Girls Basketball

FORT DODGE GIRLS BASKETBALL

Dodgers optimistic, ready to run

By ERIC PRATT

sports@messengernews.net

The Fort Dodge girls have been a backcourt-dominated basketball program for the better part of the last two decades.

The 2022-23 Dodgers expect to flip the script on that narrative.

Head coach Scott Messerly’s squad is bigger, stronger and possibly better this season, as Fort Dodge will attempt to solidify a winning campaign for the first time in nine years during the months to come. The cornerstones of the returning lineup — 5-foot, 11-inch Lainey Maehl and 6-1 Paytene Hiveley — will now be flanked by the arrival of highly-touted freshman LJ Maehl, a versatile 6-foot talent who will see time with the ball, away from it on the wing and even in the post, depending on the circumstances.

“It’s kind of different, being able to utilize and gameplan around this much size,” said Messerly, who is in his fifth season at the helm. “Not just because all three are big, but they’re versatile.

“It’s a great opportunity for us. We’re not a complete team yet by means, but having this kind of rebounding and interior ability gives us some distinct advantages.”

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla FORT DODGE GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM MEMBERS are, front row (left to right): Dakota Pommer, Ashlyn Wills, Morgan Bodholdt, Araya Fellers, Meah McCaleb and Brooklyn Pommer. Back: Gabi De Araujo, Kenzie McIlrath, Kyrstin Waychoff, Paytene Hiveley, Lainey Maehl and LJ Maehl. Not pictured: Sienna Attig.

BACKCOURT

Heavy graduation losses have left a relatively blank slate in the Dodgers’ guard slots. All four of the team’s senior regulars last winter — Tory Bennett, Aleaha Pommer, Jalen Adams and Haley Wills — were regulars here.

Junior Mackenzie McIlrath was one of the main reserves for FDSH a year ago. McIlrath has been an off guard for most of her career, but she is making the transition to running the offense in the early stages of camp.

“Kenzie’s always been more of a scorer,” Messerly said. “She’s a hard worker and a good leader. There will be some growing pains, but the bottom

See FD GIRLS, Page 19

HEAD COACH

Scott Messerly

5th year

ROSTER Seniors Morgan Bodholdt........... 5-7, G/F Paytene Hiveley ................. 6-1, C Lainey Maehl.................5-11, F/C Kyrstin Waychoff.................5-9, F Juniors Mackenzie McIlrath..........5-10, G Araya Fellers ...................... 5-3, G Sienna Attig.........................5-8, F Sophomores Ashlyn Wills ....................... 5-5, G Brooklyn Pommer...............5-7, F Meah McCaleb............... 5-6, G/F Freshmen LJ Maehl ......................... 6-0, G/F Dakota Pommer............. 5-8, G/F

SCHEDULE

Dec. 1 — Boone; 2 — at Ames; 6 — DM Lincoln; 9 — Waterloo East; 13 — at DM Hoover; 15 — at Humboldt; 16 — at Marshalltown; 19 — at Spencer.

Jan. 5 — at Sioux City East; 6 — at Mason City; 10 — DM East; 12 — DM North; 17 — at DM Roosevelt; 20 — Ames; 27 — at Waterloo East; 30 — Urbandale; 31 — at DM North.

Feb. 3 — Marshalltown; 7 — Mason City.

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115 South 29th Street, Fort Dodge 515-573-4105

GO DODGERS!

Have A Great Season!

Pharmacy Fort Dodge