Winter sports 13 14

2013-14

Winter Sports

Preview

Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 Vol. 146  No. 48  Section E

E2 ✦ Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013

Forest city summit/Britt news-tribune

West Hancock Eagles Boys Basketball

Eagle boys will concentrate on ‘D’ Chris Todd

Winter Sports 2013-14‌

The West Hancock boys basketball team took its lumps last year in which the five starters were often two freshmen, two sophomores and a junior.

But according to coach Brian Peterson, gains were made during last year’s 10-14 campaign.

“Our younger guys were able to get a year’s experience under their belts, and Peterson that’s invaluable,” Peterson said.

“We will still be a young team, but most of our starting rotation of nine or 10 players will have some experience.”

Lost to graduation were five seniors, Collin Becker, Tristen Eden, Josiah Eckels, Jon Burgardt and Cory Formanek. Of that group, Eckels and Burgardt saw the most playing time, though both rarely started.

Eckels was the Eagles thirdleading scorer, averaging 7.8 points per game. Burgardt, a strong forward, averaged 5.4 points per game and was third in rebounding with three on

Chris Todd photos, Winter Sports

Members of the West Hancock boys basketball team and staff are front row, from left to right, managers Chloe Nielsen, Natasha Peterson, Mallory Becker, Jessica Ohrt and Macey Harms. Second row, Levi Eden, Garrett Fosdick, Seth Weiland, Glen Smith, Dylan Eckels, Nick Hunt, Ben Eisenman, James Vander Ploeg and Chandler Schuver. Third row, Nate Paulus, Nelson Barranca, Vicente Gonzalez, Michael Eekhoff , Alex Hartwig, Trey Hobscheidt, Ricky Ibarra, Logan Weiland and Connor Sonius. Back row, Cole Weiland, Robert Goerish, Jacob Hejlik, Joey DeHart coach Kevin Eisenman, head coach Brian Peterson, coach Jim Becker, Jay Hiscocks, Jordan Savoy, Trevor Nalan and Colton Ruter. the season.

Peterson is setting his sights on winning more conference games this year than the two NIC games the Eagles won last season.

“The good thing is that our guys really worked hard in the

offseason,” Peterson said. “Many have been in the weight room a lot the past season. And they’ve been working hard there.”

Peterson added that his Eagles return 93 percent of their scoring from last year and 90 percent of its rebounding.

The two leading scorers from last year, sophomores Connor Sonius and Nate Paulus, both return.

Last year, Paulus, a two guard, averaged 14 points per game while Sonius averaged 11.3 points per game.

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Sonius quickly developed into one of the better point guards in the North Iowa Conference while Paulus was one of its better young shooters.

“We’re looking for good things from both of them this season,” Peterson said. He said he’d like both to grow into leadership roles this season, particularly Sonius.

“Both those guys worked hard in the offseason,” Peterson said. “Connor put a lot of time

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Forest city Indians Boys Basketball

Indian boys among favorites in tough NIC Chris Todd

Grant Lehmann goes up strong with the ball during a recent practice session.

Winter Sports 2013-14‌

FOREST CITY - Forest City High School boys basketball coach Dan Rosacker said this year’s North Iowa Conference is about as tough as it’s ever been.

That doesn’t mean that he doesn’t think his team has a shot at the conference title.

“We hope to be in the mix in the end and I think once this particular group gets a little more used to playing with each other, we will,” he said.

“But from top to bottom, it’s very tough, with possibly Garner-Hayfield, Osage and BelmondKlemme the favorites.

And every night it’s going to be a tough game,” he said. “There won’t be many blowouts.”

The Indians return three starters off of last year’s 16-7 team that beat Garner-Hayfield-Ventura in the playoffs before being edged by West Fork.

They return last year’s leading scorer, Erich Erdman. Already an established standout in the conference last year, Erdman upped his level of play in the playoffs and nearly took the Indians on his back to the state tournament.

“Erich is a special kind of player, and he can really do it all,” Rosacker

Chris Todd photos, Winter Sports

Members of the Forest City boys basketball team are front row, left to right, Tyler Anderson, Mitch Lambert, Jordan True, Dan Happel and Brandon Sichanthongthip. Middle row, Mitch Krein, Logan West, Erich Erdman, Ethan Erdman, Carter Henken and Tanner Thompson.

Back row, Logan Hall, Luke Tweeten, Grant Lehmann, Isaiah Loeschen, Jake Parks and helping offset some of the Brandon Ferch. Missing from photo: Micah Bang. said. “He shoots the ball extremely well and can slash to the hoop, even slip in and score underneath.

And he’s very quick and a great defensive player.”

Erdman averaged 18.6 points per game and made 38 percent or 38 of his three-point attempts last season. He dished out 66 assists and led the Indians in steals with 58.

The Indians also return Erich’s brother Ethan, who averaged 5.3 points per game last year and hit 33 three pointers.

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Erdman made himself an even better player over the off season.

“He started coming into his own last year and you could see him feel more comfortable on the court,” Rosacker said. “I

think some fans will be surprised what they see in Ethan this season. He’s a better player now than he was with us last year.”

The Indians will miss departed senior Matt Snyder underneath, but

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Indians’ lack of size and presence underneath is 6-3 forward Jordan True.

Last year as the Indians’ five player, Snyder was second to Erich Erdman in scoring, averaging 11.5 points per game. He led the Indians in rebounding,

averaging 8.5 per game.

True, meanwhile, was second on the Indians in rebounding, averaging 4.6 boards per game.

True averaged five points per game.

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West Hancock Eagles Girls basketball

Eagle girls ready to start rebuilding Chris Todd

Winter Sports 2013-14‌

Last year marked the end of an era in West Hancock girls basketball when a second consecutive dynamic senior class graduated with two state tournaments and three conference championships behind it.

Together, the senior Sonius class led

by Sarah Mallen and the senior class led by Anna Mallen won 47 straight conference games and made it to the state semifinals in 2011.

The teams the past few years have been marked by a dynamic full-court press and playing at a pace that few could match. The Eagle teams of the past four years had it all, from outstanding point guards like Sarah Mallen, to quality big players like Kellie Schmit, Ahna Bruns and Brooke Heusinkveld.

All those players have departed and coach Paul Sonius says he’s ready to start building for another run at some hardware.

But that probably won’t happen this year, when Sonius doesn’t return a starter and will start a team that is young.

Chris Todd, Winter Sports

Members of the West Hancock girls basketball team are front row, left to right, Maria Gonzalez, Faith Hammer, Kaitlyn Brazzel, Emily Leerar, Bailey Eisenman, Whitney Burgardt, Arely Romero. Back row, Cassie Engstler, Anna Chizek, Emma Chizek, Monica Loeschen, Kealey Johnson, Kaylee Hudspeth and Mariah Richter.

Sonius said his young team has fared well in preseason scrimmages. It lost just 41-32 in a two-quarter Jamboree last Tuesday against Algona BishopGarrigan.

“I’ve heard some people say that this group is going to have a tough time scoring,” Sonius said. “But we were able to put up 32 in just two quarters at the Jamboree. That translates into 55 or 60 points for a full game and that’s not too bad.”

“We had a few bad passes and turnovers that we want to clean up, and

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we aren’t the dynamic defensive team of the past couple of seasons,” he said. “But we have what is going to be a pretty goodshooting team.”

Sonius said it will be key for this team to get some wins early. But that

won’t be easy. The Eagles open conference play with the conference favorites, Garner-Hayfield-Ventura and Osage.

“We could take our lumps early, but we need to win a couple of tight games and that would set

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up the rest of our season pretty well,” he said.

The Eagles had Sarah Mallen at the point for four years before her graduation in 2012. Last season, Sonius tried two sophomores at the point guard position – Bailey Eisenman and Whitney Burgardt.

In the end, senior Melissa Loeschen took on the point guard duties last season but she graduated last spring.

This preseason, Sonius gave Eisenman another shot at point guard and this time, she’s starting to learn the position.

“You can see that she’s starting to get the knack of bringing the ball up-court, handling the ball overall and distributing the ball.

She’s looking ahead at the court and also making some good passes.”

Sonius said when Eisenman needs a break at the point, he’ll most likely go with freshman Faith Hammer.

“Faith will fill in well

there, and she’s also got a pretty good three-point shot,” Sonius said.

Burgardt, meanwhile, has moved to the two guard, and Sonius likes her athleticism.

“She’s got a good, quick first step to the basket,” the coach said. “We’ve been working a lot on her outside shot.”

When the Eagles needed instant defense or offense last season, Sonius went to spark plug Maria Gonzalez. She was one of the leaders in steals last year off the bench and has the ability to be a stopper. She’ll get a starting assignment this season.

“We also have Emily Leerar, who has a good shot and for a freshman Kaylee Hudspeth shows some potential,” Sonius said.

Leading a group of four and five players is forward Cara Francis, a sophomore whom Sonius says has a shot to be a good player.

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Forest city summit/Britt news-tribune Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 ✦ E5

Forest city Indians Girls Basketball

Indian girls hope to be factor in NIC Chris Todd

Winter Sports 2013-14‌

FOREST CITY - It’s a good bet that if the Forest City High School girls basketball team doesn’t win the North Iowa Conference title this season it will have a lot to say about who does.

Meanwhile, this will be the first time in three years that West Hancock High School won’t be favored for Meyn the conference title.

“It’s a tough conference this year, and I don’t think you can count out West Hancock yet,” said Indian girls basketball coach Dusty Meyn. “But Garner-Hayfield-Ventura and Osage do return tough teams. We’d like to think we’ll be in the mix there somewhere.”

The Indians return Sarri Happel and Rachel Koch as starters off last year’s team. The team will also be buoyed this season by the addition of junior Amanda Wilson.

She was a starter for Meyn as a freshman two years ago but did not play her sophomore season because of a foot injury.

Chris Todd photos, Winter Sports

Members of the Forest City girls basketball team are front row, left to right, Amanda Gross, Rachel Koch, Autumn Busta, Halle Johnson, Liz Springer, Sarri Happel, Joslin Dillavou, Caitlin Fjeld, Emily Koch. Back row, Amanda Wilson, McKenzie Owen, Maranda Lunning, Rachael Steiff, Hannah Vaughan, Reagan Reece, Maggie Mathiasen and Abby Staudt.

Wilson was a promising scorer and rebounder her freshman year. Meyn said she’s come back at more than full strength.

“She’s gotten a lot stronger with her work in the weight room, and her workouts that were limited because of her mobility,” Meyn said.

In Happel and Koch, the Indians have one of the best point guard combinations in the conference, Meyn said.

Meyn said he’d like to move Happel to the two guard at times but she’s too valuable at the point right now.

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“Sarri has played a lot of basketball and has a lot of experience behind her,” Meyn said. “She’s effective because she’s such a good ball handler and a good shooter and scorer as well.”

Happel led the Indians in scoring last season as she averaged 9.2 points per game. Koch was next in line, averaging 8.6 per game. Koch led the Indians in assists with 42 while Happel added 30.

Last season, forward Autumn Busta started some games for the Indians. It was Busta’s buzzerbeating three-point shot that helped the Indians

beat GHV last season.

Busta was fourth on the team in scoring with a 4.4 points per game average.

“Autumn made some big shots for us last year and has a nice outside shot,” Meyn said. “Rachel is just a great defensive player and she’s just so quick to the basket that she’ll get to the line a lot.”

Sophomore Maggie Mathiasen will step into the post position filled last year by McKenzie Baker and Kelsey McQuown, who graduated, Meyn said.

He says she has a lot of potential as a post player.

Above is action from a workout during the first week of practice.

“She’s got some height but it’s her athletic ability that has a chance to make her the best player on the

court at some point of her career,” Meyn said.

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West Hancock Eagles wrestling

Eagle veterans expected to lead Chris Todd

Winter Sports 2013-14‌

The biggest challenge this year’s young West Hancock wrestling team faces this season, coach Mark Sanger said, is simply to turn what is in some cases losing records into ones with more W’s.

Of the eight Sanger returning letterwinners, all eight have losing records. Leading the way in records were last year’s only returning district qualifiers Klayton Lamoreux and Drew Redenius.

Lamoreux returns this season with a 22-24 record while Redenius posted a 17-22 mark last season.

Lamoreux wrestled at 138 and 145 pounds last season while Redenius grappled at 160 and 171.

“Those guys went out and had themselves good seasons last year,” Sanger said. “Now we’d like to see a few more guys up there with them.”

The story of last year’s wrestling team were the veterans. The Eagles had one of the most solid lineups in the upper weights in North Iowa and qualified five seniors to the Class 1A

A young Eagle wrestling team was in its first week of practice last week.

Chris Todd photos, Winter Sports

Members of the West Hancock wrestling team are front row, left to right, Nick Lemmon, J.J. Holland, Jordan Weiland, Clayton Brown, Ernest Duran. Second row, Raul Blanco, Logan Brown, Mike Myers, Dakota Peterson and Klayton Lamoreux. Back row, John Fransen, Abe Guido, Drew Redenius, Dalton Bates, Logan Jones, Uziel Romero. Not pictured: Sam Smith, Hunter Hiscocks, Brice Kudej and Dillon Bratten.

State meet.

They included Ryder Clark at 170, Gunnar Clark at 182, Nate Aitchison at 195, Kevin Tlach at 220 and Chris Schleuger 285 pounds.

At state, the Eagles put four wrestlers on the podium. Gunnar Clark and Chris Schleuger took fourth places to lead the way while Aitchison was sixth and Tlach seventh.

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It was the second year in a row that Schleuger finished fourth at state.

Gunnar Clark, meanwhile, was a four-year state qualifier and the last person to do that was Pat Kelly in 1984.

“Those guys meant a lot to the program and will be tough to replace,” Sanger said.

Sanger admits that the biggest hurdle he faces

is simply inexperience and youth.

“We have a lot of new and young wrestlers whose challenge will be their lack of experience and mat time,” Sanger said.

For the most part, the returning letterwinners have taken their share of lumps the past couple of years, he said. Among the returning letterwinners, there are three

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sophomores, two juniors and three seniors.

“They all have had a great deal of varsity experience in their careers so far,” Sanger said. “Now is the time they need to step up and be the leaders on the mat.”

He says “the time has come where these guys need to start being aggressive and going out and pressing the issue on the mat.”

Sanger added that he

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also has a good corps of freshmen coming in that will contribute. But it’s up to the returning letterwinners to lead the way.

Besides Lamoreux and Redenius, the returning letterwinners are Logan Brown, who wrestled last year at 113, Hunter Hiscocks, who wrestled at 120, freshman Dakota Peterson, who wrestled at 126 and Dalton Bates, who wrestled at 152.

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Forest city summit/Britt news-tribune Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 ✦ E7

Forest city Indians Wrestling

F.C. Wrestlers return experienced roster Indians, district qualifiers were Andrew Mettry, Pierce Gelhaus, Beau Sorenson and Jake Staudt.

FOREST CITY - With 26 Another high hope from wrestlers out for the team, the Forest City High last year, Tyler Putney, was upset in the champiSchool wrestler numbers onship round at sectionals. continue to be strong.

“In the lower weights, Even more promising is the fact that the Indians Andrew and Pierce are hungry to take that next return a mostly veteran step and qualify for state,” lineup, especially in the Staudt asid. “It’s the same upper weights. thing for Jake and Beau.

“We have some high And that loss at sectionexpectations as a team,” als to a wrestler he had head coach Steve Staudt handled during the regular said. “And the good thing season, really stung Tyler. about it is that although He’s looking to put that wrestling can be an indipast him and make state vidual sport, our guys are embracing the team aspect this season.”

Mettry is trying to drop of it. weight so he can wrestle at “We’d like to go unde106 pounds, Staudt said, feated in our conference matches and then win the but if he can’t make it, conference meet. We’d like he’ll wrestle at 113 pounds.

Another wrestler who to win the section meet, then get as many wrestlers could compete at 106 is Sam Swanson. Blake to qualify to state as we Jacobs could also compete can,” Staudt said.

The Indians would also at 113 or 120. Gelhaus could wrestle at 135 or 126 like to qualify for state at while Maverick Freerksen the regional team meet.

Staudt said his Indians could also wrestle at 126.

“It depends on who’s will be in good shape to compete in both duals and made weight before a certain meet but one thing invitational meets.

I do like about it is that “We should have we have some versatility,” enough kids to compete in the dual meets without Staudt said.

Staudt added that at forfeiting any weights,” he said. “And we’ll be able 132 and 138 pounds North Iowa senior Tristan Boehm to put a strong team out there for regular Saturday will be back to wrestle.

Other candidates include tournaments.”

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Winter Sports 2013-14‌

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Chris Todd photos, Winter Sports

Members of the Forest City wrestling team are front row, left to right, Sam Swanson, Maverick Freerksen, Dustin Snider, Andrew Mettry, Pierce Gelhaus, Blake Jacobs, Timmy Thompson, Noah Paulson, Tristan Springer. Middle row, Austin Lewis, Landon Josten, Derrick Wubben, Jeff Andersen, Ethan Larson, Tristan Boehm, Garrett Northrup, Ryan Jordahl. Back row, Tom West, Tyler Prescott, Tyler Brock, Jake Staudt, Tyler Putney, Adam Eden, Alex Paulsen, Beau Sorenson.

Jake Staudt Derek Wubben. prepares for Some newcomers will practice last wrestle at 145 and 152, week.

Staudt said. He has a lot of options.

Jordahl could wrestle there, as could Landon Josten or Austin Lewis, whose family moved to town from Cresco. Freshman Noah Paulson could get a shot at those two weights and so could Tommy West.

Sorenson should wrestle at 160 pounds and Staudt has high hopes for him.

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Forest city Indians Bowling

Bowlers look for strong seasons Chris Todd

Forest City High boys bowlers took second in the regional tournament last season, missing state by just 72 pins.

Winter Sports 2013-14‌

FOREST CITY - The Forest City High boys bowling team almost had a breakthrough year last season, taking second in the region tournament just 72 points short of a state tournament.

“We really bowled well at regions,” said Indian girls and boys bowling coach Charlie Frascht.

“We had a lot of guys have one of their best days of the season. We don’t lose much of last year’s team so I’m thinking maybe this is the year we actually do make it to state.”

Lost from last year’s team was Alex Pettit, a team leader who was instrumental in helping get varsity bowling started in Forest City.

“We lose a few others but we also return some talent,” Frascht said.

Three other returning starters this year include Jacob Haugen, Tyler Doss and junior Noah Thompson.

“We’ve also got a few younger guys coming up who I think can make an impact,” Frascht said. “My goal is just to get back to basics with most of them and then build up from there.

The Forest City girls bowling team will hope to improve with every meet while it builds for the future.

Chris Todd photos, Winter Sports

Members of the Forest City High bowling team are front row, left to right, Kelsey Sheldahl, Brianna Knapp, Megan Haugen. Second row, Jennifer Brock, Shaelyn Hoeft, Dakota Droessler, Audrey O’Dell, Chandler Thompson. Back row; Jenna Haugen, Jacob Haugen, Trace Ruby, Chris Craft, Jim Blankenship, Noah Thompson, Tyler Doss, Kyle Wooldridge.

“Most of these guys already have a strong bowling background behind them, having bowled in Saturday Leagues for a few years.

But we’ll have to work hard to reach our goals.”

On the girls side, Frascht said the goal is simply to get better with every meet and practice.

“Again, it’s a matter of back to basics for the girls

and making sure they have those down,” Frascht said.

Jenna Haugen is returning for the girls team.

Before the high school season started, Jenna Haugen rolled a 600 series, showing off some potential for the future.

Also returning is Kelsey Sheldahl, Megan Haugen and Shaelyn Hoeft. The team consists of three sophomores and the

rest freshmen.

“The good thing about this year’s girls team is that it’s young, and we have our sophomores back for two more years,” he said.

Lost to graduation last year was No. 1 player Rochelle Dirks.

“She was a captain of the girls team and a real team leader for us last year,” Frascht said.

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Forest city Indians FC Hoops From E3

FC Girls From E5

will help us underneath because he plays so much bigger than most 6-3 players,” Rosacker said.

“He’s good on both ends of the court and versatile as well.”

Also expected to help out at the four and five positions are newcomers Isaiah Loeschen and Jake Parks.

“Isaiah saw some playing time but so far this year, he’s been slowed by an ankle injury,” Rosacker said.

Rosacker expects his team’s offense to be ahead of its defense early in the season.

“Coming together on the defensive end really is my biggest concern,” Rosacker said. “We have a lot of depth, but the problem is it’s young depth,” Rosacker said.

“Early in the season, you’re always hoping you start to gain some timing on both ends of the floor and that’s what we’ll be looking for,” Rosacker said.

“We may take our lumps early but I think by the end of the season, if we can play together as a team, we should be a good team.”

The Indians open the season at home against Class 4A Mason City Dec. 3 before playing host to Estherville-Lincoln Central Dec. 5.

“Playing Mason City early is tough, but it will

Also expected to see significant playing as a sophomore is guard Emily Koch. She comes in with plenty of varsity experience as a setter on this fall’s standout volleyball team.

“She’ll get some good minutes off the bench and will spell Sarri and Amanda at the guard positions,” Meyn said. He said that Emily Koch has shown the potential to be a good outside shooter.

As a senior, Meyn said, Reagan Reece will give the Indians another good shooter and defensive specialist.

When the Indians need some instant offense, they’ll look to three-point specialist Amanda Gross.

Meyn said Gross is also a good defensive player.

Helping the Indians at the forward position will be Liz Springer, who came off the bench last season.

Chris Todd, Winter Sports

Tyler Anderson goes in for an easy layup during practice last week.

FC Wrestle From E7

“We may take our lumps early but I think by the end of the season, if we can play together as a team, we should be a good team.”

Dan Rosacker, F orest City High School boys basketball coach help us get ready for our conference season,” Rosacker said.

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“She’s developed a good shot and could help us play a more physical game,” Meyn said.

Meyn added that as a freshman, guard Joslin Dillavou could see some time as well.

“She’s developed a solid game as a freshman, and her role may change as the season goes on,” Meyn said.

“I’m looking forward to watching her progress.”

Three sophomores in the mix include Maranda Lunning, Abby Staudt and Hannah Vaughan.

Meyn said he hopes his team can get some transition points.

“We’re going to want to play at a fast pace,” he said. “The main obstacle we face is that even though we have quite a bit of experience, this particular group Chris Todd, Winter Sports of girls hasn’t played a Forest City’s Hannah Vaughan shoots a layup in practice. lot together.”

Chris Todd, Winter Sports

Forest City’s Andrew Mettry practices last week.

in the weight room and he attended a couple of camps over the offseason,” Staudt said.

At 170, veteran Tyler Brock will get the nod.

At 182, Jake Staudt was within a match of state last year and he has high hopes for state this season.

“Jake has been cutting weight to get down to 182

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so he should be bigger than most wrestlers in that weight class,” coach Staudt said.

At 195, Tyler Prescott will wrestle for the Indians while Putney will move up from 195 last year to heavyweight.

Staudt says with the overall leadership and experience of this group, his team should

come on fast to start the season.

“It’s going to be a good battle for the NIC title, both for the regular season and the conference meet,” Staudt said.

“Osage has got to be the favorite because they have a lot of tough kids in the middle weights and a great wrestling tradition.”

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Forest city summit/Britt news-tribune

West Hancock Eagles Eagles hoops From E2 into the weight room and put on some muscle and weight. We’d like to see him be a little more vocal with his leadership this season.”

Sonius did a lot of things for the Eagles last season. He led the team in assists with 171 and steals with 71. He was also second in the team in blocked shots with 16.

Paulus finished with 46 assists, second to Sonius, and added 42 steals.

The Eagles started two juniors at the post positions last year in Jacob Hejlik and Cole Weiland.

This year, Weiland will be forced to sit out the season with an injury, and Peterson expects increased offensive and defensive production

Chris Todd, Winter Sports

Forward Jordan Savoy shoots from the baseline. from Hejlik.

“Jacob came on at times offensively last

year and we’d like to see more of that,” Peterson said. “He worked hard on some of his post moves and footwork during the offseason.”

Also in regular season rotation for the Eagles will be junior forward Jordan Savoy, junior Trevor Nalan, junior Logan Weiland, junior Joey DeHart and senior Robert Goerisch.

Sophomores Vicente Gonzalez, Nelson Barranca and Ricardo Ibarra will also fit into Peterson’s plans this season.

“One thing I really like about this year’s team is its depth,” Peterson said.

“We should be able to go nine or 10 deep this season. And with the style we play, that will be a big help.”

The West Hancock wrestling team was working out last week.

Peterson said the Eagles weren’t a good defensive team last season.

“We were something like 154th out of 159th in defense in Class 1A last year,” he said. “Some of that has to do with the fast tempo we play at but we know we have to improve our defense.

Most of our practices will be geared to defense and shooting.”

Peterson said the big three in the North Iowa Conference this season will be Forest City, Osage and GarnerHayfield.

“It’s going to be very tough again with no easy games,” Peterson said.

“Year-in and year-out, it is one of the best conferences in Iowa.”

Veterans From E6 “We need those guys to step up and set the example for our younger wrestlers,” Sanger said.

Also returning as a letterwinner in the upper weights for the Eagles is Uziel Romero, who could see time at 285.

Other members of this year’s team include Nick Lemmon, J.J. Holland, Jordan Weiland, Clayton Brown, Raul Blanco, Mike Myers, John Fransen, Abe Guido, Logan Jones, Brice Kudej and Dillon Bratten.

Chris Todd, Winter Sports photo

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Chris Todd, Winter Sports

The West Hancock girls basketball team is hoping to get off to a good start this season.

Rebuilding From E4 “She’s got a good shot from the outside and from under the basket,” Sonius said. Sophomore Emma Chizek and sophomore Kealey Johnson will also figure in the mix in the Eagles’ front court.

On the line when the Eagles open conference play at GHV will be a 47-game conference winning streak.

“We get thrown in with some very good teams right away,” Sonius said. “After

GHV, we’ve got Osage up next.”

Sonius said his team’s goals are modest for this year. But the coach definitely feels like there is a future in coming years for Eagle girls basketball.

“I think we’d be happy with a winning season,” Sonius said. “It could be tough early but you never know what could happen. If we could accomplish that, it would set us up next year because we still have a very young team.”

Forest city summit/Britt news-tribune Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013 âœŚ E11

Practice makes perfect Forest City and West Hancock winter sports teams are under way. Most teams will start their regular season’s this week.

E12 ✦ Wednesday, Nov. 27, 2013

Forest city summit/Britt news-tribune

2013-14 Winter Sports Schedules Forest City Boys Basketball Dec. 3 –Mason City Dec. 5, Estherville-Lincoln Central Dec. 6 – Newman Catholic Dec. 13- at North Iowa Dec. 17 at Lake Mills Dec. 19 – at Charles City Jan. 3 – at Cresco Jan 7 – vs. Belmond-Klemme Jan. 10- vs Osage Jan. 11 – vs. Clear Lake Jan. 14-At Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Jan. 17 – vs. West Hancock Jan. 21 – at Newman Catholic, Mason City Jan. 24 – vs. North Iowa Jan. 25 -at Algona Jan. 28-vs. Lake Mills Jan. 31 – at Belmond-Klemme Feb. 4 – at Osage Feb. 7 – GarnerHayfield-Ventura Feb. 13- at West Hancock Feb. 25 – First round district Mar. 1 – Substate Mar. 10 State Tournament, Des Moines.

West Hancock boys basketball Nov. 26-At CWL, Jamboree Dec. 2 – vs. Eagle Grove Dec. 3- at Northwood-Kensett Dec. 6 – vs. Central Springs Dec. 10 – at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Dec. 13 – at Osage Dec. 17 — at Belmond-Klemme Jan. 11 – at Clarion-Goldfield Jan. 6 -at North Union Jan. 7 -vs. Lake Mills Jan. 10- vs. North Iowa Jan. 11 – at Clarion-Goldfield Jan. 14-vs Newman Catholic Jan 17 – at Forest City Jan. 21 – GarnerHayfield-Ventura Jan. 24 – vs Osage. Jan. 17 – at West Bend Mallard Jan. 28-Belmond-Klemme Jan. 31 – at Lake Mills Feb. 4 – at North Iowa Feb. 7 – at Newman Catholic Feb. 13 vs. Forest City Feb. 17 – 1A District tournaments start, TBD.

Forest City girls Basketball Dec. 3-vs. Mason City Dec. 5- Estherville-Lincoln Central Dec. 6 – vs. Newman Catholic Dec. 13 – at North Iowa Dec. 17 – at Lake Mills Dec. 19 – at Charles City Jan. 3 -at Cresco Jan. 7- vs. Belmond-Klemme, Jan. 10 – vs. Osage Jan. 11-vs Clear Lake Jan. 14 -at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Jan. 17 – vs. West Hancock Jan 21 – at Newman Catholic, Mason City Jan. 24 – vs. North Iowa Jan. 28 – vs. Lake Mills Jan. 31 – at Belmond-Klemme Feb. 4 – at Osage Feb. 7 – vs.

Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Feb. 10 – at West Hancock.

West Hancock Girls Basketball Dec. 2 -vs. Eagle Grove Dec. 3- at Northwood-Kensett Dec. 6 – vs. Central Springs Dec. 9 -at West Fork Dec. 10 – at Garner-Hayfield-Ventura Dec. 13 -at Osage Dec. 17 – at Belmond-Klemme Jan. 6 – at North Union Jan. 7 – Lake Mills Jan. 10 — North Iowa Jan. 11 – at Clarion-Goldfield Jan. 14 – vs. Newman Catholic Jan. 17 – at Forest City Jan. 21 — vs. Garner-Hayfield Ventua Jan 24 – vs. Osage Jan. 27 – at West Bend Mallard Jan. 28 – vs. Belmond-Klemme Jan. 31 – at Lake Mills Feb. 4 – at North Iowa Feb.7 – at Newman CatholicMason City Feb. 10 – vs. Forest City Saturday, Feb. 15- Girls regional tournament begins.

Forest City Wrestling Dec. 5 -Triangular vs. West Hancock, Emmetsburg Dec. 7 -at Holmen, Wis. Dec. 10- vs. Osage Dec. 14 – at Algona Dec. 17 – Webster City Dec. 21 – at North Polk Jan. 7 -Triangular vs. St. Ansgar, Nashua-Plainfield at Nashua Jan. 11 -at Clear Lake Jan. 14 – at South Hamilton Jan. 18 -at Estherville-Lincoln Central Jan. 23- Triangular vs. Mason City Newman and Hampton –Dumont at Hampton. Jan 25 -at Riceville Invitational Jan. 30 – at Lake Mills. Feb. 1 – North Iowa Conference Tournament, Lake Mills High.

Feb. 11 – regional duals, tba Feb. 15 – District meet. Feb. 20-22 – Iowa State meet, Des Moines.

West Hancock Wrestling Dec. 5 – Triangular vs. Forest City, Emmetsburg at Forest City Dec. 7 – at Okoboji High School Dec. 9 – at West Fork Dec. 14 – at Algona Dec. 19 – Quad at Mason City Newman Dec. 21 – Al Deleon Invitational, Britt Jan. 7 – at Lake Mills vs. Lake Mills, Eagle Grove Jan. 11 – at Fort Dodge St. Edmond Jan. 15 -at Emmetsburg Jan. 16 -at St. Ansgar vs.

Belmond-Klemme, St.Ansgar Jan 18 – Lake Mills Invitational Jan. 21 -at Osage vs. Osage and Algona Jan. 23 vs. Central Springs, Northwood-Kensett at Northwood-Kensett Feb. 1 – NIC Tournament, Lake Mills.

Feb. 4 Quad at West Hancock, Britt, Southeast Webster, Manson NW Webster and South Hamilton Feb. 8 – Section meet

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