JumpStart - Winter Sports Preview 2017-18 by Austin Daily Herald

Table of Contents

Cover story Step Up

A new season and new talents for Packers boys basketball team. Page 3

Season previews

Austin Packers......Pages 4-9 Southland Rebels........... Pages 10-11 LeRoyOstrander Cardinals........Pages 12-13 Grand Meadow Superlarks....... Pages 14-15 Lyle-Pacelli.......Pages 16-17 Blooming Prairie Awesome Blossoms........ Pages 18-19 Hayfield Vikings..............Pages 20-21

Features

5 Things to Watch

A rundown of the top five story lines to watch during this winter season. Page 23

State Tournament Headquarters

Get the lowdown on tournaments locations. Page 23

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

An Austin Daily Herald publication

Story previews compiled by Rocky Hulne and layout by Eric Johnson Riverland men’s and women’s basketball schedules

Page 22

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University of Minnesota

Men’s and women’s basketball schedules. Page 24 The Southland fans during the Rebels’ postseason last season.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Step Up

For some players on this year’s Packers team, the time is now to make a mark By Rocky Hulne Photos by Eric Johnson

Austin head coach Kris Fadness works with guard Ngor Deng during a recent practice in Packer Gym. Deng is one of the newer faces ready to step up for the Packers this year.

he Austin boys basketball team may have taken a hit this season when senior standout Both Gach transferred to Arizona Compass Prep, but the sky isn’t exactly falling for the Packers. Although Both’s productivity will be missed, the Packers still have Duoth Gach and Tate Hebrink back from the team that went 29-3 overall and played in the Minnesota Class A state game last season. The Packers also have plenty of other players who are looking to take that next step on the court. “We’ve got a lot of competition for playing time,” Austin head coach Kris Fadness said. “It might be an ongoing changing process for a long time. There’s not much discrepancy between the talent level of our junior guards and senior guards.” Three players who are ready to make a big leap this winter for the Packers are Moses Issa, who averaged 6.3 points per game last season, and two players who rarely saw varsity play last year — junior guard Ngor Deng and senior forward Nygowa Obany. Obany brings a lot of defensive intensity to the table for the Packers, but he’s still working on finding exactly

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

“We’ve got a lot of competition for playing time. It might be an ongoing, changing process for a long time.” Kris Fadness, Head coach

Nygowa Obany cuts thorugh the defense during a practice. where he fits in. “Nygowa is an athlete and he needs to gain a little more confidence right now,” Fadness said. “But he’s a hard guard defensively. He can dribble pretty well and shoot at 6-4. We’re expecting him to come along as the season goes along.”

Obany had a productive summer for the Packers and he’s anticipating his chance to get on the varsity court this season. “I’m looking to be a defensive player and maybe score a little,” Obany said. “I think I’ve gotten better on rebounding on defense in the past couple of years and my jump shot got better this year. I’m not really nervous, I’m excited to play.” Issa is ready to develop his game into making things work for the Packers this season. He likes the core Austin has and he feels the team is ready to compete in some big games.

See PACKERS, Page 4 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Packers to base 2017-18 season on consistency The Austin boys basketball team has big hopes and high athleticism as it looks to chase after that elusive Minnesota Class AAA state title this season. The Packers have lost to DeLaSalle in the state title game in three of the last six years, including last year, but they’re hoping to get another shot on the big stage. Austin will look to senior Duoth Gach, who averaged 15.8 points per game last season, and senior Tate Hebrink, who averaged 9.5 points per game last season, to set the tone for a team that is hungry to contend. “We want to win that state title. We’ve got to play as a team, we’ve got to improve on defense and we’ve got to rebound better,” Gach said. “More guys have got to step up their game every night. The younger guys need to come in so they’ll be ready after we’re gone and I think they’ve got a couple of guys that can do it.” Austin went 29-3 overall last season, but Austin head coach Kris Fadness is expecting the team to have a little more difficult path this season. Besides working some players into new roles, the Packers have also beefed up their non-conference schedule. “It’s going to take some time,” Fadness said. “The guys are working hard in practice and the defense is ahead of the offense early on. I like our squad and I like our talent level. It’ll be entertaining.” The Packers have a lot of depth at the guard position as Hebrink, LaHenry Gills, Ngor Deng, Dongrin Deng, Agwa Obang

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold

Austin’s Tate Hebrink shoots during the second half against Marshall in the semifinals of the Minnesota Class AAA Boys State Basketball Tournament at Target Center last year. Herald file photo

and Medi Obang could all step up and contribute. “The Dengs both give us strong perimeter defenders and they can take it to the hoop,” Fadness said. “LaHenry is explosive, Medi can flat out shoot it and Agwa gives us a more physical presence.” Up front, Luke Hawkshead, Logan

Braaten, Moses Issa and Nygowa Obany are all gong to have to step up their game. “We’re not very big, so I do worry about the size a little bit. We have to be more physical,” Fadness said. “Luke and Logan are going to scrap and they’re going to fight defensively.” The Packers are focused on being a

Dec. 1....................................vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 9........................vs. Totino-Grace in Hopkins, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12.............................vs. Mankato West, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15.................................................at Faribault, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19....................................vs. Red Wing, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21..................................................at Winona, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28.........................at Lakeville North Tournament, TBA Dec. 29.........................at Lakeville North Tournament, TBA Dec. 29..........................at Lakevile North Tournament, TBA Jan. 2...................................at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5................................................at Northfield, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9................................vs. Mankato East, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11.....................................at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13.............vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16..................................vs. Owatonna, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26......................................vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30........................................at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2......................................vs. Faribault, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3....................................at Minnehaha Academy, 6 p.m. Feb. 5..................................................at Red Wing, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9........................vs. Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13..................................vs. Northfield, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16.........................................at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20..........................vs. Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23..............................................at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24...............................................at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m. March 2.....................at Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m.

great, not good team this year and they understand that’s going to require them to work hard every day. “We’ve got to push each other in practice and keep making each other better every day,” Hebrink said.

Packers: looking to be an all-around player From Page 1 “I’m looking to facilitate, rebound and score if I have to. I’m looking to be an all-around guy for the team,” Issa said. “These guys are fearless. Whatever we say or comes to mind, they’ll do it even if it’s crazy. We feel like we can play against anybody.” Fadness said Issa can develop into an effective force for the Packers if he’s able to stay consistent this winter. “I just want to see [Moses] work hard every play,” Fadness said. “We talk about the two things you can control, effort and attitude. That’s where it starts with Moses. If

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

things aren’t going well he needs to be able to persevere and fight through. If things are going well, he needs to stay in the moment and not get too high. He’s got a ton of ability and I think he’s got to make sure he get his [points] within the offense.” Deng is an athletic guard, who can get stops and attack the basket for the Packers. Though he saw just a handful of varsity minutes last season, he’s not feeling any intimidation about his projected role this season. “I’m really excited to contribute to varsity this year,” Deng said. “With new teammates, the chemistry is getting better and I feel like we’re going to do well this year.”

Moses Issa saw good minutes with the Packers off the bench last year, but will be asked to do more this year. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

In the Fast Lane Packer girls ready to push the tempo in new season

The Austin girls basketball team is turning to a new head coach as it looks to make improvements on last year’s record of 11-15 overall. Eric Zoske, who was head girls basketball coach in Osceola, Iowa, for the previous six years, has moved into the helm for the Packers. Zoske said he wants the team to crank up the tempo and push harder every day. “The only goal we have is to win each day. Today is the most important day of the year. The games are going to come, but we’ve got to get better each day,” Zoske said. “We need to be as fast as we possibly can. The first good shot needs to go up and we don’t need to pass the ball around 12 times.” Austin graduated some key seniors from that team and guards Elyse Hebrink and Colie Justice are going to miss this season with injuries. The team returns junior guard Abby Lewis, who averaged 10.2 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal per game, and sophomore center Kyra Walters, who saw some minutes on varsity last season. Austin senior Emily Hegna said the veteran leaders are ready to take on leadership roles to lead the Packers this season.

“There are a lot of big shoes to fill with Elyse and Colie gone. Not only the seniors, but some of the underclassmen will have to step up too,” Hegna said. “It’s a lot different. The speed of play is a lot faster and we’re getting up and down the court. We need to be quick on transition and get down the court quick.” Zoske thinks the Packers have leadership in place to have a productive season as Hegna and Paiton Schwab have stepped up as early leaders. “I really like our leadership with Emily Hegna and Paiton Schwab,” Zoske said. “I think the core of the team is how great your seniors are and they’re wonderful kids and high character kids. Just with them being around, we’re going to have a good year no matter how many wins and losses we have.” Schwab likes what she’s seen out of Zoske as a head coach so far this season. “I think he’s going to be a good coach. He puts the team as a family and that’s really important. He’ll not only make us better basketball players, but we’ll be better people as well,” Schwab said. “We have to stay positive and push each other.” The Packers will open their season against Stewartville in Ove Berven Gym.

“The only goal we have is to win each day. Today is the most important day of the year.” Eric Zoske, head coach

Austin’s Abby Lewis drives to the hoop during the first half against Rochester John Marshall last year in Ove Berven Gym.

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 28................................Stewartville 57, Austin 45 Nov. 30..............................at Kasson-Mantorville, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 5.......................at Rochester John Marshall, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12........................................at Mankato West, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15....................................vs. Faribault, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19...............................................at Red Wing, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21......................................vs. Winona, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 2.......................vs. Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5....................................vs. Northfield, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9..........................................at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11..........................vs. Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13.....................at Rochester John Marshall, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 16..............................................at Owatonna, 7:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Jan. 19..................................vs. Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23..............................vs. Worthington, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25............................vs. Mankato West, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27..................................................at Winona, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2..................................................at Faribault, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5.....................................vs. Red Wing, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 9..................................at Rochester Century, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13..............................................at Northfield, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 15.....................................................at Byron, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 16.........................................at Mankato East, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20....................................at Rochester Mayo, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23..................................vs. Owatonna, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24..............................................at Albert Lea, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Continuing the forward momentum The Austin boys hockey team has slowly been building up momentum over the past two seasons and the Packers are hoping they can keep that going this winter. After going 7-15-1 overall in 2015-2016, the Packers went 10-16 overall last season and head coach Jason Merritt feels the team can progress even more. “We’re hoping to take it a step better and we’d like to finish .500 if not better,” Merritt said. “For us it’s a work in progress, it doesn’t happen overnight. We have the horses we think, it’s just whether we can perform up to our capabilities or not.” Austin graduated its top line from last season, but it brings back a core that have played together for their entire hockey careers. Seniors Bryar Flanders, Jack Dankert and Dylan Svoboda are at home on the ice together and senior Noah Bawek has been on the varsity team for a few years as well. “I think we’ll have a lot of depth this year,” Dankert said. “Practice has been going well so far. We’re super excited for the season.” Flanders feels the Packers can be competitive if they stay focused and play as a unit. “We’ve got to have teamwork and we’ve got to work together,” Flanders said. With a strong core of seniors, the Packers are hoping to bring intensity to each day they have on the ice together. “Every practice you want to go harder than the last one and you want to make sure it counts,” Svoboda said. The Packers held a summer program that drew plenty of players and the team has also stayed active in workouts off the ice to prepare for the season. “We did a summer program this year and a lot of kids showed up for it. We’re trying to get into a new way of doing things around here,” Merritt said. “Our older kids have to be leaders whether its in practice, working out at IMPACT or even in school. It’s five or six days a week and our seniors and juniors have to lead us everywhere.”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Austin’s Blaine Krueger gives chase with pressure from Albert Lea’s Jacob Prihoda during Austin’s season opener. Herald file photo

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 28.................................................Albert Lea 5, Austin 1 Dec. 2..................................................at La Crescent, 2 p.m. Dec. 5....................................................at Waseca, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 7................................................at Northfield, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 11......................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 14..................................vs. Owatonna, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 16....................................................at Simley, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19.....................................................at Faribault, 7 p.m. Dec. 28.....................................at Waseca Tournament, TBA Jan. 4..............................vs. Mankato West, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6............................................vs. Winona, 1 p.m. Jan. 9.....................vs. LeSueur-Henderson, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 18...............................................at Red Wing, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 20........................................vs. Faribault, 1 p.m. Jan. 23....................................vs. Red Wing, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 25....................................at Rochester Mayo, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 27....................................................at Albert Lea, 5 p.m. Jan. 30.............................vs. Mankato East, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 1.....................................................at Winona, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 3...............................................at Mankato West, 1 p.m. Feb. 5......................................at Kasson-Mantorville, 7 p.m. Feb. 15......................at Rochester John Marshall, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 17...........................vs. Rochester Century, 1 p.m.

“We’re hoping to take it a step better and we’d like to finish .500 if not better. For us, it’s a work in progress, it doesn’t happen overnight.” Jason Merritt Head coach

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Former player takes Packer girls helm The Austin girls hockey team has turned to a former player to lead the program as it looks to turn the corner with a young roster this season. Carley Grunewald, who graduated from Austin in 2013, played for the Packers in high school and was an assistant coach for the team the past two years, is the new head coach as she takes over for former head coach Brett Vesel. Grunewald leads a team that has some established returnees in senior forward Myia Hoium, junior goalie Faith Sayles, sophomore Jordyn McCormack and junior Hannah McMasters. The team also has a strong core of middle school players in the fold. Grunewald has embraced the role as head coach and she’s looking forward to seeing what the team can do this season. “It’s been an easier transition with being an assistant coach the last two years,” Grunewald said. “The girls kind of know my style and what to expect when they come to practice. We’re here to have fun, but we’re still serious.” McCormack said the team has come out with strong energy and she thinks the Packers can find success if the veterans and new players mix in together. “Even though half of our team is new, we’ve been working really well together and I think we should be strong this year,” McCormack said. “We lost three seniors, but we gained eight new players. I think it’s going to go well and I think we can get a home section game this year.” Hoium was actually a teammate of Grunewald’s when she was a seventh grader and she’s looking forward to playing for Grunewald this season. “She’s been really considerate of the new girls and we’ve all been working together and building each other up,”

Austin’s Kylee Hanlon fires a shot against Mankato West in the first period this season at Riverside Arena. Herald file photo Hoium said. “She’s working us really hard and we’re working really well as a team. She’s pushing us to our full potential.” Austin finished with a record of 7-19 overall last season and it graduated

three seniors from that team. The Packers have added depth this season as a big group of middle schoolers have joined the squad. “I think we can win a lot of games,”

Grunewald said. “We’ve got a lot more skill, a lot more speed and a lot more to show this year. We’ve got a bigger team and those girls play great together. They’ve played together for years.”

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 16...........................................Austin 7, Mankato West 5 Nov. 28......................................Rochester Mayo 10, Austin 3 Nov. 30.................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m. Dec. 2.............................................vs. Waseca, 1 p.m. Dec. 5.............................vs. Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Dec. 12.......................................vs. Northfield, 7 p.m. Dec. 14...................................................at Owatonna, 7 p.m. Dec. 16....................vs. Long Prairie Grey Eagle, 1 p.m. Dec. 19.......................................vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Dec. 21........................................at Mankato West, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 27......................Austin Holiday Tournament, TBA Dec. 28......................Austin Holiday Tournament, TBA

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Dec. 29.....................Austin Holiday Tournament, TBA Jan. 2.........................................vs. Owatonna, 7 p.m. Jan. 9........................at Rochester John Marshall, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 16..................................vs. Mankato East, 7 p.m. Jan. 18.........................................vs. Red Wing, 7 p.m. Jan. 20......................................................at Faribault, 5 p.m. Jan. 23..........................................vs. St. Peter, 7 p.m. Jan. 25...............................vs. Rochester Mayo, 7 p.m. Jan. 27....................................................at Albert Lea, 1 p.m. Jan. 30.........................................at Mankato East, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3........................................at Rochester Century, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Season of change Austin will feature new head coach, new faces in 2017 The Austin gymnastics team has a lot to replace from last season as the team graduated long-time standouts Paige Raymond and Maddie Mullenbach and new head coach Bethany Hander is hoping to keep the program headed in the right direction. The Packers, who have competed in seven of the last eight Minnesota Class A State Gymnastics Meets, will turn to their fifth head coach in five years as Hander takes over head coaching duties. Hander was an assistant coach and she’s coached at the Austin YMCA for more than a decade. Hander also served as a gymnastics judge in the past. “It’s a learning experience for everybody. We’re all learning,” Hander said. “They’re used to having a different coach. They just have to get used to the dynamics of me being the authoritative head coach and not the fun assistant coach. I’ve been a little more aggressive and they’re not used to that.” While they did graduate some key

SCHEDULE / Home meets in bold Dec. 8..................................................at Faribault, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 14..................................................at Winona, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 19.................................Austin Triangular, 6 p.m. Jan. 4....................................vs. Northfield, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 6......................................................at Faribault, 11 a.m. Jan. 11..............................................at Owatonna, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 13...........................................at Lakeville North, 9 a.m. Jan. 18....................................vs. Red Wing, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1....vs. Mankato East and Mankato West, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 10.......................at Big Nine Meet in Rochester, 3 p.m.

leaders in Mullenbach and Raymond, Packers also have a long-time varsity standout in senior Jen Boyle, who won a state title in bars as a sophomore. Boyle said she’s been working with the younger gymnasts to adjust to the varsity level and she’s enjoyed working with Hander so far this season. “She runs practice well. I feel like we get a lot done,” Boyle said of Hander. “She’s pushing us a lot. She’s making sure that we’re not slacking and when we’re learning a new skill she makes sure that we’re doing it efficiently instead of wasting a lot of time on differ-

ent stages.” Hander said it’s helpful to have athletes like Boyle on hand to help lead the team from within. “There are girls here that were on my YMCA team and I knew some of them as an assistant coach last year. It’s been a pretty easy transition,” Hander said. “Jen’s been great. She’s been in here coaching the YMCA and a lot of the kids say they want to be like Jen. She’s been a great role model for them.” Austin’s Morgan Raymond said the younger gymnasts are coming in eager, and the veterans have gone out of their way to to show them the ropes of being a varsity gymnast. “They have to get used to the work ethic of everyone else here. They have to work hard every day in practice,” Boyle said. “We want everyone to improve a little bit and work on some new skills.” Boyle is hoping the Packers can give it their all this season. She wants to make sure she doesn’t have any regrets about her senior season. “We’re just hoping to finish the season knowing we did our best, instead of knowing we could’ve done better,”

Jennifer Boyle performs on the beam during the Minnesota Class A State Gymnastics Individual Meet last season. Boyle said. “We’re hoping to make the most out of it. I want to go to state as a team and individually and I just want to do my best.”

Bolstered by seniors, APDT eyeing big year The Austin Packer dance team has a big senior class and big expectations for the upcoming season. The Packers have 15 seniors on the squad and they are coming off their 15th straight appearance at the state meet. They’re hoping that they’ll be able to make it 16 straight state appearances this season. “We have high expectations for this season and we just want to show everyone that we're pushing it to the limits,” Austin senior captain Lauryn Bell said. “It puts pressure on us because we don't want to break the streak, but we also want to embrace the challenge. We don't want to just expect a state trip, we want to push for it too.” Like with any new season, the Packers are doing some things differently this season. The team has new captains in Bell, Emma Tauchnitz, Abby Miller and Nikki Summerfield. Tauchnitz said she’s embracing the challenges that come with the new changes. “We have a new choreography and it's like we have a new mindset on everything. So far we're all loving it,” she said. “APDT has a huge and awesome legacy and it is a lot of pressure [to be a captain] because the previous captains were really awesome. Coming in, you have a lot of expectations.” Austin head coach Kayla Sellers said her team likes the

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

SCHEDULE Dec. 2.........................................................................................at Apple Valley, TBA Dec. 9..................................................................................................at Fridley, TBA Dec. 16....................................................................................at Holy Academy, TBA Jan. 20..................................................................at Big Nine Meet in Winona, TBA

Nikki Summerfield gets intense at the beginning of APDT’s high performance last year in Packer Gym. pressure of trying to get to state and they use it as motivation. She said the team has come into the season with a strong work ethic. “They are a really hardworking group of girls,” Sellers said. “Every day they come in ready for anything we throw at them. We have a large senior class and I feel like the whole team is leading and they are just charging for-

ward every day.” Summerfield said the Packers have come in ready to give it their all and the team is willing to push hard for a state berth this season. “We have a younger team this year, but I can tell everybody really wants it and we're working really hard in practice,” Summerfield said. “[The captains] have to bring leadership and bring the younger girls under our wing.” Miller said the team is focused on putting together a solid senior season that will leave a lasting legacy on the program. “We're coming in with a fresh start and everything's new,” Miller said. “I'll enjoy helping the younger girls and watching them grow throughout the season. Being positive is our biggest goal for this season.” AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Depth driving Austin wrestling into new season The Austin wrestling team has plenty of depth and experience as it has its sights set on some big things this season. The Packers have a total of 35 wrestlers athletes will have to battle if they want to earn one of the 14 available varsity spots. Senior Aiden Wilson, who has over 100 wins in his Packer career, said the team will be battling on a daily basis. “We’ve got solid wrestlers at every weight that will push each other. We want to be the best team we can be and we’ve just got to keep pushing,” Wilson said. “We know we can contend with the best of them.” Austin head coach Jer Osgood is pleased what he has seen from his team early on in the season and he thinks the team’s depth will be a strength. “We have a nice mix of veteran guys with some new kids coming out. They are very competitive and they do have high goals for this season. We’ve had a nice focus in practice,” Osgood said. “We’ve just got to be able to consistently come to practice with the mindset on always improving and we have to have fun along the way.” While Wilson is on the hunt for his

SCHEDULE /Home matches in bold Dec. 2..................................................at Saint Ansgar, 9 a.m. Dec. 7.....................................................at Northfield, 7 p.m. Dec. 14...........................................vs. Winona, 7 p.m. Dec. 16.............................at Fillmore Central Invite, 10 a.m. Dec. 22.......................................vs. Albert Lea, 7 p.m. Jan. 6.......................................at Cannon Falls Invite, 9 a.m. Jan. 12..........................................at Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m. Jan. 13...................at Plainview-Elgin Millville, Invite 8 a.m. Jan. 18......................................at Rochester Century, 7 p.m. Jan. 20...........................................at Hayfield Invite, 10 a.m. Jan. 25...................................................at Owatonna, 5 p.m. Jan. 27............................at South Saint Paul Invite, 10 a.m. Feb. 1...............................................at Mankato West, 5 p.m. Feb. 3....................................at Mankato East Invite, 10 a.m. Feb. 8....................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 7 p.m.

Austin’s Aiden Wilson controls Rochester John Marshall’s Drew McCann last season. first ever state meet appearance, he has some teammates that are hungry for a state berth as well. Junior Isaac Arjes has shown promise early on in his wrestling career and senior Phillip Zynda was one spot away from state his sophomore year and his season ended early last season due to an injury.

“Last year was disappointing,” Zynda said. “I was working so hard to get to state and I was really close my sophomore year. This year I have to stay healthy and I have to be working day in and day out.” Austin senior Kaden Igou also has high hopes for this season. He saw his older brother Kole Igou qualify for state as a se-

nior and he’s hoping to equal that accomplishment himself this season. “I thought I was going to go to state last year, but I didn’t. I’m hoping to this year like he did as a senior,” Igou said. “Wrestling is a sport where nothing is given to you. You’ve got to work hard and you can’t slack. You have to dedicate your heart to the sport.”

Packers setting bullseye reaching new levels SCHEDULE /Home meets in bold

State competitors anchor Austin swimming and diving team The Austin boys swimming and diving team brings back some solid experience as it looks to push to new levels this season. The Packers bring back two athletes with plenty of state meet experience in Mitchell Mayer and Isaac Christopherson, who should both have a big impact on the team. “I see Mitchell Mayer and Isaac Christopherson as being two of my senior leaders for the swim team in multiple aspects in and out of the water,” said Austin head coach Michelle Swank, who is in her second year at the helm. “A major strength [of the team] is their mindset and the goals they have for themselves. The boys are always willing to embrace working hard to reach their goals. They are looking forward to the challenges and wanting to learn from each challenge they face to get better. I couldn’t ask for more than that.” The Packers graduated just one senior from last year’s team and Swank said AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Dec. 7....................................vs. Mankato East, 6 p.m. Dec. 12................................at Rochester Century, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 21...................................................at Northfield, 6 p.m. Jan. 4...................vs. Rochester John Marshall, 6 p.m. Jan. 6.............................................Austin Invite, TBA Jan. 11...................................................at Owatonna, 6 p.m. Jan. 18.....................................................at Red Wing, 6 p.m. Jan. 25..........................................vs. Winona, 6 p.m. Feb. 1................................vs. Rochester Mayo, 6 p.m. Feb. 10................................at Big Nine at Rochester, 1 p.m.

Austin’s Mitch Mayer swims towards the end of the 100 yard breaststroke in a dual against Rochester John Marshall last season. there are plenty of contenders to step up and help out the team this year. “We are always looking forward to seeing who steps up from season to season to take the place of the upperclassmen,”

Swank said. “They are wanting to have great qualifying times during the regular season to set them up for sections and state. They have their end goal in mind before the season has started.”

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@RockyHulneADH and @EricJohnsonADH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Rebels rearming and reloading With the graduation of 6 from last year’s team, Southland still sets its eyes on being competitive

The Southland boys basketball team is looking to reload as it graduated six players from a team that went 14-9 overall last season. The Rebels will look to long-time varsity players Jared Landherr, who averaged 17.5 points per game last season, and Lee Wilson to lead the way. “Jared and Lee have been with me four years and we will expect a lot out of them this year,” said Southland head coach Matt Webber, who is in his fifth year at the helm. The Rebels bring back a total of seven players from last year’s team and Parker Brigham, Bret Matthews, Jacob Schmitz, Carl Mueller and Garrett Muellenbach will all be looked on to contribute. “We want to be competitive all year and build on each game,” Webber said. “As a team, we will again be trying go get to the subsection finals game. We have been close the last couple of years.”

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold

Southland’s Jared Landherr skies over Faribault BA players during the first half in a Section 1A West semfinal matchup in Rochester last season.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Dec. 1..................................................at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 5....................................vs. Kingsland, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7...........................................at Saint Charles, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15...............................vs. Dover-Eyota, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 19.......................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21..................................vs. Caledonia, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5..........................vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 6............vs. Kingsland in Target Center, 1:30 p.m. Jan. 9..............................................at La Crescent, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11..............................vs. Saint Charles, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16.....................................at Fillmore Central, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19.....................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23.....................................at Lewiston-Altura, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26................................................at Chatfield, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8....................................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 6 p.m. Feb. 9..............................vs. Grand Meadow, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13...........................................at Dover-Eyota, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16.............vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 20....................................vs. Chatfield, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23..................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Seniors leading Rebel charge The Southland girls basketball team will look to its seniors to lead the way as it hopes to improve on last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s record of 7-15 overall. The Rebels return senior guard McKendry Kennedy, who averaged 14.5 points per game last season, and seniors Brianna Johnson and Chelsey Kasel will also provide leadership. Sophomore Lexi Smith and junior Kassity Kirtz also return with varsity experience.

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 28.......................................Chatfield 51, Southland 42 Dec. 1..........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5.................................................at Kingsland, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8...............................vs. Saint Charles, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15...........................................at Dover-Eyota, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16..........vs. Lake City in Mayo Civic Center, 4 p.m. Dec. 19..............vs. Plainview-Elgin-Milville, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 21..............................................at Caledonia, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 5.....................................at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 9..................................vs. La Crescent, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11.........................................at Saint Charles, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 12........................................at Winona Cotter, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 16.........................vs. Fillmore Central, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19................................at Rushford-Peterson, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 23..........................vs. Lewiston-Altura, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26....................................vs. Chatfield, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30..................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1.....................................vs. Kingsland, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 8...............................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 12.......................................at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 13...............................vs. Dover-Eyota, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16.......................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7:30 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Kassidy Kirtz controls the ball in the paint for the Rebels in Adams last season.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Expectations are on the rise After a busy summer, LeRoy-Ostrander bringing new-found energy to the court T h e L e Roy - O s t r a n d e r boys basketball brings back all five of its starters from a team that went 7-20 overall last season. The Cardinals will lean on the experience of Trey Hungerholt, who averaged 14.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.2 assists and 3.8 steals per game, Sean Lohuis, who averaged 5.8 points per game last season, Zach Hanson, who averaged 8.9 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season, Seth Royston, who averaged 12.9 points and 4.6 rebounds per game last season, and Riley

Olson who averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game last season. LO returns 10 total letter winners and head coach Trevor Carrier said he thinks the team has the potential to do some big things. “For the first time in a while, expectations are high at LeRoy-Ostrander,” Carrier said. “We had a very busy summer as we played up in competition when we scrimmaged teams like Henry Sibley, Coon Rapids, Farmington, St Croix Lutheran and Rochester Century.”

“For the first time in a while, expectations are high at LeRoy-Ostrander. We had a very busy summer as we played up in competition when we scrimmaged teams like Henry Sibley, Coon Rapids, Farmington, St. Croix Lutheran and Rochester Centruy” Trevor Carrier Head coach

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 30........................at Kingsland, 6 p.m. Dec. 5...............vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 8.................vs. Houston, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9........at Luther College Tourn., 2 p.m. Dec. 12...................at Alden-Conger, 7 p.m. Dec. 14..................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19.....vs. Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 21...................at Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27.vs. Goodhue in G. Meadow, 6 p.m. Dec. 28........at Grand Meadow Tourn., TBA Jan. 5......at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 8..............at Riceville, Iowa, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 11...............at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 12.........at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19....................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 22......vs. Kenyon-Wana., 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25..........vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 27...vs. Wabsha-Kellogg, 4:45 p.m. Jan. 29...vs. Fillmore Central, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30......vs. Mabel-Canton, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2.............at Grand Meadow, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5........vs. Winona Cotter, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9.......at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 16............vs. Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 19.............at Mabel-Canton, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23.....vs. Glen.-Emmons, 7:15 p.m.

LeRoy-Ostrander’s Zach Hanson tries to work out of a jam in the first half against Goodhue in Grand Meadow last season.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Adapting to the short game LO will have to deal with low numbers as it works to improve The LeRoy-Ostrander girls basketball team is short on numbers as it looks to make some strides this season. The Cardinals have just seven high school players on the team and only three players have varsity experience. Junior guard Haley Hungerholt, who averaged 19.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, three assists and 4.8 steals per game last season, will be asked to carry a bulk of the load for the Cardinals. “We’re looking to improve every week,” LO head coach Aaron Hungerholt said. Sophomores Emily Hofner and Tiana Plagman will also look to chip in for LO, which went 3-23 overall last season.

LeRoy-Ostrander’s Haley Hungerholt pulls up in traffic during the first half against LylePacelli last year.

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 30...............................................at Kingsland, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1........................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 4...........................................vs. Houston, 7 p.m. Dec. 7.....................................................at Lanesboro, 7 p.m. Dec. 9............................at Luther College Tournament, TBA Dec. 12.....................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15...........................................at Grand Meadow, 7 p.m. Dec. 21.....................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 7 p.m. Dec. 29...............................................at Spring Grove, 4 p.m. Jan. 8...............................................at Riceville, Iowa, 6 p.m. Jan. 11...................................vs. Spring Grove, 7 p.m. Jan. 12.................................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 18.................................vs. Mabel-Canton, 7 p.m. Jan. 19....................................................at Randolph, 6 p.m. Jan. 23.............................................at Mabel-Canton, 7 p.m. Jan. 26................................vs. Grand Meadow, 7 p.m. Jan. 27........................vs. Wabasha-Kellogg, 3:30 p.m. Jan. 29.....................................at Rushford-Peterson, 7 p.m. Feb. 1...............................vs. Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. Feb. 2....................................vs. Alden-Conger, 7 p.m. Feb. 5....................................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7 p.m. Feb. 8..................................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9.........................................................at Houston, 7 p.m. Feb. 12..........................................at Fillmore Central, 7 p.m. Feb. 13......................................vs. Lanesboro, 7 p.m. Feb. 15........................................vs. Randolph, 7 p.m.

No. 5-ranked GMLOS on the hunt for more GMLOS return four grapplers from last year’s state competition

SCHEDULE /Home meets in bold

The Grand Meadow-LeRoy-Ostrander-Southland wrestling team sent four wrestlers to state last season and the team is hoping to make another big push this season. Jackson Hale, who took third at 106 pounds last season for the Bulldogs, and

Nov. 30......................................................at Chatfield, 7 p.m. Dec. 2.......................at Saint James Tournament, 9:45 a.m. Dec. 12..........................vs. FCLMC in Grand Meadow, 7 p.m. Dec. 16........................................at Fillmore Central, 10 a.m. Dec. 21....................vs. LARP in Grand Meadow, 7 p.m. Jan. 5..........................................at Wabasha-Kellogg, 7 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Chris Romero, who went to state at 113 pounds lsat season, should both step up as leaders for GMLOS. In the preseason polls, Hale is ranked sixth in Class A at 120 pounds, Romero is ranked fifth at 113 and freshman Anthony Romero is ranked fifth at 106.

Jan. 6................................................................at Tartan, TBA Jan. 9...vs. Westfield, Saint Ansgar, United South Cent. in Grand Meadow, 5 p.m. Jan. 11..........vs. Dover-Eyota in Grand Meadow, 7 p.m. Jan. 13...........................at Stewartville Tournament, 8 a.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

A push to the next level Eight returning to GM with varsity time setting the Larks on the right path The Grand Meadow girls basketball team has a lot of experience on the court together as it looks to make a push to improve on last year’s record of 19-9 overall. GM graduated just one player from last year’s team and it brings back eight players with varsity experience, including junior Jordyn Glynn, who averaged 15.7 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 3.8 steals per game, and sophomore Riley Queensland, who averaged 11.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season. “I see all of our returning letter winners stepping it up as leaders in their own ways this year,” said GM head coach Ry-

an Queensland, who is in his fourth year at the helm. “They have all looked good in practice and each have something to offer the team on and off the court.” T h e S u p e rl a rk s ’ m a i n weakness this season will be their lack of height, but the team is hoping its camaraderie and experience can give it a boost. “We are looking to be competitive in our conference and go deeper into tour nament play then we have in the past,” Queensland said. “We are very excited about the upcoming season and would like to wish all the other teams and coaches good luck this year.”

“I see all of our returning letter winners stepping it up as leaders in their own ways this year.” Ryan Queensland, Head coach

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 28........Grand Meadow 67, Houston 43 Dec. 1.................vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 7....................at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 8..................at Winona Cotter, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 12.........at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15..........vs. LeRoy-Ostrander, 7 p.m. Dec. 16..vs. Kee at Luther Col., 11:30 a.m. Dec. 19..........vs. Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 21........at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 2..................at Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 4................vs. Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 5.........................at Kingsland, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 9.......................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 12........................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 16...........vs. Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 18...vs. Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19.............at Lewiston-Altura, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 25..............................at Triton, 6:45 p.m. Jan. 26.................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7 p.m. Jan. 30.................at Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. Feb. 1...........vs. Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 3...vs. Schaeffer Academy, 3:15 p.m. Feb. 8........vs. Fillmore Central, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9........................at Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 12...............vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 15.............vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m.

Grand Meadow’s Isabelle Olson tries to work out of a trap against LylePacelli during the Section 1A West semifinals at Mayo Civic Center in Rochester last season.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Youth taking over in GM

Superlarks to feature a younger team with plenty of floor experience The Grand Meadow boys basketball team will be young, but experienced as it looks to take the next step this season. The Superlarks graduated three players from a team that went 12-13 overall last season, but they have a few younger players that are ready to take their game to the next level. “I think a strength of ours is going to be our versatility on offense,” GM head coach Bob Burmestser said. “We have multiple guys that are capable of having big scoring nights. We will need to really improve on our defense.” Burmester said that he expects Max Jech to step up as a leader for the team.

“Max Jech has really stepped up over the summer with his leadership,” Burmester said. “There are a couple other players that have the potential to be leaders for us. We will have to see how it plays out.” Burmester, who is in his sixth year at the helm, said GM is hoping to compete for an SEC West title and the team would like to host a playoff game. “We are going to take it day by day and try to focus on getting better each time we take the floor whether it is for practices or games,” Burmester said. “I’m excited to work with our guys and look forward to this season.”

Grand Meadow’s Ethan Lane bounces a pass into Wes Ojulu during the first half against AldenConger in Grand Meadow last season.

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 30...............................................at Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 5...................................vs. Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 8............................vs. Fillmore Central, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 14................................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15................................................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19....................................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27......................Grand Meadow Tournament, TBA Dec. 28......................Grand Meadow Tournament, TBA Jan. 4.............................................at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 5.........................vs. Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 8...........................................vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 11..................................................at Houston, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12................................................at Kingsland, 7:15 p.m. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Jan. 19..............................................at Lyle-Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 23..............................vs. Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 25......................vs. Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 26...................................vs. Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 30......vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 2...........................vs. LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5..........................................................at Hayfield, 7 p.m. Feb. 8...........................................at Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9.................................................at Southland, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13..................................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 16...............................vs. Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 19....................................vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 23....................................vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m. FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

SCHEDULE / Home games in bold Nov. 24.................................Lyle-Pacelli 76, Dover-Eyota 46 Nov. 25....................Lyle-Pacelli 56, Zumbrota-Mazeppa 41 Nov. 28..............................Lyle-Pacelli 76, Mabel-Canton 19 Dec. 8.................vs. Alden-Conger in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9....vs. Cromwell-Wright in Minnetonka, 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12...............................................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15........vs. Glenville-Emmons in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 16............vs. Crestwood in Luther College, 4 p.m. Dec. 21...................................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27................vs. Tri City United in Hayfield, 6 p.m. Jan. 5............................vs. Houston in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 9...................vs. Grand Meadow in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12...........vs. Schaeffer Academy in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 13...............................at Hayfield Tournament, 11 a.m. Jan. 18.............................vs. Randolph in Lyle, 6 p.m. Jan. 23..........................................at Spring Grove, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 25.......................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 26................................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 29....................................at Fillmore Central, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1................................................at Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5................vs. LeRoy-Ostrander in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 8.........................vs. Southland in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 10...............................vs. Goodhue in Lyle, 3 p.m. Feb. 13...........................vs. GHECML in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 15......................................at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m.

Lyle-Pacelli’s Olivia Christianson controls the ball in the middle of the Goodhue defense during the first half of the Section 1A West championship game last season.

Hoping for a breakthrough LP girls feel they are on the verge of getting through to the state tourney The Lyle-Pacelli girls basketball team is hoping to break through in Section 1A for the first time since it went to the Minnesota Class A Girls State Basketball Tournament in 2015. The Athletics, who have lost to the eventual state champs in each of the last three years, despite leading in all three of those games, are looking to turn the table this winter. “We are incredibly excited about this group,” LP head coach Justin Morris said. “It’s as talented and mature a group as we’ve had. We’re a very well balanced team and we should make teams have to pick their poison.” LP was ranked No. 2 in preseason Class A polls, but fellow Section 1A teams Goodhue, which is ranked No. 1 in the state, and

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

“We are incredibly excited about this group. It’s as talented and mature a group as we’ve had.” Justin Morris, Head coach Hayfield, which is ranked No. 3, will also be a handful for the Athletics to deal with. LP, which graduated just one starter from a team that went 22-7 overall, will look for leadership from senior and sixyear starter Brooke Walter, who averaged 13 points, six assists and five steals per game last season, senior and threeyear starter Kristi Feat, who averaged 17 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks per game last season, and three-year starter Kendal Truckenmiller.

“We will have a very good inside game with Fett,” Morris said. “We also expect to have very good guard play with Walter and [Abby] Bollingberg. All three were all con-

ference last year. We should also be a very good three point shooting team as we’ve focused on that.” LP has won the last five SEC titles and it has a current streak of over 80 straight wins in the conference. The Athletics have a tough schedule as the play some of the top teams in Minnesota this season. “A loaded non conference schedule will continue to push us to grow and get better,” Morris said.

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LP boys setting sights on conference The Lyle-Pacelli boys basketball team will look for some new players to step up this season as it has to replace three starters from last year’s team that went 10-16 overall. The Athletics will bring back two key players in senior guard Trinity Anderson, who averaged 10.7 points and 2.2 assists per game last season, and freshman forward Jed Nelson, who started last season. LP also brings back senior Joseph Maas, who saw a lot of playing time last season as well. “I am hoping that Trinity Anderson, Joseph Maas and Jed Nelson will step up and provide leadership this season,” LP head coach Scott Koenigs said. “This year’s team has great kids that work hard and listen well. I expect the guys to make huge strides as the season progresses. Many of the young players ear ned valuable experience last year which will help with the confidence this year.” Other players returning to the lineup for LP will be senior Taylor Arett, juniors Trace Fishbaugher and Bryce Strouf, sophomores Leo Einck and Tyson Anderson, and freshmen Zach Bollingberg and Cole Walter. “I believe we can compete for the conference title,” Koenigs, who is in his third year as LP head coach said. “We will have to work hard and continue to improve weekly.”

Lyle-Pacelli’s Trinity Anderson steps up on defense during the first half against Mabel-Canton last year in Lyle.

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold

“I believe we can compete for the conference title. We will have to work hard and continue to improve weekly.” Scott Koenigs Head coach

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Nov. 30.................................................at Houston, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 5........................................at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 8..........................................at Alden-Conger, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9........vs. Christian Life Academy in Pacelli, 4 p.m. Dec. 1......................................................at Randolph, 6 p.m. Dec. 14..........vs. LeRoy-Ostrander in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 16...............vs. Postville at Decorah, Iowa, 2 p.m. Dec. 21...........vs. Fillmore Central in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27...............................................at Hayfield Invite, TBA Dec. 28...............................................at Hayfield Invite, TBA Jan. 4.....................vs. Lanesboro in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6................................at Christian Life Academy, 4 p.m.

Jan. 8..................................at Glenville-Emmons, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 11.......................................at Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 15.......................vs. GHECML in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 18.........................vs. Randolph in Lyle, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19.............vs. Grand Meadow in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 25...................................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 30................vs. Spring Grove in Pacelli, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 8..............................vs. Southland in Lyle, 6 p.m. Feb. 15.................................................at Medford, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 22.............................................at Lanesboro, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 23...............................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:15 p.m.

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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

BP boys rich with potential A majority of last season’s squad returns for Blossoms; team optimistic about the new season The Blooming Prairie boys basketball team returns much of its team that went 10-15 overall last season as the Awesome Blossoms look to make improvements this winter. BP retur ns six letter winners from last year’s team as senior forward Jake Ressler, who averaged 9.5 points and seven rebounds per game last season, will provide a strong presence in the paint. BP also brings back senior guard Cameron Kubista, who led the team in steals last year, senior guard Max Romeo, senior forward Nick Thompson and sophomores Gabe Hagen and Kaden Thomas. Thomas had a big off-season and was named to Breakdown’s list of the Top 50 sophomores in the state of Minnesota. “I believe there is a lot of potential throughout the group,” BP head coach Nate Piller said. “That means we will have highly competitive practices. Success to us is being in the moment and improving consistently throughout the journey.” BP is looking to focus on the defen-

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Dec. 1..................................................at Triton Invite, 6 p.m. Dec. 2..................................................at Triton Invite, 1 p.m. Dec. 7......................................vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 8.......................................vs. Medford, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 12...................vs. United South Central, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15............at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19............at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 22................................vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 5................................................at Southland, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 8.......................................at Mankato Loyola, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 9........................vs. New Richland-HEG, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12.........................vs. LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19....vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 20............................................vs. TCU, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23..................................................at Medford, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 26............................at United South Central, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 27.........................................at Alden-Conger, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 1....................................vs. Saint Clair, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 2.......vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5...............................................at Maple River, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9..................................at New Richland-HEG, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 12.....................................vs. Hayfield, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 19......................................at Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 23.............at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m.

sive side of the court this season and Piller wants his teams to crash the boards. “We’ve got to be the hardest working, most enthusiastic and energetic team every opportunity we get,” Piller said. “We’ve got to maximize potential through relentless hard work and preparation.”

“I believe there is a lot of potential throughout the group. That means we will have highly competitive practices. Success to us is being in the moment and improving consistently throughout the journey.” — Nate Piller Head coach Blooming Prairie’s Jake Ressler puts up a hook shot against Southland in BP last season.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Ramping it up Blossom girls hope for trend of improvement throughout the year

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold

The Blooming Prairie girls basketball team is looking for some new players to step up as it has to replace to key starters from last year’s team that went 10-16 overall. The Awesome Blossoms will look to seniors McKenna Hein, who averaged 7.8 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season, Sam Wurst, who averaged 12.3 points and 7.9 rebounds per game last season, and Ayren Ingvalson to lead the way. “There are a lot of question marks as we begin the season,” BP head coach John Bruins said. “Lack of depth and inexperience will be an issue early in the season, but as our players gain confidence, we should be competitive.” Other returnees for BP include sophomores Julia Worke and Maya Lembke and freshman Megan Oswald. “To begin the season we are focusing on building a cohesive system that will allow all of our girls to contribute in many ways,” Bruns said. “We do not have huge numbers this year, but the girls we do have are committed to getting better every day.”

Dec. 1......vs. Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m.

Nov. 28.................................Blooming Prairie 62, Triton 45 Dec. 7.........................at Plainview-Elgin-Millville, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 8....................................................at Medford, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 12............................at United South Central, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 15.....vs. Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19...vs. Janesville-Waldord-Pemberton, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 22............................................at Maple River, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 5....................................vs. Southland, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 9..................................at New Richland-HEG, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 11...................................vs. Kingsland, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 16...................................vs. Cleveland, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19.............at Waterville-Elysian-Morristown, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 20................................................vs. TCU, 5 p.m. Jan. 26..................vs. United South Central, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 27..............................................at Alden-Conger, 5 p.m. Jan. 30............................vs. Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 1......................................at LeRoy-Ostrander, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 2..............at Faribault Bethlehem Academy, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5..................................vs. Maple River, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9.......................vs. New Richland-HEG, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 12..................................................at Hayfield, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 13...............................................at Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

Blooming Prairie’s Ayren Ingvalson drives through the New Richland-Hartland-EllendaleGeneva defense during the last year in Blooming Prairie.

Razorbacks geared to apply pressure in second In follow up to inaugural season as a co-op, BP, Hayfield squad is ready to build on success As the Westfield Razorbacks enter their second year as a co-op between Hayfield and Blooming Prairie, they’re hoping to stay competitive on the mat and make some noise in the Minnesota Class A State Wrestling Meet. The Razorbacks will look to Morgen Moreno, who went 32-6 and went to state at 220 pounds last season, Ethan Are, who went 27-6 and went to state at 113 last

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

season, Colton Krell, who went 32-6 and took fourth at state at 160 last season, and Mitchell Oswald, who went 29-4 and took third at state at 285 pounds last season. “We hope to compete for a conference and a section title,” Westfield co-head coach Chad Gimbel said. “We have experience at the upper weights, but inexperience at our lower weights.” Other key returners for Westfield in-

SCHEDULE /Home meets in bold Dec. 5..............vs. Mankato East, Maple River, St. Clair in Blooming Prairie, 5 p.m. Dec. 9.......................................at Coon Rapids Invite, 9 a.m. Dec. 15.........................................at RCTC Tournament, TBA Dec. 16.........................................at RCTC Tournament, TBA Jan. 4............................................................at Triton, 7 p.m. Jan. 9............................at GMLOS in Grand Meadow, 5 p.m. Jan. 11..............................................................at TCU, 5 p.m.

Jan. 13..........................................................at LCWM, 9 a.m. Jan. 18....................................at New Richland-HEG, 7 p.m. Jan. 20.................................Invite in Hayfield, 9 a.m. Jan. 25................vs. Byron in Blooming Prairie, 7 p.m. Jan. 27........................................at Lake City Invite, 10 a.m. Feb. 1...................at Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton, 7 p.m. Feb. 8........................vs. United South Central, 7 p.m.

clude Dylan Nirk, Seth Peterson, Tristan Rieken, Riley Schultz, Tyler Archer, Joe Pirkl and Joe Meyer. New wrestlers look-

ing to step up for Westfield will be Payton Simon, Lane Lembke, Alex Phenix, Dylan Ehmke, Isaac Fernandez and Cody Nirk.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Hayfield’s Olivia Matti shoots a three-pointer against Zumbrota-Mazeppa’s Lydnsey Quam in Mayo Civic Center in Rochester last season.

Heading into Class A, Vikings ready to contend The Hayfield girls basketball team has moved down to Class A and is a squad that is ready to contend as it brings back 96 percent of its scoring from a team that went 23-6 overall last season. The Vikings have five seniors who all have plenty of varsity experience under their belts in Maggie Streightiff, who averaged 15.5 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season, Carrie Rutledge, who averaged 14.8 points and 3.7 rebounds per game last season, Kate Kruger, who averaged 6.7 points and 5.5 rebounds per game last season, Olivia Matti, who averaged 11.9 points per game last season, and Caitlynn Severson. “We will look to those five seniors to provide leadership on the floor and at practice,” Hayfield co-head coach Kasey Krekling said. “Another strength is our great outside shooting. Every girl that we

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

will play has a good outside shot which extends our opponent’s defense and creates driving lanes.” Hayfield will have to adjust to a new field in the tournament as the Vikings move into a loaded Section 1A West Division. The Vikings, who were ranked No. 3 in the Class A preseason polls, will have to compete with No. 1 ranked Goodhue and No. 2 ranked Lyle-Pacelli. “We are vastly unfamiliar with most of the opponents we will play come playoff time,” Krekling said. “It will take many scouting trips from our coaches and the ability of our girls to adjust to new teams that we have not played come playoff time.” Hayfield also returns juniors Elecia Brown, Abby Stasko and Emma Holst. The Vikings will have a new player in Payton Slaathaug, who comes to Hayfield

SCHEDULE /Home meets in bold Dec. 1................................................at Minnesota, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 2...............................at Tracy-Milroy-Balaton, 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5...........................................vs. Bryon, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 9....vs. Mayer Lutheran at Minnetonka, 10:30 a.m. Dec. 12.............................................at Pine Island, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 14...............................vs. Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 16.............................vs. Plainview-Elgin-Millville at Mayo Civic Center, 6:45 p.m. Dec. 21......................................................at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27.....................................Hayfield Invite, 6 p.m. Dec. 28.....................................Hayfield Invite, 3 p.m. Jan. 5.................................at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6.......................................at New Richland-HEG, 6 p.m.

Jan. 9......................................vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 12.....................................vs. Lake City, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 13....................................Hayfield Invite, 11 a.m. Jan. 16............................................at Stewartville, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19................................at Rochester Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 23.....................vs. Kasson-Mantorville, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 25................................vs. Dover-Eyota, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 30..........................................at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 2.......................vs. Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 8.............................at Christ Household of Faith, 7 p.m. Feb. 12.........................vs. Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 13..............................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 16.................................................at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m.

from Fulda. “Our team goals are to start by defending our HVL Blue Division title, a win in

the conference championship game, winning a section title, and competing at the state tournament,” Krekling said. AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Vikings all in for a playoff push The Hayfield boys basketball team will have to replace four starters and a total of six seniors from last year’s team that went 11-15 overall last season. The Vikings will look to 6-foot, 4-inch junior guard Mason Tapp to lead the way this season. Tapp averaged 11 points and 4.1 rebounds per game last season and shot 38 percent on three-pointers. “Mason has made huge strides as a player and will be our unquestioned leader on the floor,” Hayfield head coach Chris Pack, who is in his 18th year at the helm, said. “We are going to be young and inexperienced, but I like the players we have. Due to our youth and overall lack of experience, we will go through some growing pains, no doubt. I think we will have the ability to score in a number of ways this year.” Luke Dudycha, a 6-6 sophomore will give the Vikings some bulk up front and the team has a bevy of three-point shooters to spread the floor with. With the move to Class A, the Vikings will have a different field to compete against in the postseason and Pack is hoping to make a run. “We want to gain experience and then hopefully be ready to make a run come playoff time,” Pack said. “We have dropped to Class A this year for the first time since I have been here. We will have a lot of tough games in the HVL that will hopefully prepare us for the playoffs. We want to compete each and every night we step on the floor and get better as the year progresses.”

Hayfield’s Mason Tapp dribbles past Chatfield’s Dillon Bance in Mayo Civic Center last season.

SCHEDULE /Home games in bold Nov. 30............................................at Dover-Eyota, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 7..................................at Schaeffer Academy, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12................................................at Kingsland, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 15...........................................at Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 19..............................at Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 21.........................................vs. Triton, 7:15 p.m. Dec. 27......................................Hayfield Invite, 3 p.m. Dec. 28......................................Hayfield Invite, 6 p.m. Jan. 2........................vs. Rushford-Peterson, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5...............................vs. Mabel-Canton, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 6..................................at New Richland-HEG, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 9...................................................at Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 11....................................vs. Randolph, 7:15 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Jan. 12..................................................at Lake City, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 16................................vs. Stewartville, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 19.......................vs. Rochester Lourdes, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 26.......................................................at Byron, 7:15 p.m. Jan. 30...............................vs. Cannon Falls, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 2.................................at Zumbrota-Mazeppa, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 5..............................vs. Grand Meadow, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 9.........................................................at Triton, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 12....................................at Blooming Prairie, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 13....................vs. Kenyon-Wanamingo, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 16.....................................vs. Goodhue, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 20................................at Kasson-Mantorville, 7:15 p.m. Feb. 23..................................vs. Pine Island, 7:15 p.m.

“We want to gain experience and then hopefully be ready to make a run come playoff time.” Chris Pack, Head coach

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Riverland Community College Basketball RIVERLAND MEN

Nov. 10.........................................Riverland 85, Dordt JV 78 Nov. 11............................Northwestern JV 81, Riverland 79 Nov. 16.......................................Riverland 90, Luther JV 70

Nov. 17..................................Riverland 88, Gustavus JV 72

Nov. 21............................................NIACC 82, Riverland 54 Dec. 1..................................................vs. Northland, 8 p.m.

Dec. 2........................................................vs. Itasca, 3 p.m. Dec. 4...............................................at Crown JV, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 8.......................................................at Hibbing, 8 p.m.

Dec. 9.................................................at Rainy River, 3 p.m. Jan. 4.....................................................at Luther JV, 6 p.m.

Jan. 6...............................................vs. Gustavus JV, 6 p.m.

Jan. 10...................................vs. Minnesota West, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 13.........................................vs. Anoka-Ramsey, 3 p.m.

Jan. 17.....................................at St. Cloud Tech., 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 20.........................................................at RCTC, 3 p.m. Jan. 24.........................................vs. Ridgewater, 7:30 p.m. Jan. 27.............................................vs. Fergus Falls, 3 p.m.

Jan. 31......................................vs. Western Tech, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3..........................................at Minnesota West, 3 p.m.

Feb. 7......................................at Anoka-Ramsey, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10........................................vs. St. Cloud Tech., 3 p.m. Feb. 14..................................................vs. RCTC, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17................................................at Ridgewater, 3 p.m. Feb. 21...................................at Minnesota State, 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24.............................................at Western Tech, 3 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

RIVERLAND WOMEN

Nov. 10...........................Dordt College JV 95, Riverland 56

Nov. 11..........................Northwestern JV 101, Riverland 43 Nov. 20........................Luther College JV 101, Riverland 43 Nov. 21.........................................NIACC 127, Riverland 36

Nov. 27.......................at St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s University JV, 5:30 p.m. Dec. 1.............................................vs. Northland, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 2........................................................vs. Itasca, 1 p.m. Dec. 8..................................................at Hibbing, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 9..................................................at Rainy River, 1 p.m. Jan. 4........................................at Luther College JV, 4 p.m.

Jan. 8..............................................vs. Gustavus, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 10..................................vs. Minnesota West, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13........................................vs. Anoka-Ramsey, 1 p.m. Jan. 17......................................at St. Cloud Tech, 5:30 p.m.

Jan. 20.........................................................at RCTC, 1 p.m. Jan. 24..........................................vs. Ridgewater, 5:30 p.m. Jan. 27......................................vs. Minnesota State, 1 p.m.

Jan. 31.....................................vs. Western Tech., 5:30 p.m. Feb. 3..........................................at Minnesota West, 1 p.m.

Feb. 7.......................................at Anoka-Ramsey, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 10.........................................vs. St. Cloud Tech, 1 p.m. Feb. 14..................................................vs. RCTC, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 17................................................at Ridgewater, 1 p.m. Feb. 21...................................at Minnesota State, 5:30 p.m. Feb. 24...........................................at Western Tech. 1 p.m.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

5 Stories to watch

In the hunt for a title

The Austin boys basketball team has some new faces, but the goal remains the same. The Packers, who competed in three of the last six Minnesota Class AAA state title games, are looking to lock down a state championship. Austin will rely on the senior leadership of Douth Gach and Tate Hebrink. The team has plenty of other up and coming athletes who can chip in.

State Tournament Headquarters Boys Basketball March 21-24

Target Center, University of Minnesota (Williams Arena), Concordia University.

Girls Basketball March 13-17

Target Center, University of Minnesota (Williams Arena and Mariucci Arena), Concordia University.

Chasing the top of the pile

Lyle-Pacelli has had its season end in a loss to the eventual Minnesota Class A state champion in each of the last three years and the Athletics are hoping it will finally be their turn to stand in the winnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s circle. LP has plenty of experience in six-year starter Brooke Walter and three-year starter and Minnesota State commit Kristi Fett. The team is hoping to make a surge in Section 1A, which will be one of the most competitive sections in Class A girls basketball this season.

Boys Hockey March 7-10

Xcel Energy Center, University of Minnesota (Mariucci Arena)

Girls Hockey Feb. 21-24

Xcel Energy Center, University of Minnesota (Ridder Arena)

Switching levels

The Hayfield boys and girls basketball teams have moved down to Class A this winter, which will completely change the dynamics of Section 1A. The Hayfield girls team has a strong core of seniors, who have made runs in Section 1AA over the past two years, and the Hayfield boys team has some up and coming players that may be on the verge of taking the next step.

Dancing with consistency

The Austin Packer dance team remains unphased as it looks to keep its streak of state berths alive. The Packers have competed in the last 15 Minnesota Class A State Dance Meets and they have 15 seniors that are hoping to vault the squad to new levels this season.

Year two for the Razorbacks

After sending multiple wrestlers to the Minnesota Class A State Wrestling Meet in their first year, the Razorbacks, who are a co-op of Hayfield and Blooming Prairie, are looking to send more wrestlers to state this season. The Razorbacks are also looking to make big strides as a team within section competition this year as well.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW

Wrestling March 1-3

Xcel Energy Center

For more, head to the Minnesota State High School Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website at www.mshsl.org

Dance Feb. 16-17

Target Center

Gymnastics Feb. 23-24

University of Minnesota (Sports Pavilion)

Swimming and Diving March 1-3

University of Minnesota (Jean K. Freeman Aquatics Center)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

University of Minnesota Basketball Schedules Men Nov. 2...............Gophers 106, Concordia-St. Paul 58 Nov. 5............................Gophers 115, Green Bay 86 Nov. 10.........................Gophers 92, USC Upstate 77 Gavitt Tipoff Nov. 13....................Gophers 86, Providence, R.I. 74 Nov. 15..................Gophers 92, Western Carolina 64 Nov. 21.....................Gophers 100, Alabama A&M 57 Barclays Center Classic Nov. 24.....................Gophers 69, Massachusetts 51 Nov. 25...............................Gophers 89, Alabama 84 Big Ten/ACC Challenge Nov. 29......................................vs. Miami, 8:15 p.m.

Dec. 3..........................................vs. Rutgers, 5 p.m. Dec. 5.........................................at Nebraska, 8 p.m. Dec. 9....................................at Arkansas, 5:45 p.m. Dec. 11..........................vs. Drake University, 7 p.m. Dec. 21................................vs. Oral Roberts, 7 p.m. Dec. 23.......................vs. Florida Atlantic, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 30.......................................vs. Harvard, 1 p.m. Jan. 3............................................vs. Illinois, 8 p.m. Jan. 6......................................vs. Indiana, 4:15 p.m. Jan. 10................................at Northwestern, 8 p.m. Jan. 13........................................vs. Purdue, 11 a.m. Jan. 15.....................................at Penn State, 6 p.m. Jan. 18..................................at Maryland, 7:30 p.m.

All games played at Williams Arena

BTN Super Saturday at Madison Square Garden Jan. 20..................................vs. Ohio State, 11 a.m. Jan. 23..............................vs. Northwestern, 8 p.m. Jan. 30..............................................at Iowa, 8 p.m. Feb. 3....................................at Michigan, 1:30 p.m. Feb. 6........................................vs. Nebraska, 8 p.m. Feb. 9.......................................at Indiana, 6:30 p.m. Feb. 13............................vs. Michigan State, 8 p.m. Feb. 19......................................at Wisconsin, 8 p.m. Feb. 21.............................................vs. Iowa, 8 p.m. Feb. 25...........................................at Purdue, 3 p.m. Big Ten Tournament Feb. 28 - March 4, New York, N.Y.

www.gophersports.com/ Your one stop to stay on top of all the University of Minnesota athletic action.

Women Nov. 11...............................Gophers 107, Lehigh 73 Nov. 13........................Gophers 82, Rhode Island 60 Nov. 16....................................Gophers 108, VCU 63 Nov. 19.....................Gophers 78, Boston College 68 Nov. 22...................................Gophers 74, Xavier 62 Lady Rebel Round-up Nov. 25.........................Gophers 93, Wake Forest 81 Nov. 26.....................................Gophers 79, UNLV 72 Nov. 29.........................at North Carolina, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 3..........................vs. Eastern Michigan, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2017

Dec. 7....................................at Georgetown, 6 p.m. Dec. 10................................at San Diego, 2:30 p.m. Dec. 13..........................................vs. Cal Poly, noon Dec. 22................................vs. UC Riverside, 1 p.m. Dec. 28................................at Northwestern, 7 p.m. Dec. 31.....................................vs. Nebraska, 2 p.m. Jan. 4.......................................at Ohio State, 6 p.m. Jan. 7..............................vs. Michigan State, 3 p.m. Jan. 10.....................................at Penn State, 6 p.m. Jan. 13.........................................at Rutgers, 1 p.m. Jan. 18....................................vs. Wisconsin, 7 p.m. Jan. 21............................................vs. Iowa, 3 p.m.

Jan. 31.....................................at Wisconsin, 7 p.m. Feb. 4................................................at Iowa, 2 p.m. Feb. 8.............................................at Purdue, 6 p.m. Feb. 11...................................vs. Penn State, 3 p.m. Feb. 14......................................vs. Michigan, 7 p.m. Feb. 18.......................................vs. Maryland, Noon Feb. 20........................................vs. Indiana, 7 p.m. Feb. 25..........................................at Illinois, 2 p.m. Big Ten Tournament Feb. 28 - March 4, Indianapolis, Ind.

AUSTIN DAILY HERALD - WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW