Girls Basketball Preview 2021

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

D2 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

INDEX Central Lakes Conference: Willmar Cardinals ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� D2 Wright County Conference: New London-Spicer Wildcats ��������������������������������������������������������������������� D3 Litchfield Dragons �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� D4 West Central Conference: Benson Braves ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� D5 BOLD Warriors ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������D6 Minnewaska Lakers ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ D7 Montevideo Thunder Hawks ���������������������������������������������������������������������� D8 Central Minnesota Conference: Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City Falcons ��������������������������������������������������������� D9 Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa Jaguars ������������������������������������������������������������ D10 Paynesville Bulldogs ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� D10 Camden Conference: Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays ������������������������������������������������������D11 Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks ���������������������������������������������������������������������������D11 Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Fighting Saints ��������������������������������������� D12 Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles ����������������������������������������������������������������������� D13 MACCRAY Wolverines ������������������������������������������������������������������������������ D14 Renville County West Jaguars ����������������������������������������������������������������� D14 Yellow Medicine East Sting ���������������������������������������������������������������������� D15 Christian Athletic League: Community Christian Eagles �������������������������������������������������������������������� D16 Credits The West Central Tribune’s 2021-22 girls basketball special section was written, edited and photographed by sports writers Joe Brown and Matthew Curry and sports editor Tom Elliott Cover Photos Left to Right: Willmar guard Sammy Christoffer eyes the basket during a non-conference game against Marshall on Feb. 9, 2021 from the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School.

Central Minnesota Christian guard Coco Duininck floats in for a lay-up during a Jan. 31, 2020 game against Lac qui Parle Valley from CMCS High School.

New London-Spicer guard Avery Rich drives to the basket during the first half of a non-conference game march 1, 2021 against Albany from Albany High School.

Minnewaska’s Maddie Thorfinnson scores a bucket in the paint during a West Central Conference game against Montevideo from Montevideo High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo

Willmar guard Sammy Christoffer is fouled on a shot attempt by Sauk Rapids senior forward Ady Froiland during a Central Lakes Conference game March 12, 2021 from Willmar High School.88

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Willmar's Jaida Reiman (31) tries to put up a shot in the lane while Big Lake's Caela Tighe goes for a block during the first half of a Section 5AAA semifinal game on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 at the Big Red Gym at Willmar High School.

CARDS are primed for another run

Willmar plans to be a conference and section contender

BY TOM ELLIOTT

is now playing for Southwest Minnesota State in Marshall.

WILLMAR — The WillBut lots of talent and mar girls basketball team has been in the upper ech- experience remains.

Leading the way are elon of the Central Lakes Jaida Reiman, Sammy Conference and the section du jour In the 10 sea- Christoffer and Ella Shinn.

Reiman is a 5-foot-8 sons that Dustin Carlson senior guard/wing who has been head coach. earned all-conference Carlson believes 2021honors last season. She 22 will be no different. was second on the team “Expectations are high in scoring, averaging 10.3 in our gym to have a very points per game and also successful season with the amount of experience averaged 5.2 rebounds.

Christoffer is a 5-6 and talent returning,” said Carlson, who had a 155-91 senior guard who also was record at Willmar. “Having on the All-CLC team. She averaged 9.4 points, 2.9 a senior-led team should rebounds and 2.8 steals provide us with poise in per game. bigger games this season.

Shinn is a 5-9 senior The Cardinals return wing/post who averthree starters from a aged 7.1 points and 7.5 squad that went 15-5 last rebounds per game. She season, including 12-3 in was an honorable mention the conference. One of the key losses is a big one. to the all-conference team.

Mackenzie Jones, an allAnother player to stater and Willmar’s lead- watch is Ellary Lange. ing scorer and rebounder, The 5-7 senior guard was West Central Tribune

an all-conference honorable-mention who averaged 5.1 points and 3.3 rebounds per game.

Carlson wasn’t sure who the fifth starter would be in the preseason. He just knew it was going to be competitive.

“We have a crew of girls looking to earn the fifth starting spot to the bottom of our varsity rotation,” Carlson said. “This should make practices competitive and make us a deeper team than we were last season.”

Something new for Willmar will be its section. The Cards are moving from Section 5AAA to Section 8AAA. In the preseason, it looks like Alexandria will be the team to beat in 8AAA. “We are looking forward to having a couple of our conference rivals as our toughest section competition,” Carlson said.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D3

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo

Left: New London-Spicer guard Avery Rich launches an outside shot during a Wright County Conference game against Watertown-Mayer on Feb. 5, 2021 from NLS High School. Right: New London-Spicer guard Jaden Coahran brings the ball up the court during the first half of a non-conference game against Albany on March 1, 2021 from Albany High School.

NLS ready for another long run

Wildcats should contend for conference, section titles

“They know what it takes to be successful, so there is no reason that they can’t be in the mix for conference, sub-section winningest girls basketball

BY TOM ELLIOTT and section honors. coach in state history.

West Central Tribune “We will need improved And while the Wildcats NEW LONDON — It contributions from some was another great year for lost most of the players of our younger players that made all that happen, one of the state’s top Class including all their scoring, to reach our potential, AA programs. however.”

The New London-Spicer rebounding, steals and The talented players Wildcats went 14-0 to win assists, NLS looks like it gone from the Class of will be a premier team the Wright County West ‘21 include Mackenzie Division title and finished again in 2021-22.

Rich, Emma Hanson, Ava “Our team is very expe- Kraemer, Erin Knisley and 22-1 overall, losing to Providence Academy in the rienced and has a very nice Grace DeSchepper. blend of inside and perimstate Class AA semifinals The cupboard’s far from eter athletes,” Dreier said. bare, however. at Target Center. That’s “All of our seniors have the preferred destination Seniors Izzy Schmiesbeen major varsity confor NLS under the direcing (5-foot-8, forward); tributors for three years.

Ellie Hanson (5-11, f/c); tion of Mike Dreier, the

Nyla Johnson (5-6, g) and Courtney Rich (5-4, g) have all been through a lot.

Three juniors also figure to be heavy contributors: Jaden Coahran (5-7, g); Avery Rich (5-7, g) and Ellary Peterson (5-9, f/c) as will sophomore Delaney Hanson (5-9, g).

What’s different is that NLS was huge up front last season. Kraemer was 6-0, DeSchepper 6-1 and Knisley 6-2. The Wildcats won’t be as big up front this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be good.

Avery Rich is the top returning scorer who

averaged 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season. Dreier describes her as an “excellent overall player, very good paser, shooter, ball-handler and defender.”

Coahran averaged 4.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Dreier calls her a “top-notch, all-around performer. (She) can drive, score outside, handle the ball and rebound.”

And Schmiesing? “(She’s a) good leader, smart player, (who) battles inside and on the boards despite being undersized,” Dreier said.

Hanson is the Wildcats’ top returning post, but tore her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in June and “will miss all or most of the season,” Dreier said.

Johnson is a good leader who can hit an outside shot.

Other players on the varsity radar include Hanson; Audrey Schneider (5-10, sr., c); Ellary Peterson (5-9, jr., f/c); Courtney Rich (5-5, sr., g) and Dakota Rich (5-7, fr. g).

The Wildcats believe they will be one of the teams to beat in Class AA.

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D4 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

Dragons have new coach, strong junior class

Litchfield returns one starter in senior center Maggie Boerema

BY TOM ELLIOTT

the Section 3AA playoffs.

The Wildcats advanced to West Central Tribune the state Class AA semifiLITCHFIELD — Welcome Erik Hulterstrum to nals, where they lost 58-54 to Providence Academy at the fray.

Target Center.

He’s Litchfield’s new “I am also looking forhead girls basketball ward to growing a succoach, replacing Ian cessful girls basketball Anderson, who resigned program in Litchfield,” after leading the Dragons Hulterstrum said. “We to a 13-7 record last seahave a rich basketball hisson, including an 8-6 mark tory in this town and I am in the Wright County Con- thrilled to keep the tradiference West Division. tion going.”

“I am very excited to Litchfield has one startstart my varsity coaching er back from last season, career with the girls that I senior center Maggie Boeroriginally started with on ema.

JV,” Hulterstrum said. “It Players to watch include has been fun to see them five juniors: center/forgrow from freshmen to ward Izzy Pennertz, guard now juniors and how their Kylie Michels, point guard game has improved.

Ryanna Steinhaus and for“Even better is that I get ward Greta Hansen. the opportunity to have “These four juniors them all next year, too.” supplied varsity minutes The Dragons lost 70-45 last year and got their feet wet,” Hulterstrum said. to New London-Spicer in

“With the absence of five seniors (from last year), these juniors will need to step up and fill the void this year.

“We are eager to see who steps up to fill the five vacant positions.”

Among the departing seniors were Sydney McCann and Lily Osterberg, who combined for 23 points per game, plus a bunch of rebounds and assists as well as leadership, Hulterstrum said.

The Dragons have started the year 1-1, losing 59-41 to Hutchinson, a Class AAA school, and beating Paynesville 60-39.

Hulterstrum’s staff includes Andrew Weber, Maliinda Larson and Zack Piepenberg. The Dragons are scheduled to play in the Crusader Christmas Classic Dec. 29-30 at St. Cloud Cathedral.

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Litchfield post Greta Hansen takes a floater in the lane during Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Benson on March 16, 2021 from Litchfield High School.

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Litchfield post Maggie Boerema defends Rockford junior forward Aliyah Robran on the perimeter during a Wright County Conference game March 2, 2021 from Litchfield High School.

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D5

Braves hope to learn on the fly

Benson returns two starters and two subs from a 4-13 squad

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Adysen Himley and Mya Kurkosky. Himley is a West Central Tribune 5-foot-9 senior guard/ BENSON — Adam Foslien took over as Ben- forward. Kurkosky is a 5-9 son’s head girls basketball senior guard.

Two other seniors coach last year just as the Braves lost a bevy of expe- return with varsity experience: Marley Rush and rienced talent.

While there were a lot of Madi Wrobleski. Rush is a seniors last season, Benson 5-10 post. Wrobleski is a stumbled to a 4-13 record. 5-5 guard.

Rush led the Braves in Gone are Beth Cain, Marissa Connelly, Kimmy Pagel, field-goal percentage last year and was second in Ellie Moesenthin, Sarah rebounds.

Brandt, kaitlyn Hippe and “And (she) will be the Susan Knutson. starting post for the What’s back are two Braves,” Foslien said. starters and two others Two players to watch who saw playing time. are sophomores Presley “The Braves do return Nygaard and Kaylin Grube. four seniors who saw sigNygaard is a 5-6 guard. nificant varsity time last Grube is a 6-0 post. year who will be leaned “Nygaard brings athletion to lead the Braves this cism, instincts and strong year,” Foslien said.

Leading the way defense to the Braves and are returning starters (is a) very capable outside

shooter,” Foslien said.

“Grube will bring height, rebounding and inside presence off the bench …”

Foslien and his staff, which includes Jeff Guest and Scott Lee, are a little unsure about the rest of the squad.

“The remainder of the varsity roster consists of seventh-through-11th graders who will have to gain experience on the fly,” Foslien said.

The Braves opened with a 55-28 victory over Dawson-Boyd, then dropped two games in their own Benson Tournament, losing 40-20 to MACCRAY and 64-33 to Browerville/ Eagle Valley. Minnewaska, Lac qui Parle Valley, Ortonville and Sauk Centre are teams the Braves will play before Christmas.

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Benson forward Adysen Himley releases a corner 3-pointer during a Section 3AANorth game March 17, 2021 from Litchfield High School.

Benson senior guard Marissa Connelly holds her follow-through on an outshot Benson senior forward Beth Cain takes it hard toward the baseline during shot during Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Litchfield from Litchfield Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Litchfield from Litchfield High School. High School.

D6 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

GIRLS BASKETBALL

BOLD aims for some big-time fun

With their top 11 players back, Warriors expect to make some noise

Sauk Centre look strong.

Besides returning the West Central Tribune starting five intact, the OLIVIA — When Brian Warriors also should have Kingery says the BOLD a good bench. Lidia Plass girls basketball team is (5-8, sr., g); Caylee Weber going to be fun this year, (5-11, sr., p); Kenzie Visser it’s hard to argue with the (5-10, so., f), Anna Moorse veteran head coach.

(5-10, jr., w), Anna GarThe Warriors return deen (5-6, jr., g) and Layla their top 11 players from last year’s 10-5 team. That Pfarr (5-4, fr., g) all have game experience. includes all five starters “Our biggest strength and the top six players off this season will be our the bench. depth,” Kingery said. “We That includes Mari Ryberg, who averaged 15.8 have a good mixture of points per game, and Lain- size and quickness.

“It should be a fun year.” ey Braulick, who averaged BOLD made it to the 15.3. Leslie Snow (8.2 Section 2A semifinals, ppg), Abby Meyers (8.1 where it lost to Sleepy ppg) and Lily Dean (7.3 Eye St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s ppg) are also back Ryberg also was also the wound up winning the section and advancing to leading rebounder with 137 and Meyers was right the state Class A tourbehind with 123, followed nament, where it lost to Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa in

by Leslie Snow (104). the semifinals.

“We are excited about St. Mary’s and Sleepy this year’s team,” said Kingery, who is in his 14th Eye Public both look like a potential nemesis for season and a 182-159 BOLD once again this career record. He’s also season in Section 2A. Both BOLD’s baseball coach. have beaten the Warriors “We are returning our in a season-opening tourtop 11 players from last nament. BOLD lost to year and we feel that the Sleepy Eye 67-54 and to experience we gained last season will help us out this St. Mary’s 67-44.

The Warriors then year,” he said. “We feel beat the Yellow Medicine we can be competitive in Yellowjackets 66-48 and our conference and our a very good Central Minsection.” nesota Christian squad The West Central Con59-49. Next up is Monteviference should be really good. Montevideo and deo on Dec. 10.

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Left: BOLD's Lainey Braulick (left) looks to make a pass while Montevideo's Tenley Epema (14) defends during a West Central Conference game on Jan. 29, 2021 at Montevideo High School. Right: BOLD’s Abby Meyers (left) looks to put up a shot while Montevideo’s Avery Koenen closes in on defense during the first half of a West Central Conference game Jan. 29, 2021 at Montevideo High School.

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D7

Lakers have talent, tough schedule

Minnewaska will be led by Maddie Thorfinnson, Addy Randt

BY TOM ELLIOTT

state Class AA champion Albany. And that doesn’t GLENWOOD — Sidney include Sauk Centre and Montevideo, who are Schiffler is a new head expected to be top teams coach, but she already in Minnewaska’s West knows a few things about the Minnewaska girls bas- Central Conference. Do we need to mention that ketball team.

Barnesville and BreckenFirst, Maddie Thorfinridge are Section 8AA son is really good. The 6-foot point guard was the preseason favorites or that Jackson County West Central Conference Central is a contender in Offensive Player of the Year. She is already signed Section 3AA? But the Lakers don’t to continue her career at Division II Southwest Min- only have Thorfinnson.

Also back is Addy Randt. nesota State University.

She’s a 5-3 guard.

“We expect her to be “Addy Randt also was one of the leaders for our a starter and we expect team,” Schiffler said. her to be one of the Second, the Lakers’ better on-the-ball defendschedule is brutal. ers in our conference,” Four teams that made Schiffler said. the state tournament Thorfinnson, Randt and last season are on the Berkley Steffen are Minneschedule, including New London-Spicer, West Cen- waska’s captains. tral Area, Belgrade-BrooThey’re expected to fill ten-Elrosa and defending the shoes of key roster West Central Tribune

losses Annika Randt, Isabella Ortendahl, Makena Panitzke and Avery Hoeper.

Schiffler is optimistic.

“Our girls have been working hard with the leadership from our senior group and at this time we are still working on the players who will contribute to our team,” Schiffler said. “As a coaching staff we are excited with our team and the potential they have.”

The Lakers were 6-11 last year under head coach Brett Thorfinnson, who retired. Schiffler’s staff includes Emily Roering, Makenzie Larsen and Josh Greene.

Minnewaska has gotten off to a promising start.

The Lakers lost 59-55 in overtime to Lac qui Parle Valley, then beat Eden Valley-Watkins 44-36.

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Left: Minnewaska’s Addy Randt (right) strips the ball from Montevideo’s Hailey Dirksen (middle) during a West Central Conference game March 8, 2021 from Montevideo High School. Right: Minnewaska’s Maddie Thorfinnson scores a bucket in the paint during a West Central Conference game against Montevideo from Montevideo High School.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

D8 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

Montevideo can make some memories

Led by NDSU recruit Avery Koenen, Thunder Hawks are serious contenders

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

MONTEVIDEO — The Montevideo girls basketball team has the ingredients to what could be a memorable season.

The Thunder Hawks are experienced, talented and skilled. They are coming off a 14-5 season that included a second-place finish in the West Central Conference with a 7-3 record.

And, they have a bigtime athlete in Avery Koenen. The 6-foot-3 junior was a member of the West Central Tribune’s All-Area team last spring.

She has since committed to North Dakota State to continue her basketball career after her senior season in 2022-23.

She came into this season with 1,064 career points after averaging 22 points, 11.4 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game as a sophomore. Along the way, Koenen earned West Central Conference MVP honors. She’s also a top volleyball player and track athlete.

And she has some talent around her.

Kassey Pauling (5-8, f) and Keely Foley (5-5, g) are the two seniors on the Thunder Hawks.

The junior class includes Tenley Epema (5-9, g), Taylor Viessman (5-7, g) and Annie Marquardt (5-6, g). Ninth-grader Teagan Epema (5-4, g) also is expected to be a key contributor for head coach Anthony Jackson.

And so far, it’s all working. Montevideo is off to

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Montevideo’s Avery Koenen hits a basket over the defense during a West Central Conference game against Minnewaska on Monday, March 8, 2021 from Montevideo High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Montevideo’s Avery Koenen hits a basket over the defense during a West Central Conference game against Minnewaska on Monday, March 8, 2021 from Montevideo High School. a 3-0 start. The Thunder Hawks opened with a 66-46 victory over a very good MACCRAY team, then won 77-44 at Central Minnesota Christian in Prinsburg, another good Class A program.Montevideo then beat Dawson-Boyd 67-20.

The Thunder Hawks’ next three games should tell whether they are a

top-10 Class AA team.

They play BOLD on Dec. 10 and New London-Spicer on Dec. 16 with both games in Montevideo, then play Dec. 17 at Minnewaska. BOLD’s a Section 2A and West Central Conference contender and NLS is likely one of the top Class AA teams in the state.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Montevideo’s Tenley Epema (14) launches a 3-pointer during a West Central Conference game against BOLD on Jan. 29 at Montevideo High School.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D9

ACGC aims for more progress Coach Trevor Heining is excited about his young squad

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Roemeling is a 5-9 guard.

Johnson is a 5-7 guard/forward and Kaehler is a 5-9 GROVE CITY — The guard/forward. Tagtow is a rebuild continues for 5-6 guard.

Atwater-Cosmos-Grove “We are very young with City girls basketball. no juniors or seniors, but Trevor Heining is in his are looking forward to this third year as the Falcons season with the experience head coach with the team the younger girls got last posting an 0-18 record year,” Heining said. “We are after going 1-26 his first excited to keep growing our season. He sees progress. program and developing “We are excited for this these young ladies. year,” he exclaimed.

“We are excited to It’s still a young team, get better each day and though four starters return. have the opportunities The four starters are to compete.” sophomores Elli Roemeling, The Falcons lost RaeanMikaili Johnson and na Kaddatz, Karla Schultz Grace Kaehler . The fourth and Kari Schultz from last starter is ninth-grader year’s team. But, Heining hopes that Brooke Schultz, Brooke Tagtow.

West Central Tribune

Mackenzie Powers and Ruby Klinger will be solid additions to the lineup.

Schultz is a 5-8 freshman guard. Powers is a 5-7 freshman guard/forward.

Klinger is a 5-11 center and only an eighth-grader.

“We have talked about our growth to maturity in our program and our mindset to come to practice with a sense of urgency to compete and get better,” Heining said. “We are excited for this year and to watch these young ladies grow.”

It’s working so far. ACGC opened with a 55-48 victory over Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, then fell 66-53 to Upsala.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

ACGC's Elli Roemeling knocks the ball loose during the first half of a Central Minnesota Conference game against Paynesville on March 4, 2021 at ACGC High School in Grove City.

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D10 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

GIRLS BASKETBALL

BBE hopes to make some more history

Jaguars are coming off their best season, a second-place finish at state

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Along the way they won the Central Minnesota West Central Tribune Conference title with a BELGRADE — Bel14-0 record and took the grade-Brooten-Elrosa is Section 5A championcoming off the best girls basketball season in school ship while posting a 23-2 record. history.

It’s the stuff by which After qualifying for state highlight videos are made. in 2020, the Jaguars did The bad news is the Jaga whole lot more than uars lost almost everyone that in 2021, finishing from that squad, including second in Class A at the Target Center. BBE lost to West Central Tribune Minneota 48-45 in a great All-Area player Allisa Knight, a 5-foot-11 forchampionship final after knocking off West Central ward who is now playing Area 76-71 and Sleepy Eye at Minnesota State-Moorhead and was the leader of St. Mary’s 51-50 in the a talented Class of 2021. state tournament’s first two rounds.

The good news? There’s

plenty of remaining talent, though less experienced, to make BBE a top contender in the conference and section again.

As Kristina Anderson approaches her 10th season with a career 172-88 record, the Jaguars should still be strong.

But it’s a young roster.

There are two seniors, Shelby Anderson, a 5-5 guard, and Kailey Fischer, a 5-9 forward.

There are five juniors, including Tiyana Schwinghammer (5-10, f), Allison Dingmann (5-10, f), Ella Halvorson (5-10, f), Abby Berge (5-10, g) and Harley Roering (5-6, g). Berge is definitely a player to watch. She’s perhaps the

top scorer in the West Central Tribune area and a 3-point sharpshooter.

Sophomores Brooklyn Fischer (5-10, f), Anna Jaeger (5-5, g), Presley Detloff (5-5, g/f); Faith Radermacher (5-5, g) and Grace Jackson (5-2, g) also could contribute, as could ninth-grader Bree Theischafer (5-4, g).

The Jaguars are off to a good start. They opened with a 70-45 victory at Melrose, then beat Pine River-Backus, a Section 5A opponent, 77-58. There’ll be a test Dec. 10 when they play Osakis in Belgrade.

If it call comes together, BBE could be making some more memories.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa’s Harley Roering dribbles toward the baseline during a non-conference game against Minneota on Saturday, Feb. 20, 2021 at Minneota High School.

Bulldogs feeling more comfortable for Year 2 Paynesville returns five starters and head coach Jake Heimerman

PAYNESVILLE — Everything feels like it should be better for the Paynesville girls basketball team, from a coach who is now back for a second season after a hiatus to having all five starters return. “(It’s) Year 2 back with the program for myself and (it’s nice) finally having a full off-season for preparation before the season,” said head coach Jake Heimerman, who is in his sixth year as the Bulldogs’ coach with a 42-69 record.

Returning starters include seniors Mikayla

Roberg, Aubrie Spanier and Maddie Hentges, junior Katie Uhlenkamp and sophomore Emma Flanders.

Roberg is a 5-foot-4 guard. Spanier is a 5-5 guard. Hentges is a 5-7 guard. Uhlenkamp, a 5-11 forward, was an All-Central Minnesota Conference pick last season when the Bulldogs went 5-11, including 5-8 in the conference. Flanders is a 5-10 forward.

Uhlenkamp averaged 10.4 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, leading Paynesville in scoring. Hentges averaged 7.7

ppg and Flanders was at 3.6 ppg. “(Flanders was a) firsttime starter last season (and) came a long way in the off-season along with growth in height and muscle,” Heimerman said.

He’s also high on Grace Roberg, a 5-7 freshman point guard. “(She’s) everywhere on the court defensively (and) has the ability to lead the team in 3-pionters, assists and steals,” Heimerman said.

All involved must replace Brynn Johnson, who was

second on the team in scoring last season.

Heimerman’s assistants are Brad Skoglund and Kendra Miller. Skoglund is Paynesville’s legendary baseball coach who also was the head girls basketball coach at one time.

“We have a tough non-conference schedule ahead,” Heimermann said.

“We will be the team that looks to out-work you and make every shot difficult.”

Paynesville has started 0-2, with a 62-36 loss to Osakis and a 60-39 loss to Litchfield.

Best of luck this winter to area teams.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Paynesville head coach Jacob Heimerman gives instruction to Mikayla Roberg during the first half at a Central Minnesota Conference game against Holdingford on Feb. 25, 2021 at Paynesville.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D11

Experienced Bluejays hope to make a run

Central Minnesota Christian returns four starters, including Coco Duininck and Milly Mulder

BY TOM ELLIOTT

among the conference’s best.

“Molly brings athletiPRINSBURG — Four cism and relentless enerstarters are back from a gy to the court,” Mulder very good Central Minsaid. “She’ll be an offennesota Christian team that battled for the Cam- sive threat and a strong defensive presence in the den Conference North Division title last season. paint, averaging almost two blocks a game last Included is Coco season.”

Duininck, a three-time Duininck, 5-foot-6, led all-conference senior the way with 23.3 points, guard who also was the 4.6 assists, 5.0 steals and conference’s MVP the 4.7 rebounds per game past two seasons. last season. Mulder, “Coco is a threat on 5-11, averaged 10 points, both ends of the court,” head coach Mike Mulder 2 assists, 2 steals and 7 rebounds per game. said. “She has the abilThose four helped ity to create offensive the Bluejays go 10-6 in opportunities.

“Defensively, she uses the Camden North just her quickness and antic- behind MACCRAY (10-5) and Lac qui Parle Valley ipates well, leading to (11-4). CMCS was 11-8 transition scoring.” overall, averaging 56.4 Add in all-conference post player Molly Mulder points per game and surrendering 47.7 ppg. and fellow senior forSupporting team ward Maaike Duininck, members include seniors as well as sophomore post Lauren Taatjes, and Emma Roiseland and Reegan Swart and junior the Bluejays feel they Natasha Erickson. have what it takes to be West Central Tribune

Photos by Patrick Bemadeau / West Central Tribune

Dawson-Boyd forward Laney Bartunek handles the ball during a Camden Conference game against MACCRAY on Feb. 4, 2021 from MACCRAY High School.

Blackjacks bank on new coach, sophomore class With three starters back, Dawson-Boyd aims for improvement

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Jenna Williamson is Rachael Lund, who was West Central Tribune DAWSON — The Daw- an All-Camden Conferson-Boyd girls basketball ence honorable-mention last season before graduteam has a new coach, ating.

Rachel Hakanson.

“Our returning startShe takes over for Jusers are players to watch, tin Wager. given their experience Hakanson inherits and hard work ethic,” a team that went 1-18 Hakanson said. “We last season, but shows have a bigger sophopromise.

There are three return- more class coming up that have shown great ing starters: Laney Barpotential and given more tunek, Kate Dahl and experience, along with Chelsie Husby. strengthening their skill Bartunek is a 5-footset, will be fun to watch 9 forward and the lone senior on the squad. Dahl as well.”

There are seven sophois a 5-9 junior center and mores on the roster. They Husby is a 5-7 junior include forwards Rachel guard.

The other junior on the Jorgens, Carmen Willsey roster is 5-5 forward Sara and Ayiana Hastad, centers Hayley Anderson and Larson.

The key loss for Hakan- Ella Wolner and guard Allison Estling. son and assistant coach Anderson and Wolner

are 5-11.

The Blackjack are off to an 0-2 start, having lost to Benson 55-28 and Montevideo 67-20.

Their season-opener is Dec. 7 against Renville County West.

Their last win was Jan. 25, 2021 against Ortonville, 35-29. Since then, they’ve lost 17 straight.

Dawson-Boyd aims for its first winning seasons since 2014-15.

“The girls are eager to learn and have positive attitudes, which is encouraging for a new coach,” Hakanson said.

Hakanson is a physical therapist for Johnson Memorial Health Services in Dawson. She’s originally from Dawson and played basketball at St. Catherine University in St. Paul.

Also expected to contribute are Carrie Mulder, CC Roiseland and Avery Duininck.

The hope is that someone will step up to replace the play of Nyssa Vogel, whom the coach described as a “feisty, 3-point-shooting guard.”

Besides the always tough Camden, the challenge will be the schedule.

“We have a tough schedule this year,” said Mulder, who has a 45-25 record in four seasons as head coach. “The Camden Conference is competitive with many talented teams and our non-conference games will be against top-level talent.”

Included in Mulder’s praise are Mayer Lutheran, Montevideo and teams in the Wildcard tournament.

The Wildcard Tournament in New London features the host NLS Wildcats, as well as Willmar and Redwood Valley. CMCS will play two of those teams Dec. 27-28.

West Central Tribune file photo

Central Minnesota Christian guard Coco Duininck works around a screen during a Camden Conference game against Lac qui Parle Valley on Feb. 12, 2021 from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg.

D12 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

GIRLS BASKETBALL

KMS has depth, experience Three starters return, plus there’s a roster-full of untested talent

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

KERKHOVEN— Things are looking up at Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg.

The Fighting Saints expect to have their best team in Justin Johnson’s four seasons as head coach.

“This will be the deepest team we have had in the last four years,” Johnson said. “We have a mix of returning letterwinners along with some very young but athletic girls (who) we feel can help make an impact this season.”

Three starters are back from a team that went 6-14 last season, including 5-11 in the Camden Conference North Division.

Grace Collins, Haley Demuth and Josie Gjerde all return. Collins is a 5-foot-10 senior forward.

Collins is a 5-5 senior guard and Gjerde is a 5-5 junior

guard who was an honorable-mention all-conference selection.

Collins averaged 3.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. Demuth accounted for 6.8 ppg and 3.3 rpg and is a very good post defender, Johnson said.

Gjerde averaged 6.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg and 3.0 steals per game.

“Josie is a great decision-maker (who) will be our main ball-handler,” Johnson said. “(She has) excellent quickness and (is our) most consistent shooter.”

But there are plenty of options to replace graduated starters Maret Gejrde and Lauren Krieger.

Johnson seems anxious to list off all of them.

They include Julia Carlson, a 5-5 junior forward whose “toughness makes up for her lack of height as a post,” said Johnson,

praising her shooting touch.

Shakira Olson is a 5-8 junior guard/forward who is a “very versatile player with great athleticism,” Johnson said.

And, there is Maddie Luft, a 6-1 ninth-grader who “gives us some much-needed length,” Johnson said. “(She) can impact the game on both ends of the floor.”

KMS opened with a 55-48 loss to Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City and the early schedule is tough, with games against MACCRAY, Central Minnesota Christian and Browerville/Eagle Valley. Johnson remains optimistic.

“Our speed and athleticism will be our biggest strength this season,” Johnson said. “We need a few girls to get fully healthy yet, Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune but we should put a very Montevideo’s Avery Koenen hits a basket over the defense during a West competitive team on the Central Conference game against Minnewaska on Monday, March 8, 2021 from floor this season.”

Montevideo High School.

Left: KMS’ Grace Collins (2) drives by an RCW defender during the first half of a Camden Conference game Feb. 1, 2021 at RCW High School in Renville. Right: KMS’ Julia Carlson (right) swarms RCW’s Holly Bratsch on defense during a Camden Conference game Feb. 1, 2021 at RCW High School in Renville.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D13

LQPV hopes to make another Camden North run

Eagles should contend again for division title

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Camden North and Section 3A again.

For starters, Camryn MADISON — The Lac Lee, Taylor Shelstad, Addy qui Parle Valley girls Bonn, Tori Bungarden and basketball team had the kind of season that makes Isabel Gerdes are all back.

Lee is a junior center. for some happy talking points at the post-season Shelstad is a junior point guard with a good outside banquet. shot. Bonn is a senior The Eagles won the Camden Conference North shooting guard. Bungarden is a senior small Division with an 11-4 forward. Gerdes is a sophrecord, just enough to edge MACCRAY (10-5) and omore point guard.

Also on the roster is Central Minnesota Chrisjunior point guard Rylee tian (10-6).

Lund and sophomores Kya LQPV finished 15-5 Kranz, Kate Ulstad and overall and made a nice Jayln Lee. Kranz is a cenrun in the Section 3A ter, Ulstad is a shooting playoffs, beating Rusforward. sell-Tyler-Ruthton 58-51 The Eagles have gotten and Lakeview 49-32 off to a 2-0 start. Coach before running into Dylan Erickson’s squad mighty Minneota. The opened with a 59-55 Vikings beat the Eagles 68-49 on their way to the overtime thriller over Minnewaska in Madison, state Class A title. then steamrolled OrtonThat squad lost three ville 67-17 on the road. seniors: Macie Lund, Cassidie Olson and Alex Stitt. They have a big game Dec. 7 at Central Minnesota There’s enough returning letterwinners back and Christian in Prinsburg, a good enough foundation then play Dawson-Boyd to the program that LQPV and Benson before getting a match with a very good should believe it can be MACCRAY team Dec. 14. a solid contender in the West Central Tribune

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Clockwise, frrom top left: Lac qui Parle Valley’s Addy Bonn gets a deflection during a Camden Conference game against Central Minnesota Christian on Feb. 12, 2021 from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg. Lac qui Parle Valley’s Taylor Shelstad lines up a 3-pointer during a Camden Conference game against Central Minnesota Christian on Feb. 12, 2021 from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg.

Lac qui Parle Valley’s Camryn Lee (15) and Central Minnesota Christian’s Molly Mulder (22) battle for rebounding position during a Camden Conference game Feb. 12, 2021 from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg.

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D14 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Wolverines have a nice mix of talent Three all-conference players return and they’re backed by young talent

BY TOM ELLIOTT

Condon said. “We bring back three all-conference players.”

CLARA CITY — The The Wolverines were MACCRAY girls basketball 10-7 last season and gradteam began last season uated seniors Kaisa Jaelosing their first three games, but closed strong, nisch and Alison Koenen.

Everyone else is back, reeling off four straight including leading scorer victories and winning in Ella Bourne, one of the seven of their last eight All-Camden Conference regular-season games. selections. The 5-foot-6 It’s something the senior guard averaged Wolverines hope to build 17.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, upon as they enter the 2.8 assists and 3.8 steals 2021-22 season. per game, shooting 32% There’s some experience from the field. to build upon. Head coach Also returning is Gabby Shaun Condon’s squad Randt, who was second has four seniors, four on the team in scoring at juniors, two sophomores 9.6 ppg. Randt is a 5-11 and an eighth-grader on senior forward who also the roster. averaged 8.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 2.3 steals and “We return a lot of talent to our team this year,” 1.2 blocks per game. She West Central Tribune

has been starting since eighth grade and also was all-conference, Condon said.

Elsie Sumner, a 5-10 senior forward, and Brynn Lozinski, a 5-8 senior forward, also are back after being contributors as juniors. Sumner played in all 17 games and averaged 4.0 points and 3.9 rebounds per game. Lozinski averaged 1.4 ppg.

Junior guard Sydney Thein (5.9 ppg) also is a returning all-conference player.

Sophomore guard Ella Kienitz is a player to watch, as is Brielle Janssen. She’s a 5-11 forward who is an eighth grader.

“We also have some younger girls coming up

who will have a big impact on the floor,” Condon said. “They are quick and should bring us some much-needed depth off the bench.”

Janssen has been a factor as the Wolverines have gotten off to a 3-2 start.

MACCRAY already has wins over Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop (50-43), Heron Lake-Okabena/ Fulda (66-44) and Benson (40-20). The Wolverines have lost to Montevideo (66-46) and Hancock (6424).

Condon enters his fifth year as MACCRAY’s coach, coming into the season with a 41-54 record. His assistants are Bryce Olson and Dana Johnson.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Left: MACCRAY center Gabby Randt takes it to the basket after a turnover during a Camden Conference game against Dawson-Boyd on Feb. 4, 2021 from MACCRAY High School.

RCW hopes experience pays off

Jaguars return all five starters from a 3-15 team

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

RENVILLE — Greg Hagen’s first season as Renville County West’s girls basketball coach saw the Jaguars post a 3-15 record.

There was an early 49-40 win over Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, then back-to-back victories over Dawson-Boyd, 69-25 and 46-32.

There were some close calls, including a 60-51 loss to MACCRAY, a 48-42 loss to Canby and a 32-20 loss to KMS. The experience was vital for RCW, which returns all five starters. “(We had) no key losses as we had no seniors last season,” Hagen said.

The Jaguars will have four this year, including Hannah Pharr, Holly

Bratsch, Jennifer Bratsch and Addyson Tanner. Also back is sophomore Rachel Jakel.

“Hannah Pharr is the player to watch,” Hagen said of the 6-foot-2 post player. “(She’s a) good shot blocker (and) runs the court well. “(She’s) just tapping her potential offensively.

Her performance will be a major factor in our success.”

Pharr averaged 10 points, eight rebounds and five blocks per game last season.

Jakel was the second-leading scorer at 9 ppg. She also averaged 6 rpg and 2 steals per game.

Holly Bratsch averaged 8 ppg and 3 rpg and Tanner averaged 8 ppg and 3 rpg. Jennifer Bratsch averaged 3 ppg and 4 rpg.

Hagen and assistant

coach Brad Veglahn also have one junior, six sophomores and two ninth-graders on the varsity roster.

The junior is Melody Filzen, who is 5-9. Sophomores include Litzy Martinez-Hinojos, Hannah Savig, Laila Ridler, Emily Lippert, Rachel Jakel and Breana Winzenburg. The ninth-graders are Johanna Braun and Avery Roxberg. Roxberg is listed as being 6-2 on the roster.

RCW opened with a 53-32 loss at Westbrook-Walnut Grove. The Wolverines’ early schedule includes games at Red Rock Central and Dawson-Boyd and then Dec. 9 at Renville against MACCRAY in the home-openPatrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune er. The fourth game of the week is against Heron Left: MACCRAY center Gabby Randt takes it to the basket after a turnover during a Camden Conference game against Dawson-Boyd on Feb. 4, 2021 from Lake-Okabena/Fulda on Dec. 10 in Renville.

MACCRAY High School.

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D15

YME should be real competitive

The Sting must battle some of the state’s top teams in the Camden

BY TOM ELLIOTT

That might have been the case last season, when YME went 4-16, MADISON — The including 3-13 in the Yellow Medicine East girls basketball team just conference. The Sting scored 50.6 points per might play in the best Class A conference in the game, which was fourth best in the South Divistate. sion and seventh best in The Sting have to the Camden overall. They deal with the Minneota allowed 60.0 points, only Vikings and Tracy-Mil9.4 points more than roy-Balaton, Lakeview, they scored. That’s usualCanby and Russell-Tyly not how this goes. ler-Ruthton in the CamThey are off to an den Conference South 0-2 start in 2021-22.

Division.

But again, it’s who you Minneota is defendplay. They opened with ing state Class A champ a 66-48 loss at BOLD, a after going 25-0, includserious Section 2A coning 16-0 in the Camden tender. Then, YME got its South. first look at T-M-B, which It means that even was 14-2 in the Camden if YME is performing South last season, and competitively, the record lost 69-48. might not reflect how And, it doesn’t get any well the Sting are playing. easier. The Sting play West Central Tribune

Minneota and R-T-R on Dec. 7 and 9, respectively, with both games in Granite Falls.

The roster features three seniors, including 6-foot center Shelby Mortenson, 5-8 guard Yansi Flores and 5-9 forward Janessa Bakkelund.

Ruby Bones, a 6-0 forward, leads the junior class that includes Stella Schuler, a 5-7 guard, and Hannah Stark, a 5-9 junior forward.

Also on the varsity roster for head coach Ryan Schultz and assistant Lucas Christoffer are two eighth-graders. There is Bayli Sneller, a 5-4 guard, and Hope Stark, a 5-8 guard.

Expect YME to give teams good games every night.

YME’s Hannah Stark (32) throws up a lob pass to teammate Ruby Bones (10) during a Section 3A-North play-in game against Dawson-Boyd on March 15, 2021 at Granite Falls.

Photos by Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

YME’s Shelby Mortenson puts up a shot over a Dawson-Boyd defender during the first half of a Section 3A-North play-in game March 15, 2021 at Granite Falls.

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GIRLS BASKETBALL

D16 | SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021

Community Christian gets off to a good start Eagles open season with a win at St. Cloud Christian

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

WILLMAR — If the season-opener is any indication, the Community Christian School girls basketball team is going to be really tough in the Christian Athletic League this season.

CCS opened with a 62-29 road victory over St. Cloud Christian. The Eagles out-rebounded the Warriors 34-15.

CCS used 10 players in the game. Leading the way was Sophia Bollig, who had 23 points and 22 rebounds. Margo Klassen added 145 points and six rebounds and Hope Reid had 12 points and 15 rebounds. Lexi Nelson had six points.

Anna Lindgren, Gabbie Bollig, Kailey Hines, Kaiya Norbie and Alyssa Schwantes also played.

CCS plays Dec. 10 at Lake Region Christian in Baxter.

The teams that make up the CAL are: Valley Christian School of St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin; the Rochester Area Home School Defenders; Cambridge Christian, Immanuel Lutheran Home School, Chisago Lakes Baptist, South Metro, CCS, St. Cloud Christian and Lake Region Christian.

The CAL has been together for 22 seasons.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

Community Christian’s Sage Mulder brings the ball up the floor during a game Community Christian School’s Grace Lindgren takes a jump shot during a against South Metro on Feb. 28, 2020 from the Community Christian School Christian Athletic League game against St. Cloud Christian pm Feb/ 12. 2020 in gymnasium.

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