Winter sports

RIB

T I

SC OO

• BET E EM C DEM B S ETB

• W TERVI E E SI N MORRISTOWN • MINNESOT ST TE C DEM

• OC E • D NCE • WREST IN • BO S SWIM ND DIVE •

OR T E DE

MN STICS

Daily News Winter Sports Preview • Farm Fresh 2017-18 Produce

• To-Your-Car Service • Floral Shop PROUD TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY AND ALL LOCAL YOUTH ATHLETES!

©2017

430 NW 2nd Ave, Faribault, MN 55021 Grocery (507) 334-1661 Meat Dept. (507) 334-1662 Bakery(507)332-5781 Fareway Spirits & More (507)332-3016

PAGE 2

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

December 2017

Table of contents

FARIBAULT EMERALDS

Faribault Emeralds.........................................................................................................................2 WEM/JWP wrestling.......................................................................................................................3 FHS wrestling....................................................................................................................................3 FHS gymnastics................................................................................................................................4 FHS boys swimming.......................................................................................................................4 FHS boys hockey..............................................................................................................................5 FHS girls hockey...............................................................................................................................5 Team schedules............................................................................................................................6-7 FHS boys basketball.......................................................................................................................8 FHS girls basketball........................................................................................................................8 BA boys basketball.........................................................................................................................9 BA girls basketball..........................................................................................................................9 WEM boys basketball..................................................................................................................10 WEM girls basketball...................................................................................................................10 MSAD boys basketball................................................................................................................11 MSAD girls basketball.................................................................................................................11 WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW • DECEMBER 2017 A special project of the Faribault Daily News 514 Central Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021 • www.faribault.com Publisher Sam Gett Regional Editor Suzy Rook Sports Reporter Alex Kerkman Sports Reporter 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 advertisers.

All rights reserved. © 2017

Tweeting as it happens.

Follow us for the score! @FDNalexkerkman

Return to state expected under Emeralds new coach The Faribault Emeralds dance team just doesn’t plan on going to state; it’s an expectation regardless of who’s on the team. Or even in charge of it.

This winter marks a new era for Faribault’s high school dance program. Jennifer Sims, long time coach at Big 9 Conference foe Austin, is taking over as the Emerald’s head coach after longtime coaches Lois Krinke and assistant Tammy Rossett stepped down in March.

“I’m incredibly excited,” Sims said after her hiring was announced in April. “I’ve really missed coaching the last few years, and I’m really excited to get back into it. I’m really thrilled it’s with Faribault. I know some of the girls. I think it will be great.”

Though Sims took a break from coaching, she stayed active with the sport, judging competitions and running camps in t he summ e r , many of which were attended by the Emeralds.

The team also competed in the Miss Dance Team Minnesota Competition at the end of October.

Seniors Nicole Colegrove and Emma Winkelman, junior Sarah Howell and freshman Maria Price worked

together with varsity assistant coach Tiffany Boozer to choreograph the solo routines. Colegrove and Howell also competed together in a duet.

High kick should once again be the Emeralds’ specialty; Faribault has won the state high kick title 11 times and finished third last winter, the team’s score of 13 only bested by Sartell (7) and Totino-Grace (9).

The Emeralds were also the Section 2AA champions in the jazz performances last season, and qualified for the state finals for the second year in a row.

Faribault is also shooting for another conference final, having won 17 of the 20 Big 9 Conference Dance Championships. The other three conference titles were won

by Austin under the guidance of Sims.

Faribault is replacing six se-

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO 3rd place at Class AA state in high kick Class AA state qualifier in jazz Big 9 Conference champion

are in middle school.

It will be interesting to see how the team mixes its proud tradition with its new coach this winter.

“It still is a new experience because, yeah, the team has been well-coached and done things the same way for quite some time,” Sims said. “So to come in and — I’m not there to change everything, but at the same time, I’m a different person, and there will be things that change.”

niors from last year’s squad, but plenty of experience is returning.

Of the Emeralds 31 team members, 12 are upperclassmen while just five

@FDNmike

Good Luck To All Our Local Athletes!

Care You Trust From People You Know.

NORTHFIELD • 710 DIVISION ST. S. • 507.645.2261 FARIBAULT • 1575 20TH ST. NW #101 • 507.332.9900 • RICHIEEYECLINIC.COM

lt u a ib r a F ll A o T k c u Good L ! r e t in W is h T s e t le h At

ULTIMATE TAN

1746 GRANT STREET | 332-9948 www.ultimatetanfaribault.com

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK • 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM

LY LOCAL & OWNED D! E OPERAT

December 2017

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 3

WEM/JWP WRESTLING

FARIBAULT WRESTLING

Grizzlies need depth for run in new section

Experienced Falcons looking for team trip to state

A new season means new competition for the Grizzlies, but the same dreams of trips to state remain.

WEM/JWP’s wrestling team is changing sections this winter, from Section 2AA, one of the toughest Class AA sections in the state, down to Section 2A. It’s a much better fit for the Grizzlies, but still features tough competition in Kenyon-Wanamingo, Le Sueur-Henderson and Blue Earth Area.

“A welcome change from our perspective,” coach Adam Roesler said of the move. “We hope to have many individuals

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 11-10 (3-2) Third in Gopher Conference Postseason: Lost to TCU in first round of Section 2AA tournament

WHO’S GONE Gage Eastwood

WHO’S BACK Will Storch, Braydon Johnson, Adam Rients, Andrew Larson, Jaden Taylor, Kurtis Crosby

in the mix and if everything plays right, we could challenge for a conference and section title.”

The Grizzlies success starts with senior Will Storch. A year after missing out on the section finals, Storch broke out last season by not just qualifying for state but placing fourth at 195 pounds. The senior, who boasts a scary combination of strength and quickness, opens the year ranked second in Class A. In the middle weights, the Grizzlies are led by Braydon Johnson and Adam Rients. The duo combined to go 61-24 last season and will be relied upon for bonus points in dual action.

How fast Andrew Larson returns from injury will provide some extra points as well, despite just two years of wrestling, the senior heavyweight gives WEM/JWP an anchor up top.

Outside of the core of the Grizzlies will show how far the team can go this season. The Grizzlies will ask a large number of freshman and sophomores to step up this year, including Kurtis Crosby and Jaden Taylor, along with Tucker Rients and

Ethan Rider.

“Though the first handful of practices, the group has had good enthusiasm and level of intensity that was missing at times a year ago,” said Roesler. “Some of the new kids are the reason for that new level of intensity.”

In the Gopher/Valley Conference and Section 2A tourney, expect Maple River and Westfield to be two of the favorites while the Knights of KenyonWanamingo should once again be a favorite as the defending champ.

“I am excited to watch this group. We have a great mix of veteran leadership and new kids that will con- tribute to the te am,” Roesler said.

Don’t worry about answering the door, the Falcons plan on letting themselves in.

Faribault’s 2017-18 wrestling team features four returning athletes with state experience along with a handful of others itching for a chance to wrestle at the Xcel Energy Center. But now the whole team wants to take the bus to state, no matter who stands in their way.

“After back-to-back seasons of being defeated in the section finals, the boys’ motto is ‘We’re done knocking,’” coach Jesse Armbruster said.

There are 16 letter winners back on this year’s roster. The list includes senior Austin Rendler, the state runner-up last season at 220 pounds and the No. 2-ranked wrestler in The Guillotine rankings as well as 2016-17 state entrants Dillon McEachran (No. 5 rank, 285 pounds), Cain Van Ryn (No. 8, 138) and Josh Oathoudt (145). Oathoudt, Josh Heyda (182) and Riley Stoltz (126) all received votes for the preseason rankings.

Junior Austin Underdahl

(160), sophomore Sam LaCanne (120) and freshman Gael Ramirez (113) all are back on the team after finishing last year with winning varsity records. The Falcons only have to replace two varsity wrestlers this season, but one is 2017 all-state honoree Felipe Ramirez and his 117-44 career record.

The Falcons open the season with their home invite Dec. 2. Other key big events include the Rumble on the Red at the Fargodome Dec. 28-29 and the Stillwater Duals Jan. 13. Two of Faribault’s final three meets come against top opponents from the area; a home triangular Feb. 1 against Farmington and Northfield and a road Feb. 8 dual against Owatonna.

“The Falcons will once again be in the hunt for a conference title and section championship along with Albert Lea and Owatonna,” Armbruster said.

“Northfield will also provide quality match-ups and will be a very competitive dual.”

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 17-7 (8-2) Third in Big 9 Postseason: Lost to Owatonna in Section 1AAA championship

WHO’S GONE Felipe Ramirez, Ren Ross

WHO’S BACK Cain Van Ryn, Dillon McEachran, Austin Rendler, Josh Oathoudt, Josh Heyda, Riley Stoltz, Gael Ramirez, Sam LaCanne, Austin Underdahl

AUSTIN RENDLER

WILL STORCH Storch finished fourth in state as a junior last season, and is the Grizzlies best bet for a state qualifier.

Rendler, the No. 2 ranked wrestler at 220, has his eyes set on a state title this winter. He was the state runner-up last year, and is one of four state wrestlers returning to the Falcons for 2017-18.

Jessica A. Hafemeyer

Creating

Beautiful and Healthy Smiles Good Luck Area Athletes!

Law Office, P.A.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE TEAMS! FA

BA

T • 507.334.6433 • S

THE NHE

HTSDENTA .C M

315 Central Avenue • Faribault • 507-384-3215 • hafemeyerlaw.com

PAGE 4

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

FARIBAULT GYMNASTICS

December 2017

FARIBAULT BOYS SWIM AND DIVE

FHS gymnasts look to keep improving in Big 9 Experienced Falcons replacing state swimmer The Faribault girls’ gymnastics team hit its goal at last year’s section competition despite an injury to a key member. The next goal is to continue to improve in both the conference and sections.

But first the next group of varsity members needs to step up.

Gone are Katherina Krug and Haley Sullivan from last year’s Falcons squad that finished 10th overall at the Big 9 Conference meet and earned an all-around team score of 116.6 at the Section 1AA meet. However, last year prepared Faribault for life without Krug, as she was injured during sections and didn’t compete.

Anna Nietz will be one of the Falcons’ biggest leaders both during and outside of competitions.

The senior, fresh off an appearance at the state diving meet this fall, is Faribault’s top returning scorer on the bars, beam and floor exercise from last year’s sec-

S to p in & Wa rm U p

By Our F ir e p la ce !

tion

team.

Juniors Hannah Sullivan and MacKenzie Klett are back from last year’s section roster, and junior Makkia McCusker and sophomore Evie Wood also should see increased roles o n the varsity this winter.

Faribault will spend plenty of time in front of its hometown fans early in the season; three of the Falcons first four competitions are at Faribault High School. That includes the Faribault Invite, which is bringing 15 other teams to town such as Big 9 foes Owatonna, Northfield and

The Faribault High School Winona as well as metro schools boys swim and dive team will Eden Prairie, Minnetonlearn to live without Paul Saderka and Wayzata. gaski in 2017-18.

ANNA NIETZ The former five-time all-state performer was the Class A swimmer of the year last season thanks THE to winning state titles in the 50LOWDOWN yard freestyle and 100 butterfly that both broke school records.

Fortunately, several swimmers remain from last year’s squad that took ninth place at the state meet.

Seniors Derek Bokelmann, LAST Carter Howell and Adam Rechtzigel swam together with SadYEAR’S INFO ergaski on the 200 medley and 10th in Big 9 200 freestyle relay teams that advanced to the state consolation WHO’S GONE heats.

Rechtzigel projects to lead the Haley Sullivan, Katherina Falcons in the 50 freestyle and Krug 100 breaststroke, both of which he swam at state, taking ninth WHO’S BACK and 11th places, respectively. He Anna Nietz, Hannah was also an all-Big 9 Conference Sullivan, MacKenzie Klett performer.

“Adam is looking to set a couple of school records after having a great season last year,” said FHS coach Charlie Fuller.

Appearing to have the inside track to lead in the 100 and 200 freestyle is Bokelmann.

Howell made the top 16 at the Big 9 Conference

Great Food and Everyone’s Favorite Root Beer!!

For your convenience we offer: • Car Hop • Outdoor Patio • Drive-Thru

Proud Supporter of Faribault Sports! awfaribault.com

Open Daily at 11am • Corner of Hwys. 21 & 60 • Faribault

meet in the 100 butterfly and could fill in in the 200 individual medley and 50 freestyle.

Regular starters from last year were Rob Scheel in the 200 individual medley and 400 freestyle relay, sophomore William Tuma in the 500 freestyle and freshman Ben Seelhammer in the 100 backstroke.

Also graduating from last year’s team are Carl Ziegler (freestyle), Chris Lane (freestyle, individual medley) and Ethan Johnsrud (freestyle).

Last season provided good experience for incoming divers Hunter Strouth and Connor Sherwood, who return for their sophomore years. They showed potential at the end of the season in placing top 10 at the section finals.

The Big 9 and Section 1A Winona features senior Griffin Wolner who returns as defending state champion in the 200 and 500 freestyle. Another Big 9 and section opponent is Red Wing senior William Meacham, who took second behind Sadergaski in the 100 butterfly at state.

Winona and Mankato West tied for fifth as a team at state, fol-

DEREK BOKELMANN Bokelmann, a senior, is one of three swimmers returning to this year’s Falcons boys swim team that qualified for state last winter. Bokelmann sawm with Carter Howell and Adam Rechtzigel at last year’s section meet in the 200 medley and 200 freestyle relays.

lowed by Mankato East in eighth and section foe Simley in 12th.

Northfield is expected to have a deep team; the Raiders won last year’s True Team section meet.

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

WHO’S GONE Paul Sadergaski, Carl Ziegler, Chris Lane, Ethan Johnsrud, Ian Moon

WHO’S BACK Carter Howell, Derek Bokelmann, Adam Rechtzigel, Rob Scheel, William Tuma, Ben Seelhammer, Hunter Strouth, Connor Sherwood

December 2017

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL BOYS HOCKEY

Falcons boys one of youngest teams in state

The Faribault High School boys hockey team will do a lot of learning on the fly as it’s one of the youngest teams in the Big 9 Conference and in Class A. Freshmen Zach Siegert, Brody Pavel and Kory Johnson all could emerge at forward. It will likely be a group effort scoring the puck in the wake of all-Big 9 honorable mention performer and team goals leader, Brett Kelly. Seniors Jon Becker-Anding, Brett Vogelsberg, Cade Kletschka and Max McDonough bring experience to the offense.

Leaving t he d e fense behind is graduated allBig 9 performer

CADE KLETSCHKA

Ryan Teske. Along with his play on the blue line, Teske was third on the Falcons with 10 points last season.

O’Neil, who’s also played some in the middle, and junior Daniel Drevlow are the veterans of the defense. Around them are young faces Johnson, Lucas Linnemann and Jordan Nawrocki.

Senior Adam Vos was in n e t for all of Faribault’s four wins last season and expects to eat up minutes, though Spencer Ell and Jake Dolter have seen time early on. They’ll be under good tutelage in sixth-year head coach and former college goaltender Dean Weasler.

“Guys are working hard, we just need our lines to come together. It’s going to take time,” Weasler said.

FARIBAULT HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS HOCKEY

Veteran leadership to carry Falcons girls

“We have five freshmen in the lineup, one eighth-grader and three sophomores. That leaves us with two juniors and three seniors. We’re definitely the youngest in the conference and maybe the youngest in the state.”

Avoiding penalties will be crucial for FHS. A young defense will have its hands full at even strength, but it could be a long season if the penalty kill lingers under 70 percent.

While the Faribault girls hockey team’s final win total dipped slightly in 2016-17, it tested itself in and out of the Big 9 Conference and returns a sizable chunk of its roster this season to instill hope for a winning season.

Leading the way for coach Alli Miller’s group after a 1213-1 campaign is a pair of Big 9 honorable mention recipients sophomore forward Olivia Williamson and senior goalie Cam-

THE LOWDOWN

THE LOWDOWN

Record: 12-13-1 6th in Big 9 Conference

Record: 12-13-1 6th in Big 9 Conference

WHO’S GONE Brett Kelly, Ryan Teske

WHO’S BACK Cade Kletschka, Brett Vogelsberg, Max McDonough, Dylan O’Neil, Adam Vos, Daniel Drevlow

WHO’S GONE Alexis Ferris, Madeline Drevlow

WHO’S BACK Camryn Salmsonsen, Olivia Williamson, Allyson McCoshen, Haley Lang

ryn Salmonsen.

Williamson, who was second on the team with 13 goals, will be asked to put the puck in the net often this season. So far, so good as she notched a hat trick in the home opener and is among the team goals leaders. She fills the void left by all-Big 9 forward Alexis Ferris, who scored 17 times and also led with 30 points.

Faribault’s depth skews toward the offensive side. Senior forward Allyson McCoshen coled with 14 assists and scored 10 goals. Haley Lang had 11 goals and 11 assists and Ellie Knutson seven goals and seven assists. The three have jostled with Williamson for the team’s points lead in the early going.

The core of the defense remains young with only one

upperclassman. Sophomores Serenity Knott, Emily Wilder and Tegan Herrley will have the opportunity to gel in what is the second year for most of them.

The last line of defense for the Falcons is its most sure. Senior goalie Camryn Salmonsen is back after earning all-Big 9 honorable mention thanks to a healthy .888 save percentage in 2016-17. She’s off to a similar start this season with two shutouts under her belt.

CAMRYN SALMONSEN

Good Luck

Your Success Starts Here!

Get your best start! Programs fill up fast, so apply

PAGE 5

now for next fall!

South Central College provides you with a wide array of choices that lead to personal and career success!

Choose from over 50 technical and professional programs or earn your Associate of Arts degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.

NEW: Apply For Free NOW www.southcentral.edu | (507) 389-7200 | admissions@southcentral.edu

to all our local athletes!

Call (612) 860-2599 • facebook.com/atlantisswimfed atlantisswimmingfederation@gmail.com

PAGE 6

REGULAR SEASON WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Faribault girls hockey

D e c. 2 vs O watonna, 3:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Mankato East, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 vs Albert Lea 4 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Rochester John Marshall, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 vs Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Dec. 27 tournament at Austin, TBD Dec. 28 tournament at Austin, TBD Dec. 29 tournament at Austin, TBD Jan. 4 vs Waseca, 7 p.m.

Jan. 6 vs Rochester Century, 11 a.m.

Jan. 9 at Red Wing, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Come be a Cardinal TODAY!

Good Luck to All this Season.

• Dedicated Teachers • Christian Values • Successful Students • 99% Grad Rate • Small Class Sizes • College Prep • Grades 6-12

Jan. 20 vs Austin, 5 p.m.

Feb. 15 vs Albert Lea, 7 p.m.

Feb. 20 at sections 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Rochester Lourdes, 5 p.m.

Jan. 27 vs John Marshall, Faribault wrestling 5 p.m.

Dec. 2 at Faribault Invite, Jan. 30 vs Northfield, 10 a.m.

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs Rochester Century, Feb. 1 at Rochester Century, Winona, 5 p.m.

5:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Albert Lea, Feb. 7 at sections, 7 p.m.

Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Northfield Invite, Faribault boys hockey 10 a.m.

Dec. 2 vs Northfield, Dec. 28 at Fargo Invite, 5:30 p.m.

10 a.m.

Dec. 5 at Albert Lea, Dec. 29 at Fargo Invite, 7:15 p.m.

10 a.m.

Dec. 7 vs Mankato East, Jan. 12 at Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m.

Austin, 5 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs Fairmont, 7 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Stillwater Area InDec. 14 at Winona, 6 p.m. vite, 9 a.m.

Dec. 19 vs Austin, 7 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs Mankato West, Dec. 21 at Red Wing, 7 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Eastview Invite, Dec. 29 tournament at River 10 a.m.

Falls, 7 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs Rochester John Dec. 30 tournament at River Marshall, 7 p.m.

Falls, TBD Feb. 1 vs Farmington, NorthJan. 2 vs Mankato West, field, 5 p.m.

7 p.m.

Feb. 3 at Armstrong Invite, Jan. 4 at Waseca, 7 p.m.

9 a.m.

Feb. 8 at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Northfield, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs Winona, 5 p.m.

Feb. 15 at team sections, Jan. 16 vs Owatonna, 7 p.m. 7 p.m.

Jan. 20 at Austin, 1 p.m.

Feb. 23 at individual secJan. 23 at Kasson-Mantor- tions, TBD ville, 7 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Rochester John Faribault boys basketMarshall, 7:15 p.m. ball Jan. 30 vs Rochester Century, Dec. 1 at Hutchinson, 7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs Northfield, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs La Crescent, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Le Sueur-HenderDec. 15 vs Austin, 7:30 p.m. son, 7 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Rochester John

employee owned

Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 vs Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 2 vs Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 vs New Ulm, 2 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Owatonna, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 vs Waseca, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Northfield, 2:45 p.m.

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

Feb. 2 at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Marshall, 2 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 vs Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

March 2 vs Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

March 6 at sections, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs Kasson-Mantorville. 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs Northfield, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Winona, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs Simley, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 vs Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 6 at New Ulm, 2 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs O watonna, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs Mankato West, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Waseca, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 25 vs Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Northfield, 1 p.m.

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

Feb. 2 vs Austin, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 5 at John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs Mankato East, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 at Red Wing, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 vs Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 20 at O watonna, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 23 vs Rochester CenFaribault girls basket- tury, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 28 at sections, TBD ball Nov. 28 at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m.

Faribault danceline Dec. 1 at Mankato West, Dec. 2 at Forest Lake, 11 a.m.

7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9 at Fridley, TBD Dec. 16 at Academy Holy Angels, TBD Jan. 6 at Henry Sibley, TBD Jan. 20 at Big 9 Conference meet, TBD Jan. 27 at New Prague, TBD Feb. 10 at sections, TBD

supports Faribault area atheletes!

Rice County’s only true Full Service Super Market

Stop in before or after games for Happy Hour and Late Night Specials!

Call for a class visit today!

Grille Daily Happy Hour Specials HAPPY HOUR 4-6PM DAILY ½ Price Draft Beers ½ Price Apps. $1 off Bottled Beer $4.00 Mixed Drinks $5.00 Glasses of Wine

FARIBAULT, MN

Contact 334-3948 www.bacards.org

BA1116R4

December 2017

1920 Grant Street

•

Hwy 60 West Faribault

•

507-334-2337

Faribault gymnastics Dec. 1 vs Kasson-Mantorville, Northfield, 6 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs Austin, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Red Wing, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6 home invite, 11 a.m.

Jan. 12 at Rochester Gage East, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 at Farmington, 11 a.m.

Jan. 16 at Winona, 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Mankato, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Northfield Gymnastics Club, 3 p.m.

Feb. 2 v s O w aton n a , 6:30 p.m.

Feb. 10 at Big 9 Conference meet, 3 p.m.

Feb. 15 at sections, TBD

Faribault boys swimming and diving

Dec. 7 vs Red Wing, 6 p.m.

Dec. 14 vs Albert Lea, 6 p.m.

Dec. 16 at Mankato East invite, 10 a.m.

Dec. 19 at Rochester Century, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs Winona, 6 p.m.

Jan. 13 at South Saint Paul, 1 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs Mankato East, 6 p.m.

Jan. 25 at Owatonna, 6 p.m.

Feb. 1 at Northfield, 6 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Big 9 Conference meet in Northfield, 5 p.m.

Feb. 21 at sections, TBD

WEM girls basketball

Dec. 1 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8 vs. United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 12 at Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Waseca, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 15 vs. St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 19 at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Jordan, 6 p.m.

D e c . 2 7 a t Ho w a r d L a k e - Wa v e r l y - Wi n s t e d tournament,TBD Dec. 28 at HL-W-W tournament, TBD Jan. 4 at NRHEG 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 8 at Tri-City United, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 11 at JWP 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. Blue Earth Area, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 19 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 23 at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 26 vs. Bethlehem Acad-

GAME SCHEDULES

December 2017

emy, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Lake CrystalWellcome Memorial, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. NRHEG 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9 vs. Le Sueur-Henderson, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 10 vs. Fairmont, 4 p.m.

Feb. 16 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 20 vs. St. Peter, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 27 at subsection quarterfinals, 7 p.m.

emy, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 30 vs. Tri-City United, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 2 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. C le veland, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 10 at St. Peter, 3:15 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. Blue Earth, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 16 vs. Me dford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 20 at St. Clair, 7:15 p.m.

WEM boys basketball Feb. 23 vs. Blooming Prairie, Dec. 1 vs. Le Sueur-Hender- 7:15 p.m. son, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. MVL, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Kenyon-WanaMarch 1 at subsections, mingo, 7:15 p.m.

7 p.m.

Dec. 8 at United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

WEM/JWP wrestling Dec. 12 vs. Bethlehem AcadDec. 2 at Blue Earth Area emy, 7:15 p.m. tournament, 10 a.m.

Dec. 14 at Maple River, Dec. 9 vs. Byron, Dover-Eyo7:15 p.m. ta and Lewiston-Altura/RushDec. 19 vs. Waseca, 7 p.m. ford-Peter at Byron, 10 a.m.

Dec. 22 vs. NRHEG, Dec. 14 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

7 p.m. at W-E-M Dec. 27 at Howard LakeDec. 16 at Northfield tournaWaverly-Winsted tournament, ment, 10 a.m.

TBD Jan. 4 vs. Glencoe-Silver Dec. 28 at HL-W-W tourna- Lake and Mankato East, 5 p.m.

Jan. 11 at NRHEG, 7 p.m. ment, TBD Jan. 5 at Belle Plaine, Jan. 13 at Lake Crystal-Well7:30 p.m. come Memorial tournament, Jan. 9 at JWP, 7:15 p.m.

10 a.m.

Jan. 16 vs. St. Peter and Blue Jan. 12 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Fairmont, 7:30 p.m. Earth Area at St. Peter, 5 p.m.

Jan. 19 at Blooming Prairie, Jan. 18 at United South Cen7:15 p.m. tral, 7 p.m.

Jan. 23 vs. United South Jan. 25 at W-E-M vs. St. Central, 7:15 p.m.

Clair/Mankato Loyola at 5 p.m.

Jan. 26 at Bethlehem Acad- and vs. TCU at 7 p.m.

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Jan. 30 at Madelia/Truman invitational, 5 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Westfield at J-W-P, 7 p.m.

Feb. 3 tournament at J-W-P, 10 a.m.

Feb. 8 at Medford, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Mound Westonka invitational, 3 p.m.

Feb. 15 at team sections first round, 6 p.m.

Feb. 23 at individual sections at Blue Earth Area, 5:30 p.m.

BA girls basketball

Dec. 1 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 9 vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. WEM 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

D e c . 2 1 v s Hou s ton , 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 22 vs. United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 4 at Southwest Christian, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 11 vs. Belle Plaine, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 12 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 19 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 26 at WEM 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 27 at Cannon Falls, 1 p.m.

Jan. 30 at JWP 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Trinity School, 7:15 p.m.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR LOCAL TEAMS & ATHLETES!

Jandro

507-334-6409

Excavating 507-334-6673

2345 NW 8th Avenue, Faribault, MN 55021

New Fax: 507-209-1971 www.fariboplumbing.com

Feb. 2 vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at USC, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 15 at St. Clair, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 16 at Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 20 at subsection playoffs, 7 p.m.

Feb. 2 at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 vs. United South Central, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 8 at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Medford, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 16 vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m.

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

Feb. 23 at NRHEG, 7:15 p.m.

BA boys basketball Feb. 27 at subsection playDec. 1 Wabasha-Kellogg, offs, 7 p.m.

7:30 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Zumbrota-MazepMSAD girls basketball pa, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 1 vs. Wisconsin School Dec. 7 vs. R andolph, for the Deaf, 4:30 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Dec. 2 vs. Iowa School for Dec. 8 vs. Pine Island, the Deaf at 8 a.m. and Kansas 7:15 p.m.

School for the Deaf at 4 p.m.

Dec. 12 at WEM, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Liberty Classical Dec. 15 vs. Blooming Prairie, Academy, 5:30 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Immanuel LutherDec. 22 at United South Cen- an, 5:30 p.m. tral, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Shattuck-St. Dec. 27 vs. Lyle-Pacelli at Mary’s, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. Liberty Classical Hayfield tournament, 3 p.m.

Dec. 28 vs. Hayfield or Zum- Academy, 5:30 p.m. brota-Mazeppa at Hayfield tourDec. 20 at Hmong CPA, 5:30 nament, 6 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. p.m.

Jan. 4 vs. JWP, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. International Jan. 9 vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m. School Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Jan. 12 at Academy Sciences Jan. 12 at Maple River, and Agriculture, 7 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Jan. 16 vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 17 vs. Hiawatha ColleJan. 18 vs. Belle Plaine, giate, 5:30 p.m.

7:15 p.m.

Jan. 23 vs. Hmong CPA, Jan. 19 vs. NRHEG, 7:15 p.m. 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 25 at International Jan. 26 vs. WEM, 7:15 p.m. School Minnesota, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 vs. ASA 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

Feb. 5 at Hiawatha Colle-

PAGE 7

giate, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 12 at TCAC tournament, TBD Wednesday, Feb. 21 vs. Immanuel Lutheran, 5:30 p.m.

MSAD boys basketball

Dec. 1 vs. Wisconsin School for the Deaf, 3 p.m.

Dec. 2 vs. Iowa School for the Deaf, 11:30 a.m. and vs. Kansas School for the Deaf, 7 p.m.

Dec. 4 at Liberty Classical Academy, 7 p.m.

Dec. 5 vs. Immanuel Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Dec. 7 vs. Nova Classical Academy, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 12 vs. Shattuck-St. Mary’s, 7 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Learning for Leadership, 6 p.m.

Dec. 19 vs. Liberty Classical Academy, 7 p.m.

Jan. 9 vs. Groves Academy, 7 p.m.

Jan. 16 at Christian Life Academy, 6 p.m.

Jan. 23 at Nova Classical Academy, 6:30 p.m.

Jan. 29 vs. Christian Life Academy, 6 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Math and Science Academy, 7 p.m.

Feb. 1 vs. Groves Academy, 7 p.m.

Feb. 12 vs. MSA 5:30 p.m Feb. 20 vs. Learning for Leadership, 7 p.m.

Feb. 21 vs. Immanuel Lutheran, 7 p.m.

Feb. 26 at TCAC tournament, TBD

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE HEADQUARTERS SPORTS MEDICINE • • Orthopedic Physical Therapy • • Athletic Training • • Prevention & Treatment • • Treating Muscle Strains & Ligament Sprains

PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM • Individual Programs Developed • Helps Athletes Address Weakness or Loss of Flexibility

Wieber Physical Therapy 1961 Cardinal Lane, Suite A, Faribault P: 507.333.2986 | F: 507.333.2918

www.wieberphysicaltherapy.com

PAGE 8

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

MSAD BOYS BASKETBALL Seniors ready to step up production for MSAD

The Minnesota State Academy for the Deaf basketball team is an experienced bunch, which will help ease the transition for new head coach Lance Gonzalez.

Gonzalez steps up from his assistant role to replace Lee Jones, who remains with MSAD as athletic director. Gonzalez leads a team featuring six seniors including leading returning scorers guards Juan Salgado and Sam Bondhus.

Bondhus made the all-tournament team at last season’s Great Plains Schools for the Deaf Tournament, one of the biggest prep deaf tournaments in the country. He and brother William Bondhus can handle point guard duties and also make plays without the ball in their hands.

Among those who graduated from the Trojans are 1,000-point career scorer Kyrell Cummings, all-GPSD performer Dawson

Moder and regular contributor John Fechter VI. While MSAD doesn’t have any players taller than 6-feet2-inches, there are five players at least 6 feet tall. Adam Rhode, Ryan Stumbo and Jonathan Schmidt are among the Trojans that can clog the middle of the paint on defense, especially in a 2-3 zone, and also rebound and score on the offensive end.

Don’t be surprised if the Trojans have a different leading scorer most games. MSAD’s offense is pass heavy, with the team often moving the ball around tofour or five players before a shot goes up.

Counting the season-opening Neesam Classic Dec. 1-2, MSAD has 13 home dates on the schedule, including a matchup against Faribault and Twin Cities Athletic Conference rival Shattuck-St. Mary’s Dec. 12. The Tro-

MSAD GIRLS BASKETBALL Trojans fielding new girls basketball team for 2017-18

jans open the season facing borAfter two years co-oping with der-rival Wisconsin School for Shattuck-St. Mary’s, Minnesota the Deaf at home in the State Academy for the Deaf will Neesam Classic. field its own basketball team in 2017-18.

The Trojans now have enough numbers to field a team, but they will be a young bunch with room to grow.

“I believe we will have a challenging year with many inexperienced basketball players,” coach Sabrina Hubmer said.

“We need to focus on our confidence in playing basketball. I believe in them, they will a better team the next few weeks. They have a lot of potential in playing basketball. I believe in them. I’m looking forward to seeing lot of improvements in the practices and games.”

The Trojans will build around forward Kayla Mitchell. The senior played with SSM the past two seasons and is a former SAM BONDHUS

Exceptional Results & Best Fee Guarantee

December 2017

• Free consultations & 2nd opinions • Clear, silver or multi-colored braces • Our staff is fast, fun and friendly • Flexible interest free financing • Children, teens & adults • No down payment needed* • No referral required *Some exceptions apply

Owatonna 507.446.9000 Faribault 507.332.0022

MSAD girls basketball player of the year.

Sophomore forward Aubrey Gillespie also gained experience with the Sabres in recent years.

Mitchell and guard Carime Enciso-Garcia are the lone seniors on a young team that features three juniors, a sophomore, a freshman, two eighth-graders and two seventh-graders.

Junior center Konyabayo Omot adds some height in the post and junior forward Makayla Moeller will be a factor at forward.

The development of the team’s guards will be something to watch as it’s all freshmen or younger behind Enciso-Garcia.

The Trojans are scheduled for about 20 games this season, which began Dec. 1. MSAD will face SSM in a Twin Cities Athletic Conference battle at home in Wesley Lauritsen Gym Dec. 12.

KONYABAYO OMOT

December 2017

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY BOYS BASKETBALL

PAGE 9

BETHLEHEM ACADEMY No Other Bank GIRLS BASKETBALL

Continued progress expected in coach’s 2nd year New batch of leaders stepping up for Cardinals The Bethlehem Academy boys basketball team made strides last season under first-year head coach Eric Hildebrandt.

The Cardinals return four starters from 2016-17’s team that went 16-12 and advanced to the subsection finals, an improvement from nine wins and a second round exit the season prior.

“We were very young last year and we are excited for a number of guys to have another year of experience,” Hildebrandt said.

“We should have pretty good depth this season.”

Moving together from the gridiron in the fall to the hardwood in the winter are captains Luke Donkers, Avery Hunt and Alex Bongers.

Bongers racked up doubledoubles in the post and joined starter Hunt and reserve Donkers at the forward position. While not the tallest bunch, BA appears to have a mix of power and ath-

leticism to make up for a lack of a giant in the middle.

Junior Jack Clark will be the floor general at point guard who could find shots for himself and others. The team’s ball handling took a hit when he missed games last season with an injury.

BA didn’t light up the scoreboard (54.6 points per game) last season, but it prided itself on keeping its opponents from doing the same (52.5 points allowed) by grinding games out.

“We had three seniors graduate last year: Cole Caron, Hunter Dienst, and Brendan Trump.

They were tremendous leaders for us, and we will miss all three of them,” Hildebrandt said. “Along with the experience they all brought, we will particularly miss Brendan’s toughness, Hunter’s energy, and Cole’s motor. These three set a tone for our program with their leadership and laid the foundation that we want to build

on this season.”

Last year’s playoff run came to an end in the subsection 1A West finals against Goodhue. BA could be in the mix for a top three finish in the Gopher Conference with defending co-champions New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva and WEM projecting to have strong teams once again.

Record: 16-12 Postseason: Lost 69-48 to Goodhue in Section 1A subsection final

WHO’S GONE Cole Caron, Hunter Dienst, Brendan Trump

WHO’S BACK Luke Donkers, Alex Bongers, Avery Hunt, Jack Clark

Shows This Much

Five years ago, the Bethlehem Hunt and eighth-grader Mer- Dec. 7 and have a pair of games Academy girls basketball team cedes Heurta should work their with Blooming Prairie Dec. 15 followed up a third-place finish at way into the rotation at the two and Feb. 2. Goodhue and Austin/Lyle Paceli should again be state with a two-win season. The guard positions. last three years have been much Beckmann said that playing the teams to beat in Section 1A, more stable, but now the latest with more confidence has been while New Richland-Hartlandgroup of Cardinals are looking her focus this off-season, and Ellendale-Geneva, Watervilleto get the school above .500. she’ll be the Cardinals defensive Elysian-Morristown and Maple A mix of upper and under- leader in the paint with both her River are the favorites in the Goclassmen will lead BA this win- skills and her mouth. pher Conference. ter. Center Maggie Beckmann “I want to be as loud as posRecord: 11-16 and forward Jessica Oathoudt sible (on defense) … when you’re will need to make their presence down low you can see everything Postseason: Lost 82-36 felt in the paint, especially since else on the court,” Beckmann said. to Goodhue in Section the Cardinals will be undersized The Cardinals finished last 1A subsection semifinal in most games. Maintaining a season with an 11-16 record (4-8 physical presence in the paint will in Gopher Conference), beating WHO’S GONE be crucial throughout the year. Randolph in their playoff opener Keely Skluzacek, having theirInterest season “(Rebounding) is*Annual onePercentage of ourYieldbefore is accurate as of 9-21-15. rate isended subject to change. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Fees may reduce earnings. $5,000 minimum to open. 12 or 24 month term.

Shelby key focuses this year.

We’re not by eventually Class A state chamMust be a Loyalty Rewards account holder and account must have a direct deposit. Limited timeMeyer offer. conditions and restrictions may apply. blessed with a lot of height,” coach pionCertain Goodhue in the subsection Jill Strodtman said. semifinals.

WHO’S BACK BA doesn’t face many section Juniors Maggie Viland and Maggie Beckmann, Abby Strodtman give their team opponents this year, but those Jessica Oathoudt, some extra weapons from beyond they do come early in the year.

Maggie Viland the arc, while freshman Malia The Cardinals travel to Randolph

Interest In You

Certificate of Deposit

1.50%* APY

They Work Hard. They Play Hard.

A CD Hear specialItfor LOYALTY REWARDS Let’s forour Our Student Athletes!

customers. 1st United Bank has some of the We salute the dedicated studentsStop who go mileput in the classroom best rates around. bythe andextra let us your and in after school activities to reach their goals. Their determination and money to work for you. hard work set a great example, and we wish all of our student athletes much success this season and beyond.

Keep up the great work!

AVERY HUNT

JESSICA OATHOUDT

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

PAGE 10

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

WEM BOYS BASKETBALL

Next man up for WEM boys ballers

Other schools may be nervous after so many talented athletes graduated. But W-E-M’s boys basketball team always has another class ready to step up.

After a few years of familiar faces, the Buccaneers will have plenty of new varsity contributors this winter. Gone are Zac Olson, Dallas McBroom and Logan Sendle, a trio that helped W-E-M win at least 24 games in back-to-back seasons, including a 19-game winning streak last season. But the Bucs have always been able to reload as

opposed to rebuild; W-E-M has won a minimum of 19 games and at least one playoff game each of the past 10 seasons.

The Bucs’ leading returning player in terms of both minutes played and points scored last season will be Tanner Ranslow.

The junior emerged as a reliable two-way player last winter and worked himself into the rotation as underclassman.

Seniors Austin Roemhildt and Ashton Edel and junior Bladyn Bartelt all should see an increase in playing time this winter, while eight underclassmen, including sophomore Grant McBroom, all are listed on W-E-M’s opening day varsity roster.

After starting off the year at home against Le SueurHenderson and KenyonWanamingo, W-E-M plays four of its next five matches against Gopher Conference opponents. That includes a home game against New Richland-Hartland-Geneva-Ellendale Dec. 22; the Panthers were the only conference team to beat the Bucs last year, though W-E-M got revenge in the rematch.

Both schools went 11-1 in conference play last year though NRHEG

(30-3) ended with a better record than the Bucs (24-4), and the Panthers advanced all the way to state. The two teams should again be in the hunt for a conference and section title.

W-E-M will spend the holidays at a two-day tournament at Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted High School Dec. 27-28. The Bucs will also have a chance for revenge, and travel to Fairmont Jan. 16. The Cardinals ended W-E-M’s 2016-17 season with a surprising 81-65 victory in the second round of the Section 2AA tournament.

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 24-4 (11-1 Gopher Conference) T-1st place in Gopher Conference Postseason: Lost 81-65 to Fairmont in Section 2AA semifinals

WHO’S GONE Zac Olson, Dallas McBroom, Logan Sendle

WHO’S BACK Tanner Ranslow, Austin Roemhildt, Ashton Edel, Bladyn Bartelt

TANNER RANSLOW

December 2017

WEM GIRLS BASKETBALL

Most of Buccaneers returning this winter

The Buccaneers return most of their roster from a 13-15 campaign last season, but they’ll be tasked with replacing all-Gopher Conference guard Kate Masberg.

Masberg averaged 14.6 points per game to lead WEM and took over 150 more shots than any other Buc. “We need to become more aggressive to make up for the loss of her shots,” said WEM coach Gabe Hauer.

Helping to fill the void will be a pair of junior guards who earned honorable mention allconference honors, MaeLea Harmon and Shelby Hermel.

Harmon is the leading returning scorer at 8.2 points per game.

With a larger role this year, she’ll be called upon to be a more consistent scorer.

Next leading scorer is Shelby Hermel (7 ppg), who is the team’s top perimeter defender and “will be looked at to attack the basket and score more this season,” Hauer said.

Also in the guard rotation is Brielle Bartelt, who put in 6.8 points per game as an eighthgrader.

WEM once again will play a faster, guard-oriented brand of basketball, and those three are tasked with finding transition opportunities.

“It will be a fun style of basketball to coach and for the fans to watch,” Hauer said.

The Bucs are not a tall, imposing team as a whole, so 5-foot-10 senior forward Maddy Meskan

will need to clean the glass. She’s the leading returning rebounder at 5.1 per game and the team’s best post defender.

“If we can battle with teams on the boards we should be able to be in most games,” Hauer said.

“If the girls do not buy into the importance of rebounding it will be tough to stop teams.”

WEM’s goal is to crack the top three in the Gopher Conference and make it to the Taylor Center, site of the final two rounds of the Section 2AA playoffs.

New Richland-HartlandEllendale-Geneva ran the table in conference last year and beat WEM in the section playoffs on the way to state.

NRHEG joins Maple River and Medford as favorites to finish first in conference and St. Peter,

*No service fees are charged by our stores.

Individual card holder fee may still apply.

Hot Food 24/7

Record: 13-15 (8-4 Gopher Conference) 2nd place in Gopher Conference Postseason: Lost 49-34 to NRHEG in Section 2AAsemifinal

WHO’S GONE Kate Masberg

WHO’S BACK MaeLea Harmon, Shelby Hermel, Brielle Bartelt, Maddy Meskan

MAELEA HARMON

We support our student athletes.

Good Luck this season!

Where you can have it all... in one location

ATM*

LAST YEAR’S INFO

No rwood-Young America and Blue Earth Area as favorites in the section.

Big on fresh. Low on price.

No Fee

THE LOWDOWN

(507) 333-5430 1400 Cannon Circle, Suite 6, Faribault, MN fitforlifemn.com sheilarolling68@hotmail.com

December 2017

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 11

FARIBAULT BOYS BASKETBALL

FARIBAULT GIRLS BASKETBALL

New season means new coach for FHS Defensive-minded team eyes top of Big 9 The Faribault High School boys basketball team will break from its usual ways this season, and not only because of new head coach Fred Miller.

The Falcons lack the height and post presence to dump the ball inside on offense as in recent years. Instead, they plan to get up and down when they can and run a lot of dribble-drive action in the half court.

“We have to adjust. Last year, we had a dude who was (6-foot9), and we’ve had guys who are

6-4, 6-5,” said senior Jack Grevious. “We don’t have that this year.”

Grevious joins junior Joe Palmer at the forward position.

By his own improved play and injuries ahead of him, Palmer moved from the B-squad to junior varsity and then varsity all within last season. He was a microcosm of the next-man-up mentality forced onto FHS last season with a rash of injuries and illnesses throughout the season.

While that was less than ideal in the Falcons’ 15-13 season in THE LOWDOWN 2016-17, it could pay off now that the page has LAST YEAR’S INFO been turned. “ F o r Record: 15-13 (11-11 n o w , Big 9 Conference) knock 6th place in Big 9 o n Postseason: wood, we’re Lost 60-43 to Marshall in fine,” MillSubsection 2AAA-semifinal er, a former three-year WHO’S GONE FHS assisKade Hart, Chase Ernste, tant, said of Cody Ehlers t h e te am’s health. “The I like, for the t h i n g WHO’S BACK first year since I’ve been Jack Grevious, Joe Jackson, Joe Palmer JOE JACKSON

here we’re going to be much deeper. That’s a big change for us. We have 10, 12, 14 guys who can play varsity. To me, observing this, it’ll be interesting to see who rises to the top with that. We could have a different starting lineup every night.”

Four starters graduate from last year’s team, including allconference performers and top scorers Kade Hart and Chase Ernste along with honorable mention Cody Ehlers.

The only returning starter is senior guard Joe Jackson. He and senior guard Bidong Tut will be asked to help facilitate the offense and get to the foul line.

“There will be a lot of drive and kick,” Jackson said. “Not a lot of post ups, but when we can we will when we see inside advantages.”

Numbers in the program have stabilized as FHS guns for its third straight season with a .500 record or better after years of finishing in the Big 9 Conference basement.

“I’m very proud of what Lance and I did together, we were able to turn things around, and I hope to keep it going,” Miller said.

If the Faribault High School girls basketball team’s season opening win at Rochester Mayo is any indication, it shows the Falcons’ identity hasn’t changed much.

All-Big 9 forward and team scoring leader, Elena Palmer, graduated, but that won’t do much to sway coach Bill Bardal’s bunch from doing what it does best in 2017-18.

FHS held opponents to 45.5 points per game in 2016-17, good for fourth out of 12 in the Big 9

THE LOWDOWN LAST YEAR’S INFO Record: 15-13 (11-11 Big 9 Conference) 6th place in Big 9 Postseason: Lost 55-44 to New Ulm in Subsection 2AAA-semifinal

WHO’S GONE Elena Palmer

WHO’S BACK Grace Amacher, Lauren Isaacson, Megan Gehrke, Bre Bresnahan

Conference and only a tenth of a point behind Winona in third.

The adage that the best defense is a good offense can be true, but the reverse closer fits the Falcons. While their size and tenacity makes it tough for opponents to score, they’ll limit opponents’ chances with the ball by dictating a methodical tempo on offense.

All-Big 9 performer a season ago, senior point guard Grace Amacher, will lead the way. If she doesn’t find a shot for herself, Amacher can dump it down to a few options in the post.

Senior posts Megan Gehrke and Lauren Isaacson both saw increased roles last year, and will be asked to hold down the paint and reconcile the double-digit scoring from Palmer. Freshman Bennett Wolff ’s workload will also increase after getting her feet wet last season.

Shooting is another factor to watch as FHS managed just 44.6 points per game. If Amacher, seniors Bre Bresnahan and

Rachel Hanson and junior Abby Van Ryn, among others, can hit from mid range or beyond the arc, it could go a long way to open up the paint.

The five seniors have been around each other in a competitive environment often growing up. Amacher and Isaacson were together on the volleyball team in the fall, while Bresnahan and Gehrke swam with more permutations during the spring and summer seasons.

Consistency will be another factor. The Falcons rose up to sweep conference power Rochester Mayo, but were blown off the floor by the likes of Northfield, Owatonna and Winona. A four-game win streak began two weeks after a four-game skid, with ups and downs

along

LAUREN ISAACSON

Good Luck to all our local athletes!

For All Your Car Care Needs Bill Heine

Lic #20434555

Bob Heine Lic #83496

www.heineinsurance.com 507-334-8405 23 NW 3rd St, Faribault

Patrick Andreas, CSD Insurance and Financial Services Agent 17 2nd St. NE Faribault, MN 55021 Tel 507.331.9500 Tel 507.334.5162 Fax 507.331.1955 pandreas@farmersagent.com Registered Representative, Farmers Financial Solutions, LLC 30801 Agoura Road, Bldg. 1, Agoura Hills, CA 91301-2054 Tel 818.584.0200 Member FINRA & SIPC

428 Central Ave N Faribault 507-332-7401 tsbf.com

mixed in the way.

Quality Import & Domestic Repair

507-332-7386

409 Fowler Street, Faribault, MN Alex Manz, Owner

www.aandarepair.net

PAGE 12

WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

December 2017