NOVEMBER 27, 2014
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ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
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CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI GYMNASTICS with Head Coach Wendy Rooney I’ve been coaching for 18 years. Assistant coaches: Charlie Wilson and Katie Adams What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? 7 - 1 (regular and conference), second place in M8. Who are the returning letter winners? Courtney Durant, Kaeli Kortan, Larriane Acre-Kendall, Morgan Urness, Tori Nelson, Hannah Haight, Kayla Hammes, Kayla Rakowiecki, Cathy Neary, MollyAnn Harvey. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Kasey Bruss and Shanyn France. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? The key to success this season will be hard work and consistent performances. We have a very deep team and it will be fun to see which girls rise to the challenge and fight for varsity positions. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? All of our gymnasts have the potential to earn varsity spots. In addition to our returning letter winners we have strong gymnasts in Madi Douglas, Sydney Crocker, Kate Goodmanson, Alyssa Peters, AnnaGrace Nelson and Brooke Hogie. What are some challenges the team faces this year?
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ANTHONY ERICKSON | COUNTY STAR
In no order: Alyssa Peters, AnnaGrace Nelson, Brooke Hogie, Cathy Neary, Courtney Durant, Hannah Haight, Kaeli Kortan, Kate Goodmanson, Kayla Hammes, Kayla Rakowiecki, Larriane Acre-Kendall, Madi Douglas, MollyAnn Harvey, Morgan Urness, Sydney Crocker, Tori Nelson. Coaches: Wendy Rooney, Charlie Wilson and Katie Adams. Volunteer statistician Laurie Solle and student manager Tayla Fletcher.
The challenge for any team is to stay healthy. If our gymnasts stay healthy throughout the entire season they have the potential to be a top team.
What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Our goals are to win JV and Varsity Conference, repeat as Section 7AA Champions and
to place well at State. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Big Lake and North Branch should be strong in our conference
again. Forest Lake will most likely be our toughest competition in our section.
NORTH BRANCH GYMNASTICS with Head Coach Barb Burdick
I’ve been coaching for six years. Assistant coaches: Jonelle Nelson and Chris Johnson What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Undefeated. Won the conference and sections. Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors Katy Trunk and Maranda Nelson, juniors Mikayla Johnson and Madison Passeretti, and freshman Alexys Olson. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Megan Mahoney and Casey Hovland. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Our hard work ethic and our team relationship as a whole. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Freshmen Keeley Ertl and Alexys Olson and sophomore Annie Gladitsch. What are some challenges the team faces this year? Having yet another great season and adding two new varsity gymnasts. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Return to the 2015 State
SUBMITTED
First Row, left to right: Andrea Alexander, Madison Passeretti, and Kayla Saltis. Middle Row: Ashley Robillard, Katelynn Hilton, Alexys Olson, Keeley Ertl, Jaeden Bannister, and Gretta Kordosky. Back Row: Annie Gladitsch, Megan Travis, Mikayla Johnson, Maranda Nelson, Katy Trunk, Lily Burnoski, and Izzi Tetzlaff. Not Pictured: Brooke Clark. Student Managers (not pictured): Ashley Richter and Allie Perlowski.
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B2
WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
NOVEMBER 27, 2014
www.countystar.com
CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI WRESTLING
NORTH BRANCH WRESTLING
with Head Coach Jim Hoard
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ANTHONY ERICKSON | COUNTY STAR
Front: Travis Fuhol, Deanna Fixell (manager), Alex Willette (manager), Michaela Pasch (manager), Breyza Andrews (manager), Danielle Youngberg (manager), Jamie Huisenga (manager), Samantha Harmston (manager), Carlie Lyzhoft, Sabrina Willete, Samantha Schermerhorn, Tommy Campanard. Row 2: Tom Hormberg, Jimmy Brown, Trae Torgerson, Luke Seatolle , Robbie Wudel, Ryan Droubie, Nolan Hentges, Tate Torgerson, Makayla Welch. Row 3: Dylan Gilmore, Carey Mei, David Kent, Mike Seafolk, Kapter Pechuman, Will Fleunister, Luke Rambow, Caleb Breman , Jared Doty, Jeremy Jorgensen, Jesse Jenniseen (coach), Kyle Groves (Coach), Casey Schlickenmayer, Branten Pike, Joshue Samsa, Aidan Larson, Monty Fredriksen , Andrew Pauly, Kaleb Bucks, Ethan Worlie, Avery Fredrickson. Row 4: Josh Schuster, Caleb Skiba, Zack Koukol, Drake Frikken, Thomas Mickelson, Justin Rosnow, Erik Mickelson, Cole Crocker, Jake Olson , Jett Serie, Matt Plemon.
with Head Coach Neil Jennissen This is my 25th year as the Bluejackets head coach, and 28th season overall. My career coaching record is 493-142-3, 77.34 percent, 9th on the Minnesota All-Time list. Asst. Coaches: Jesse Jennissen, Travis Fuhol, Mark Howard, Tom Campanaro, Steve Sworsky, Bob Nassif, Steve Bucks, Sam Watson, Steve Tischer and Kyle Groves. The Bluejackets will be looking forward to a lot of new faces
Fourth Place Fargo “Rumble on the Red” Tourney: 145 Pts. (6 Placers) (67 Teams), 12th Place Rochester “Minnesota Christmas” Tourney: 108 Pts. (6 Placers) (39 Teams), 3rd Place St. Cloud Tech “Kiffmeyer” Duals: (2-1). Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors David Kent, Caleb Brennan, Michael Seafolk, junior Monty Frederiksen, and Cole Crocker, Dylan Gilmore, Matt Plemon, Justin Rosnow, Josh Samsa, Drake Frikken, Jake Olson, Jared Doty, Casey Schlickenmayer, Jeremy Jorgenson and Tate Torgerson.
Jake Olson, Jared Doty, Casey Schlickenmayer, Jeremy Jorgenson and Tate Torgerson. What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? 21-4 Overall Dual Meets, 4-1 Mississippi 8 Conference Duals, Defeated 2 State Champion teams: Ellsworth Wi, and Simley (AA), Fourteen Section Place Winners/five State Qualifiers/ 4 state Place winners, 14 starters had wins over state entrant opponents, Section 7AAA Section Runner-Ups, 1st Place Cambridge-Isanti “Bluejacket” Tourney: 241 Pts. (14 Placers), First Place Cambridge-Isanti “Bluejacket” Duals: (4-0),
in the starting lineup. They are replacing state champion Cody Skog and State Place winners Kyle Chromy, Dakota Johnson and Travis Swanson. The traditionally strong JV will be shoring up the varsity this year to fill 12 of the 14 weight classes. Look for steady improvement throughout the year from this new team. David Kent and Monty Frederiksen are the two fulltime returning starters. Caleb Brennan and Michael Seafolk also saw extensive varsity action last year. The Bluejackets also hope to get help from upper classmen and letter winners Cole Crocker, Dylan Gilmore, Matt Plemon, Justin Rosnow, Josh SamsaDrake Frikken,
CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL with Head Coach Jeff Bonkoski
This is my 20th year coaching the varsity boys at Cambridge Christian. What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Regular season record 21-5, conference 11-0, finishing first. Who are the returning letter winners? We only have two returning letter winners in Micah Bonkoski and Syfah Doble. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? We lost our top seven players to graduation (Jake Bergman, Justin Roble, Jack Swenson, David Fryc, Grant Taylor, Anders boyum, Alex Moses). Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Syfah and Micah will need to
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have any varsity experience. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Ethan Tastsides, Jacob Tschumper and Araya Doble all could play vital roles in the season. What are some challenges the team faces this year? We are very young and inexperienced. We also lack size and do not have a strong natural point guard. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? We need to develop good team camaraderie and chemistry. Our focus is to set team and individual goals each game and look for steady improvement throughout the season. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? The Rochester Defenders have been our biggest rival over the past few years. They lost quite a few to graduation last year as well, they should be an interesting matchup for us.
ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
Row 1: Jacob Tschumper, Ethan Tastsides, Araya Doble, Jordan Roble Row 2: Josiah Newton, Syfah Doble, Micah Bonkoski, Matthew Newton
show strong leadership as they
are the only two returning who
I’ve been coaching for 10 years. Assistant coaches: Ed Oehlers, Kyle Kahl, Justin Pinna Who are the returning letter winners? Ryan Senne, Aaron Robillard, Kody Strohmayer, Arik Steele, Bailey Adams, Alex Bigley, Austin MacDonald, Cameron Sampson. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Tristan Labelle, Reid Johnson, Aaron Senne, Seamus Hunter, Mitch Anderson. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Stromayer, Sampson, Adams, Bigley and Steele being good leaders. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Jack Anderson, Aaron Robillard, Ryan Senne. What are some challenges the team faces this year? Low numbers. We will not have a full varsity line-up due to no junior high program in the past. We have worked hard on building our youth program and we are looking forward to the future of the program. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Stay focused on individual improvement, taking something from each match that can make you better for the next match. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Grand Rapids.
Swimming and diving to be in next week’s edition
Cambridge-Isanti boys swimming and diving’s Q&A with Head Coach Gary Gotz will appear in the Dec. 4 edition of the County Star. The team doesn’t start practice until Dec. 1.
Got sports news?
Did your son or daughter’s team win a big game, tournament, or make a big play? The County Star wants to know! News tips and photos can be sent to news@countystar.com.
Good Luck Teams! Est. 1923
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NOVEMBER 27, 2014
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CAMBRIDGE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL with Head Coach Brian Bergman I’ve been coaching for 20 years; this is my fifth year coaching the girls varsity team at Cambridge Christian School. This year I have Mark Huber as my assistant coach, and Doug Werlein as a part-time assistant coach. What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Last year we finished 21-5 overall and 7-1 in CAL. We ended up taking second place in the CAL tournament. Who are the returning letter winners? Returning letter winners are: Senior Emily Fridberg, juniors Kristin Bergman, Jerusalem Solomon, Amelia Cole and Lizzy Mitchell. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? We graduated Kellie Pedersen and Karly Wiek. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Our keys to success this year will be to stay healthy! This group of girls have been battling injuries, either from fall sports this year or lingering injuries from last season. We only have five girls back from last year’s roster, so I need all five of those girls to be able to play as much as possible. The other big key will be
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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
Row 1: Sebla Swenson, Brooke Wilsey, Neanlia Kaine, Emma Pankan, Clarice Yaskey, Emily Hagland, Kristen Filetti, Emily Hocutt, Anna Chapman, Claire Christenson. Row 2: Patra Ugiagbe, Julia Newton, Amelia Cole, Emily Fridberg, Kristin Bergman, Lizzy Mitchell, Kristina Gerard, Abigail Nyquist, Lois Ugiagbe, Coach Brian Bergman.
to integrate the new and less experienced girls into our rotation. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? We have one sophomore this year: Kristen Filetti, and one freshman: Clarice Yaskey. Behind them we have a very large group of 7th and
8th graders that will get some varsity minutes. What are some challenges the team faces this year? Our biggest challenge this year will be our lack of varsity experience. We have a great core that has been playing for a long time. They will have to
learn to play with girls that do not have that experience. We will need to stay healthy and stay out of foul trouble. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Our goals are to get better every day, glorify God and have fun. I also plan on improving enough throughout the year to
be in the CAL championship game again this year. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Our toughest opponent will be the Rochester Defenders who have won the CAL title the last five consecutive years.
NORTH BRANCH GIRLS BASKETBALL with Head Coach Jerome Huselid This is my 15th year coaching and second year as head coach at North Branch. Assistant coaches: Alison Trampe, Kendall Norman, Tom Kingsland What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Regular season, 12-14, Conference 4-10, 7th out of 10. Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors Hailie Corner, Sarah Davis and Taylor Gazda; juniors Morgen Coleman, Kalley Hartmann and Courtney Selbitschka. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Haley Huset, 1000 point scorer (captain) and Mikayla Carlson (captain and defensive leader). Kora Amunrud and Kadie Mattson were also seniors that lettered and contributed. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? We need to improve defensively this year and rebound much better as a team. We need to continue to do well in transition offense and become a better half-court offensive team. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? We have a hand-
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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
In no order: Alicia Skroch, Amanda Heinen, Dominique Fiebing-Johnson, Elise VanEerden, Emily Anderson, Emily Olson, Heather Kost, Jillayna Hoppe, Katelyn Berg, Mackenzie Inderlee, Male Mayer, Maya McDougall, Samantha Pederson, Taylor Cheever, Victoria Hellwald, Sarah Davis, Morgen Coleman, Megan Carlson, Kalley Hartmann, Courtney Selbitschka, Hailie Corner, Jaci Bossard, Megan Becklin, Taylor Gazda.
ful of juniors that played a great deal as sophomores and will be counted on as scorers and playmakers. There may be a few sophomores and even freshman that could contribute throughout the year. What are some challenges the team faces this year? You always need to prepare,
yet try to prevent for illness and injury. This is usually out of your control, but you try to prepare for these challenges by preparing many different girls for different roles and situations. We also need to keep a strong focus day in and day out in preparation for the many tough games in our con-
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ference and section. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? We have many goals set for the season. Ultimately, I want the girls to enjoy playing with their teammates and to improve throughout the season. We want to set high expecta-
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NOVEMBER 27, 2014
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CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI GIRLS BASKETBALL
NORTH BRANCH BOYS BASKETBALL
with Head Coach Jody Ledahl
I have been head coach at Cambridge-Isanti for 11 years. Assistant coaches: Jeff Kurowski, Matt Braaten, Amanda Chesness. What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? We were 16-11 in regular season, 9-4 conference, finishing 3rd in the conference. Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors Sydney Larkin, Brooke Olson, Lily Porta, Maria Vavra, junior Lauryn Swanson and sophomore Marsha Porta. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Justine Larson and Shelby Swanson. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? We will be relying heavily on our seniors this season at both ends of the floor. All four have an extensive amount of varsity experience so we will be looking to them for consistency and leadership night
with Head Coach David Anderson
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This is my fifth year at North Branch and ninth year coaching overall. Assistant coaches: Gary Dreissig, Jim Van Eeerden, Ryan Minke What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Regular Season: 9-16, Conference 3-10, 9th in the Mississippi 8. Who are the returning letter winners? Seniors Matt Blomquist, Kyle Burnside and Brandon Steffensen. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Travis Van Elsberg, Dillon Harms, Dylan Dahle, Aaron Biederman, Brandon Thauwald, Riley Jacobson. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? How big our posts play, if Kyle Burnside, Brandon Steffensen, Derek Steele, Devin McDonald and Cole Pearson all play well and aggressively, then we will have a good season. Another key will be how our senior guards Trey O’Day, Max Southbloom, Tennie Jacobson and Blake Townley adjust to the faster pace of the varsity game. They have shown great potential over the summer and this pre-season, if they continue to develop it will be a huge factor in our success. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Jr. PG – Jake Souther – Smart and disciplined guard who plays “team first” basketball and knows how to score when necessary. Will be a huge key for us off the bench. Jr. PF – Cole Pearson – Aggressive big man who can punish people on the boards. Is difficult to stop when he attacks the glass and isn’t in foul trouble. So. SF – Dalton Drost – Extremely smart player who has a nose for the basketball and how to score it. Is always doing the extra things that will help the team win. What are some challenges the team faces this year? Since we lost such a big group of seniors, this year’s team will have to adapt quickly to the pace of varsity basketball. We don’t have a lot of varsity experience returning, so we will need to work together to play tough, team basketball. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? We have the talent and ability to compete hard in our section for a trip to State. Our goal is to win our section tournament. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? In the Mississippi 8 there are a lot of great teams. Buffalo and St. Francis will again be the top teams in the league. I think Chisago Lakes and St. Michael will be right there behind them though.
ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
In no order: Kirsten Belsheim, Courtney Dobbs , Marsha Porta, Sydney Larkin (captain), Ana Abraham, Anesia King, Jessica Schulz, Kelsey VanderHeyden, Lanie Cox, Abby Kurowski, Lily Porta (captain), Taylor Glotzbach, Maria Vavra (captain), Brooke Olson (captain), Lydia Westberg, Lauryn Swanson, Hannah Johnson, Jana Swanson.
season as well. What are some challenges the team faces this year? We are not a tall team in comparison to most 4A schools, so we will have to find ways to compensate for our lack of team size. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season?
in and night out. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Lauryn Swanson, a junior, gave us good minutes last season and we look for big things from her this year. We have three sophomores, Marsha Porta, Taylor Glotzbach and Lainie Cox, that will be giving us big minutes this
Our goal is to give ourselves an opportunity to compete for a conference and section title at the end of the season. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? The Mississippi 8 will be very good this season with STMA and Rogers pacing the way.
CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BOYS BASKETBALL with Head Coach Mike McDonald I am in my 28th year as head coach at Cambridge-Isanti, and my 32nd year as a head coach overall. Assistant coaches: Bill Baumann, Jeremy Miller, Herb Jangor, Jim Lutterman, Kyle Johnson (This is a great coaching staff with experience, knowledge and love for the game) What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? 16 wins, 10 losses overall; 7 wins and 6 losses in Mississippi 8 Conference play. Who are the returning letter winners? Kyle McDonald, Nate Cox, Collin Terwilliger, Devin Malik, Evan Dunbar, Jake Harding, Grant Lillemoen, Ray Abraham, Luke Johnson. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Matt Swanson, Hunter Vavra, Jake Johnson, Garrett Hiljus, Zach Franklin. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? We will rely on our team speed and athleticism to make up for a lack of size. We will press and run. We seem to have the pieces to do that. We must play together. We do return our top two scorers in Kyle McDonald and Nate Cox, both of whom were all-conference
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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
In no order: Cody Cottrell, Westen Olson, Kyle McDonald, Collin Terwilliger, Ray Abraham, Alex Ledahl, Kyle Butcher, Ben Stoffel, Jake Harding, Grant Lillemoen, Grant Larson, Nate Cox, Evan Dunbar, Devin Malik, Levi Wylie, Colin Lundeen, Luke Johnson.
selections last year. Both of them are 4-year varsity basketball players. Kyle has really improved his strength, athleticism and skills due to a lot of off-season work. He will be one of the best guards in the Mississippi 8 and Section 7AAAA. Nate led us in 3-pointers made last season and in 3-point percentage. Nate, however, will miss the beginning of the season due to a broken arm. Others will need to step up in his absence, and when he returns, we should be a better team. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Luke Johnson, at 6-foot, 5-inches and 225 pounds, gives us a big presence in the middle
when he is in the game. Ray Abraham is a great team player who is one of our hardest workers. We also have a great freshman class which has players that may help. What are some challenges the team faces this year? We will need to play extremely hard and we need to play together. Each player must understand his role and what he needs to do for us to be successful. We think we have that type of team. We have guys who seem to appreciate each other. We will see how that plays out on the court. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Continue to improve each and every day
and each and every game. The ultimate goal is to be a champion at the end of the season. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? We have a very tough schedule that will challenge us. Our conference has many good teams including STMA, Buffalo, Rogers, St. Francis and others. Section 7AAAA has no clear favorite, but many teams who could win in early March. We will also participate in a very competitive holiday tourney at Lakeville North, will play at the Sanford Pentagon on Jan. 3, and will play Edina on Martin Luther King Day at UMD in Duluth. There is no doubt we will be challenged.
Have a great shot?
The Isanti-Chisago County Star is looking for game Hot Shots. Take photos at area athletic events and send them to editor@countystarcom with “Sports Hot Shots” in the subject line. Include your name and the date it was taken. The week’s best photos will be selected for publication.
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BRAHAM BOYS AND GIRLS BASKETBALL
Bombers prepare for exciting basketball season BY LOREN BRABEC NEWS@COUNTYSTAR.COM
As the Braham Bombers boys basketball team prepares for the 2014-15 season, Head Coach Bob Vaughan again faces a shortage of senior leadership. However, unlike last year when Zach Dahlman was his only senior and Randy Braund the only junior, this year’s squad is much more experienced after going 24-4 last season while playing several sophomores and a freshman in the seven-player rotation. Vaughan, who begins his 30th year as the head coach, will miss everything Dahlman (17.7 ppg; 1,051 career points) brought to the court, but he has solid reasons to believe his team will again be competitive both in the Great River Conference and in Section 5AA. Those reasons begin with Braund, who, unfortunately, will likely miss the entire month of December due to an injury suffered in the football team’s final game on Nov. 15. Braund’s leadership will no doubt show itself from the bench during his time out, and Bombers’ fans can be sure that he’ll be in high gear when he finally does see action. Also back to the starting rotation will be juniors John Larson (18.5 ppg), Chris Olson (16.3 ppg), Connor Tschumper and Alec Olson and freshman Ryan Larson. Several players will vie for the other position and varsity playing time, and the leading candidates are juniors Richard Hanson, Jorgen Mankie and Kyle Johnson, the team’s three tallest players. The team is blessed with excellent speed and dependable outside shooting, but varsity-experienced height is in its annual short supply. A raft of talented underclassmen will comprise the JV and 9th grade teams. They include: sophomores Devonte Barker, Cody Carlson, Alec Downing, T.J. Husnick, Hunter Richmond, Matt Rydlund and Brandon Wyganowski; and freshmen Jacob Bergren, Hunter Giffrow, Alex Kurvers, Tyler Lecrain, Colton Schusted, Taite Shores, Grant Wilsey and Zach Zierden. Vaughan, currently 8th alltime among Minnesota high school basketball coaches with 607 career wins, will face some tough competition as his team attempts to earn its 12th straight GRC title, and he believes the most severe challenges will come from Pine City, Hinckley/Finlayson and Rush City. This will be the team’s second year of competition in Section 5AA, and Vaughan refers to his team’s 5AA subsection, which includes Annandale, Maple Lake, Mora and St. Cloud Cathedral, as the toughest in the state. Braham begins the season with a 62-game home winning streak, a 74-game regular season GRC winning streak,
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JOHN OLSON | COUNTY STAR
Front row from left: Christian Patterson, Grant Wilsey, Alex Kurvers, Ryan Larson, Zach Zierden, T.J. Husnick, Brandon Wyganowski, Devonte Barker, Thomas Lee. Second row: Amanda Roslin, Hunter Giffrow, Colton Schusted, Alec Downing, Taite Shores, Jacob Bergren, Tyler Lancrain, Hunter Richmond, John Larson. Third row: Chris Olson, Kyle Johnson Richard Hanson, Connot Tschumper, Jorgen Mankie, Alec Olson, Cody Carlson, Matt Rydland. Not pictured: Randy Braund.
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JOHN OLSON | COUNTY STAR
Front row from left: Casey Johnson, Angela Bendickson, Kaitlyn Dordahl, Amelia Fiedler. Back Row: Lizzie Altendorf, Stephanie Braund, Jaclyn Hollenkamp, Emily Lindquist, Natalie Bacon.
and a string of 17 straight seasons with 20 or more wins. In addition to 16 games against GRC foes, the 2014-15 Bombers will play 10 non-conference games during the regular season, including three in the Crusaders’ Holiday Tournament at St. Cloud Cathedral. The season opens in Aitkin on Dec. 2. GIRLS BASKETBALL With the departure of Tim Malone, Coach Brittany Lakeberg, who was a volunteer
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coach in Braham during the 2013-14 season and head coach at East Central for two years prior to that, steps in as the new head coach. Lakeberg’s long basketball resume includes a successful high school career at Mountain Iron-Buhl and four years as a player at Hamline University, and she is eager to get her very young team on the floor for the 2014-15 season. The Bombers finished last season 24-5 after a third-round, three-point loss to Annandale in the Section 5AA tourna-
ment. That amazing season was the product of the leadership and scoring of seniors Kayla Nickles (22.4 ppg; 1,770 career points) and Jenna Winter (11.1 ppg), the great inside play of sophomore Jaclyn Hollenkamp (12.2 ppg) and a stellar team defense which yielded just 39 ppg. Now, without Nickles and Winter, Lakeberg’s immediate task is to find replacement scorers. Also, it remains critical that her team sparkle on the defensive end. Joining Hollenkamp as play-
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ers who return to the likely starting rotation are: senior post Natalie Bacon; junior guard Angie Bendickson, a superb defensive player; sophomore guard Lizzie Altendorf (7.3 ppg) and freshman post/forward Stephanie Braund. Sophomore guard Kaitlyn Dordal is the only other sophomore on the roster, so with just five players in grades 10-12, Lakeberg will have to dig deep into the cache of very young players to fill that rotation, just like Malone had to do last season. Other freshman players include Amelia Fielder and Emily Lindquist, both of whom starred on last season’s JV team which lost just one game. Unless someone else joins the team in progress, these eight players will carry the entire load for the 2014-15 varsity Bombers, making for a very interesting season. Lakeberg acknowledges the transition that will occur, but notes that her team is working hard and learning quickly. With any new mix of players, building teamwork is most important, and her team’s principal goal is to continue the tradition of success that has been built at Braham High School. That success includes the current winning streak of 70 home games and the resumption of a new regular season Great River Conference winning streak after a one-point loss to Aitkin last year snapped the string at 75 consecutive games. In addition to 16 games against GRC opponents, the 2014-15 Bombers have 10 non-conference games which include two at the St. Cloud Tech holiday invitational, a match-up against perennial Class A power Mountain Iron-Buhl at UMD, and a tough rematch against AAA Zimmerman. The season tips off with a home game against Grantsburg on Dec. 2.
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WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW
ISANTI-CHISAGO COUNTY STAR
NOVEMBER 27, 2014
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BLUEJACKETS GIRLS HOCKEY
Bluejacket hockey goal is to create winning attitude BY SCOTT MCKINNEY NEWS@COUNTYSTAR.COM
The Cambridge-Isanti/ Mora/Pine City Bluejackets girls hockey team returns this winter from a 2013-14 season where they built on their experience and focused on skills development. The team continues those objectives in the new season. “Our ultimate goal this season is to create a winning attitude,” said head coach Bob Nelson. “We expect to win games, and to stay competitive in the ones we don’t win. We expect to develop our players and continue to improve.” The Bluejackets compiled a 6-20 regular-season record last year, an identical record to the year before. Their first-round appearance in last season’s Section 7 AA tournament resulted in a disappointing 9-1 loss to eventual section champion Andover. The team faces strong opposition in both the section and the Mississippi Eight conference, according to Nelson. “Buffalo and North Wright County are our biggest challenges in the conference. They produce excellent hockey players, and the difference in depth and numbers is where the challenge really lies.”
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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
Top, from left: Coach Bob Nelson, Jessica Bustrom, Kassidy Westrom, Maria Carpenter, Kylie Guimont, Maddie Swenson, Ashley Schintz, coach Bill Crotty, coach Derek Simon. Middle: Coach Brian Guimont, Abby Haug, Megan Smith, Ally Eustice, Brook Wedin, Shelby Bosell, Alyson Niebur, Haley Price, Paige Anfinson, Coach Corey Bustrom. Front: Gabby Anderson, Addie Smrekar, Kallee Swenson, Bailey Leiseth, Sydney Nuebel
show them where they can make that impact.” The Bluejackets’ coaching staff includes Nelson and assistant Bill Crotty, and JV head coach Corey Bustrom and assistant Brian Guimont. Derek Simon joins this season as goalie coach. “Our staff looked at what it would take to bring our team to the next level,” said
Nelson is enthusiastic about this year’s players. “Senior Maria Carpenter and juniors Kylie Guimont and Kassidy Westrom are the captains and the anchors of the team. They lead a group of talented kids, eighth grade and older, who will step up and make an impact. Our job as coaches is to help them discover their abilities, and
Nelson. “We’ll start by changing the culture and attitude: on and off the ice, in the locker room and at school. The kids need to respect themselves, respect each other and develop winning attitudes in everything they do.” “We predict a terrific year for our team,” Nelson concluded. “We may take our lumps, but
CAMBRIDGE-ISANTI BOYS HOCKEY
we’ll give it our best each time we step onto the ice. We will win games, but more importantly, we will create the expectation to win.” Scott McKinney is a contributing sports writer for the Kanabec County Times and operations manager at KBEK radio.
NORTH BRANCH BOYS HOCKEY with Head Coach Matt Cottingham
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ALICIA CHAPMAN | COUNTY STAR
Front row: Austin Halverson, Jordan Busse, Kyle Kilpatrick, Mark Larsen, Cullen Osen. Second row: Logan Hyland, Mitchell Ziebarth, Jared Konen, Collin Anderson, Mike Nolt, Alex Cummings, Caleb Wessel, Nate Muehlberg. Back row: Derek Simon, Chris Hyland, Lucas Rouen, Levi Miller, Dan Risch, Blaise Fairbanks, Karl Sternquist, Brennon Skelton, Austin Schlenker, Jack Goodmanson, Coach Mark Kissner, Shannon Skelton.
with Head Coach Mark Kissner Assistant coaches: Shannon Skelton, Lucas Rouen Volunteer coaches: Chris Hyland, Dereck Simon What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? Our record was 4 - 21 overall; 1 - 11 conference.
Who are the returning letter winners? Collin Anderson, Levi Miller, Mike Nolt, Dan Risch, Austin Schlenker, Jack Goodmanson, Kyle Kilpatrick, Jared Konen, Nate Muehlberg, Logan Hyland. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Elliot Simon, Jacob Sylvester, Dustin Davis, Luke Nelson. What are the keys to the team success this season? We need to play as a team and not as individuals. To put the team goals ahead of
our own goals and to play for each other as a family. Who are some underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Jared Konen and Logan Hyland came on strong midway through last season. Also Austin Schlenker was injured early last season and is now playing at the top of his game. The three of them will be fun to watch as they mature. What are some of the challenges the team will face this year? To get the team to believe in them-
selves. What are your goals for the team this 2014-2015 season? To stay healthy, work as a team, and have fun while playing at our best. If we can accomplish this, the overall record will improve on its own. Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Duluth East. We almost had them last season in the best game I’ve seen Cambridge-Isanti play. We play them in Duluth this season and it would be nice to beat them on their own ice.
This is my second year as head coach for North Branch. I spent four years as assistant coach at Chisago Lakes. Assistant coaches: Zach Fairbanks and Toby Palewicz What was last year’s regular-season record and conference record, and finish in the conference? 4-22, last place in conference. Who are the returning letter winners? Donovan Steffen, Conner Lee, Joe Fabini, Logan Miller, Nick Fairbanks, Ryan Byrkit, Trevor Minor, Nate Runberg, Colton Danks, Jared Kozar, Brandon Waldo, Connor Martineau, TJ Reis. Who was lost to graduation in 2014? Brandon Timm, Tyler Byrkit and Joey Courtright. Who/what are the keys to the team’s success this year? Staying healthy, team defense and playing as a team. Who are some of the underclassmen to look out for on varsity? Nick Fairbanks, Brandon Waldo, Jared Kozar and Ryan Byrkit. What are some challenges the team faces this year? We are a young team, so we will make mistakes. We just need to learn from them and keep getting better throughout the year. What are your goals for the team’s 2014-2015 season? Play our best and keep working hard in practice and in games. The most important thing – just have FUN! Who is the opponent to watch for this year? Princeton, Spring Lake Park and Chisago Lakes in section play. Every team we play in the Mississippi 8 is very good.
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