Winter Sports Preview 2015

Valley Area

FEATURING:

St. Peter Saints • Le Sueur-Henderson Giants Tri-City United Titans • Cleveland Clippers

WINTER SP RTS Wednesday, November 25 • Thursday, November 26

Preview

Titans wrestling loaded with experience at heavier weights

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

TCU High School wrestling COACHES Head coach: Brian Mikel, fifth year as head coach, 17 years as an assistant, 22 total Assistant coaches: Corey Block (sixth year), Bryan Balma (second year), Corey Immerman (second Year), Jay Frederickson (first year) KEY PLAYERS Senior Alex Burns: 285 pounds, third place at state last year, five-year letter winner. All conference last year. Will provide much needed leadership.

Senior Jacob Nading: 220 pounds, two-year letter winner.

Can step up this year and finish high in the section.

Senior Thomas Franek: 126 pounds, one-year letter winner.

Will provide valuable senior leadership.

Senior Sonny Weitzki: 152 pounds, two-year letter winner.

Will need to step up this year and fill in the spot vacated by Max Arroyo. Was named most improved last season.

Junior Jordan Simonette: 195/220 pounds, one-year letter winner, state qualifier last year.

Very athletic. Good on his feet.

Junior Jonah Johnson: 170/182 pounds, four-year letter winner.

Very experienced. Should have a good shot at state this season.

Junior Mason Rutt: 170/182

TCU junior Alex Burns (right) goes eye-to-eye with Totino-Grace junior Sam Anderson in the Class AA state third-place match at 285 pounds. Burns won by a pin in 57 seconds. (Leader file photo)

four get us off to a fast start in the duals.

MOVED ON Max Arroyo 145/152 pounds, Adam Miller 182 pounds, Levi Nelson 132 pounds.

2015-16 SEASON OUTLOOK TCU’s dual-meet record last season was 12-7. The Titans were defeated by Scott West in the section quarterfinals. Mikel said this year’s favorites are Scott West, Waconia, and New Prague.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “Overall I am excited to get the season rolling. My biggest concerns are the middle weights. We are pretty thin and young in this part of our lineup. Our strength should be in our upper weights.

Hopefully our ninth-and 10thgraders can step to the next level this year and solidify those first six weights. Like all other teams, we need to stay healthy. We are not loaded with a lot of depth.”

— Brian Mikel, coach

BY THE NUMBERS 3 — returning state entrants, Alex Burns, Mason Rutt and Jordan Simonette.

140 — two wrestlers should eclipse the 140-win total for their career this season, Burns and Rutt. Johnson should cross the 100-win mark this season.

pounds, four-year letter winner. weight.

Mikel 132 pounds, Tyler Sladek up to the next level this year. The Reach reporter Alex Kerkman KEEP YOUR EYE ON Excellent on his feet. Sixth place 120 pounds, Nick Johnson 106 Titans will be younger at the lower at akerkman@lecenter.com or on at state last year at a very tough Justin Kopet 138 pounds, Zach pounds. These four need to step weights, so it is imperative these Twitter @LCLalex2.

PAGE 2

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Coach expects competitive boys basketball team led by experienced seniors

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

TCU High School boys basketball COACHES Head Coach Ben Haugen, third year Assistant coaches – John Rynda, Dick Milinkovich, Byrce Brunz KEY PLAYERS Senior Carter Rynda: threeyear starter, all conference last year, inside/outside scorer, top returning scorer and rebounder from 2014-15 Senior Jackson Feddema: twoyear starter, good outside shooter, ball handler, tireless worker, super competitive Senior Keegan Oak: three-year starter, gym rat, outside shooter, high basketball IQ Senior Sam Ehlers: three-year letter winner, unselfish, physical, does the little things Junior Billy Odenthal: twoyear letter winner, good defender, can play inside and outside KEEP YOUR EYE ON Senior Tim Colwell: two-year letter winner, Titans’ tallest player at 6-8, not afraid to play physical Junior Cade Readmond: hard worker, defender, good outside shooter, confident shooter Junior Taylor Jackson: gym rat, hustles, outside shooter MOVED ON Jamison Beulke, Kelly Nordling, Charlie Simonette 2015-16 SEASON OUTLOOK Senior Carter Rynda is the Titans returning leader in points (12.6) and rebounds (8.3) from 2014-15, his second as a starter.

Last year’s record: 10-16, con- (Leader file photo) ference record: 6-8, fourth place.

Section record: 9-8, fifth place. Eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by Waterville-Elysian- Morristown 60-45. Six of TCU’s losses were by 6 points or less.

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Subsection favorites – TCU, Jordan, Belle Plaine, St. Peter Haugen expects the 2015-16 Titans to be competitive in both the conference and section. This will be a challenge as there are several teams with the talent to compete in both. The group will lean on the leadership of the senior class that has earned a lot of varsity time in the past two seasons. This is an athletic group that will look to push the pace on offense and apply heavy pressure on defense. The players put a lot of time in the gym to improve their skills over the past summer. Many were part of the highly successful football team. That’s expected to carry confidence forward to the winter months.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “We have had a great first week of practice. We competed well against Prior Lake, Austin and Marshall in our scrimmage (Nov. 14). Our team chemistry and senior leadership has been a strength thus far. We are looking forward to learning from our scrimmage and preparing for Waseca in the next week of practice.” — Ben Haugen, coach

BY THE NUMBERS 29-1 – Record of this season’s senior class when they were freshman 3 — Players standing 6-foot-4 or taller: Colwell (6-8), Odenthal (6-5), Rynda (6-4)

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 3

TCU girls basketball eyes deep section run in 2015-16

By ALEX KERKMAN

akerkman@lecenter.com

COACHES Coach: Eric Specht – third year Assistant coaches: Lora Angileno – fifth year coaching TCU girls, John Schmiesing – fourth year coaching TCU girls KEY PLAYERS Junior Joslyn Vargo, guard, three-time letter winner, ninth grade -honorable mention, 10th grade – all conference, 16.5 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game “Joslyn is a very smart basketball player with a knack to always be around the ball. She rebounds very well from the guard position.

Joslyn is our biggest offensive threat and is in position to score 1,000 high school career points as a junior,” Specht said.

Senior Sydney Vargo, forward, letter winner, 6.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg “Sydney is an outside threat for our team. She has worked hard this summer to become a more consistent shooter and has grown on the defensive side,” Specht said.

Sophomore Gabby Robinson, guard, letter winner, 4.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg “Gabby is self-driven. She brings quickness, athletic ability, and a very competitive approach to our squad. I am excited to see Gabby take the next step and become another offensive threat for this year’s team,” Specht said.

Senior Kristi Frederick, guard, letter winner, 3.2 ppg and 1.1 assists per game “Kristi is quick guard that will be asked to take over some of the

point guard responsibilities this season. She does a real nice job applying pressure on the defensive side. On offense, Kristi is a natural at attacking the rim,” Specht said.

Senior Emilie Trcka, center, 4.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg “Emilie is the only true center we have returning with varsity experience. She is a scrappy player on both ends of the floor.

We will need Emilie to continue to provide some stability for us in the middle of the floor for us to have success this upcoming year,” Specht said.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Junior Katie Ellingsworth, guard Sophomore Cami Vargo, guard Sophomore Madison Dull, forward All three are likely to be the first players of the bench for the Titans this season.

MOVED ON Dani Angileno, Courtney Hentges, Sarah Holicky, Casey Hintz, Marieys Ramirez 2015 SEASON OUTLOOK Last year: 15-11, fourth in section, conference 7-7, fifth place Section favorites: Norwood Young America, Glencoe Silver Lake, and Waterville.

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “The last two years we have not been able to make it out of the second round of sections. This year a team goal would be to advance further than we have the last two years.”

“We are guard dominated team that will have to outwork

Good Luck Teams!

Joslyn Vargo protects the ball while she drives to the hoop. Vargo is TCU’s all time leading point-scorer, and has a chance for 1,000 points in her career as a junior. (Leader file photo)

our opponent to win games. There are a lot of unknowns this year and kids are competing for court time. We do have a nice mix of senior leadership and young talent. If our younger girls are able to take that next step to contribute at the varsity level, this squad

could surprise teams this upcoming year.”

“This year we will have to rely on our quickness to find success. The girls have put in a lot of time this offseason and are a very determined group. I am excited to see this group continue to

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BY THE NUMBERS 36 — Single game scoring record for TCU girls, set by Joslyn Vargo last season against New Richland-Heartland-EllendaleGeneva.

76 — Record for most points scored by the Titans in one game, set last season in a victory over Faribault Bethelem Academy.

Reach reporter Alex Kerkman at akerkman@lecenter.com or on Twitter @LCLalex2.

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PAGE 4

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

St. Peter boys basketball team has great depth, experience

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter Boys Basketball COACHES Head coach: Sean Keating — 3rd year as head coach Assistant coaches: Derek Homrighausen — 7 years, Neil Doose — 27 years, Jared Baron — 4 years KEY PLAYERS Aaron Leeb — Senior, point guard, 2 years lettered, 6 points per game, 3 assists per game. “Aaron is our floor general and makes everyone around him better,” Keating said. “He took big strides over the summer being more aggressive, and we are excited to see him take his game to the next level this season.”

Colton Lusty — Senior, forward, 2 years lettered, Big South All Conference Selection, 10.4 ppg , 5.1rpg, 1.1 blocks per game.

“Lusty will benefit from the increased skill and depth of the team,” Keating said. “He is a great shooter and has the ability to do a variety of things well. His ability to be a stronger presence on defense and rebounding will be key to our ability to get out in transition.”

Jack Olinger — Senior, guard, 2 years lettered, 5.6ppg, 2.7apg.

“Maybe our most improved player, Olinger is like a second point guard on the floor for us,” Keating said. “He has a tireless work ethic and the ability to score the basketball in a variety of ways.”

Noah Hildebrandt — Senior, F, 2 years lettered, 5.8ppg, 2.7rpg.

“Hildebrandt improved his shooting tremendously over the summer and is a terrific team defender,” Keating said. “His leadership

St. Peter point guard Aaron Leeb peeks inside for an open teammate. Defending is GSL guard Mason Goettl. (St. Peter Herald file photo)

attributes and ability to motivate his teammates are key intangibles.”

Joey More — Senior, G, lettered as a junior, 2.6ppg, 1.1spg. “More is an energetic and relentless defender and overall hustle player who has increased his shooting and ball handling skills,” Keating said. “His energy is contagious and is something our team will be inspired by this season.”

Mitch Johnson — Senior, F, 2 years lettered, 5.7ppg, 2.8rpg. “A 3-year letter winner, Johnson can

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shoot the three and is a strong rebounder,” Keating said. “His leadership and work ethic are why he was chosen a captain by his teammates.”

Jordein Marquette — Junior, G, 1 year lettered. 10.9ppg, 78% FT, 42% 3PFG. “Marquette is a versatile offensive player that can score in multiple ways,” Keating said. “He had a slow start to his sophomore season but ended the season as one of our most consistent offensive options. Last year

was critical in his development and we are expecting big things from him this season.”

Antoine Williams — Junior, F, 1 year lettered, 3.4ppg, 3.1rpg.

“Williams showed flashes of his ability last season,” Keating said.

“We need him to bring his energy on the defensive end and rebounding every night. He has the ability to be the best rebounder in the conference.”

Koleman Lund — Senior, C, 2 years lettered, 1.2ppg, 1.6rpg. “At

6-8, Lund has a unique ability to shoot the ball,” Keating said. “He is our X factor this season. He has the ability to be a huge factor defensively.”

MOVED ON Khalid Omar CAPTAINS Aaron Leeb, Mitch Johnson, Noah Hildebrandt 2015-16 SEASON OUTLOOK 2014-2015 Record: 8-19 Conference: 4-6, 3rd place Section 2AA South 2015 results: 6th place out of 8 Section favorites: Maple River, NRHEG, WEM, TCU, Jordan Subsection Favorites: TCU, Jordan St. Peter’s section has realigned.

The Saints are in Section 2AA North now with: Belle Plaine, GFW, Glencoe, Jordan, Le Sueur, Norwood, Sibley East and TCU. Section 2AA South: BEA, Fairmont, LCWM, Maple River, Medford, NRHEG, St James, WEM COACH’ S COMMENTS “We return all of our key contributors from last season,” Keating said. “We have a senior-laden team with a few key juniors mixed in as well. There is a lot of excitement in our program, and it will be fun to see how much these boys have improved from a year ago.

“We expect to be able to play a fun, uptempo style of basketball that will be exciting for fans to watch. Aaron Leeb is a versatile point guard that makes everyone else’s job easier. We have a nice mix of quickness on the perimeter and some size down low. With our senior depth, our practices will be competitive which will benefit

our team tremendously. We have a hard working group of kids on the court and in the classroom which is a recipe for a fun year.

“Last season was a learning experience for all of our players.

With only one senior last year, it really left a gap in our program.

However our players got priceless game experience that will help them this season.

“They have all kinds of things to prove coming off an eight-win season in which we shot 39 percent from the field, 54 percent from the FT line and averaged 15 turnovers a game. It will take a lot of work to forge a hard working team that trusts each other and stays calm in the face of adversity. If each player embraces their role and can put the team above themselves it will be a fun season to see how much we can improve.”

BY THE NUMBERS 11 — number of seniors 57 — number of players in grades 9-12 13 — lost 4 games by a combined 13 points 54 — team FT percentage last season 39 — combined 3-point shooting percentage for Jordein Marquette, Colton Lusty and Jack Olinger 47 — FG percentage for Noah Hildebrandt last season; led the team 17 — number of fouls St. Peter committed per game last season 146 — number of 3 pointers made last season as a team Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566 or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 5

St. Peter girls basketball led by strong senior class

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter High School Girls Basketball COACHES Head coach: Bob Southworth (6th year) Assistant coaches: Bill Stuewe, Dave Nixon, AnnMarie Brown KEY PLAYERS Senior guard Emily Carpenter (7 points, 2 assists, 1 steal per game) 38percent from 3 point.

“Emily shot the 3 well for us last season and also played good defense,” Southworth said. “She does a good job putting pressure on the opponent’s point guard. We will rely on her again this season to score from the outside and provide solid defense.”

Senior guard Maggie Anderson (7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals per game) 38 percent overall shooting. “Maggie sees the floor really well and gets people the ball where they can do something with it,” Southworth said. “Maggie had a five-game stretch where she averaged 15 points per game last season and then had games where she didn’t score. We will need her to be a little more consistent this season and continue to improve like she has the last couple of years.”

Sophomore guard Olivia McCabe (6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals per game). “Olivia brings a toughness to our team with the aggressive way she plays,” Southworth said. “She does a little of everything out on the court and is not afraid to mix it up underneath. She was a key part to our success last season and we will need her to take

St. Peter guards Maggie Anderson (left) and Emily Carpenter press for a turnover last season.

(Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

another step in her improvement, especially her outside shooting.”

Senior forward Sidney Welp (3 points, 3 rebounds per game). “Sid didn’t shoot the ball as well last year as she did her sophomore season, but we are hopeful this senior season is her best one yet,” Southworth said. “She is a motivational leader for our group.”

Senior forward Alyssa Lokensgard (5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal).

“We will be counting on Alyssa this season for rebounding, scoring, and defense to help our team,” Southworth said. “She is able to score in different ways in the open court and the half court. Last season she started out very strong and gained a lot of experience. We are counting on her to be a consistent

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presence for us this year.”

Junior guard Kelli Hanson (6 points, 2.5 rebounds).”Kelli shot 32 percent from 3 and 40 percent overall last season,” Southworth said. “We will be counting on her to continue or even improve on those numbers this season. She also gained a lot of valuable experience last season in big games that hopefully carries over to this season.”

Senior guard Ella Wiebusch — “I am excited for Ella this season,” Southworth said. “She will bring us another player that is able to play full court and apply a lot of pressure to the opposing point guard.

She had her best summer shooting the ball, and we are hopeful that carries over to this basketball season.”

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Conference will be very strong from top to bottom this season.

I could see any one of five teams winning our half, which will make for a fun season.

“We moved to the North Subsection where I see NYA and Glencoe being the favorites. On the South half I see WEM and NRHEG being the favorites. I do believe we will be able to compete with any of the teams in the section.

“Over the course of the season, we will have to figure out what style fits us best and what our strengths will be. The goal by the end of the year will be to be playing our best basketball whatever our identity may be.”

COACH’S COMMENTS “I am really excited for this season to begin to find out what our identity will be. These girls work very hard and also play very hard.

There will be a number of girls that we will need to step up into increased roles and that is what is most exciting for a coach to watch throughout the course of a season.”

— Bob Southworth, head coach

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Senior guard Jaide Fonde — “Jaide is also a very good shooter from the outside,” Sotuhworth said.

“I am excited for her senior season also.

Senior Kia Williams — “Kia is a great teammate and a very important part of the make-up of our team,” Southworth said. “She always has a positive attitude and is able to make us laugh and smile.

Kia is a player that will have a direct impact on the personality of our team.”

Senior Meagan Roach — “Meagan suffered a fractured hand last season and missed most of it.”

Senior Zoey Bartlet — “After taking a year off, Zoey has decided to come out again and should provide us some much needed size and

inside presence<” Southworth said.

KEEP YOUR EYE ON “We have a strong senior class and only one junior,” Southworth said. “The sophomore and freshman classes have more numbers and some of them have the possibility of helping the varsity team this season. It will be fun to see how they have progressed over the summer.”

MOVED ON Olivia Hass, Logan Retzlaff, Marta Springer, Val Bresnahan, Jana Quick 2015 SEASON OUTLOOK Last year St. Peter overall record was 23-6. The Saints’ record in the Big South Conference was 7-5. St. Peter won the subsection and lost the Section 2AA final to Norwood-Young America.

“We lost some key contributors to last year’s team and also some size,” Southworth said. “It will be hard to replace that size but we will maybe have to play a little different style of basketball.

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PAGE 6

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

St. Peter wrestling strong in light to middle weights, short in upper weights

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter Wrestling COACHES Head coach: Keith Hanson, 13 years head, 23 total) Assistant coaches: Zach Vine, 2nd year; Ryan Timmerman, 2nd year (returning back from school); Trent Nielsen, 10th year KEY PLAYERS Senior Alec Devens, 145 pounds, 2-year letter winner, 7-26 record in 2014-15 Senior Sean Driscoll, 182, 1-year letter winner, 1-13 Senior Gavin Thole 152, 2-year letter winner, 3-28 Junior Wyatt Gillette, 126, 3-year letter winner, 32-4 Sophomore Aaron Hunt, 120, 2-year letter winner, 3-5 Freshman Sage Loredo Hollon, 138, 2-year letter winner, section fourth-place finisher, 31-10 Freshman Matthew Pettis, 132, 1-year letter winner, 27-10 Eighth-grader Wareke Gillette, 113, 1 year letter winner, 7-8 Eighth-grader Eli Hunt, 160, 1-year letter winner, 17-23 KEEP YOUR EYE ON Michael Connor and Cade Horner, two eighth-graders who might be stepping in at the 106-pound spot MOVED ON Major Brock 2015-16 SEASON OUTLOOK “Last year we were 10-18 as a team (0-5 Big South Conference),” Hanson said. “We battled injuries and illness which hurt us in a few dual meets, as we were 0-5 in the conference. We should have a pretty balanced squad from the lighter

Alec Devens of St. Peter gets a leg up on Delano’s Jacon McDonald, winning the 145-pound match 3-1. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

weights to the middle.

“We will be missing two of our upper weights due to injury. Anthony Putz, 195-220, our only returning State Entrant (with a 31-8 record) just had surgery to repair his ACL and MCL, so he will miss the entire season and senior Travis Brock, 220285 (who placed fifth in the section with a 30-11 record), had surgery to repair some torn ligaments in his ankle. There is a possibility that Travis could return in January if rehab goes well for him.”

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “This is a hard working group and it will be fun watching them improve as the season goes on. — Keith Hanson, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS career wins club leader 67-19 – Wyatt Gillette, current varsity career record leader Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 141-27 – Ryan Timmerman,

St. Peter sophomore Wyatt Gillette at 113 pounds prepares to pin Delano eighth-grader Ethan Quast in the Section 2AA team tournament first-round match Feb. 12 at New Prague.

(Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 7

Cleveland boys basketball team has high goals

By RICHARD ROHLFING

Correspondent

Cleveland Boys Basketball COACHES Head Coach: Dan Fredrickson (4th year, 19th year total, 14th as a head coach) Assistant Coaches: Joe Remiger (third year), Lon Voss (second year, was Fredrickson’s assistant at Glennville-Emmons) KEY PLAYERS Carter Kopet – Sophomore guard/forward, captain, three-year letter winner. He averaged 18 points per game last year and led the conference in scoring. He missed nine games due to an ankle injury. (Clippers went 1-8 in games he missed).

Kopet played in a competitive traveling league last spring and summer. “Carter is a gifted offensive player,” said Fredrickson. “He is the best all-around player in our conference. He plays with a burning passion. He puts in so much work that people never see. He has been starting for us as an 8th-grader and he is an excellent leader. Carter will breakout this year as the premier player in our area.”

Tyler Piotter – Senior forward, captain, two-year letter winner.

“Tyler had a big summer for us, Frederickson said “and we expect that to continue into the season. Tyler has really improved his offensive game. His footwork has really improved. Tyler is a tough rebounder and a rock for us on the defensive end. He has put in a lot of work.”

Jaiden Zishka – Junior guard, forward, one-year letter winner.

“Jaiden is an absolute terror on defense,” Fredrickson said. “He dis-

rupts the game unlike any player I have ever coached. He is an absolute difference maker in games. He is a beast on the boards and he has been starting to drive the ball to the hoop with ferocity. Jaiden is poised for a monster season this year.”

Candler Barrie – Senior guard, captain, two-year letter winner.

“Chandler is our best one-on-one defender,” Fredrickson said. “He is player that plays 100 percent every possession. His effort level is contagious. He is always hustling. He is one of our primary ball handlers on offense, and he is very good in transition.”

Jacob Zimmerman – Senior guard, captain, one-year letter winner. “Jacob is a starter for us,” Fredrickson said. “He has a great head for the game. He has a nice smooth shot. He is a competitor every night. He is a very good defensive player as well. And on offense, he is the team’s most unselfish player. He has been a joy to coach.”

Austin Plonsky – Sophomore guard, one-year letter winner. He led the Clippers last year in total points (339), threes (55), assists (95) and free-throw percentage (71 percent). He was also voted team MVP. “Austin is so tough,” Fredrickson said. “He is such a fighter on the floor. Offensively he will do a lot for us again. He is a great shooter and excellent driving to the hoop. He is a handful for opponents; that’s for sure. He also hustles all over the gym. He exemplifies what coaches mean when they say ‘play this game or possession like it’s your last.’ He is an amazing competitor. He will help lead us every night.”

Mitch McCabe – Sophomore

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Jaiden Zishka goes after a loose ball during a game against visiting Immanuel Lutheran last year. In the background are Austin Plonsky and Carter Kopet. (Richard Rohlfing/Le Center Leader)

Eye in the first round of the section for their first playoff game win since the 2005-2006 season and then lost in the next round to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City.

“We were a very young team last year and it showed in our inexperience in closing games in the second half,” Fredrickson said. “This season will be different. Although we are still young when you look at our overall roster, we have a lot of experience returning. Our summer program the last few years has helped expedite that experience level. We have some very talented players that have paid their dues. And this season is the start of that payoff at the varsity level. Our conference is wide open with St Clair potentially being the headliner. Five or six teams could have a say in that. In early February Cleveland hosts the Valley Conference Showcase. And the Championship will undoubtedly come down to that night. We have an excellent chance to finish on top in our conference. As far as the Section goes I plan on us playing Friday March 4, 2016 at MSU in

guard, one year letter winner. have gained a lot of confidence “Mitch will provide us with an from our summer season.” outside punch,” Fredrickson said.

Branden Seitz – Junior guard, “He can absolutely fill it up from one-year letter winner. “Branden deep. He will also be in charge of a gets all over gym as well,” Fredricklot of ball handling duties. He is an son said. “He is a real hustler, and excellent passer, and he will con- he will have a valuable role for us tinue to develop into a great floor this year. He is a very good passer, general. Mitch is truly a breakout and has a well-rounded offensive candidate for us.” game.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Evan Koppelman – SophoBrady Omtvedt – Sophomore more guard, one-year letter winguard. “Brady will play a valuable ner. “Evan will have a role for us role this year for us,” Fredrickson this year,” Frederickson said. “I have said. “He can really pressure the not in my years of coaching seen a ball. He has a very good feel for the post player hustle end to end like game, and he has a very good offen- Evan. His hustle level is beyond sive game. Brady played a big role impressive.” for us down the stretch last season.”

MOVED ON Travis Robb – Junior guard, Spencer Lynch, Spencer Davies one-year letter winner. “Travis is 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK very good shooter from distance,” The Clippers finished the 2015 Fredrickson said. “He has improved season 9-18. They finished 9th in Skrove Automohis ball handling, and he looks to VK000538 the conference.

They beat Sleepy

the Section Championship game.”

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “We have the ability to be one of the best teams in the area. We are going to be very exciting. The kids are coming off a very successful summer season and our confidence is very high. Congratulations to all involved with the football team on an incredible season. And we will try to carry that torch through the winter. I am so proud to be the Clipper basketball coach. Please get out and support the Clippers!”

-Dan Fredrickson

BY THE NUMBERS 7 – The number of players on the team who were also on the section championship football team.

They bring a winning edge.

2 – The number of players from last season lost to graduation.

Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566 or follow him on Twitter. com @SPHSportsPat.

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PAGE 8

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Cleveland girls basketball team hopes for turnaround season

By RICHARD ROHLFING

Correspondent

Cleveland Girls Basketball COACHES Head coach: Jason Thompson, second year Assistant coach: Kris Holicky, fifth year coaching KEY PLAYERS Amy Den Herder – Senior captain, three-year letter winner.

As a player who never missed a practice, game or team event, a true display of leadership. Amy received the Iron Award last season. “Amy is the consummate team player and leader,” said Thompson. “She gives every ounce of effort she has on and off the court. We will be looking for her to be much more of a scorer for us this season, while continuing to be a good defender and rebounder for us. She has seen a lot of varsity time over the past few seasons that will help her on the court.”

Stephanie Holicky – Senior captain, three-year letter winner.

Holicky returns as the leading rebounder as well as the Defensive Player of the Year. “We will need Stephanie to continue to be a top rebounder for us and up her scoring ability,” Thompson said.

“Stephanie is a strong player who has tremendous leaping ability.

With the loss of three seniors, we will need Stephanie to become more of a vocal leader on the court.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON Amanda Smith – Junior wing, captain, two-year letter winner.

“We will need Amanda to take a

bigger role,” Thompson said. “She has the ability to knock down the outside shots and is a good rebounder. Her ability to step up and fill a scoring role will be a key for us.”

Brianna Baker – Junior guard, two-year letter winner.

“Brianna has a lot of fire inside her,” Thompson said. “She is the emotional leader. She spent a lot of time this summer working on her ball handling skills, which will pay off. We will be looking for her to step up for us defensively. She can become a defensive force for us, if she continues to work hard and stays out of foul trouble.”

Cheyenne Kunkel – Junior post, two-year letter winner. She was the most improved player.

“Cheyenne has a lot of potential and isn’t afraid to work hard,” Thompson said. “She is very coachable and should be fun to watch develop even more.”

MaKenzie Baumgartner – Junior guard, two-year letter winner.

“MaKenzie will be looked upon as one of our outside shooter threats that we will need to help replace Anna, Cassidy & Megan,” Thompson said. “She has the ability to hit the outside shot but just needs to stay confident. She is a quiet leader for our team and hustles at all times.”

Caitlin Brink – Freshman point guard, one-year letter winner. “Caitlin put in a lot of time this summer working on her game,” Thompson said. “She shot over 15,000 shots and made over 5,000 free throws. She is very passionate for the game and has positioned herself to see extensive

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nesota Academy for the Deaf plish defensively as a team. This and South Metro. The season will improve our communication ended with a loss at Sleepy Eye and our overall effectiveness on St. Mary’s. the defensive end. We return 10 “With the amount of work girls who saw varsity action last that was put in this off-season by season. With that many returnthe girls, we will start this season ers and skill development improvwith a higher fundamental base ing, it really gets me excited to see than we did the previous season, what we can do as a team.” – Jason Thompson said. “This ultimately Thompson,

BY THE NUMBERS will lead us to being a much improved team in the 2015-2016 23 – The Clippers’ shooting season. I see Granada-Huntley– percentage last season. They need East Chain, Mankato Loyola & to pull that number up to be sucSpringfield as teams to watch in cessful.

Section 2A.” 30 – The number of turnovers COACH’S COMMENTS per game the Clippers had last “There were a lot of girls who season. put quite a bit of time in this off10 – The number of returning season, with the summer tour- players. naments, basketball camps and 46 – The percent of the Clipshooting clubs. We will come into pers’ starting offense that graduthis season with a much higher ated last season.

Amy Den Herder, one of two seniors on the team, fronts the skill level because of that. Comball carrier during last year’s season-ending loss to host Sleepy ing into my second season, the Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck Eye St. Mary’s. In the background is teammate Cheyenne Kungirls should be more comfortable at 931-8566 or follow him on kel. (Richard Rohlfing/Le Center Leader) with what we are trying to accom- Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat. time on the court with the way great defender for our team.”

“There is also a great group of she has worked this offseason. She has great ability to drive and get underclassman that I am really to the rim, so her making her free excited to see what they can do,” Thompson said. “I have no doubt throwswill be key.”

Katelyn McCabe – Freshman that they can have a big impact Your headquarters wing, one-year letter winner. for us this season as well. They for St. Peter Saints “Katelyn is another player who are sophomores Laura Smith and Rachael Kunkel, freshmen Joie put in a lot of time this summer apparel in adult working on her game,” Thomp- Weller and Julia McCabe, and son said. “She joined Caitlin Brink eighth-grader Karna Ziebarth.” and youth sizes MOVED ON as another player who shot over Anna Ely, Megan Hobson, 15,000 shots this summer. Katelyn is a very smart athlete who Cassidy Kopet 2016 SEASON OUTLOOK can create her own shot off the Downtown St. Peter • 507-931-4340 2014-2015: 3-22, 0-12 in the dribble using her quick release; Mon-Wed: 8-5:30 • Thurs 8-7 • Fri: 8-6 • Sat: 8-5 she is one of those pure scorers. Valley Conference, 10th seed in In addition, with her work ethic Section 2A North. The wins were and athleticism she can become a over Immanuel Lutheran, Min-

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 9

Bulldogs boys hockey expects to reload for another strong season

By PAT BECK

moved around during the section replacement last year.”

COMMENTS FROM THE COACH “I am very excited about this year’s team. I feel that we have a great group of young men that push each other to be their best.

Our leaders go beyond our captains. It is amazing to see how students from four different school districts can come together and work so well together. As a coach there are some teams that have qualities that are tough to coach (enthusiastic, energetic, leadership, love for the game, etc.), and this is one of those teams. This is a group that is a lot of fun to be around, and they love to be on the ice! The past seniors have done a great job of pushing this program into the right direction, and I have no doubt our seniors and team this year will continue that trend.”

– Shea Roehrkasse, head coach

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

Le Sueur-Henderson/St. Peter/Tri-City United/Cleveland Bulldogs Boys Hockey COACHES Head coach: Shea Roehrkasse, 2nd year coaching Assistant coaches: Dave Swanberg, 18th year coaching KEY PLAYERS Alex Hoehn, 12, forward. “We look forward to having Alex back on the ice this year after missing a year to a knee injury,” Roehrkasse said. “As a three-sport athlete Alex has done a great job to get himself back and ready to go for his senior year. I know Alex is excited to get back on the ice and we look forward to him being a playmaker for us.”

Nate Wenner, 12, F. “Nate is a returning player that got a lot of ice time last year,” Roehrkasse said. “We expect that trend to continue. He does a great job in front of the net is a grinder all over the ice.

Avery Bachman, 12, defense.

“Avery is a very strong defenseman that can add a spark of offense, too,” Roehrkasse said.

“With two defenseman leaving from last year’s team, I know Avery will do a great job coming in and be a workhorse for us all year.”

Zeke Haugen, 12, goalie. “Zeke is a great goalie that we are lucky to have come back to us for another year,” Roehrkasse said. “It’s not very often that you get to have a goalie that started all the games the previous year come back.”

Brandan Pelowski, 11, D.

Bulldog goalie Zeke Haugen gets in position to make a save as Avery Bachman checks a Faribault attacker. (St. Peter Herald file photo)

“Brandan is another D that comes with some experience from last year,” Roehrkasse said. “Made great strides last year and we look forward to him being on the ice a lot for us this year.”

Isaac Westphal, 11, F. “Isaac is a great kid that has a lot of speed and great hands on the ice,” Roehrkasse said. “There is a reason he has the nickname of ‘Zippy.’ Isaac is a very hard worker that we look to for a lot of energy.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON McCray Grams, 12, F. “McCray came in late last year to

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finish very strong, and I am confident he will carry that momentum into his senior year,” Roehrkasse said.

Jacob Marlow, 12, F. “Jacob Marlow is another player that we are looking to continue his play from last year.,” Roehrkasse said.

“A very coachable kid that works hard every time he is on the ice.”

Harry Redmann, 11, F. “Harry had a shortened season last year due to a leg injury, and we are excited to have him back at full strength for this season,” Roehrkasse said.

MOVED ON Sam Wenner, Mac Malecha, Brett Zallek, Sam Gerdts, Jackson Keeley, Keenan Burg, Scott Crady, Jared Pudwill 2015 SEASON OUTLOOK Last year’s record 18-7, 5th place in Section 1A Conference record 12-4, 3rd place in Big South Section favorite: “As a coaching staff we expect to have a successful season,” Roehrkasse said. “It is hard to tell where we will finish in our section because some teams got

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PAGE 10

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Bulldogs girls hockey team quantity low, quality high

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter/Le Sueur-Henderson/Tri-City United/Cleveland Bulldogs Girls Hockey COACHES Tom Blaido — 4th year head coach Kelley Wilmes — 5th year assistant coach Victoria Sinell — 2nd year assistant coach KEY PLAYERS Maddie Kleschult, senior allconference captain, will be playing defense this year to give the team some added scoring punch from the blue line. “Maddie is a very fast player with exceptional stick handling skills and has a very hard shot,” Blaido said. “Maddie was last year’s leading scorer for the Bulldogs and has made a name for herself throughout the conference.

Other teams are trying to figure out a way to stop her or at the very least, slow her down.

Anna Amos, junior captain center, “Anna is a very quick player who attacks the net extremely hard and makes her living on the ice off of opposing players mistakes; show her the puck or mishandle it one time and she will make you pay for it,” Blaido said.

Holly Gibbs, senior captain winger, “Holly has very deceptive speed because of her smooth stride. Opposing players often take the wrong angle on her when she is carrying the puck and will usually skate by them before they have time to adjust; she is another player that the other teams players have their eyes on. The secret was

Bulldog senior captain Maddie Kleschult, who is moving back from center to defense, makes a rush up the ice last season. (Pat Beck/Le Sueur News-Herald)

out on Holly last year as she was voted honorable mention in the Big South all conference voting,” Blaid said.

Jordan Keeley, sophomore goalie, “was a starter for the Bulldog as a freshman and already had opposing coaches shaking their head. You can carry a team a long way with outstanding goal tending; it gives you the opportunity to take chances you normally wouldn’t knowing that the net is covered. Jordan finished the year with a save percentage of over 90 percent, and that’s saying something for a freshman varsity starter,” Blaido said.

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PLAYERS TO WATCH Kallie Steuck has worked on her speed and her shot during this off season,” Blaido said. “Kallie is always in attack more and plans on making certain that the other teams know where she is when she steps onto the ice. I’m expecting this to be a break out year in the scoring dept for Kallie.”

Francesca LoFaro “is another player who has spent the off season working on her game,” Blaido said. Francesca is a ‘tough’ hockey player who isn’t afraid to go into the corners or push back when pushed. It’s important to have a physical presence in the defensive

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MOVED ON “Last season we had two seniors that provided leadership, Hannah Kleschult and Bailey Wilmes,” Blaido said. “Those two were an important part of that team because we were so young, we needed solid leadership and those two provided it, they were players that the rest of the team looked up to and followed.”

2015 OUTLOOK “Last season we finished with a losing record, but it was easy to see the improvement from the previous years as the games were much closer not only in score but also

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ment participant Hutchinson, last year’s state tournament participant New Ulm along with Mound Westonka, Litchfield-Dassel-Cokato, New Prague and Orono, all of which were ranked at one point last season.

This year’s favorites in the Big South Conference should be New Ulm once again as they only lost one player from last year’s State tournament team. Luverne, who has their entire rooster back from a year ago a team which was one game away from a state tournament appearance, along with the Bulldogs and Fairmont all being right up there toward the top of the standings.

“I have no doubt that there will be a few times that we stumble, but I’m certain that with the character that this team possesses you should see them right get right back up, and I would look for them toward the top of the standings in the end.

“This season sees a Bulldog team with only three seniors but a strong supporting group of juniors and sophomores to back them up.

Our strength this season will be our team speed and experience.

Our biggest area of concern is the number of players in back up positions; this year we only have five defense and 3 1/2 lines of forwards with no backup goalie. We have a lot of talent but could be in a bad way if the injury bug hits us this season. If we can stay healthy, we should be very competitive.”

tempo,” Blaido said. “Prior to last season we were trying to compete with a team made up of mostly 8th- and 9th-graders. Now we are mostly 10th- and 11th-graders which should allow us to be much more competitive. I’m sure we will run into a wall every now and then, but these are a special group of kids. They know how to bounce back, reload the cannon and go back at it, we should be just fine.

“This year they reorganized the sections, and ours appears to be extremely difficult. Along with Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at the Bulldogs there are six other 931-8566 or follow him on Twitteams; last season’s state tourna- ter.com @SPHSportsPat.

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Wednesday, November 25, 2015

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

PAGE 11

LS-H girls basketball team looks for continued growth

By PHILIP WEYHE

score this season.”

Shaelynn Samora, sophomore, forward. She is a one-year letter winner. She averaged four points and six rebounds per game last year.

From the coach: “She is a very good all-around post player. Has the ability to be a double-double type of player.”

Moved on Kayla Stowell (all-conference point guard) 2015 season outlook The Giants went 4-22 last year, 1-13 in the conference. They finished last in the conference and fifth in the subsection.

“I expect Jordan and Norwood Young America to be at the top of the conference,” Graff said. “Our section will have quite a few new teams in it this year. I’d expect St. Peter, NYA, Glencoe-Silver Lake and Fairmont to be the favorites.”

Comments from the coach “We return a very experienced team, graduating only one player from last season. Last year we started to turn the corner, finish-

pweyhe@lesueurnews-herald. com

Le Sueur-Henderson girls basketball Coaches Head coach: Ryan Graff, seventh year, third year as girls head coach.

Assistant coach: Anne Lewis, 14 years coaching.

Key players Carlie Brandt, senior, guard.

Brandt is a four-year letter winner.

She won all conference honorable mention in the Minnesota River Conference last year. She averaged 13 points and five rebounds per game last year.

From the coach: “Strengths are her shooting and determination.

She gets a lot of attention from our opponents, and that will continue this year. She will be looked upon to help out at point guard some this year as well as continue to become a very good defensive player.”

Sam Winter, senior, guard.

Winter is a three-year letter winner. She averaged seven points and four rebounds per game last year.

From the coach: “Strengths are her shooting and work ethic.

We are really looking for Sam to have a break out year and be more consistent with her scoring. She, as well, will be looked to step up at the point and become more of a leader on the court.”

Mandy Doerr, senior, forward.

Doerr is a two-year letter winner.

She averaged four points and six rebounds per game last year.

Mandy Doerr, middle, and Breanna Kroehler, right, fight for a loose ball. (Philip Weyhe/Le Sueur News-Herald)

From the coach: “One of our top returning rebounders and defenders. Her strengths are her work ethic and defense. We expect her to be a key contributor on the offensive end as well.”

Breanna Kroehler, senior, forward. Kroehler is a two-year letter winner. She averaged three points and three rebounds per game last year.

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From the coach: “Strengths are her shooting touch and attitude.

She is a good offensive post player that we believe can really boost her scoring average this year and also grab a bunch of rebounds.”

Keep your eye on Quinn Hynes-Marquette, senior, forward. Hynes-Marquette is a two-year letter winner. She averaged three rebounds per game

last year.

From the coach: “She is one of our better post defenders and can hit shots when open.”

Courtney Lucht, junior, guard.

Lucht is a one-year letter winner.

She averaged four points per game last year and led the team in threepoint percentage last year.

From the coach: “She is a good shooter that will be relied upon to

ing with four wins and a handful of other games that were in reach.

We had another decent summer of getting into the gym, and we hope that will pay off when this season begins.”

“I believe this year’s team has more talent top to bottom than we have had in the last few years.

Keys to us having success this season will be more mental than physical: belief in ourselves and each other is something we need to have.

“Losing an all-conference point guard is always tough to fill so that will be a key area as well.

I think we have two or three girls that can fill that void and run the team on the floor. We have high expectations as we get ready for practice and I know I am very excited to get back into the gym.”— Ryan Graff, head coach

BY THE NUMBERS 9 – returning letter winners.

17 – total number of basketball letters returning this season.

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PAGE 12

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Le Sueur-Henderson Giants wrestling team led by junior class

By PHILIP WEYHE

pweyhe@lesueurnews-herald. com

Le Sueur-Henderson Giants Wrestling Coaches Head coach: Scott Wilson, 22nd year.

Assistant coaches: Ben Wilson, 12th year. Mike May, sixth year. Jason Sunderman, fourth year. Billy Exline, second year.

Brett Schwartz, first year.

Key players Luke Wilson, junior, 152 pounds. Wilson is a three-year letter winner. He placed third in sections in 2015 and is a state place winner in both Greco and freestyle. He also received Minnesota River Conference honorable mention in 2014-15. He will be a captain for the Giants.

From the coach: “He posted over 20 wins last season for the team and has improved on his core strength as well as his upper body. He has spent a great deal of time lifting weights and has wrestled year-round. Luke has taken a huge leap in the last year. At the end of last year, he really improved upon his overall skill-set but definitely has taken it to the next level. Luke’s goal is to make it to the state tournament and win it. From what he has shown over the last year there’s no reason why he can’t accomplish his goal.”

Trenten Rogich, junior, 220 pounds. Rogich is a three-year letter winner. He placed third in sections in 2015 and is a state place winner in Greco and freestyle. He will be a captain this year.

Luke Wilson finishes a takedown against Tyler Westman of St. James in a February 2015 match.

(News-Herald file photo)

From the coach: “He posted over 20 wins last season and is able to handle the mass weights.

He will be able to shuffle between 220 and heavyweight for the team.

He also wrestled year-round.

Trenten is an exciting wrestler, because he has the guts to go for the big throws and take risks. It doesn’t matter if he’s ahead or behind in the match. Trenten thoroughly enjoys the sport of wrestling, and shows it on the mat.”

Dylan Pauly, junior, 132 pounds. Pauly is a two-year letter winner. He placed third in sections in 2015 and is a state place winner in freestyle. He will be a captain.

From the coach: “He posted over 20 wins last season, is a pin-

ner and is very disciplined to maintain his health and physique, strong and fearless in his attack.

This is definitely Dylan’s year to step up. He is a point scoring wrestler, but, in the past, he has been plagued with giving away just as many points. If Dylan can overcome this, which I know he will, he will dominate throughout whole matches and be very solid and steadfast anchoring our lower weights.”

Keon Naranjo, junior, 113 pounds. Naranjo three-year letter winner. He placed third in section in 2015.

From the coach: “He is strong, solid in technique, nothing flashy but gets the job done. He posted over 20 wins last season. Keon will

be a veteran on the mat, particularly in the lower weights. With his seasoned experience and ability, not reaching the state tournament at the end of the season would not be reaching his full potential.”

Keep your eye on Mason Straub, junior, 182 pounds. Straub is a two-year letter winner.

From the coach: “He’s one of the strongest kids on the team. He should be coming into his own this year.”

Jordan Carlson, junior, 160 pounds. Carlson is a two-year letter winner. He will be a captain this year.

From the coach: “He is eager to learn and be a team player. He

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has a big heart and is competitive.: Trevor Block, junior, 145 pounds. Block is a two-year letter winner. He will be a captain this year.

From the coach: “With a year of maturity and now a junior, Trevor is itching for big wins and to gain as many wins as possible for the team. He hates to lose.”

Tucker Colling, sophomore, 152 pounds. Colling is a one-year letter winner.

From the coach: “Tucker has done some off-season wrestling and gained the extra mat experience that will be very helpful to him and the team this year.”

Jorge Hernandez, sophomore, 126 pounds. Hernandez is a oneyear letter winner.

From the coach: “Jorge came on strong for the team. He is a fun-loving young man, which is an asset he brings to the team.

Jorge tells me everyday that he can’t wait for the season to start.

His eagerness and positive attitude is the first essential blocks for a successful season.”

Dalton Pauly, eighth grade, 120 pounds. Pauly is a one-year letter winner.

From the coach: “Dalton has competed year-round. He wrestled for team Minnesota this summer and also placed at the state freestyle and greco tournament.

Dalton experienced a bit of varsity last year and is always looking to score and win.”

Moved on Austin Anderly (three-time state medalist, two-time state champion and team captain).

Clayton Colling (two-time

state entrant, team captain).

2015 season outlook 7-15 overall, 0-4 in the MRC in 2014-15. Reached the final four in the section tournament.

“Being in a new section this year, we are expecting to contend for the section team title,” coach Wilson said. “There will be several teams that will be strong, such as NRHEG, Blue Earth, Kenyon, Lake Crystal-Wellcome Memorial, but there is no reason why we can’t make a run for a team state entry.”

Comments from the coach “The bulk of the team are juniors. I’ve been apart of being their coach since they were in fifth grade. We don’t have any seniors so it’s exciting for me to watch them mature and fulfill their destiny,” Wilson said.

“Looking and reflecting at the great and long lineage of Giants wrestling history, we are looking to make a mark as a team and stamp our page in the books this year.”

By the numbers 4-5: Wilson previously coached four out of his five current assistants.

42: LS-H has sent 42 wrestlers to state in 10 years with Wilson as head coach.

5: The Giants reached the final four teams in the section five times in the last 10 years.

Reach Reporter Philip Weyhe at 507-931-8576 or follow him on Twitter.com @LNHphilip.

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PAGE 13

LS-H boys basketball looks to rebound after losing quality players

By PHILIP WEYHE

pweyhe@lesueurnews-herald. com

Le Sueur-Henderson boys basketball Coaches Head coach: Don Marcussen, fourth year as head coach for LS-H, 27 total years coaching basketball.

Assistant coaches: Brad Schmidt, B-squad coach and Kyle Savage, C-squad, second year.

Key players Joe Luna, 12th grade, guard, two-year letter winner, 7 points per game, 1.5 steals per game, 4 rebounds per game, 2 assists per game. From coach Marcussen: “He’s a good defender, runs the floor nice, and is a decent ball handler.”

Tyler Eccles, 12th grade, post, two-year letter winner, 9 PPG, 4 RPG, 2 APG, 77 percent free

throw shooter, From coach Marcussen: “He’s a tough, physical player with a good outside shot for a post player. He runs the floor well.”

Ben Barron 12th grade, guard, two-year letter winner, 5.5 PPG. From coach Marcussen: “He’s a decent ball handler and a good deep shooter.”

Cole Pengilly, 11th grade, guard, one-year letter winner, 3.5 ppg, 74 percent free throw shooter. From coach Marcussen: “He’s a good ball handler, shoots well, and is aggressive on defense.”

Alex Borchardt, 12th grade, post, one-year letter winner.

From coach Marcussen: “He played mostly b-squad last year.

He has a good outside shot for a post and is a good rebounder.”

Keep your eye on Mitch Borchardt, 10th grade, post. From coach Marcussen: “He is a big, physical player with

nice touch.”

Jared Miller, 10th grade, post.

From coach Marcussen: “He is smaller in size but has good jumping skills and runs the floor well.”

Moved on Jordan Kahlow (will play at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter) Luke Smith Riley McGraw Coleton Nelson Alex Nelson 2015 season outlook 20-8 last year, Minnesota River Conference co-champions. 12-2 MRC record, 8-6 nonconference. Defeated by Jordan in second round of sub-section tournament.

“Jordan and Tri-City United should be favorites in MRC, and Belle Plaine could also make some noise,” Marcussen said.

“Maple River should be solid in the section, but we could also see

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some of the MRC teams at the end as well.”

Comments from the coach “This year’s team will have to learn to play together and develop a bench that can play solid minutes,” Marcussen said. “We have graduated many smart basketball players that have made it easy to win some games and will have to continue to develop more players like that.”

“There is not much experience in the junior class, so the sophomore class will have to fill in some minutes. We have to become a great defensive team to win games, because we are not as explosive on offense as we have been in the past.”

Reach Reporter Philip Weyhe at 507-931-8576 or follow him on Twitter.com @LNHphilip.

Giant guard Ben Barron drives for two points during a 2014-15 season Le Sueur-Henderson basketball game against Norwood Young America. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

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PAGE 14

VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

Young St. Peter gymnastics team aims higher this season

By PAT BECK

pbeck@stpeterherald.com

St. Peter Gymnastics COACHES Head coach: Stacy Kurth (18 years coaching) Assistant coaches: Wally Kurth and Kris Glidden KEY PLAYERS Keegan Kurth, 11th-grade, four-year letter winner “Her strength is nice difficulty in leaps and jumps, clean dance on floor,” coach Stacy Kurth said.

“She’s working to increase her difficulty in tumbling. She is also considering other events. She is working on both vault and beam.

Josie Carlson, 10th-grade, two-year letter winner “Josie has a can do attitude,” Kurth said. “If you ask her to try it, she will. We are hoping to see her vault difficulty increase, and

she is right on the verge of breaking out some great tumbling. She has this ability to make the crowd smile whether she is vaulting or doing a floor routine.”

Maddy Rimstad, 10th-grade, three-year letter winner “Maddy has some awesome potential; we just have to coax it out of her,” Kurth said. “She is working hard on all four events, and she should hit an all-time high for an all-round score.”

Teagan Weiss, 10th-grade, three-year letter winner “Teagan works until she can’t stand,” Kurth said. “Her work ethics are amazing. I almost feel tired for her. She is working to add difficulty in all four events. I believe she will be able to set some new all-around high scores.

Kenna Zelenka, ninth-grade, See GYMNASTICS on 15C

Junior Keegan Kurth, a floor exercise specialist since 7thgrade and daughter of coaches Stacy and Wally Kurth, is the upperclasswoman on the St. Peter gymnastics team.

(Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

GYMNASTICS: Hope to vault up From Page 14C two-year letter winner “Kenna had to wait a week to join us due to diving, but that has not stopped her from fitting right in,” Kurth said. “She has been working her tumbling and you can see an improvement since she has been diving. She will also be working all events for us.”

Hannah Brenke, seventhgrade, new to St. Peter from MAGS Gymnastics “Hannah comes to us from private club,” Kurth said. “She is a bundle of energy and has been showing her skills since the day she walked in. When a new athlete comes in, the dynamics can really change and for the better.

Inner team competition is what drives these athletes to step out of their comfort and push new skills.

Hannah will be competing in all events. This is a young team… young energy…it should be a lot of fun.”

KEEP YOUR EYE ON “We have a young bunch (eight) of new gymnasts,” Kurth said. “We see potential all over the gym. It’s hard to tell today what

good luck

we will see, but I do know we will have a competitive Junior Varsity.

This has not been the case for a few years now. The past couple of seasons we have had to ‘borrow’ Junior Varsity athletes to fill our roster.”

MOVED ON Bekah Berry and Lexi Wilkins.

2015-16 SEASON OUTLOOK St. Peter finished sixth of 13 teams in the Big South Conference Tournament last season. The Saints placed eighth of 10 teams in Section 2A. “We are really hoping to keep climbing as a team,” Kurth said.

“Our goal the past three seasons has been to hit 130. If we start where we left off last season (highly likely), then this won’t be a problem.”

BY THE NUMBERS 7 — Roster is young 7, 7thgraders 6 — 10th-graders Reach Sports Editor Pat Beck at 931-8566 or follow him on Twitter.com @SPHSportsPat.

PAGE 15

winter sports athletes!

St. Peter sophomore Teagan Weiss vaults 8.05 last year.

(Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald)

may you have a # 1 season!

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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW

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