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D1 Thursday, December 6, 2018

2018 2019 Previews by Tom Larson Photos by Jake Schultz, Curt Hogg, Brooke Kern and Tom Larson Layout & design by Chris Johnson

We wish all area teams the best of luck and much success this season!

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D2 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Willmar Boys: Senior-laden Cardinals ready to roll

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com The Willmar Cardinals will enter the 2018-19 season minus several players from last season’s 26-3 team that won the Central Lakes Conferece and advanced to the section championship game, most notably career scoring leader Noah Slagter.

But this year’s Cardinals squad is hardly bereft of experience and talent.

Once recovered from their football state runner-up finish, the tandem of returning starters, seniors Ty Roelofs (6-3, guard) and Drey Dirksen (6-4, forward), will form a formidable core for the Cardinals.

And seniors Jake Evans (6-1, guard) and Ryan Slette (6-5, forward) were integral parts of last year’s team, said fourth-year head coach Matt Williams.

An indication of how deep last year’s squad was, several other seniors who

played junior varsity last year will move into the regular rotation this year.

Seniors Connor Stevens (6-6), Adnan Muhumed (6-6) and Bryan Weidemann (6-2) will add front court depth, and senior Hamza Mohamed (5-11) will bolster the Cardinals’ backcourt.

“This is a very strong group of seniors who have been successful at every level,” Williams said. “Ty, Ryan, Jake and Drey were cornerstones of our team last year, while the other seniors led our JV to a successful year. They have a wonderful chemistry together.

They will be pushed by a strong group of juniors, led by Sam Fraser, Zach Morell and Jack Jeffords.”

A repeat of the Cardinals’ 2017-18 season is a lot to ask but Williams likes his chances.

“We are looking forward to a good season in a strong Central Lakes Conference and section,” he said.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Willmar’s Jake Evans goes up for a layup in a game against Delano in March 2018.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D3

Willmar Girls: Cardinals have what it takes for playoff run

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Willmar is coming off one of the best season’s in program history.

The Cardinals finished 26-4 and were 14-2 to win the tough Central Lakes Conference, a league in which five of the nine teams won 17 games or more and three won 21 games or more.

Willmar won its first 15 games and, after two straight losses, won another 11 in a row, including a quarterfinals overtime victory over DeLaSalle in the Class AAA state tournament.

The Cardinals won the Section 3AAA championship and placed fourth at state.

While Willmar lost some key players from the historic squad, it has three senior starters back who, as seventh-year head coach Dustin Carlson said, is “looking forward to seeing this team create their own memories and leave a lasting legacy they will look back on for years to come.”

Hannah Johnson (5-9, senior, guard) is an efficient, athletic player ready to step into a greater leadership role. She

averaged 9.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.1 steals last season Carly Wedel (6-2, senior, forward) will be a powerful presence in the front court. She averaged 8.2 points, tied for the team lead averaging 7.5 rebounds, had 1.1 assists, 1.2 steals and blocked 1.8 shots per game in 2017-18.

Abby Berskow (5-6, senior, guard) averaged 5.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 1.5 steals last season.

She’ll team up in the backcourt with Johnson and Madi Linbo (5-7, junior, guard), who was top reserve last season, averaging 7.1 points, 2.9 rebounds and a steal.

Sadie Raitz (5-9, junior, forward) was a solid front court player last season, averaging 3.8 points and 3.4 rebounds.

Mackenzie Jones (5-9, sophomore, guard) averaged 2.4 points, and 1.5 rebounds last season and Carlson sees her taking big steps forward this season.

“This year’s team has high expectations for themselves,” Carlson said.

“We have the returning talent, depth and overall talent to make another deep run in the playoffs.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Willmar’s Mackenzie Jones will be asked to expand her role this season.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Hannah Johnson is Willmar’s leading returning scorer this season.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Abby Berskow averaged 5.5 points for the Cardinals as a junior last season.

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D4 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

ACGC Boys: Falcons back with key juniors leading way

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com ACGC has three key junior starters back from a 15-win team that was 9-5 and tied for second in the West Central Conference in 2017-18.

Dawson Miller (6-3, wing) averaged 10.5 points and 2.8 rebounds, plus 1.1 assists last season..

“Dawson is a versatile player that affects the game in many ways,” said Falcons head coach Terry Miller. “He

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Josh Kinzler averaged 8.4 points and a team-high 4.0 assists for the Falcons last season.

plays good defense and can guard multiple positions. He is a good shooter with range but also has the ability to take it to the basket.”

Steven Lawver (6-2, wing) averaged 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and as assist last season.

“Steven is a very good shooter and will be counted on to score the ball for us to be successful,” Terry Miller said.

“Steven moves well without the ball and is a good defender.”

Josh Kinzler (6-0, guard) averaged 8.4 points, 2.4 rebounds and a teamhigh 4.0 assists last year.

“Josh is a very athletic player who can get to the basket regularly, as well as being a threat from the outside,” Terry Miller said. “Josh is a good ball handler that has the ability to get his teammates involved.”

“We will not be a very big team but we do have some athletes that will be able to compete,” Terry Miller said.

ACGC Girls: Trio of Falcons ready to keep building

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

ACGC finished 9-17 last season, which was a five-win improvement from the year before in third-year head coach Misty Langseth’s first season.

The Falcons have a trio of strong returning starters to keep the building process moving forward.

Senior forward Lindsey Minnick (5-9) is back after averaging 7.8 points 3.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists last year.

“Lindsey is a strong rebounder who runs the floor well,” Langseth said.

A pair of juniors will man the backcourt. Guard Jeana Denton (5-6) averaged 5.3 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game, and she was second on the team with 43 steals.

“Jeana is quick with good ball-handling skills,” Langseth said.

Denton will be joined by Rachel Wilner (5-8), who averaged 3.7 points and 2.3 rebounds per game in 2017-18.

“Rachel is an all-around athlete with a strong competitive drive,” Langseth said.

Senior Pailey Wilner (5-4) played significant minutes last year and senior Brittany Schultz will be counted on to provide a post presence.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

ACGC’s Steven Lawver is a solid shooter and defender.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D5

Litchfield Boys: Solid core will back for Dragons CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Jake Schneider is one of Litchfield’s top returning players this season.

Litchfield Girls: 14-win Dragons return all five starters for 2018-19

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Litchfield returns with its starting lineup intact from a team that hopes to repeat its start from 2017-18 and keep it rolling the rest of the season.

Senior Laney Huhner (5-10), Natalie Hansen (6-0) and Maddy Shoultz (5-7) lead a lineup that includes sophomores Kamri Driver (5-7) and Sydney McCann (5-8).

It’s a balanced attack. Huhner is top returning scorer having averaged 11.2 points per game last year. McCann averaged 9.8 points last season, Driver scored 7.0 point per game and Shoultz scored 6.4 points per game.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Litchfield head coach Matt Draeger isn’t concerned about the veteran core of his team as the Dragons work to improve on a 12-16 finish in 2017-18.

Senior forward Owen Boerema (6-5) was one of the Tribune area’s top allaround players last season. He earned All-Area Honorable Mention by averaging 17.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and he shot 52 percent overall and 45 percent from 3-point range.

Senior guard Alex Gruenke also earned All-Area Honorable Mention.

He averaged 11.4 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, he shot 48 percent overall and 35 percent on 3s. Gruenke also was money at the free throw line, hitting

89 percent.

Senior forward Jake Schneider (6-3) and junior guard Logan Graphenteen (6-0) both are returning starters.

Draeger said its senior Joe Pennertz (6-5), junior Tanner Ziegenhagen (5-10) and sophomore Tyson Michels (6-1) who are the Dragons to keep an eye on.

Pennertz played a lot last season and has spent the offseason honing his athleticism and perimeter shot.

Ziegenhagen is quick and explosive, which should benefit the Dragons on both ends of the floor, and Michels was Litchfield’s backup point guard last season and logged significant minutes in many games.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Sydney McCann will be one of five starters back this season for Litchfield.

“(Huhner) is a hard worker and has a great outside shot, as well as being a great driver,” said head coach Shannon Walters, of her senior leader who also averaged 6.0 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.2 steals per game.

In addition to her scoring McCann averaged 4.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.9 steals per game.

“Sydney has gotten more comfortable when it comes to looking for her turn to take the shot,” Walters said.

After a 7-3 start, the Dragons lost 10 of their final 16 regular-season games, then lost in the second round of the Section 3AA tournament.

D6 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

BOLD Boys: Warriors’ BOLD WARRIORS BRINGING THE HEAT! powerhouse lineup back intact

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

Vosika averaged 16.4 points and 6.9 assists last season and Drew Sagedahl The BOLD boys basketball team set averaged 7.2 points and 2.0 assists school records with 22 wins, 2,179 while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range. Drew Sagedahl also tied a state points and 75.1-points per game last record last year by hitting 10 consecuseason. And while not records, the tive 3-point shots.

Warriors averaged 18.8 assists, 36.9 Jordan Sagedahl averaged 16.2 points rebounds and 4.0 blocks per game. and 6.3 rebounds per game and he will The Warriors are loaded with the kind guard opponents’ top player. of talent to threaten those school marks Coach Jake Brustuen calls 6-7 forand percentages again this season. ward Carter Henry a “highlight waiting The top six rotational players are to happen.” Henry anchors the defense back from that record-setting War- with his length and shot blocking abiliriors squad. Gavin Vosika (5-11), Drew ty, and he runs the floor extremely well Sagedahl (5-9), Mathew Morse (5-11) for a big man. He averaged 15.6 points, and Jordan Sagedahl (6-2) will man the 9.2 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game last season. guard positions.

Wishing the 2018 Boy’s and Girl’s Bold Warrior Basketball Teams GOOD LUCK!!

BE BOLD. STEP UP. HOME OF THE

WARRIORS

Gavin Vosika averaged 16.4 points and 6.9 assists last season.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

BOLD head coach Jake Brustuen calls Carter Henry a “highlight waiting to happen.”

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JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D7

BOLD Girls: Steffelpowered Warriors primed for big season

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

BOLD’s Brenna Weis will be counted on to run the Warriors’ offense.

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It’s not easy to improve on a 23-win season, but the BOLD Warriors have a core group of players back this year that could make that a reality.

The Warriors’ star senior forward Makenna Steffel (5-11) also will be chasing some records as the team pursues wins.

Steffel enters her final season with 1,830 career points, putting her in line to surpass Carly Sigurdson’s school record of 2,112. Sigurdson’s mark is third all-time among Tribune-area scorers.

While former New London-Spicer guard Taylor Thunstedt’s area-record 2,766 points is likely out of reach, Steffel is 475 points from second-place

Bree Holleman’s 2,305 career points.

Steffel averaged 22.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.9 steals, 1.3 blocks and 1.6 assists in 2017-18.

Senior guard Morgan Schmitz (5-9) averaged 7.1 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.8 steals last season, while fellow returning starter Makayla Snow, a 5-11 junior forward, averaged 8.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.7 assists a year ago.

Junior guard Brenna Weis (5-6) will work to make the Warriors’ attack go with her ability to see the floor and attack the lane. Weis averaged 7.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 2.8 assists last season. Fellow junior Ashley Trongard (5-10) rounds out the lineup after averaging 6.0 point and 6.0 rebounds last year.

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D8 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

BBE Boys: Wiener anchors young Jaguars

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com BBE has one of its top players back as the Jaguars look to improve on a 12-17 record in 2017-18.

Senior guard Evan Wiener (6-3) is BBE’s lone returning starter and he had a solid season last year. Wiener was the team’s second-leading scorer averaging 13.7 points and he led the Jaguars averaging 7.8 rebounds per game.

“Evan returns as a three-year starter and he has the ability to score both inside and out,” said head coach Chris Anderson. “He’s a very physical player who is not afraid of contact.”

Anderson is pleased other Jaguars

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

BBE’s Evan Wiener is a threat inside and outside for the Jaguars.

want to follow suit by spending time in the gym and weight room in the offseason.

Senior guard Dylan Meyer (6-1) averaged 3.1 points and 1.1 rebounds last season, has a lot of experience and brings a solid outside shot to the BBE offense.

Freshman guard Ashton Dingmann (6-2) played solid minutes as an eighth-grader last season. He averaged 4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds last year and Anderson expects continued growth from him. “(Dingmann) is a good outside shooter and he is improving his ability to score off the dribble,” Anderson said.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Dylan Meyer brings experience and solid shooting to the Jaguars’ lineup.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D9

BBE Girls: Motivated, talented Jags ready to make run

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

Junior guard Grace Illies (5-8) averaged 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds and BBE lost five seniors from a team in second on the team in assists..

Junior guard Jenna Dingmann (5-7) the previous two seasons posted a 43-17 is a shooter who can also attack the record and twice lost in the Section 5A basket. Dingmann averaged 5.5 points championship game. and 2.1 rebounds last year, and junior But those departures won’t preclude guard Brittany Berge (5-10) is a strong the Jaguars from making another run at shooter who averaged a bucket and the state tournament.

1.4 rebounds playing in 15 games last Head coach Kristina Anderson has season. three solid core starters back, plus three Sophomore forward Allisa Knight more players who will add guard depth (5-11) will provide length in the post and length in the front court. but she can also run the floor well.

Senior guard Cassandra Tensen (5-8) “We should be able to get some great averaged 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds looks in transition if we are able to while leader the team in assists. apply pressure and get stops,” AnderSenior forward Macie Kirkof (5-11) son said. “This team is not satisfied led the Jaguars averaging 13.8 points with the endings of our last couple of per game and 7.1 rebounds last season. seasons so it should be fun to see what She shot almost 60 percent from the this motivated, hard-working group can put together.” floor.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

BBE guard Grace Illies will take on a larger role for the Jaguars this season.

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D10 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

WE

BLHS Boys: New coach to lead new-look Mustangs

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com First-year Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart head coach Dylan Gass has quite the task on his hands.

The Mustangs finished 7-19 last year and Gass will be tasked with improving on that record with an almost entirely new slate of scorers.

Gass called the Mustangs a “non-experienced” team.

“Last year’s seniors accounted for more than 90 percent of the scoring,” Gass said. “Many of our players had very little varsity playing experience.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart junior guard Elijah Stifter is the Mustangs’ lone returning starter.

BEF

Junior point guard Elijah Stifter is BLHS’ lone returning starter. He will be asked to be the team’s leader on the floor and run the offense.

Senior forward Judson Watkins and senior guard Nathan Schultz will likely move into the starting lineup and a host of juniors — guards Ben Dornseif and Phi Kirtz, forwards August Bergstrom and Sutton Melberg and center Preston Bashans — will round out the roster.

Schultz is prized for his offensive aggressiveness and Watkins will be on the defensive end what Stifter is on offense.

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JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Senior forward Judson Watkins will move into the starting lineup for Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart this year.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D11

Buffalo Lake-HectorStewart Girls: Mustangs want winning ways back

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

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Senior guard Keegan Hanson is one of Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart\’s top returning players this year.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Buffalo Lake-HectorStewart’s Sara Kottke averaged 15.3 points and 13.8 rebounds last season.

001806193r1

whenever possible to keep the pace of the game up.”

Junior guard Sara Kottke (5-9) leads a Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart would group of four core players who will try really like to get back to its winning and right the Mustangs’ ship. Kottke ways in 2018-19, and they have players averaged 15.3 points, 13.8 rebounds and back that could make that happen.

2.2 assists to earn Tribune All-Area The Mustangs started last season Honorable Mention. with two wins in their first three games.

Senior guard Keegan Hanson (5-3) Then came a 23-game losing streak. averaged 11.3 points, 2.4 rebounds and But first-year head coach Dustin 1.6 assists. Senior guard Rachel Dean Wright said the team will do whatever (5-11) is back after averaging 7.3 points it takes to prevent that again. and 5.1 rebounds, and senior forward “Our system will be predicated on Alyssa Peterson (5-9) is also back in the hard-nosed, player-to-player defense,” Mustangs’ starting lineup after averWright said. “We will look to apply full- aging 2.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.0 court pressure and play in transition assists last year.

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D12 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Dawson-Boyd Boys: Blackjacks loaded with talent, experience

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Dawson-Boyd head coach Cory Larson enters this season with 233 career wins and there’s a very good chance his Blackjacks will push that total past 250 by season’s end.

The defending Camden North champions were 20-7 overall and 13-2 in the league, and the Blackjacks have the core of that team back this winter.

Senior forward Bentley Boike (6-3, 215) averaged 15.9 points and 6.9 rebounds last season, and he will be joined by senior forward Colton Husby (6-0, 210) to five the Blackjacks a formidable and versatile front court.

Husby averaged 5.3 points, 6.9 boards and 2.7 assists last year.

The backcourt should be equally

effective in the hands of senior guard Jake Lee (6-0, 170) and junior guard Romell Horton (5-10, 160). Horton averaged 12.7 points and 3.6 assists and Lee averaged 9.0 points and 3.5 assists last season.

Dawson-Boyd’s experience off the bench is impressive, as well. Seniors Keaton Schuelke, Gavin Olson and Kolten Lindblad, and junior Josh Anyasike all earned letters last, and even Larson’s “newcomers” — Zach Durfee, Brenden Stulz and Colby Deuth — are all juniors.

Larson said the team’s keys will be consistency and not try and get by on talent alone.

“We need to learn to mentally process the game and not rely solely on our athleticism,” Larson said.

Dawson-Boyd Girls: Trio of allconference players to lead Blackjacks CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Mary Bothun averaged 9.7 points and 7.2 rebounds for DawsonBoyd last season.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

averaged 9.7 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals, while junior guard Avery Dawson-Boyd won just eight games Bartunek (5-9) averaged 11.2 points, 7.9 last season but there is plenty to be rebounds, 4.4 assists and 3.8 steals.

Junior Morgan Johnson also is back encouraged about as the 2018-19 seain the starting lineup after averaging a son begins. couple of points per game and shooting The Blackjacks have three All-Cam40 percent from 3-point range. den Conference players returning, The Camden Conference schedule including a 1,000-point career scorer should prepare the Blackjacks well for and two others who also know their the postseason, said fourth-year head way around the basket. coach Justin Wager.

Senior guard Alex Sather (5-9) is the “If we work hard and play together 1,000-point scorer who averaged 16.3 we should be competitive every night,” points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.4 Wager said. “We will need to make up steals last season. for our lack of size by being mentally Senior forward Mary Bothun (5-7) and physically tough.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Romell Horton averaged 12.7 points and 3.6 assists last year.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Colton Husby is a presence inside for the Blackjacks.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Morgan Johnson is one of four Dawson-Boyd starters back from last year\’s Blackjacks squad.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D13

Hancock Boys: Four returning starters back to make another run

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Losing Mr. Basketball candidate and the state’s leading scorer, Noah Kannegiesser, is a definite blow for Hancock.

But the roster features four experienced, returning starters ready to help the Owls try and duplicate their 25-3 record and return to the Section 6A finals.

Senior forward Bennett Nienhaus (6-0) was a Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention player last season. He averaged almost 15 points per game, had 4.2 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game, and he hit 81 3-pointers shooting at a 44 percent clip. He also shot 85 percent from the foul line.

Senior guard Cole Reese (6-0) averaged 5.0 points was second on the team in assists. He will handle the ball and front the defense.

Senior Connor Reese (6-0) averaged 7.6 points and 3.2 rebounds and shot 52 percent from the floor. He will pick up some of Kannegiesser’s shooting and leadership duties.

Senior forward Peyton Rohloff (6-2) plays above his size in the post. He averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds per game.

Senior Tanner Pahl (6-6) will guard

Hancock Girls: Owls looking for youth to step up

larger opponents in the post and Junior Daniel Milander (5-8) is quick and a good passer.

Junior John Kellenberger (6-3) and

By Tom Larson sophomore Brandon Kellenberger (6-4) tlarson@wctrib.com are athletic big men who will help the Second-year head coach Tony Thielke Owls tangle with larger lineups. and the Hancock Owls put together a solid 2017-18 season.

The Owls finished the season 13-11 overall and lost by nine points in the Section 6A playoffs to a 20-8 Underwood team that played in the section championship game.

This year, the Owls have two strong players back and will be looking for promising younger athletes to move into key roles.

Senior guard Haley Mattson is a returning starter who averaged 7.1 points per game last year.

Mattson will be joined in the backcourt by fellow returning starter Alexis Staples, a sophomore guard. Staples averaged 8.4 points and 4.7 rebounds last season.

After those two spots, positions are open and Thielke will be seeking new varsity players to step up.

“We’re looking for numerous ninthand 10th-graders to step into new roles and log significant minutes for us this year,” Thielke said.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Bennett Nienhaus was a Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention selection in 2017-18.

TOM LARSON | TRIBUNE

Haley Mattson is one of two returning starters for Hancock this season.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Hancock’s Connor Reese will be tasked with carrying a heavier offensive load this season

TOM LARSON | TRIBUNE

Alexis Staples is an Owls returning starter and will team with Haley Mattson in the Hancock backcourt.

D14 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Benson Boys: Braves motivated to regain winning ways

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

year, and Hoium averaged 4.0 points and 3.8 boards a year ago.

Hunter Gonnerman (5-11, senior, forTeams sometimes find motivation for an upcoming season by looking back on ward) averaged about 4.0 points and a close playoff loss or an upset. Benson a pair of rebounds, and Matt Goossen (6-1, senior, guard) put up 2.2 points finds it in a winless 2017-18 season and and 1.2 rebounds last season. a vow to never to repeat it.

Devin Liles (6-4, senior, center), Cole The Braves have promising athletes Hedman (5-11, sophomore, guard) and back ready to get back on a winning Abe Peterson (5-9, sophomore, guard) track. combined to score 20 of the Braves’ 47 Senior Will Enderson (6-1, junior, points in their season-opener against forward) averaged 10.3 points, 3.8 New London-Spicer on Nov. 29, and rebounds and 1.2 rebounds last season, Hedman was second on the team with and he is joined by returning starters five rebounds.

Eric Hoium (6-5, senior, forward) and Jonas Habben (6-2, senior, center), Austin Ose (6-1, senior, guard).

Matt Ebnet (5-10, senior, forward) and Ose averaged 7.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, Matt Lenarz (6-2, senior, center) will a steal and 1.4 assists per game last get plenty of minutes this season.

Benson Girls: Braves’ late-season improvement encouraging season.

A pair of juniors — guard Hannah Andrews and forward Abby Lundebrek Benson won just five games last — round out the Braves’ lineup. Andrews season, but fourth-year head coach averaged 2.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and Jonas Grossman is encouraged by the an assists last year. Lundebrek averaged improvement he saw from his team as 3.0 points, 3.2 rebounds and an assist the season wore on. and a steal per game.

The Braves closed the reg-

TOM LARSON | TRIBUNE

Benson has Austin Ose back as a returning starter this season.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

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Claire Ricard will be one of the Braves’ go-to scorers this season.

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ular season with wins in two of its last three games, with the loss coming in double overtime. The team was much more competitive the second time through its West Central Conference schedule.

“We’re looking to build off a strong finish to last season,” Grossman said. “We have five juniors returning that all saw extensive action last season.”

Junior guard Kaitlyn Berreau will be the Braves’ spark.

She averaged 13.6 points, 3.4 assists and 1.1 steals to join junior forward Claire Ricard on the Tribune’s All-Area Honorable Mention team. Ricard averaged 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in 2017-18.

Junior guard Abbie Mitteness was solid in her sophomore season, averaging 4.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals last

You’re Invited

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 D15

KMS Boys: Saints determined to keep making strides

Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg Girls: Saints have solid all-around experience

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

KMS’ Madison Rohner averaged 8.1 points and 6.4 rebounds for the Saints a year ago.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Weston Gjerde will be seeking to surpass 1,000 career points this season. points and 5.7 rebounds per game) has improved his offensive output since his It was just a couple of seasons ago sophomore season and is capable of a that five wins stood as a step up for the big shooting night, Fragodt said.

Sophomore Isaac Call (6-0, guard) KMS basketball team.

That’s not the way the Saints approach is a solid defensive player who will be called on to produce on the offensive things now.

“We are looking to keep improv- end.

Senior forward Noah Thorson (6-1) ing our culture,” said sixth-year head coach Matt Fragodt, whose team was and junior guard Titian Norton (6-1) 15-13 last season. “We believe this can will play significant minutes. be a very strong year for us.”

The Saints have three starters back and all three are seniors. Senior guard Weston Gjerde (5-10) is expected to surpass 1,000 career points this season and returns as KMS’ second-leading scorer from a year ago. He averaged 11.7 points and had 4.4 rebounds and almost 5.0 assists per game.

Senior swingman Ethan Hauge (6-4, 10.3 points, 7.1 rebounds per game) is improving as a scoring threat and his length makes him an imposing defensive player. Fragodt intends to take advantage of his versatility.

Senior guard Regan Carlson (6-0, 11.7

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By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

also excels at doing the small tasks that can yield wins. Rudningen averaged 5.1 First-year head coach Justin Johnson points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.3 assists last steps into a fairly good situation as he year.

Sophomore guard Maret Gjerde is molds a Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg back after experiencing her first year as team determined to improve on a 7-21 a starter in 2017-18. She averaged 4.5 season last year.

The Saints have all five starters back points, 2.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists, from a 2017-18 team that was balanced and she gives the Saints a strong penetrator and shooter. in all phases of the game.

Senior guard Katie Krieger (5-4) is quick and adept at scoring inside and outside. She averaged 12 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 3.8 steals to earn Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention honors a year ago.

Junior guards Madison Rohner (5-9) and Morgan Lesteberg (5-4) are solid When it comes to players. Rohner averaged 8.1 points and choosing a banking 6.4 rebounds last year while Lesteberg partner we know you averaged 7.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and have a lot of choices.

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D16 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Montevideo Boys: T-Hawks looking to turn some heads

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Montevideo head coach Derek Webb had a tough first season on the bench, with the Thunder Hawks posting a 3-21 record.

But Webb has to feel pretty good about the team’s prospects this year, with four returning starters — all seniors — and two T-Hawks earned all-conference honors last season.

Senior forward Jackson Snell (6-3) was All-West Central Conference and was one of the T-Hawks’ leading scorers and rebounders while leading the team in minutes played.

Senior guard Christian Riley (6-1) will

take over starting point guard duties this year. “He keeps improving greatly every year and we think he will take another big step this year.”

Senior guards Adam Root (6-3) and Trent Dreyer (6-2) are back as starters, and Cole Sandven will be counted on as the T-Hawks’ lone true post player.

He is a solid scorer at the rim or on the perimeter, Webb said.

“We are bringing back a lot of experience from last year’s team,” Webb said. “There is a lot more speed to this team and we will be using that to our advantage. We feel like we can really improve on last year’s performance and continue to build and hopefully turn some heads this year.”

Montevideo Girls: T-Hawks breathing new life into program

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Former Montevideo boys head coach Steve Rohloff returns to the sidelines to help the Thunder Hawks reinvigorate the program in 2018-19.

Rohloff will rebuild the T-Hawks — who posted a 5-19 record last season — with two seniors.

Sydney Zindel is a 5-9 forward and Maggie Kilibarda is a 5-8 guard. After those two players, Montevideo is taking a wide-open approach about how to

proceed, Rohloff said.

“We are trying to get interest back into the program,” Rohloff said. “We need to change the culture so girls come out and want to be successful again.”

Doing that may take the entire season, he said.

“We hope to work very hard and will be mixing up the flow of the game,” Rohloff said. “We aren’t real quick or tall but maybe we will grow into believing in one another to overcome some of that.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Livia Gades will be counted on to help Montevideo reinvigorate its program this season.

Hustle and Heart set us Apart!

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Jackson Snell was one of Montevideo\’s leading scorers and rebounders last season.

Good luck to our 2019 Boy’s and Girl’s Thunderhawk Basketball teams.

Montevideo Public Schools Montevideo, MN 320-269-8833 www.montevideoschools.com

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E1 Thursday, December 6, 2018

2018 2019 Previews by Tom Larson Photos by Jake Schultz, Curt Hogg, Brooke Kern and Tom Larson Layout & design by Chris Johnson

E2 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

New London-Spicer Boys: Seniorled Wildcats seek big things

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

Ander Arnold and Brandyn Harlow get the work done upfront. Arnold (6-0, A 19-9 record and a narrow loss in the forward) averaged 9.5 points and 5.9 section semifinals would be considered rebounds, and Harlow (6-5, center) averaged 7.6 points and 5.5 rebounds. a fine season by most teams.

Senior forward Jake Schmidt (6-0) But New London-Spicer didn’t see averaged 3.0 points and is one of the that being the extent of its 2017-18 Wildcats’ top defensive players. season and the Wildcats have four solid Senior guard Jon Kaelke (5-11) aversenior starters back determined to go aged 4.5 points last year and is tough, further this season. quick and competitive, said head coach Brandon Adelman (6-3, guard) is Chad Schmiesing. clearing one of the top players in the NLS has another 10 seniors and area, if not the state. Adelman averaged juniors expected to contribute.

20.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists “This is a senior-led group that has last season. put in the work during the offseaRyan Wyganowski (5-8, guard) is a son,” Schmiesing said. “We have good solid shooter who hit 39 percent from leadership that will help keep players 3-point range. He averaged 9.4 points focused, competitive and working at improving throughout the season.” and 2.7 assists per game.

New London-Spicer Girls: Young, talented Wildcats embark on new chapter

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com A program that is a perennial state power every year is always replacing stars. That’s the case again at New London-Spicer, where 40-year head coach Mike Dreier will be trying to find the production of All-State guard Shea Oman.

Oman is now at Bemidji State after averaging 16.3 points, 5.1 assists and 4.0 steals for the 21-win Wildcats last season.

But with eight letterwinners back, Dreier will again shape a balanced squad that features just one senior.

Junior guard Payton Mages (5-9) averaged 9.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.7 steals as a starter, and sophomore forward Emma Hanson (5-9) earned All-Wright County Con-

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Ashton Engelke is among eight NLS letterwinners back from a 21-win team last season.

ference honors last year averaging 7.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.0 steals.

Sophomore guard MacKenzie Rich (5-7) is another starter back after averaging 8.6 points and 2.5 assists.

Sophomore center Erin Knisley (6-1) broke into the lineup splitting starts with fellow sophomore center Grace DeSchepper (6-0). Knisley averaged 6.4 points and 6.6 rebounds and DeSchepper averaged 4.6 points and 5.0 rebounds.

Sophomore forward Ava Kramer (5-11) leads returners with a 6.8 rebound per game average, and sophomore guard Aleah Zieske (5-9) joins the Wildcats after playing at Renville County West last season.

“It will be exciting, interesting and fun to see if our team can compete with the best teams in our conference, sub-section and section,” Dreier said.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Mackenzie Rich is a returning starter for the perennial statepower Wildcats.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

New London-Spicer\’s Ander Arnold averaged 9.5 points and 5.9 rebounds last season.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Brandon Adelman not only leads New London-Spicer but ranks as one of the top players in the state.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 E3

LQPV Boys: Two starters, young talent set to lift Eagles

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Lac qui Parle Valley finished .500 overall (13-13) last season but did post a 10-6 mark in the Camden Conference, and the Eagles have two solid starters back from that team.

Senior guard Caden Bjornjeld (6-1) is back after averaging 13.3 points and 3.4 rebounds in 2017-18.

Junior guard Austin Bonn (6-0) averaged 10.1 points and 3.0 assists a year ago.

Both Bjornjeld and Bonn earned All-Camden Conference honors and were Tribune All-Area Honorable Mention selections.

Sophomore forward Maverick Conn (6-3) and senior forward Thomas Daniels (6-0) came off the bench and both averaged about 4.0 points per game.

Senior guard Eean Allpress (6-0) was a regular rotation player.

Juniors Mason Clark (5-11, guard) and Tucker Droogsma (6-1, forward) and sophomore Evan Hegland (6-4, sophomore) won varsity letters last year while also helping the Eagles’ B-squad post a 21-4 record.

“Conn and Daniels played significant roles off the bench last season and will take on greater roles this season,” said Eagles head coach Barry Besonen, adding that the team will need to improve its defense and rebounding.

Lac qui Parle Valley Girls: Eagles’ veterans back for new era

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com No team easily replaces a talent like Kelsea Lund but Lac qui Parle Valley couldn’t ask for a better crew of returning players to move into the Eagles’ new era.

LQPV has two guards, a forward and center back, all seasoned upper classmen.

Senior guard Haley Wollschlager (5-3) averaged 10 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.0 steals last season for the 26-4 Eagles.

Wollschlager’s backcourt partner, junior Sidney Gerdes (5-3) averaged 6.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Lac qui Parle Valley’s Lindsay Kranz averaged 10 points and almost 5.0 rebounds last season.

1.8 steals.

Seniors Grace Hegland (6-0, forward) and Lindsay Kranz (5-10, center) give the Eagles size and scoring inside.

Hegland averaged 7.5 points, hauled in 7.5 rebounds and had 2.0 assists and almost 2.0 steals per game. Kranz scored 10.0 points and had 4.8 rebounds per game.

Second-year head coach John Nolte has senior guard Isabel Schirm (5-3) and sophomore guard Macie Lund (5-6) to bolster his top four.

Schirm averaged about 3.0 points last year and is a solid shooter and defender. Lund averaged 3.4 points and also is a sound shooter and can finish at the rim.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Lac qui Parle’s Grace Hegland gives the Eagles scoring and rebounding inside.

We Soar as One!

Welcome To The Valley!

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Austin Bonn averaged 10.1 points and 3.0 assists as a sophomore last season.

Eagles guard Caden Bjornjeld joined teammate Austin Bonn on the Tribune\’s AllArea Honorable Mention team last year.

Our mission is to be a unified community that promotes meaningful, studentcentered educational experiences that prepare every student to excel.

GOOD LUCK EAGLES!

320-752-4200 • www.lqpv.org 001764069r1

E4 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Paynesville Boys: Bulldogs rebuilding under new head coach

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com First-year head coach Rick Hendrickson has rebuilding to do, and the Bulldogs’ efforts suffered a setback when senior Max Weidner suffered a leg injury in the football state playoff quarterfinals.

The Bulldogs need to replace the production of Jared Campbell (about 7 points and 5 rebounds) and Spencer Imholte (about 6 points, 3 rebounds) if they want to improve on last season’s 6-20 mark.

Brendan Uhlenkamp, a junior, is back after averaging about 5 points and 5 rebounds a year ago, and juniors Levi Bast and Caden Spanier will likely boost their numbers from 2017-18.

Paynesville Girls: Bulldogs hope to ramp up offense, intensity

Bast and Spanier both averaged about 6 points, about 2.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists.

Sam Oehrlein, a senior, also kicked in about 6 points per game. Mitchel Schlangen is back for his senior season after averaging about 3 points and 3 rebounds per game, and Carter Wessel will be counted on for minutes after averaging about 4 points and 2.5 rebounds last season.

Paynesville’s big task this season will be consistency. The team was 3-4 After posting back-to-back wins against Long Prairie-Grey Eagle and Pierz in late December and early January, but the Bulldogs dropped eight of their next nine games and won just twice in the final month of the season.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Paynesville’s Brynn Johnson will have her role ramped up this season.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Sam Oehrlein scored 6.0 points per game for the Bulldogs last year.

the season off on a good note. Of their first five games, Melrose (16-11) is the Second-year head coach Philip Carl- only opponent with a winning record son’s squad managed just one win a last season.

Paynesville opens against Rocori year ago and scoring was an issue, with the Bulldogs averaging just 33 points (2-25) on Nov. 29, then plays Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (11-16), per game.

Pierz (6-21), the Dutch and Long PraiBut Carlson’s squad returns with six rie-Grey Eagle (11-14) in the first three players with starting experience and weeks of December. the Bulldogs are young.

Cora Hentges, Brynn Johnson, Sophie Strand, Taylor Reiter, Kylee Everson and Harley Kunstleben all made their way into the starting lineup at one point a year ago.

Johnson is a sophomore, Kuntsleben and letterwinner Lindy Hennen are juniors and Hentges is a senior.

“We will be expecting a lot of time from key players and effective time from all players,” Carlson said. “We must play strong from tip to buzzer, with limited breakdowns, night in and night out.”

The Bulldogs have a chance to start 001805725r1

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 E5

Minnewaska Boys: Lakers gear Minnewaska Girls: Balanced up with mix of experience, youth Lakers ready to surge ahead forward) and Evan Palmer (6-2, guard) also are looking to break into the reguMinnewaska is coming off a 21-9 lar rotation.

Juniors Mason Stewart (5-7, guard), season, a Section 3AA championship Drew Nelson (5-11, guard), Aiden Tank and a state tournament trip in 2017-18.

But the Lakers may not round into their (6-1, forward) and Jaden Stewart (6-2, forward) all could work their way into current form until later in the season.

The Lakers lost seven letterwinners regular minutes.

“Our new varsity group will have from their state tournament team, many of whom were key players. They a new identity and personality,” said do, however, have a seasoned core of head coach Phil Johnsrud, now in his seniors and juniors ready to take over 19th season. “We will have solid players with significant varsity experience leadership roles.

Seniors Shawn Carsten (6-10, center), mixed with eager, young players lookJack Blevins (6-2, forward) and Ryan ing to contribute to our varsity team.

Amundson (5-9, guard), and juniors Look for our team to become a strong Luke Barkeim (6-2, forward) and Grant contender in the West Central ConferJensen (5-10, guard) all have varsity ence and Section 3AA as the year proexperience. Seniors Joe Piekarski (6-1, gresses.”

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Minnewaska won five of its last seven games to finish with 15 wins last season, and the Lakers opened this season with a convincing win.

Powering the Lakers this year are three returning starters who are young but still have a lot of varsity experience.

Junior Emma Thorfinnson (5-9, guard) averaged 10.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and a steal per game last season. She scored eight points and four steals in the Lakers’ 65-30 win over Long Prairie-Grey Eagle in the 2018-19 opener on Nov. 26.

Another junior, Ellie Danielson (5-11, forward) led the team averaging 14.3 points and 8.2 rebonds a year ago.

Danielson had 10 points in the Lakers’ opener.

Freshman Maddie Thorfinnson (5-11, guard) moved into the starting lineup as an eighth-grader and played 27 games. She averaged 5.9 points, 2.8 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals. She showed her improvement leading the Lakers with 13 points, four rebounds

and four steals in their opener.

Another pair of juniors are expected to log big minutes this season.

Junior Alexis Piekarski (5-9, forward) averaged 4.1 points and 4.1 rebounds as a sophomore, and junior Hannah Hoffmann (5-5, guard) chipped in 3.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.1 steals last sesaon. Piekarski had eight points and Hoffmann scored 11 in the team’s season-opener.

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Minnewaska’s Emma Thorfinnson averaged 10.3 points last season.

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JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Luke Barkeim will help give Minnewaska size at the forward position.

We are proud to cheer on our Athletes, and ALL students, as they walk through our halls on their way to adulthood.

E6 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

RCW Boys: Two talented starters back as Jags make transition

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com After a couple of seven-win seasons, Renville County West head coach Matt Huhnerkoch has to feel pretty good about where his Jaguars are right now.

The team won 15 games last season and has two big-time players back this season, although the Jags will have to proceed in a different fashion.

Tribune All-Area First-Teamer Nathan Serbus graduated but senior swingman Justin Schrupp (6-3) put up quality numbers last season, averaging 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 steals per game in 2017-18.

TEAMWORK makes the DREAM WORK

Sophomore Riley Ashburn (6-2, forward) averaged 8.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.2 steals last season.

“Schrupp is one of the best scorers around,” Huhnerkoch said. “He has the ability to score in multiple ways.

Ashburn made a splash as a freshman.

His defense and hustle makes it hard to keep him off the court.”

The Jags will have to transition from a half-court dominant team to one that, essentially, thrives with five guards on the court, Huhnerkoch said.

“Most times, we will have to use our shooting ability and quickness to beat teams,” he said.

Wishing our 2019 Boy’s and Girl’s Basketball Teams the best of luck!!

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JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Justin Schrupp put up solid numbers last year, averaging 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists for the Jaguars.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 E7

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per game. She also is one of the Jaguars’ top defensive players.

Senior Pam Winzenburg (5-7, C) averaged 2.4 points and 2.8 rebounds in 2017-18 and junior forward Lauren Wulf (6-0) is a multi-position player could be in line for a big statistical year after averaging 2.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game last season, Johnson said.

Senior guard Avery Elfering (5-6) is back after missing the 2017-18 season with a knee injury but had a strong season in volleyball.

“We are mainly focused on the defensive side of the ball this year,” Johnson said. “Our goal as a team is to reduce opponents’ second chances to under 10 a game.”

001800023r1

Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Second-year Renville County West head coach Derik Johnson is stressing defense as a way for his Jaguars to improve on it’s 1-23 record last season.

“Our record last year doesn’t paint an accurate picture of the type of team we are and could be,” Johnson said.

“This year, all of us are ready for some redemption.”

The Jaguars will need to replace the production of three key players, but four veteran players are ready to get on that task.

Senior Tracie Read (5-11, C) made strides at the end of last season and averaged 2.1 points and 4.0 rebounds

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Renville County West Girls: Jaguars stress defense to spark improvement

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E8 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

MACCRAY Boys: Wolverines not overpowering but boast experienced talent

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

11.6 points and 4.7 rebounds a year ago.

Kienitz played a reserve role last year MACCRAY won’t be physically impos- but still averaged 6.6 points, 2.1 assists ing outfit but the Wolverines do boast and 1.5 steals per game coming off the bench. talented players with experience.

Senior Kelby Jaenisch (6-0) is MACLucas Post, who coached KMS for six seasons, takes over as head coach CRAY’s top returning front court playand his backcourt will be the team’s er. He averaged 6.2 points and 5.2 rebounds last season. strength.

“We will not be a tall team but we Senior guard Thomas Kirking (6-0) is the team’s top returning starter. He have good experience and talented scored 13.1 points per game in 2017-18 young men returning in key starting roles,” Post said. “Coupled with that and he also dished out 2.8 assists.

Kirking will be joined in the backcourt are some strong upper classmen who by senior Blake Wadsworth (6-2) and we expect to contribute more this year, along with promising sophomores to sophomore Brady Kienitz (6-0).

Wadsworth is back after averaging round out the varsity lineup.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Thomas Kirking is MACCRAY’s top returner, averaging 13.1 points per game last season.

LET'S SHOOT FOR A WINNING SEASON!!!

001799784r1

BEST OF LUCK to the Maccray Girl’s and Boy’s Basketball team’s!

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Kelby Jaenisch is one of MACCRAY\’s top returning front court players.

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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 E9

MACCRAY Girls: Wolverines have good building blocks

By Tom Larson tlarson MACCRAY lost some pivotal contributors to last season’s 14-12 team but Piper Asche and Sage Mecker are good players to build a new team around.

Asche, a 6-1 senior center, averaged 13.5 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 blocks last season.

“Piper Asche is one of the better posts in the area, in my opinion,” said second-year Wolverines head coach Shaun Condon. “She rebounds well, defends well in the post, finishes at the rim and she can stretch the floor on the offensive end.”

Sage Mecker, a 5-8 senior guard,

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

MACCRAY’s Piper Asche will be a power in the paint for the Wolverines this season.

averaged 5.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game last season and joins Asche as a returning starter.

Senior Danni Burns, a 5-8 guard, is back healthy after missing most of last season with a knee injury. She returned late last season and proved to be a key contributor, Condon said.

Gabby Randt is a 6-0 freshman forward who Condon said made great strides as an eighth-grader last season, averaging 4.0 points per game.

“We will have a good mixture of upper-classmen and some young, exciting talent,” Condon said. “I’m hoping we can continue to get better day-by-day and be playing our best basketball at the end of February.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

Sage Mecker is one of MACCRAY’s two returning starters from the 2017-18 team.

E10 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Morris/Chokio-Alberta Boys: Tall Tigers could be conference, section threats

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Morris/Chokio-Alberta head coach Mark Torgerson said he believes West Central Conference and section championships are within reach of his 201819 Tigers.

A trio of talented — and tall — returnees, an ability to play big or small, and a solid finish last season back up Torgerson’s optimism.

Senior guard Camden Arndt (6-4) is one of the most athletically gifted players in the area, and he enters the season with 833 career points and two all-conference awards.

Senior forward Jaret Johnson (6-4) has 674 career points and freshman Jackson Loge (6-6) averaged almost 10 points and 8 rebounds as an eighth-grader.

BROOKE KERN | FNS

Morris/Chokio-Alberta’s Camden Arndt is approaching 1,000 career points in his senior season.

The Tigers’ challenge will be replacing the leadership of graduated guards.

Juniors Cade Fehr, Cam Koebernick, Bradley Rohloff and Jaden Maanum will move up from the B-squad and tasked with filling the backcourt roles.

The Tigers can go extremely long when 6-6 junior Eli Grove comes off the bench, and seniors Kevin Asfeld and Joseph Kleinwolterink provided depth at the forward spots.

The Tigers began rounding into form after the holidays last season. They started the season 2-6 but went 10-7 in the new year. Six of those seven losses came by an average of five points, and the Tigers lost in the second round of the Section 3AA tournament in overtime to Minnewaska, a team that beat them by double digits in both regular-season meetings.

Morris/CA Girls: Anderson leads four returning Tigers starters

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Morris/Chokio-Alberta has one of the better players in the area back for her senior season to lead a group of four returning starters.

The Tigers were 15-11 overall and 8-5 in the West Central Conference, good for third behind undefeated Class AA state champion Sauk Centre and a 23-win BOLD team.

Malory Anderson was the focal point of the Tigers’ offense and defense last season.

Anderson averaged 17.2 points and 10.0 rebounds last season.

“Anderson, as a junior, led us in points, rebounds and steals last year,”

said Tigers head coach Dale Henrich.

“We’ll see if she can add to last year’s stats.”

Liz Dietz also is a returning starter after leading the Tigers averaging 2.8 assists last year.

Riley Decker and Maddie Carrington also are returning starters.

The Tigers can improve their record with some improvement in their shooting. They shot about 36 percent from the field but just 28 percent from 3-point ranged and only 56 percent from the free throw line.

Morris/CA played solid defense a year ago, allowing about 50 points per game.

But the Tigers offense put up the same numbers on the offensive end.

BROOKE KERN | FNS

Morris/Chokio-Alberta’s Malory Anderson is a double-double machine for the Tigers.

West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Thursday, December 6, 2018 E11

CMCS Boys: CMCS Girls: Bluejays’ rebuilding Bluejays face many efforts continue new challenges

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

provides a solid building block for Mulder’s program. Stoel, a forward, Central Minnesota Christian School averaged 11.8 points and 6.9 rebounds has many new things on its plate as last season.

CMCS’s schedule includes four the Bluejays open the 2018-19 season. teams that played in the state tournaHead coach Mike Mulder is back ment and the Bluejays will be moving to help the Bluejays improve on its into Section 2A this year.

6-19 record last season, and junior “With the season’s start drawing Elli Stoel is back after earning Tri- near, we are looking at the schedule bune All-Area Honorable Mention as with the anticipation of facing a tough a sophomore. and talented (Camden) conference,” Stoel is one of CMCS’ four returning Mulder said. “We expect a lot of fun starters, joining Coco Duininck, Ree- basketball being played the next few gan Duininck and Katelyn Bulthuis. months. Our girls are working hard in While the Bluejays will miss grad- the gym, sharpening their game menuate Ellie Greenwaldt (15.7 points tally and physically. As a program, we and 6.9 rebounds per game), Stoel are excited to get the season started.”

JAKE SCHULTZ | TRIBUNE

CMCS head coach Ted Taatjes has two starters returning from his 2017-18 squad.

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

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CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

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earned All-Camden Conference honors as a sophomore.

Junior guard Peter Martin (6-0) After a three-year run unprecedentaveraged 8.5 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 ed in team history, Central Minnesota assists and almost one assist last year.

Christian School will be in the second He shot 36 percent on 3-pointers and year of rebuilding.

72 percent from the free throw line.

Bluejays head coach Ted Taatjes has “He’s a great leader and an athletic two starters back from last year’s 7-19 guard,” Martin said. team.

The Bluejays will need greater offenJunior small forward Austin TeBrake sive output to be competitive most (6-2) led the team in scoring and nights this season. They allowed a rebounding last year, averaging 11.8 respectable 60 points per game — points and 8.0 boards. He also shot 44 which was about averaged in the Campercent on 2-pointers and led the team den Conference. But they scored just 50 with 38 3-pointers. He averaged 1.5 points per game, which ranked among assists and 1.3 steals per game. TeBrake the lowest in the league.

E12 Thursday, December 6, 2018 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.

Yellow Medicine East Boys: Strong finish has Sting excited for season

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com

Junior Carter Sneller (6-1, guard) averaged 10.1 points 4.5 rebounds and Six wins is obviously not going to 3.7 assists.

Senior Dalton Anderson (6-3) averqualify as a good season but Yellow Medicine East coach Jake Suter has to aged 5.0 points 4.1 rebounds per game be encouraged that he has three start- and shot 51 percent from the field.

“Participation numbers are on the ers back from a Sting team that closed rise and we look to have more compeout the regular season with five wins in tition in the gym than we can rememseven games.

The Sting return with three of their ber for a number of years,” Suter said. top five scorers from the 2017-18 team. “Our main challenge will be keeping Bennett Knapper, a 6-0 senior guard, our focus on improving every day and averaged 10.8 points and 2.4 rebounds. playing for each other.”

Yellow Medicine East Girls: Sting to recharge behind trio of returning starters

By Tom Larson tlarson@wctrib.com Yellow Medicine East first-year head coach Ryan Schultz has a trio of solid athletes to build his first Sting team around.

The Sting, 17-8 last year, will miss Anna McCosh and her 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Kaitlyn Mortenson, who averaged 7.8 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 2.7 steals last season.

But senior Mackenzie Dyrdahl (5-11, forward) is the Sting’s second-leading returning scorer and top rebounder.

She averaged 10 points, 6.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.3 steals last season.

Dyrdahl also shot 78 percent from the foul line in 2017-18.

Senior Meeghen Dahlager (5-11, forward) plays a well-rounded game. She

averaged 4.8 points, 3.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 3.1 steals a year ago.

Junior Madison Hinz (5-7, guard) will be charged with making the entire outfit run. Last year as a sophomore, Hinz averaged 13.9 points, grabbed 3.4 rebounds and had 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals per game.

Hinz led the team by a wide margin with 70 3-pointers and she shot 71 percent from the free throw line.

Senior center Hannah Gullickson (6-0) and senior guard Sam Anderson (5-9) will likely expand their roles this year.

Gullickson averaged 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds last season, and Anderson posted solid numbers, averaging 5.7 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists and almost 2.0 steals.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Hannah Gullickson averaged 6.0 points and 4.6 rebounds last season.

CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Senior Meeghen Dahlager is a solid all-around player for Yellow Medicine East.

Yellow Medicine East

Home of the CURT HOGG | TRIBUNE

Madison Hinz will run the Yellow Medicine East offense after averaging 13.9 points and 4.7 assists last year.

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