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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