Winter Sports Previews - 2022-23

BOYS BASKETBALL

4 starters return for Patriots’ state tourney team

By Pete Mohs Echo Journal

PEQUOT LAKES — The Pequot Lakes Patriots boys basketball team returns four starters from a squad that advanced to the Class 2-A state tournament and finished 25-8 overall last season.

“I’m looking forward to growing as a team as the season moves along,” said Pequot Lakes coach Rich Spiczka, who is starting his 17th season as a head basketball coach.

Last season, the Patriots

advanced to the state tournament when they upset topranked Esko 58-50 in the Section 7-2A title game. Pequot Lakes then lost to Annandale 55-40 before downing Perham 58-38 in the consolation semifinals. The Patriots then finished sixth after losing to Minnehaha Academy 79-56 in the consolation final.

Sam Rysavy and Eli Laposky were Brainerd Dispatch firstteam all-area picks for Pequot Lakes. Laposky returns as a letterwinner along with Brayden Spiczka, Grant Loge and

Gavin Kennen.

Others who could contribute for the Patriots are Conner Quale, Harrison Kennen, Clay Erickson, Bryer Nordby, River Sommerness, Leo Bolz-Andolshek, Maverick Ackerman and Riggs Magnuson.

Gregg Martig and Luke Friedrich are assistant coaches for Pequot Lakes, which finished 9-1 against Mid-State Conference opponents.

The Patriots are scheduled to open the season at Pillager Tuesday, Dec. 6.

BOYS BASKETBALL

By Pete Mohs Echo Journal

PINE RIVER

— The Pine River-Backus boys basketball team is looking to improve this season with five returning starters from a squad that finished 13-14 overall last winter.

“This year’s team is poised to have a strong showing, relying on a strong senior leadership with a few underclassmen joining the mix as well,” said Jordan Ackerman, who will be starting his third season as head coach when PR-B opens against visiting Menahga Friday, Dec. 2. “They have put in a quality offseason as a team, and many players have taken big steps forward skill wise. I believe we have the pieces to be competitive with every

team we play, and we are working to be playing our best basketball towards playoff time in March.”

Returning starters include Jared Hamilton, Irvin Tulenchik, Rian Struss, Carson Tra-

vis and Andrew Bueckers.

Others

p.m. 23 - Staples-Motley at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 24 - Moose Lake-Willow River at Pequot Lakes 5:45 p.m. 28 - Pequot Lakes at Aitkin 7:15 p.m. March 3 - Park Rapids at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m.

Dan Determan / Echo Journal

The 2022-23 Pequot Lakes Boys Basketball Team. Front row, from left: Alex Kriesel, Landen Walsten, Bryar Nordby, Brayden Spiczka, Clay Erickson, Riggs Magnuson and Conner Quale. Back row: Dalton Anderson, River Sommerness, Leo Bolz-Andolshek, Eli Laposky, Gavin Kennen, Grant Loge, Conner Wolkenhour and Maveric Ackerman.

Hamilton and Struss were Brainerd Dispatch second team all-area picks for the Tigers.

who could contribute are Barron Milham, Burke Netland, Deven Wheeler, Tate

Norman, Ethan Burns and Ethan Rugroden.

Last season, the thirdseeded Tigers were upset by No. 6 Swanville 75-61

in the Section 5A quarterfinals. Graduate Brady Bristow had 15 points for PR-B, which finished 13-14 overall.

Mike Dinnel is an assistant coach for the Tigers, who finished 8-5 in the Northland Conference last season.

Ashley Smith / Echo Journal Correspondent

The 2022-23 PR-B Boys Basketball Team. Front row, from left: Jared Hamilton, Burke Netland, Irvin Tulenchik and Ethan Rugroden. Back row: Rian Struss, Barron Milham, Carson Travis, Andrew Bueckers, Deven Wheeler, Ethan Burns and Kayden Witt.

PR-B girls have ‘tight-knit’ squad

By Pete Mohs Echo Journal

PINE RIVER — The Pine River-Backus girls’ basketball coach Tucker Sheley said his team’s “family” atmosphere will help the Tigers improve after finishing 14-12 last season.

“We have a tight-knit group of girls with excellent veteran leadership this year,” said Sheley, whose squad was scheduled to open the season hosting Wadena-Deer Creek Tuesday, Nov. 29. “We plan to practice and play together as a basketball family. Our team goals include contending for a conference and section championship.”

Returning letterwinners are seniors Ramsey Tulenchik, Cate Travis and Hannah Barchus and junior Alaura Dahl. Tulenchik was a first-team selection to the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area team.

Others who could contribute: junior Brianna Hanneken, sophomore Aaliyah Lewis, and freshmen Sawyer Tulenchik, Mimi Bueckers, Ella Dahl, Ariana Burns and Caylei Johnson. Last season, the fourthseeded Tigers fell to top-seed-

p.m.

10 - Pillager at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 12 - Red Lake at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 13 - Clearbrook-Gonvick at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 14 - Cherry at Pine River-Backus 1:30 p.m. 17 - Laporte at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 19 - Menahga at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m. 24 - Pine River-Backus at Nevis 7:30 p.m.

30 - Pine River-Backus at Mountain Iron-Buhl 7:15 p.m.

February

2 - Walker-Hackensack-Akeley at Pine RiverBackus 7:30 p.m.

4 - Pine River-Backus at Upsala 1:30 p.m.

7 - Pine River-Backus at Northome-Kelliher 7:30 p.m.

9 - Cass Lake-Bena at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m.

17 - Park Rapids at Pine River-Backus 7:30 p.m.

21 - Pine River-Backus at Laporte 7:30 p.m.

ed Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa 58-41 in the Section 5A semifinals.

Lisa Toft is an assistant coach for the Tigers, who finished 7-6 in the Northwoods Conference last season.

Patriots eye return to state with veteran roster

By Pete Mohs Echo Journal

PEQUOT LAKES — The Pequot Lakes Patriots girls basketball team has a good chance to return to the Class 2-A state tournament this season with 10 letterwinners returning.

“We will be formidable if we can stay healthy, take care of the basketball, and rebound consistently on both ends of the floor,” said Pequot Lakes coach Brian Lempola, whose team is scheduled to open Thursday, Dec. 1 at home against Pillager.

Last season, the topseeded Patriots earned their first trip to the state tournament in six years after topping No. 3 Pierz 70-54 in the Section 7-2A championship game. They advanced to state with a 24-game winning streak and fell to Fergus Falls 71-55 in the quarterfinals. The Patriots then rallied to defeat Lake CrystalWellcome Memorial 66-43 in the consolation semifinals and topped Montevideo in the consolation title game 60-44 to finish fifth as Maci Martini had 18 points and Isabel Larson added 16 as the Patriots finished 31-2 overall.

The Patriots are led by senior guard Maci Martini, an all-state and Mid-State Conference Player of the Year (19.5 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game), all-conference junior guard Isabel Larson (12.8 PPG, 4.0

Pequot Lakes at Mesabi East 7:15 p.m.

Pequot Lakes at Duluth Marshall, TBD

Pequot Lakes at Detroit Lakes 7:15 p.m.

Pequot Lakes at Moose Lake/Willow River 7:15 p.m.

RPG, 4.5 APG), all-conference junior guard Kelsi Martini (10.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.5 SPG), all-conference junior forward Lauren Schultz (7.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG) all-conference junior forward Ella Kratochvil (6.0 PPG, 4.3 RPG), allconference senior guard Kaitlyn Geschwill (2.0 PPG, 2.1 RPG) and sophomore guard Reese Laposky (2.9 PPG, 2 RPG).

Maci Martini, Kelsi Martini and Schultz were first-team selections and Kratochvil was a second-team pick to the Brainerd Dispatch AllArea squad.

Also competing for playing time this season will be juniors Aubrey Larsen and Emma Flaws, sophomores Morgan Dotty and Genevieve Birkeland, and freshmen Alexa Pietig and June Ruud.

“I feel like we have some skilled and talented front line players that not only challenge opposing teams offensively and defensively,

19 - Crosby-Ironton at Pequot Lakes 5:45 p.m. 20 - Virginia at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 24 - Pequot Lakes at Staples-Motley 7:15 p.m. 27 - Pequot Lakes at Aitkin 7:15 p.m. 31 - Cold Spring Rocori at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. February 2 - Pequot Lakes at Park Rapids 7:15 p.m. 3 - Perham at Pequot Lakes 5:45 p.m. 7 - Detroit Lakes at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 9 - Esko at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 10 - Pequot Lakes at Crosby-Ironton 7:15 p.m. 14 - Pequot Lakes at St. Cloud Cathedral 7:15 p.m. 16 - Staples-Motley at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 21 - Aitkin at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m. 24 - Park Rapids at Pequot Lakes 7:15 p.m.

and we can also count on our great depth to wear teams down,” Lempola said.

“We want to be a solid defensive team, control tempo, and execute in the half court. The girls had an outstanding offseason and really committed themselves to getting stronger in the weight room. They are determined and have once again set high goals and expectations for this season.”

The Patriots finished 10-0 in the Mid-State Conference last year. Besides the Patriots, other conference favorites this winter according to Lempola are Detroit Lakes, Crosby-Ironton and Park Rapids. The Patriots will be one of the section favorites, along with Duluth Marshall, Esko, Mesabi East, Proctor and Rock Ridge.

This will be the third season for Lempola as head coach. He will be assisted by Bret Sergent, Scott Ebnet and Mackenzie Nelson.

Ashley Smith / Echo Journal Correspondent

The 2022-23 PR-B Girls Basketball Team. Front row, from left: Hannah Barchus, Ramsey Tulenchik and Cate Travis (12th grade). Middle row: Aaliyah Lewis, Alaura Dahl, Ella Dahl, Caylei Johnson and Manager Raena Hanneken. Back row: Head Coach Tucker Sheley, Sawyer Tulenchik, Brianna Hanneken, Mimi Bueckers, Ariana Burns, Paige Holm and Assistant Coach Lisa Toft.

The 2022-23 Pequot Lakes Girls Basketball Team. Front row, from left: Kaitlyn Geschwill, Kelsi Martini, Isabel Larson, June Ruud and Alexa Pietig. Back row: Lauren Schultz, Ella Kratochvil, Maci Martini, Emma Flaws, Reese Laposky, Morgan Dotty and Genevieve Birkeland.

Dan Determan / Echo Journal

By Pete Mohs Echo Journal BREEZY POINT —

The Northern Lakes

Lightning boys hockey team has a new head coach this season in Erik Vetsch, who had previously served as the head coach for Hopkins as well as being an assistant for Edina and Bloomington-Kennedy.

“We have a lot of returning talent, mixed with some kids who had success at the Bantam level last year,” said Vetsch, whose Hopkins squad compiled a 13-30 record the past two seasons. “I’m looking forward to seeing what this group can do. Leadership this year is off the charts, and I can’t wait to see these guys improve every day, and challenge for a trip (to state).”

Returning letter-

winners for the Lightning are Darby Boelter, Christian Crutcher, Zach Engstrom, Nigel DeSanto, Ethan Kunz, Logan Verville, Kolbe Severson and Cy Thull.

Last year, Verville had 20 goals and 26 points, Crutcher had 2 goals and 26 points, Engstrom had 9 goals and 22 points, and Boelter had 10 goals and 20 points.

Last season, thirdseeded Northern Lakes lost to No. 2 Fergus Falls 10-5 in the Section 6A semifinals to finish 15-12 overall. The Lightning advanced to the Class A state tournament in the 2020-21 season.

Nate Anderson, Kasey Couture and Brett Reed are assistant coaches for Northern Lakes, which was scheduled to open against Fergus Falls Tuesday, Nov. 29.

Lightning girls have new coach, goalie

By Dan Determan Echo Journal

BREEZY POINT — The Northern Lakes Lightning girls hockey team will have a new coach on the bench and a new goalie in net, but bring back enough experience to hopefully make a deep postseason run.

New Pequot Lakes science teacher Bryan Boreen takes over as coach of the Lightning, replacing Chuck Deutsch. Boreen has 17 years of experience coaching boys and girls hockey at various levels, and is more than ready for another winter in the rink.

“It’s a fast-paced, fun sport, and there’s nothing else to do in the winter so you might as well be on a team and play hockey,” said Boreen, whose team opened the season Nov. 10 with a 5-2 loss to North-

ern Tier. “There is also a camaraderie and teamtogetherness that hockey brings — I think more than other sports.”

Boreen described himself as a player coach — making sure student athletes are built up and can take pride in their successes on the ice.

“I guess I would call myself a player coach,” he said. “I like to make things fun, bring enthusiasm, excitement. I try to embrace the failures and mistakes, and provide an opportunity for learning — every moment is a teachable moment — and I like to make the game fun and exciting and help the kids build their skill and feel good about what they’re doing.”

Boreen expects senior forward Rose Aldridge — the team’s leading scorer in 2021-22 — to

GIRLS HOCKEY

have perhaps the largest impact on the team, but believes the team has plenty of experience along with lots of hungry young athletes to help his team succeed this year.

“We have six returning seniors and three juniors, which kind of makes up our core group of veteran players, but there are

probably eight or nine sophomores that are really starting to stand out,” Boreen said. “I think they are going to really be the players to watch over the next few years.”

Challenges may arise in net for the Lightning, as longtime starter Kate Stephens moved to Warroad in the offseason.

Last season, the thirdseeded Lightning were eliminated from the postseason following a 2-1 overtime loss to No. 2 River Lakes in the Section 6A semifinals. Rose Aldrige scored in the final seconds of regulation to force overtime for the Lightning, who finished 15-11-1 overall.

Northern Lakes at Hibbing

p.m.

- Northern Lakes at Willmar

p.m.

Pine City at Northern Lakes at Breezy Point Arena 7 p.m.

Morris-Benson at Northern

at Breezy Point Arena 6 p.m.

Northern Lakes vs. North Shore Storm at Silver Bay

Fergus Falls vs. Northern Lakes at Hallett Center 7 p.m.

- Breckenridge vs. Northern Lakes at Hallett Center 7 p.m.

Northern Lakes at Hutchinson 6 p.m.

Litch-

Northern Lakes at Prairie Centre 7 p.m.

- Crookston vs. Northern Lakes at Hallett Center 2 p.m.

- Cloquet at Northern Lakes at Breezy Point Arena 7 p.m.

- Willmar vs. Northern Lakes at Hallett Center 4 p.m.

- Detroit Lakes at Northern Lakes at Breezy Point Arena 7 p.m.

Northern Lakes at Breckenridge 6 p.m.

- Northern Lakes at Princeton 7 p.m. February

- Duluth Marshall at Northern Lakes at Breezy Point Arena 7 p.m.

- Northern Lakes at International Falls 7:30 p.m.

Kelli Engstrom / Kelli Engstrom Photography

The 2022-23 Northern Lakes Boys Hockey Team. Front row, from left: Colby Anderson, Cy Thull, Ethan Shetka, Nick Brunkhorst, Capt. Christian Crutcher, Capt. Darby Boelter, Captain. Zack Ehnstrom, Noah Miles, Malaki McLaughlin, Ethan Kunz and Nigel DeSanto Middle row: Head Coach Erik Vetsch, Nate Anderson, Jack Carr, Easton Anderson, Logan Verville, Preston Verness, Wyatt Balmer, Finn Fogarty, Ethan Thomas, Josiah Deemer, Brayden Sewall, Isaac Peterson, Kolbe Severson, Austin DeGrote, Bryce Vry Asst Coaches Kasey Couture and Fogarty, Aiden Bendson, Samuel Coughlin and Randy Pappenfuss.

Kelli Engstrom / Kelli Engstrom Photography

The Northern Lakes Lightning girls hockey team: Front row, from left: Rebekah Deemer, Geselle McLaughlin, Maya Christensen, Regan Olson, Kodi Crawford, Rose Aldridge, Emily Traut, Isabelle Lee, Brooklyn Diedrich and Sarah Maroney. Back row: Nick Stueven, Bryan Boreen, Sydney Tietz, Jenna Stoerzinger, Corah Meschke, Kambria Thompson, Myah Reuper, Jerrett Tietz, Natalie Stueven, Jasmyn German, Ava Merta, Kiana Landt, Madison Wendt, Kristen Harsha and Jay Hopia.

Revolution tout experienced crew

By Dan Determan Echo Journal

PEQUOT LAKES — The Pequot Lakes/ Pine River-Backus Revolution Dance Team took to the floor for the 2022-23 season with plenty of varsity experience.

“We have 18 dancers returning this season (of the 20 on the roster),” head coach Kate Schmaltz said. “Our senior class is incredibly strongly represented by Payton Mudgett, Kelbee Lampi, Lily Gilbertson, Sophia Resch, Gigi Thompson, Zaida Morsch and Gabby Ziesemer.”

The team saw significant improvements last season. The jazz team’s scores improved by nearly 130 points, while the kick team saw improvements of roughly 40 points.

Aside from the seniors, other returning letterwinners include Natalie Blank, Charlee Child, Mady Nivarel, Gia Ostrowski, Addy Rau and Ahnika Weik.

“We anticipate a very competitive season with so many veterans on the teams,” Schmaltz said. “We also welcomed five rookies bringing our 2022-2023 roster to 23, the highest it has been in five years. We are excited to see where this season takes us as we continue to push for competitive growth on the team.”

Five Pequot athletes compete for Warriors

BRAINERD — Pequot Lakes students competing on this season’s Brainerd Warrior gymnastics team include: Josie Hargruth, Anaka Schroeder, Tatum Christophersen, Brook Hennies and Payton Nations.

Last season as a junior, Harguth advanced to state with a score of 9.4 on the balance beam at the Section 8-2A meet. Her finish helped Brainerd place third in section team competition behind Bemidji and St. Cloud Tech.

Harguth then finished

36th overall with a score of 8.5 on the balance beam at the Class 2A state individual meet in St. Paul.

At the Central Lakes Conference meet, Harguth and Schroeder helped the Warriors finish second overall as Harguth tied for seventh

on the balance beam and was ninth on the uneven parallel bars. Schroeder was ninth on floor exercise and all-around, 16th on the vault and 30th on beam.

The Warriors are scheduled to open the season at Bemidji Tuesday, Dec. 13.

Four Pequot skiers take to the slopes

BRAINERD — Pequot Lakes students who are members of this season’s Brainerd Warrior alpine ski team include: Calia Chaney, Lauren Kalenberg, Teagan Hartwig and Svea Streeter.

Last season as sophomores, Kalenberg and Chaney both earned allstate honors with top 25 finishes at the state meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik. Chaney placed 23rd while Kalenberg was 24th for the Warriors. The two advanced to state following Section 5 competition in Taylors Falls. Kalenberg qualified for her third state meet by placing 11th overall

while Chaney advanced for a second time with a 14th place finish.

The 2022-23 alpine skiing schedule was not available at press time.

Bill Johnson / Picture Day Pro! Brainerd’s Calia Chaney skis down the hill Feb. 16 during the state Alpine ski meet at Giants Ridge in Biwabik.

Dan Determan / Echo Journal

The 2022-23 Revolution Dance Team. Front row, from left: Kick Captain Lily Gilbertson, Team Captain Payton Mudgett, Jazz Captain Kelbee Lampi and Strength/Conditioning Captain Sophia Resch. Back row: Addy Rau, Gia Ostrowski, Ahnika Weik, Natalie Blank and Gigi Thompson.

By Pete Mohs Echo Journal

PINE RIVER — The Pequot Lakes/Pine RiverBackus Road Crew wrestling team enjoyed one of the best seasons in program history last winter when they finished 28-2 overall. And now the Road Crew start over with three state qualifiers and a total of 18 letterwinners, on their roster.

“We had an outstanding season last year, maybe our best of alltime if you look at team stats and individual accolades,” said Road Crew coach Travis Hoffarth, whose team is scheduled to open the season by hosting Deer River and W alker-HackensackAkeley at PR-B Thursday, Dec. 1. “And yet we fell just a bit short of our ultimate goal of a team section title and state tournament appearance. So our mind set from day

one of this season will be ‘we haven’t accomplished anything if we are still talking about last season.’ “

Hoffarth believes his squad does have a “chip on its shoulder” this season.

“We will have to count on a lot of kids to produce on a consistent basis at the varsity level, but I look forward to their continued growth,” he said. “At the same time we have a really strong core of experienced varsity wrestlers who will put points up on the board.”

Last season, a total of

seven Road Crew wrestlers qualified for Class 2-A state individual competition - including champions Caleb Ruhl, Owen Carlson, Connor Tulenchik, Corbin Knapp,

The 2022-23 Road Crew Wrestling Team. Front row, from left: Jay Rahm, Gage Parkins, Brett Miller, Landon Ashman, Tucker Johnson, Bryce Mick, Jake Olsen, Bryce Bean and Wyatt Borders. Middle row: Sean Kilpatrick, Kamrin Hulke, Easton Miller, Kal Larson, Brady Ruhl, Hudson Good, Trevor Holmberg, Parker Zutter, Hayden Decent, David Rivers, Adrian Schrupp, Lake Mongan, Logan Tymenski, Shaunn Reyes and Joseph Lendway. Back row: Andrew Volk, Earl Stockman, Grant Thompson, Owen Dabill, Paxton Goddard, Colton Christopherson, Riley Peters, James Cummings, Corbin Knapp, Trey Tuchtenhagen, Chance Abraham, Caleb Sweson and Tayten Mick, Eli Abraham and Dennis Rahm. Not Pictured: Jackson Olsen, Payton Scott, Bella Johnsen, Vance Wannebo, Dawson Dabill, and Jack Weske.

Dan Determan / Echo Journal

season include: Knapp, Zutter, Miller, Trevor Holmberg, Lake Mongan, Owen Dabill, Earl Stockman, Eli Abraham, Tayten Mick, Sean Kilpatrick, Caleb Swenson, Chance Abraham, James Cummings, Riley Peters, Brady Ruhl, Payton Scott, Trey Tuchtenhagen and Matthew Foster.

Last year, the Road Crew were 5-0 in MidState Conference matches. The Road Crew then lost to Thief River Falls 36-33 in the Section 8-2A

championship match.

“Thief River Falls is the returning section champion, and will be considered that until proven otherwise,” Hoffarth said. “At the same time, I believe our section is wide open with a lot of quality teams looking to win a title like DilworthGlyndon-Felton, Detroit Lakes, Thief River Falls, Perham and PL/PRB.”

Tom Demars, Justin Franke, Alex Diaz and Nick Gravdahl are assistant coaches.

Parker Zutter and Austin Staricha and runner-up Easton Miller. Tulenchik, a 2022 graduate, earned his first state title at 170 pounds.

Letterwinners this