacson, G Bre Bresnahan, F Anna Combs

WHO’S GONE F Madi Strodtman, G Hannah Robb

WHO’S BACK G Keely Skluzacek, G/F Shelby Meyer, F Amber Merritt, G Kallie Donahue

CONFERENCE OUTLOOK

GRACE AMACHER Faribault’s strength is in the post, but the most crucial player to the Falcons’ success is their junior point guard. “Primary ballhandler” might be an understatement, and FHS needs Amacher out on the floor as much as possible to make sure the offense runs smoothly.

Amacher is a two-time all-Big 9 honorable mention selection and averaged 10.7 points per game to go with 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 assists.

Elana Palmer will do the majority of the scoring for FHS. But the Falcons need Amacher to get the ball up the court so they can run their offense.

The Bethlehem Academy girls basketball team doesn’t have a lot of scoring options. The two the Cardinals do have though, are awfully good.

Senior guards Shelby Meyer and Keely Skluzacek have been around the block. Both are entering their fourth year as starters and both averaged more than 13 points per game a year ago. That experience and talent will be put to use in a big way because if BA is to improve on its 12-win season from a year ago, Meyer and Skluzacek will have to shoulder a majority of the scoring load.

“It’s nice because Keely and I are synced up on the court,” said Meyer. “We’ve been playing together since we could dribble a ball. We work well together and we have so many girls that were playing full time JV last year. Giving them time to develop and find their game is going to be essential.”

“I’m willing to do what it takes to make this a great year,” said Skluzacek. “Whether that’s with scoring points or any other way, I’ll do anything that will benefit the team.”

Meyer and Skluzacek are both tasked with doing a lot.

Skluzacek might be the team’s best perimeter defender and Meyer takes on a lot of the primary ball handling duties. But for all the little things that both do, putting the ball in the basket will be their primary job — out of necessity.

BA returns rotations players like Amber Merritt and Kallie Donahue and both provide valuable roles to the team. Merritt is an effective rebounder and solid screener — which opens up good looks for Meyer in particular — and Donahue is a pest of a defender and a willing passer.

But neither look to score much. The Cards have a good core of young players in the wings with Jess Oathoudt, Tess Glenzinski, Bela Kalis and Abby Strodtman in particular and as they gain more experience and confidence, the scoring load could lighten up. But until that happens, the Cards will need Meyer and Skluzacek to handle a bulk of the scoring.

KEELY SKLUZACEK Skluzacek enters her fourth year as a starter for the Cardinals off two straight seasons averaging at least 10 points per game. She’s accounted for 44 of the team’s 73 points through two games this year.

On paper, the Gopher Conference looks like New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva and friends.

The Panthers return all five starters from a team that went 23-7 a year ago. The only team making wholesale changes though is Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, so there should be a lot of competition for the next five spots in the league standings.

United South Central, Blooming Prairie, WEM and NREHG all won at least 15 games a year ago and BA won 12.

The Cards went just 2-10 in conference play though. With a lot of returning talent including Meyer and Skluzacek, the Cards could increase that number significantly.

December 2016

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS HOCKEY

PAGE 11

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS HOCKEY

Falcons extremely green on defense this year Offense will carry FHS as young blue line grows The Faribault High School boys hockey team was inexperienced last year at the forward spots but had a senior-heavy defensive corps to rely on early. That defensive core looks a lot different this time around.

The Falcons graduated all their full-time defensemen from a year ago, meaning they’ll head into the hockey season extremely inexperienced.

As a result, the top two guys on the defensive depth chart are former forwards Ryan Teske and Brett Vogelsberg. Those two might have been the team’s top two forwards heading into the year.

“We graduated all our defensemen,” said Weasler. “Teske’s played back there before. Vogelsberg played a little of both last year. Those are the only two with defensive experience and then we’ll have some sophomores with no experience that will get chances right away.”

Through two games this season, the Falcons have also played three freshmen on the back end.

That might mean a few more gray hairs for Weasler at times because of the natural peaks and valleys

that come with young kids playing a lot, but it also could mean a lot of overall improvement throughout the season as guys gain experience.

With the way the roster is set up, it might be one of those things where guys shuffle all over the ice from game to game. Since there aren’t a lot of natural defensemen, guys will have to adjust on the fly and be willing to move around the lineup.

The defense is inexperienced. That means guys will have to step up in other spots too. Adam Vos has some experience in net and the group of forwards — whoever they may be on any given night — will have to play responsible two-way games.

“I’m sure you’ll see a lot of jockeying positions, guys trying everything,” said Weasler. “Some guys playing forward and moving to defense. Trying guys at both. We’re going to find the right combo and go with it.”

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 6-19-1 (3-15-1 Big 9) 11th in Big 9 Postseason: Lost 9-1 to Albert Lea in Section 1A first round

WHO’S GONE F/D Anthony Simons, D Koy Payne, D Alex Dunn, D Tyler Karow, F Connor Lipinski

WHO’S BACK F/D Ryan Teske, F/D Brett Vogelsberg, G Adam Vos, D Cade Kletschka, F Brett Kelly, F Jaymeson Susen

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Drevlow is the most experienced of the Falcons’ defensemen, and she’ll be playing a lot in leading a young group of blueliners.

Olivia Morelan is a sophomore and Tegan Herrley, Serenity Knott and Emily Wilder are all freshmen, so Drevlow has to be steady with all the inexperience in the group.

RYAN TESKE FHS doesn’t return too much experience this year, and will look to Teske as a leader. He was a top forward last season, but will look to anchor a young blue line in his senior campaign.

Our Teams Clean Up! Good Luck This Season!

Wat r Fir a a • ar t l a i l iati • a iti ati

The Faribault girls hockey team used a high-powered offense to THE LOWDOWN get off to a blazing start in the 2015-16 season, but down the stretch when the Falcons needed wins, they got them in large part thanks to an experienced defensive core and a rock-star goalie.

LAST YEAR’S INFO Lauren Werner is no longer in net and Madison Beaupre and Record: 17-7-2 (15-4 Big 9) Shae McDonough aren’t around as the top defensive pairing to Fourth in Big 9 gobble up ice time.

Postseason: Lost 3-1 So as the Falcons break in Camryn Salmonsen — who did well to Austin in Section 1A as Werner’s backup last season — and young defensemen behind quarterfinals Maddie Drevlow, the responsibility to pick up slack shifts back to the group of forwards.

That group lost two of its top players as Megan Johnstad graduWHO’S GONE ated and Payton Putrah transferred, but the returning talent in that F Megan Johnstad, D Shea group is in abundance.

McDonough, D Madison “We’ve got some young girls coming up that I think will be able Beaupre, G Lauren Werner to take Payton’s spot,” said head coach Alli Miller. “Obviously there’s no replacing a player like Payton but I have no doubt that we have WHO’S BACK girls that can fill that role.”

Through five games, three Falcons have picked up the scoring F Alexis Ferris, F Olivia slack in a big way. Olivia Williamson leads the team with six goals Williamson, F Allyson and 10 points. Alexis Ferris has five goals and Haley Lang has four McCoshen, G Camryn goals. Allyson McCoshen is tied for the team lead with four assists.

Salmonsen, D Madeline Drevlow Scoring hasn’t been any issue for FHS on the young season. The Falcons have scored at least three goals in four of their five games this year and scored four, five and eight goals in their three wins.

It’ll have to stay that way as they grind through some unavoid- SCHEDULE ANALYSIS able inconsistencies that come with playing three underclassmen The Falcons had a tough slate on defense in front of a firstyear starter in goal. to start the year and it continues There’s no reason to think it can’t. through this week, with a trip to Red Wing and a visit from Mankato East, two teams near the top of the Big 9.

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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

December 2016D

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Hans C. Bengtson, M.D.

Gail, LPN

Hans C. Bengtson, M.D.

REASSURING REASSURING

REASSURING

Gail, LPN

EXPERIENCED EXPERIENCED

EXPERIENCED

ACCOMPLISHED ACCOMPLISHED ACCOMPLISHED

Clinton A. Muench, M.D. Clinton A. Muench, M.D.

Clinton A. Muench, M.D.

WORKING WORKING TOGETHER TOGETHER WORKING FOR YOU FOR YOU TOGETHER EVERY EVERY STEP OF FOR YOU STEP OF THE WAY. EVERY THE WAY.

STEP OF THE WAY. Faribault Chamber of Commerce 2016 Business of the Year Kate, PA-C Kate, PA-C

Kate, PA-C

Erik S. Stroemer, M.D. Erik S. Stroemer, M.D.

Erik S.

Keeping your Healthcare Close to Home

Blue Earth Dassel Blue Earth FARIBAULT Dassel Stroemer, M.D. Farmington FARIBAULT Hutchinson Farmington Hutchinson

Blue Earth

Lakeville Le Sueur Lakeville Litchfi eld Le Sueur Northfi Litchfieldeld Mankato Northfi eld Mankato

Redwood Falls St. PeterFalls Redwood Windom St. Peter Windom

507.334.1601

Lakeville

Redwood Falls