LYNX BANKING ON NEW GROUP
Ratcliff’s squad working hard to bridge the gap and find their new identity
By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net
For just the second time since 2006-07, the Webster City boys enter a new season having won less than 10 games the year prior.
That is something head coach and former Lynx stanout Brett Ratcliff would like to change.
But for that to happen, Webster City will need some key contributions from some new players around returning starter Carter Mickelson and rotation regular Conner Peck.
“I think the state of the program is good,” Ratcliff said. “We have been working hard in the offseason to improve on skills and weaknesses. The guys know it will be tough when we have to replace five starters and a few key role players, but they are up for the challenge.”
“The guys know it will be tough when we have to replace five starters and a few key role players, but they are up for the challenge.”
BRETT RATCLIFF
Webster City boys basketball coach
Much of the production from a year ago graduated. Mickelson scored 55 points in 14 games and Peck had 30.
Cole Miller and Luke Firsching — who saw action in 17 and 10 games, respectively — also return. Miller had 45 points last winter, and Firsching 11.
“Carter, Cole and Conner are the top returning players,” Ratcliff said. “They had the most minutes last year as returning players. They lead by example. Not many people are going to out-work those three on the court.
“In practice, they are no-nonsense guys that just put their heads down and go to work every day.”
Firsching is someone Ratcliff has his eye on, saying, “he has worked on his body this offseason and has gotten a lot stronger, which is key playing in the post.
“I am also excited to see some of those juniors this year step into the varsity role,” he added. “They had success in the past and I want to see it transition to the higher level.”
With so much inexperience on the floor at the same time, forming connections during the preseason will be key for
MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Damion Elliott, Jamey Stansfield, Carter Mickelson, Jaxon Griffith, Aiden Hrnicek and Logan Willson. Back: Conner Peck, Gabe Thumma, Gavin Griffith, Luke Firsching, Zack Lahr, Cole Miller and Matthew Tesdahl. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)
MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Izzy Grossoehme, Mia Hansen, Jayme Perez, Alivia Bruns and Janey Putney. Back: Tristyn Wright, Ashlee Nydegger, Marissa Hedeen, Evie Davis, Jaylyn Bahrenfuss, Avery Poppen and Olivia Gallentine. Not pictured: Lovie Pruismann. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)
M c KINNEY TAKES OVER FOR LYNX
Following a break, former boys coach will coach girls squad along with his daughter
By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net
The love of basketball is bringing Marty McKinney back to the sidelines.
Following a short hiatus away from the coaching ranks, McKinney returns, this time to lead the Webster City girls.
During a 14-year career as head coach with the WCHS boys, McKinney won 190 games and three North Central Conference titles.
“We are currently in building mode,” McKinney said of his new roster. “Not necessarily rebuilding, but building. We have been working hard at getting the culture of our team where it needs to be to be successful.
“In the gym, we have been stressing fundamentals.”
“We have been working hard at getting the culture of our team where it needs to be successful. In the gym, we have been stressing fundamentals.”
MARTY MCKINNEY Webster City girls basketball coach
The Lynx have not finished a season above .500 since going 11-11 in 2017-18 — a run that includes just 17 combined wins the last four years.
Seniors Olivia Gallentine and Marissa Hedeen will look to carry the load this winter. Gallentine led the squad in points (229), rebounds (103), assists (72) and steals (30)
last year.
Hedeen was right behind with 139 points, 82 rebounds, 22 steals, 11 assists and a team-high 23 blocks. She also knocked down 41 three-pointers, which led the way.
“Those two have been our leaders in offseason workouts,” McKinney said. “They were first team allNorth Central Conference players in volleyball, so they know how to compete at a high level.”
Junior Alivia Burns, sophomores Lovie Pruismann, Izzy Grossoehme, Avery Poppen and Tristyn Wright, and ninth-grader Evie Davis all look to take on expanded roles.
“Alivia brings quickness and ball handling,” McKinney said. “Izzy attacks the basket and sees the floor well. Lovie
See LYNX GIRLS, Page 13
WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING
MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY WRESTLING TEAM are front row (left to right): Sydney Walker, Carson Burtnett, Dawson Bertran, Tristan Mason, Jaysen Vankham, Gavin Wynkoop, Brayden Burtnett, Ridge Berninghaus, Tariq Burton, Lincoln Brookshire. Back: manager Heidi Mendoza, manager Harper Range, Peyton Weisberg, Briggs Peppel, Luke Estlund, Blake Berninghaus, Carson Bertran, Eli Estlund, Jake Rohmiller, Cael Alexander, Juan Raymundo, manager McKenna Buakham, manager Greta Kenville. Not pictured: Cody Elliott, Maurice Anderson, Ty Bingham, Angel Ramirez. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)
STRONG GROUP BACK ON THE MAT
team leaning on 13 returning letterwinners to spark another successful run
By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net
Drake Doolittle believes his Webster City wrestling team is in a strong position heading into the 2024-25 season.
This marks the second year as head coach for the former Lynx standout, and he will have a 13 returning letterwinners back — with a dozen healthy enough to wrestle.
Webster City lost senior Luke Estlund during the fall, after he suffered a torn ACL during the football season. He will remain around the program, though, in a leadership role alongside classmates and fellow returning letterwinners Blake Berninghaus, Carson Bertran, Tristan Mason, Jake Rohmiller and Adison Scott.
“We bring back a handful of individuals that either made it to state or were right on the edge of punching their ticket to state.”
DRAKE DOOLITTLE
Webster City wrestling coach
“I would say our program is in a good spot,” Doolittle said. “We bring back a handful of individuals that either made it to state or were right on the edge of punching their ticket to state. We also have individuals that put time in in the offseason, which will pay big dividends heading into the season.”
Doolittle knows a little something about competing
in Des Moines at state, as he was a four-time medalist including a state title as a senior. Estlund was a qualifier a year ago when he went 30-14, as was Bertran, who won 21 matches including a sudden-victory at Wells Fargo Arena.
Juniors Dawson Bertran, Brayden Burtnett, Eli Estlund, Angel Ramirez, Jaysen Vankham and Gavin Wynkoop all return, as does sophomore Ridge Berninghaus.
Mason and Wynkoop both had over 20 wins while Rohmiller, Ramirez, Eli Estlund, Burtnett, Dawson Bertran and Blake Berninghaus all won over 10 matches last year.
“The biggest strength of this team will be their grit and relentless pace on the mat,” Doolittle said. “We want our
Doolittle’s
WEBSTER CITY’S CONNER PECK defends against St. Edmond last season. Peck will return for his senior campaign. (DFJ file photo)
the Lynx.
“I think the chemistry of this team might be the best I have seen in my short time coaching,” Ratcliff said. “We don’t have one or two guys who are going to take the majority of the shots. What we do have are several players that are willing to play their roles and do whatever it takes to win basketball games.
“We will be guard dominated, and we will be feisty on the defensive end. I think we will have to lean on the defense in order to have success this year.”
Webster City allowed over 56 points per game a season ago, a number that was up by
Page 1
six from the year prior. They also averaged over 17 turnovers a night.
“In order for us to have a successful season, we have to cut down on turnovers,” Ratcliff said. “That is one thing that hurt us last season. We also need to work on getting high percentage shots.
“Some of our goals for the year are to improve and compete every time we are on the floor. We would like to win all the home games and steal some on the road. Ultimately, we have revamped our schedule to make some of our non-conference games a little more difficult because we are always preparing for tournament time.”
WEBSTER CITY’S CARTER MICKELSON drives to the basket against Clarion-Goldfield-Dows last year. Mickelson is a junior this season for the Lynx. (DFJ file photo)
LYNX BOYS , Continued from
WEBSTER CITY’S LUKE ESTLUND was a state qualifier for the Lynx last season. Estlund, who tore his ACL in football, is out for the year but will have a leadership role with the Lynx. (DFJ file photo)
LYNX MAT , Continued from Page 3
our team to be the team nobody wants to wrestle because they know no matter what the score is, our guy is going to be in their face looking to score the next point.”
Doolittle has loaded his coaching staff with three new members, including brother Carson Doolittle, who won a state championship last winter for Webster City. Royce Nessa and Carter Rholl — also former Lynx wrestlers — join the room in coaching roles as well.
“The big focus for this group in particular will be keeping an open mind to new techniques and continuing to develop every day as the season progresses,” Doolittle said. “Our guys have a lot of potential, but that’s all it is right now. It’s going to take a lot of hard work, determination and focus to detail to turn that potential into results.
“I know (Nessa, Rholl and Doolittle) are ready to get the season rolling and push these guys to not only reach the goals they have for themselves but also help our guys
achieve their full potential this season — not only on the wrestling mat but in all aspects of life.”
Webster City lost in regional duals last year — something that is motivating the team this time around. They were fifth at the North Central Conference tournament.
“Our team’s main goal for the season is to make it to state duals,” Doolittle said. “We return as a team with the ability to do it, but it’s going to take every individual from the 106-pound weight class to heavyweight to get the job done. There’s a lot to be said about teams that believe in something greater than themselves.
“The NCC is one of the toughest conferences in the state. If you step back and look at the NCC teams from last year, we had four teams ranked in the Top-15 for most of the season. There are a handful of teams returning many guys from their starting lineups from last year so you can expect to see plenty of top level matchups in all NCC duals (in 2024-25).”
LYNX READY FOR INAUGURAL GIRLS TEAM
Nebraska native Gomez will be in charge of Webster City’s first female mat program
By CHRIS JOHNSON sports@freemanjournal.net
Emma Gomez and Webster City student Marlee Thompson have something in common when it comes to wrestling.
Gomez will guide the Lynx girls in their inaugural season of girls wrestling. Like Thompson, Gomez has already left her mark on the sport.
Thompson recorded the first victory in program history earlier this month with a fall.
Gomez, meanwhile, is a pioneer in her own right.
Gomez, a Hemingford, Neb. native, was the first official student-athlete for the Iowa Lakes Community College girls wrestling program. She transferred from Wayne State to join the Lakers. In high school, Gomez was a twotime state finalist and four-time letterwinner.
“Wrestling is a very hard sport,” Gomez said. “I want them to learn life skills, as that is important to become a better person and a better wrestler.
“Wrestling is a very hard sport. I want them to learn life skills, as that is important to become a better person and a better wrestler.”
EMMA GOMEZ
Webster
City wrestling coach
“I’m very excited for this year. Keep us on the radar.”
The 22-year old Gomez now lives in Eagle Grove, and will use her 14 years of experience on the mat to help guide the Lynx in their maiden voyage.
“This group works hard,” Gomez said. “They are great to deal with and work with. They can make a run this season.”
Gomez is not afraid to step into a new program and start from the ground up.
“I’ve been around wrestling for a long time — especially programs that are first getting started,” Gomez said. “It’s
always stressful at the beginning, but it’s well worth it.”
Junior Kate Feltz and sophomore Kaitlynn Vandemark entered the high school scene last winter as part of the Fort Dodge program.
“It will be interesting to see where we go and what we accomplish,” Gomez said. “I think it’s important that we get the mental aspect of wrestling figured out.
“Even if you lose, you have to process it.”
Graduated Webster City senior Maddie Pulis was a two-time state qualifier for the Dodgers in 2023 and ‘24. In her final season at Fort Dodge, Pulis won 33 matches. Her two-year career mark was 52-18.
Vandemark won 13 matches for the Dodgers. Feltz fought through injuries last season.
Senior three-sport standout Cloe Savitski will hit the mat for the first time in her career. Savitski, an allconference player in softball, volleyball and track, will be the lone senior on this year’s roster.
MEMBERS OF THE WEBSTER CITY GIRLS WRESTLING TEAM are front row (left to right): Marlee Thompson, Cloe Savitski, Haedyn Soesbe, Kali Hartnett and Amelia Lindsey. Back: Abby Heckert, Liberty Gamble, Isabella Sandoval, Kate Feltz and Kyla Vandemark. Not pictured: Isabelle McNiel and Kaitlynn Vandemark. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)
SOUTH HAMILTON BOYS BASKETBALL
HAWKS OPEN NEW ERA UNDER CHURCH
Coach will take over program that is transitioning through heavy graduation losses
By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net
There will be plenty of new faces around the South Hamilton boys this winter after recording the most wins since 2018-19.
Gone are five senior starters and three more that saw plenty of time on the court.
The Hawks will also have a new coach, as Scott Church replaces Matt Juber.
Church, who won 55 games over five years while leading Ogden, will look to a mix of players to keep the strong tradition going at South Hamilton.
“Getting this team to buy in will be key to the season. We will go through some growing pains, but I also believe you will see a lot of improvement throughout the season.”
SCOTT CHURCH
South Hamilton boys basketball coach
Outside of two years where they won nine and three games, the Hawks have finished with at least 14 wins
seven times since 2015. Prior to that, they had five seasons with at least 11 wins between 2006-2014.
“We will have a new system and philosophy, so this team will be learning on the go,” Church said. “Getting this team to buy in will be key to the season. We will go through some growing pains, but I also believe you will see a lot of improvement throughout the season.
“South Hamilton has a strong tradition and I do think this team will be much better at the end of the season and into tournament time.”
Senior Grant Larson along with juniors Sam Koehnk
See HAWK BOYS, Page 11
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON BOYS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): Manny Babcock, King Brown, Garrett Johnson and Blake Main. Back: Lyndon Johnson, Sam Koehnk, Ben Swenson, Grant Larson, Jose Babcock, Ryan Oskvig and Liam Ealy. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON GIRLS BASKETBALL TEAM are front row (left to right): manager Abby Richardson, Allie Neuberger, Bianca Seaton, Lillie Ammerman, Emma Lammers, Aliya Erickson and Cici Herrick. Back: Taryn Swanson, Kaylen Trask, Daytona Ferrie, Tessa Skartvedt, Claire Hewitt, Rosemary Chamness and Isabelle Swenson. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)
CONSISTENCY A FOCUS FOR HAWKS
Henderson’s new crop of athletes aim to fill the roles left by graduation of five starters
By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net
The South Hamilton girls have been the model of consistency over the last four years, putting together consecutive seasons of at least 10 wins.
That includes back-to-back 14-win campaigns for head coach Mark Henderson.
Now, though, a new group of Hawks must pick up the pieces following the graduation of all five starters from last year.
“We
have an enthusiastic group of 25 girls who are all working hard in practice every day.”
MARK HENDERSON South Hamilton girls basketball coach
Regulars Isabel Swenson, Kaylen Trask, Claire Hewitt and Tessa Skartvedt will be counted on to do just that along with the likes of Lillie Ammerman, Aliya Erickson, and Daytona Ferrie along with newcomer Emma Lammers.
“I think we are in a good place as a program,” Henderson said. “We have an enthusiastic group of 25 girls who are all working hard in practice every day. We return four letterwinners from last season so we have some experience coming back. We did graduate seven seniors, including all five starters, so there are a lot of varsity minutes to replace.
“The biggest thing for our returning players will be for them to all step up to bigger roles than they had last year. Our core group of returning varsity players got some
See HAWK GIRLS, Page 10
HAWKS RELYING ON A YOUNG CORE
Peters’ room works to get better every day with a mix of veterans and newcomers
By DANA BECKER sports@freemanjournal.net
South Hamilton head wrestling coach Luke Peters is anticipating some growing pains on the mats this year. But the former Hawk wrestler still wants to see constant improvement from the team.
Returning to the fold for South Hamilton are Parker Stuck and Gaige Willis, as the juniors combined to win 11 matches last year. The Hawks lost key regulars Holden
“We’re going to be a group that buys into the team aspect and wants each other to get better.”
LUKE PETERS South Hamilton wrestling coach
Keyton Remsburg, Johnathan O’Neal, Adley Peters and Graham Peters to graduation.
“I think we’re in a good spot,” said Peters, who is
entering his third season. “The big thing that usually hurts us is numbers. Last year we graduated six seniors, so I knew that numbers were going to be down and on the inexperienced side. But it’s a great spot to build from.
“Parker and Gaige both have that experience, and I believe that they can help the younger guys keep working towards their goals.”
Stuck and Willis are the glue to the rest of the team in
Klein,
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH HAMILTON WRESTLING TEAM are front row (left to right): Hagen Klein, Kyler Ziesman, Wrigley Eibeck, Jacob Luthen, Holden Klein and Cooper Stuck. Back: Brody Harris, Gaige Willis and Parker Stuck. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)
SOUTH HAMILTON
experience playing together last year on junior varsity, so they are familiar with one another which is helping us hit the ground running this winter.”
Trask, a junior and twoyear letterwinner, took over the starting point guard role late last season. She posted 47 points with 57 rebounds, 19 steals, 16 assists and four blocks.
“Kaylen is a smart player who loves basketball and puts in a lot of time to the sport — sometimes even recruiting other girls to come to the gym with her to shoot when nobody is there watching,” Henderson said. “We’ll ask a lot of her this year, as she’ll have to be one of our primary ball handlers as well as score and rebound for us.”
Skartvedt saw the court in all 22 games as a ninthgrader last winter, recording 24 points with 64 rebounds, 13 steals, 10 blocks and nine assists.
“Tessa played some key minutes for us as a freshman,” Henderson said. “She provides us with a strong post presence at both ends of the floor. She is a good athlete and has both the height and strength to match up with any post we’ll see this year.
“Last season, she was asked to be a defender and
rebounder, but this year we’ll also run a lot of our offense through her.”
Swenson had 23 points with 16 rebounds, seven steals and three assists as a sophomore in 20 games.
“Izzy will be another candidate to be one of our leading scorers this season,” Henderson said. “She’s put in a ton of time in the offseason on her shot and her ball handling. She is a good shooter with really strong range.
“She is another girl who loves basketball and would be in the gym every day if she could.”
Hewitt played in 19 games as a 10th-grader for South Hamilton, recording 15 points, 18 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
“Claire is our other returning letterwinner,” Henderson said. “She is one of our most versatile players. She will see time as both a post and a wing. She has nice post moves and is a good passer, but she can also shoot and handle the ball well for her position.
“Claire also a smart kid who understands what and why she needs to do on the court.”
Ferrie played in nine games, Erickson seven and Ammerman two as sophomores.
“Daytona is a very
aggressive rebounder and continues to improve as a scorer,” Henderson said. “Lillie will be another person to handle the ball for us and play on the wing. Aliya has a really good feel for the game and does a nice job of handling the ball and can score.
“Emma is a freshman who I think will help us as another ball handler and shooter. She’s a very good overall athlete who I think could be a good defender for us.”
Henderson has high expectations for his squad, including an anticipated strong finish in the Heart of Iowa Conference and a potential postseason run.
“Goal No. 1 is always the same: get better every day and be playing our best basketball when the postseason comes,” he said. “Another goal would be to compete in every game. Win or lose, we want to fight for four quarters and never let up against anyone.
“And finally, I think it’s a realistic goal for us to shoot for a top-half of the conference finish. If we can accomplish that as the smallest school in our league, I would be very happy.”
SOUTH HAMILTON’S TESSA SKARTVEDT looks for a rebound against St. Edmond last year. Skartvedt will be a sophomore. (DFJ File Photo)
SOUTH HAMILTON
2023-2024
celebrate winning the district basketball championship last season. (DFJ file photo by Angela Hewitt)
and Jose Babcock form the nucleus to the new attack. They are joined by sophomores Lyndon Johnson and Ryan Oskvig, along with ninth-graders Benjamin Swenson and Garrett Johnson.
Larson played in 18 games, recording 15 points with 10 rebounds and five steals. Koehnk saw the court in eight and Babcock two.
“We will look to Grant, Sam and Jose for our leadership,” Church said. “I also see Lyndon and Ryan mixing in as well. Benjamin has a big upside as he will be counted on early and often while Garrett could see some valuable minutes along the way.”
Larson and Koehnk will handle backcourt duties, with Swenson working his way in the post to “heavily lead our team,” Church added.
“Defense will be our strength in regards to creating turnovers with pressure and hopefully turning teams over and scoring in transition,” Church said. “Taking care of the ball on offense and limiting turnovers will be something that we will strive to overcome.
“This team will play hard and give all-out effort, but how well we match up with other teams will be determined.”
South Hamilton reached a Class 2A substate championship game last year, falling to Underwood.
MAT , Continued from Page 7
terms of bringing them together, Peters observed.
“I think our chemistry is going to be great,” he said. “We’re going to be a group that buys into the team aspect and wants each other to get better.
“This is going to be a fun group to cheer for, watching them grow and compete as a team.”
For many early in the season, fitness is important in terms of pushing through the tough matches. Peters believes that is an area his wrestlers can exploit.
“Out conditioning and eagerness to compete will be strengths,” he said. “One of our big emphases is going to be conditioning, as well as just the basic things like takedowns and escapes.
“I don’t expect us to be doing fancy moves; I want us to stick to things that are effective.”
As for other goals, those will follow along the same lines.
“To win matches,” Peters said. “Being a young team, we need things to grow from. Getting some guys their first win will be big in growing that confidence.
“This year is going to be tough. We’re probably going to be the smallest squad in the conference this year, so dual wise, we’re probably not going to be that strong. But hopefully in tournaments we surprise a few people.
“Our conference is always tough, so I’m expecting a little harder season than normal given how young our team is.”
THE CREDITS
The Fan’s 2024-2025 Winter Preview was a combined effort, made possible by the contributions of the DFJ Sports department and the valued schools in our area.
Sports Editor Eric Pratt and Assistant Sports Editor Chris Johnson designed, assembled and edited the tab. Staff members Dana Becker and Johnson gathered information, wrote stories and typed in schedules, standings and other data. Staff photographs were taken by Britt Kudla and Angela Hewitt. Nick Manwarren designed the cover.
HAWK BOYS , Continued from Page 7
THE
SOUTH HAMILTON BOYS
HAWK
WEBSTER CITY
GIRLS MAT
, Continued from Page 6
“This is Cloe’s first year of wrestling,” Gomez said. “She is going to be good, because she is a very quick learner. I’m excited to see where she goes.”
Along with Feltz, Vandemark and Savitski, the first roster for the Lynx will also include junior Isabella Sandoval and sophomore Amelia Lindsey. Freshmen are Liberty Gamble, Kali Hartnett, Abby Heckert, Haedyn Soesbe, Thompson and Isabelle McNiel.
“We have a solid crop of freshmen,” Gomez said. “Seeing Marlee earn the first match win in program history was great. I
think Kali, Haedyn and Marlee will be a huge success for our program in the years to come, and others will follow.”
In their first dual, the Lynx lost to Hampton-Dumont-CAL by a final of 3024. In addition to Thompson’s fall, Soesbe, Vandemark and Savitski prevailed.
McNiel recorded a pin in 2:25, and Heckert picked up a fall in 44 seconds.
“The girls are all still learning (at varying degrees),” Gomez said. “We will get better as we go. Wins will come.
“Even in our first dual, we were close. We’ll get there.”
COMPOSITE WEBSTER CITY SCHEDULE
Thursday, Dec. 5
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Carroll, 5:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Humboldt, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Aplington-Parkersburg, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Aplington-Parkersburg, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Dallas Center-Grimes, 10 a.m.
Girls Wrestling: Lynx at Ames, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. South Central Calhoun, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. South Central Calhoun, 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at North Polk, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Grinnell, 10 a.m.
Girls Wrestling: Lynx at Algona, 10 a.m.
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Garner-Hayfield/Ventura, 6:15 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 16
Girls Wrestling: Lynx at Humboldt, 5 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Boys Wrestling: Lynx vs. Clear Lake, 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Algona, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs.
Algona, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Fort Dodge, 10 a.m.
Friday, Jan. 3
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Manson Northwest Webster, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Clear Lake, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Clear Lake, 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Boys Wrestling: Lynx vs. St. Edmond and Algona, 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Marshalltown, 10 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 13
Girls Wrestling: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Nevada, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Nevada, 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 14
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Southeast Valley, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Southeast Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Iowa Falls-Alden, 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. St. Edmond, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. St. Edmond, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Perry, 9:30 a.m.
Girls Wrestling: Lynx at North Central Conference meet in Iowa Falls, 10 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 20
Girls Wrestling: Lynx at Eagle Grove, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Hampton-Dumont/CAL, 7:45 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Humboldt, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Humboldt, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 25
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at North Central Conference meet in Algona, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Girls Basketball: Lynx vs. Iowa Falls-Alden, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:45 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Algona, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Algona, 7:45 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Roland-Story, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Clear Lake, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Clear Lake, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Belmond-Klemme, 7:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Clarion-Goldfield/Dows, 7:45 p.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Boys Wrestling: Lynx at Greene County, 5:30 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lynx at St. Edmond, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Lynx at St. Edmond, 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 13
Girls Basketball: Lynx at Perry, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 14
Boys Basketball: Lynx vs. Humboldt, 7:45 p.m.
Thursday, Feb. 20
Boys Basketball: Lynx at Boone, 7:30 p.m.
WEBSTER CITY
LYNX
GIRLS , Continued from Page 2
and Tristyn are versatile athletes who can play inside, but also, step outside and knock down shots. Evie brings size, rebounding and finishes well at the rim.
“The chemistry has been very good so far. We are focused on getting better each day, and celebrating the success of our teammates.”
Burns made two starts and played in all 22 games as a 10th-grader, knocking down 14 triples while scoring 95 points with 41 rebounds and 19 steals.
Grossoehme saw action in 21 games last winter, scoring 67 points with 11 made triples, 15 assists and 15 steals, Wright played in 19 and had 57 points with 44 rebounds and 13 steals. Purismann appeared in 21 and Poppen 15.
“Our strength right now is our attitude and effort,” McKinney said. “The girls want to succeed and have been willing to be coached and get out of their comfort zones.
We are athletic, and should be able to guard on the defensive end.
“We must take care of the ball. We averaged 19 turnovers per game last year. You can’t turn the ball over that many times expect to win on a consistent basis. Playng fundamentally strong is a big deal. Jump stops, being under control and showing good decision-making skills are a priority.”
Having been around the sport long enough to know what it takes, McKinney has certain objectives in mind for the Lynx.
“Our main goal is to improve every time we are on the floor,” he said. “Obviously, we want to win games, but we are more focused on the process of getting better physically and mentally. If we stay focused on our actions and attitudes, winning will take care of itself.”
McKinney, a Webster City graduate himself, will be assisted by his daughter, former Lynx standout Taylor McKinney.
WEBSTER CITY’S Isabel Grossoehme puts up a shot last year. Grossoehme is looking to increase her role as a sophomore this season.
(DFJ photo by David Borer)
(DFJ
WEBSTER CITY’S OLIVIA GALLENTINE defends last season against Iowa Falls-Alden. Gallentine returns for her senior campaign this winter.
photo by David Borer)
WEBSTER CITY’S TRISTYN WRIGHT puts up a shot last season. Wright is entering her sophomore campaign. (DFJ photo by David Borer)
are, front row (left to right): Alleyna Dawson and Emerson Paukert.
Middle: Ava Gose and Izzy Weinschenk.
Back: Brooklin Watson and Allie Severe. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)
SOUTH HAMILTON
COMPOSITE SOUTH HAMILTON SCHEDULE
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. South Central Calhoun, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. South Central Calhoun, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 5
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Iowa Falls-Alden, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Iowa Falls-Alden, 7:45 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 6
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Nevada, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Nevada, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 7
Wrestling: Hawks at Manson
Northwest Webster, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 10
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Saydel, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Saydel, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12
Wrestling: Hawks vs. Nevada, 5:30 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 13
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Grand View Christian, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Grand View Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 14
Wrestling: Hawks at Saydel, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 17
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs.
Roland-Story, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 19
Wrestling: Hawks at West Marshall, 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 20
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 21
Wrestling: Hawks at RolandStory, 10 a.m.
Thursday, Jan. 2
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. St.
Edmond in Des Moines, 6:15 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. St. Edmond in Des Moines, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 3
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Monroe PCM, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Monroe PCM, 7:30 p.m.
Monday, Jan. 6
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Perry, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Perry, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 7
Wrestling: Hawks host quadrangular, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 9
Wrestling: Hawks vs. RolandStory, Saydel, 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 10
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Greene County, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Greene County, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Wrestling: Hawks at BCLUW, 9:30 a.m.
Monday, Jan. 13
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Southeast Valley, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Southeast Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 16
Wrestling: Hawks at MonroePCM, 6 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 17
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Nevada, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Nevada, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 18
Wrestling: Hawks at Perry, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 21
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Saydel, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Saydel 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 24
Wrestling: Hawks at Heart of Iowa Conference meet in Story City, 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Grand View Christian, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Grand View Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Jan. 28
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Roland-Story, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Roland-Story, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 30
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. South Hardin, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. South Hardin, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 31
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. West Marshall, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 1
Wrestling: Hawks at Pocahontas Area, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 4
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Monroe-PCM, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Monroe-PCM, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 7
Girls Basketball: Hawks at Perry, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks at Perry, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 8
Wrestling: Hawks at Eagle Grove, 10 a.m.
Tuesday, Feb. 11
Girls Basketball: Hawks vs. Greene County, 6 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Hawks vs. Greene County, 7:30 p.m.
SOUTH HAMILTON’S KAYLEN TRASK shoots a free throw last season for the Hawks. Trask is a junior this year. (DFJ photo by Angela Hewitt)
WEBSTER CITY BASKETBALL CHEERLEADERS
WEBSTER CITY BASKETBALL cheerleaders for the winter season are front row (left to right): Breanna Somvong, Emalie Perez and Evangeline Streigle. Middle: Elexious Scism, Lillian Haney, Gabbie Sebert and Rubi Andrade. Back: Keighan Wallerich, Breckyn Eide, Sylvia Otteros, Miley Mason and Paisyn Bare. (DFJ photo by Britt Kudla)
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