Albany Girls Basketball Championship 2021

ALBANY GIRLS

BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

“

In state title season, Boyum saw

Having a lot of talent is a blessing.

Putting all that talent together is another thing.

- Head coach Aaron Boyum

”

greatness grow Huskies bettered themselves as season progressed

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

One of the most memorable seasons in the history of the Albany girls basketball program started with an understanding that it would be unlike any season they have previously undergone, and head coach Aaron Boyum understood that in advance.

“I never saw a way the season would get underway in 2020,” Aaron Boyum, head coach, said. “I was very happy that we were able to get started once the calendar turned.”

Boyum, who has been coaching the Huskies since 2013, displayed a large sense of optimism once it was confirmed there would be a winter sports campaign. Albany was one game away from their second straight state appearance, and the team retained six regular players from that talented 2019-20 team: starting guards Paige Meyer and Abbie Christen, starting forward

Aar

on Boyum

Madi Herkenhoff and role players Joran Carlson, Danica Findley and Bailey Keske.

“Anytime you return six players from a team that played in the section finals the year before, you feel pretty good about that,” Boyum said.

Despite the remaining experience and

large crop of scoring and defensive options, the 2020-21 season brought uncertainty unlike any other. Usually, Husky players would receive a chance to shine in a summer league, but that was canceled as COVID-19 positive case numbers rose.

However, the team conducted weight training sessions broken down into three separate pods, a boon to the development of their athletes.

“I really think the girls that are involved with weight training over the summer, that really shows up on the basketball court,” Boyum said.

Even with new COVID-19 protocols and the lingering concerns about staying safe and healthy, Boyum quickly noticed that his squad of hard workers were undeniable, winning their first 13 games of a boisterous and entertaining campaign. This early slate of games included a dominant 76-30 win against Milaca Jan. 29, when Meyer reached the 2,000-point milestone.

Greatness page 2C

PHOTO BY MIKE KOSIK

With Paige Meyer leading the way, the Huskies rush onto center court at Target Center following their 57-43 win over Providence Academy April 9.

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Page 2C | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Albany Girls Basketball

Greatness from front

“

We have a great group of girls basketball players who are even better kids and better people. For that reason, we are so excited for them.

“

- Head coach Aaron Boyum

And like the rest of their victories, the Huskies took every contest by double-digits.

“Having a lot of talent is a blessing,” Boyum said. “Putting all that talent together is another thing.”

Boyum saw a lot of positives from his team but knew the toughest of tests was ahead. Albany suffered their first and only loss of the season against New London-Spicer March 1, a 62-45 defeat that emphasized the importance of responding to adversity and shaping up for the section playoffs.

“From there, all the credit needs to go to the girls,” Boyum said. “They either get to make the choice to try to refine it or accept where they are at. There was no accepting, there was definitely a refining for sure.”

That loss, which saw Albany score their lowest point total of the season while allowing the most points a game they would relinquish, seemed to motivate the team, as evidenced by their stellar play down the stretch. Boyum witnessed significant growth from the girls, who defeated their section rival Sauk Centre Streeters by 34 points March 8, followed by a 44-point victory over Melrose and a 41-point win versus Cathedral.

“We saw that we had a group of girls that wanted to get better, regardless of what that meant as far as their role on the team,” Boyum said.

“Once we saw that, we knew we had something pretty special.”

With a regular season record of 17-1, the Huskies secured the top seed in the Section 6AA playoffs, where they averaged a victory margin of 35.5 points in clinching victories over Long Prairie-Grey Eagle, Milaca, Pierz and Sauk Centre.

“Certainly, earning that high seed and being able to play at home and win at home in front of our home fans was something special,” Boyum said.

Boyum knew the state tournament would bring its own unique share of challenges, starting with the Pelican Rapids Vikings. Albany adapted to the Vikings’ multiple scoring threats and played an overpowering zone defense, limiting Pelican Rapids to 12 overall points, including just three in the second half. Boyum credits extra analysis in between matchups, allowing for additional preparedness.

“The state tournament is usually a sprint and this year, it was more of a marathon,” he said.

“We were really able to gather film on our opponents and get down to the nitty-gritty. We were able to scheme more.”

And with the small details they picked up from watching film, the Huskies thrived with their rotation of 10 players, picking apart GlencoeSilver Lake 72-49 April 6 in the Class AA semifinals. From there, Albany remained closely contested with championship contender Providence Academy, converting huge shots and free throws in the closing minutes to create the moment for a lifetime.

“To celebrate in a season where the girls were asked to adapt and be so flexible, to see them get rewarded with the highest honor of being state champions, was absolutely tremendous,” Boyum said. “We have a great group of girls basketball players who are even better kids and better people. For that reason, we are so excited for them.”

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The players were asked these three questions about their season:

1 What was your favorite memory of the year, besides winning state?

2 Who has had the biggest impact on you reaching this point in your career?

3 What does it mean to you to be a state champion?

Faith Borgerding

Joran Carlson

Abbie Christen

Danica Findley

SENIOR, C, #51

JUNIOR, G, #33

SENIOR, G, #23

JUNIOR, F, #24

1 My favorite memory 1 My favorite memories was senior night, I was so throughout the season happy to stand out in the were all of the team bondmiddle of the court with all ing activities that we did. of my fellow seniors.

2 of my parents 2 My parents, they push hadBoth a huge impact on me me to be a better, stronger this year. With COVID, not many people were able to person. to the games, but 3 Always having a posi- come I could always count on tive attitude, supporting them being there to supand encouraging my team- port. mates on and off the court makes a championship 3 Being a state champ team. means a lot to me. The whole team worked so hard to reach that point and I couldn’t be happier and prouder of everyone.

State champions has a good ring to it!

Congratulations Isle Milaca

Albany Paynesville Cold Spring

HUSKIES

1 The section final game would definitely be one of my favorite memories from this year. We had a great game as a team and it was very exciting to be able to play our whole bench in a section final game. Watching everyone put their hearts into the game and winning the section title was a great experience.

1 My favorite memories are being able to spend time with my team every day!

2 My dad has had the biggest impact on me reaching this point. He coached me for four years and is always helping me improve on my game every day. He always motivates me to do and never gives up 2 All of the coaches I’ve better on me. had over my years of playing basketball have had a 3 Being a state champion big impact on me because to me means you never lost they are always encourag- motivation to win and you ing me and pushing me always want to do the best to do my best. They have for your team. You push taught me skills on and everyone and yourself to off the court that will stick do the best so your team with me for the rest of my has success in the end. life.

3 Winning the state championship is a really special feeling. It was such an exciting feeling winning that game. It shows that our hard work has paid off.

Sydney Friederichs

Kylan Gerads

Madi Herkenhoff

Peyton Hylla

SENIOR, G, #13

FRESHMAN, F, #45

JUNIOR, C, #55

JUNIOR, G, #1

1 My favorite memory of this year was playing the section championship game at home. This is something that I don’t think many people get to say they have done, but we do.

1 My favorite memory from this year would be the team dinners.

1 Senior night or any of 1 My favorite memory was the team bonding activi- the section final game verties we had throughout sus Sauk Centre because it the season. was one of the first games the gym was filled 2 My parents, because when up with fans and it was they have always encour- so fun to be celebrating aged me and supported going to state with them. me no matter what. They have always pushed me 2 My parents have had to be the best version of the biggest impact on me myself and to stay true to because they have always who I am. supported me by bringing to all my tournaments 3 It means a lot because me during the weekends all of the energy and hard when they could have work I have put in over been doing something the last 13 years has paid else. They also taught me a off in a big way. It’s a great lot about basketball. way to end my basketball 3 It means a lot to be a career! part of such a special team with tons of special players. It’s cool to have played with girls who I looked up to. It’s an amazing feeling to be a part of such an awesome team and there is nobody I’d rather be state champs with.

2 My dad has had the biggest impact on my basketball career because he always pushes me to be best, not only in bas2 My parents have had my ketball, but in life. the biggest impact on me reaching this point in my 3 To me, being on the career because they are state champion team is always pushing me to be something I never would my best. They always moti- have imagined. Growing vate me and work with me up with this group of girls on what I can improve on. and accomplishing somebig like being state 3 I think it is pretty cool thing champs is an unforgettato be a state champion ble experience. because to me, it means that we continued the season as far as we could.

Congratulations Albany Girls Basketball Team on your state 6AA Championship

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Albany Girls Basketball | Wednesday, April 21, 2021| Page 3C

MEET YOUR CHAMPIONS The players were asked these three questions about their season:

1 What was your favorite memory of the year, besides winning state?

2 Who has had the biggest impact on you reaching this point in your career?

3 What does it mean to you to be a state champion?

Bailey Keske

Paige Meyer

Lily Orne

Mandy Ostendorf

JUNIOR, G, #5

SENIOR, G, #21

SENIOR, G, #22

SENIOR, C, #31

1 Playing with this team in general, every game was so fun and my teammates really made this season great for me.

1 My favorite memory this year would probably have been the section final game. The team played very well together and the in the gym 2 My teammates. They atmosphere was really fun. have always pushed me to do better every day and 2 All of my coaches over it really showed when we the years have made a reached the end of the sea- big impact on me. I have son. learned so much from They have made me 3 To me, it’s everything. them. not just a better player and Being a state champ is like teammate, but also a beta dream come true for me. ter person.

1 Beating Sauk Centre in 1 When Paige Meyer hit the section championship. her 2,000th point.

2 My parents have had the biggest impact on me because growing up they sacrificed many weekends and weeknights to bring me to practices or tournaments.

2 My parents, because they have always supported me and my decisions.

3 It means a lot to me to end my senior year as a state champion because shows that all the hard 3 Being a state champion itwork we’ve put in over the means a lot to me. It shows years has paid off. how hard the entire team worked during the season and how well we all play As a senior, win3 It is a super exciting and together. ning the state championspecial feeling. It shows ship was the perfect way to that all of our hard work end the season. and dedication has paid off over the years.

Rachel Rausch

Alyssa Sand

Samantha VanHeel

Marissa Voigt

SENIOR, G, #3

FRESHMAN, F/C, #43

SOPHOMORE, F, #41

JUNIOR, G, #11

1 Beating Sauk Centre in 1 My favorite memory of the section final game, the the year was playing Sauk energy of the game was Centre in the playoffs. It incredible. was so fun to experience a section champi2 Our teamwork and winning onship. coaches have impacted us on reaching this point. We 2 My parents had the bighave worked hard together gest impact on me because all season and our coaches they have always pushed pushed us every day. me to work hard and prac3 It means all of our hard tice every day. work has paid off and we 3 It means a lot to be a get to represent our com- state champion because munity. it’s something I have always dreamed of since AGBA. It feels awesome to have done it with the seniors this year!

1 Being around such 1 My favorite memories great girls and always hav- of this year are team dining a fun atmosphere to ners and bus rides. be in.

2 My dad for always sup2 My mom and dad they porting me and helping me get to my best point. pushed me through it all. matter the situation, he 3 It means that all of our No has always been there. work paid off.

3 I feel as though it’s the highest point you can get to. I feel accomplished that myself as an athlete and my team got to that point.

It is something I will never forget.

PHOTO BY MIKE KOSIK

The Class AA state champion Albany Girls Basketball Team carries their trophy to awaiting fans April 9 at Herges Stadium in Albany. The team defeated Providence Academy for the state championship earlier that day.

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Page 4C | Wednesday, April 21, 2021 | Albany Girls Basketball

Huskies shift into drive by

using their depth Albany established roles in path to championship

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

When the time comes for Minnesota’s best high school basketball teams to come together and fight for statewide glory, the eventual champions always have one common characteristic, whether it is a big-time, Class AAAA giant, a Class A feel-good story or any squad in between: they play basketball effectively as a team.

The concept of teamwork may be simple, but the elite programs know how to best utilize their players and depth to achieve the best results possible. The recently-crowned Class AA champion Albany Huskies understand this facet of the game very well and emphasize depth establishment early on in the season to be prepared for the big games in March and April.

“I think when you can have a deep basketball team, you can be more dynamic and you look for opportunities to make it a full-court game so that depth can play into things over the course of a game,” said Aaron Boyum, head coach.

The depth the 202021 Albany team presented, however, felt different than in previous years. Each player seemed to possess an uncanny understanding of their strengths and what they could provide on and off the court, guiding the team to success. While certain members of the team

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

Albany’s Madi Herkenhoff tries to get her hand on the ball of the Providence Academy shooter in the state championship game April 9 at Target Center in Minneapolis.

were more likely to light up the scoreboard, each Husky was essential to the team’s historic campaign, a small part of a larger machine.

It got Boyum thinking of analogies and comparisons for the team, and one quickly came to mind: a car.

A car requires several components of varying shapes and sizes to progress forward, and Boyum relayed this analogy to his team before their game against Pierz Feb. 16, assigning a car part to each team member present at the contest.

“We wanted them to understand their value and to understand how that value

makes the Albany Huskies car what it is,” Boyum said.

Senior guard Paige Meyer, for example, is the engine. A four-time Granite Ridge Conference MVP and a top-10 finalist for Minnesota’s Miss Basketball Award, Meyer has garnered a reputation as a mustwatch player, becoming synonymous with the Albany Huskies girls basketball program. Her popularity is something the team recognizes and leans into.

“When you go to buy a car, the first thing people will talk about is the engine,” Boyum said. “As a team, we have to understand

Paige is an important part of who we are.”

While Meyer plays that critical role, the rest of the Albany starting five are also essential to Albany getting up to top speed. Senior guard Abbie Christen is the car’s tires, running the floor with an unmatched speed and intensity while guarding the opposition’s playmakers with lateral quickness on defense, while junior forward Madi Herkenhoff is the front and back bumper because of the physical presence she brings to the roster as an offensivelytalented post and an adept shot-blocker.

Junior forward Joran Carlson, as a prolific outside shooter and a high-ceiling scorer, is the car’s accelerator, while Danica Findley, the vehicle’s navigation assistance due to her capabilities as a reliable option at the 4 while tutoring younger players to fill the position when necessary.

“We felt blessed and fortunate to be able to have that depth, to prepare for the unknown or the different things that come up during the course of the game,” Boyum said.

Winning a championship, however, takes more than the first five girls to take the floor, and Albany’s bench was more than capable of producing at a high level.

Alyssa Sand performed at a high level at the 5 off the bench, preventing the team from slowing down as the car’s rear brakes. Freshman Kylan Gerads, meanwhile, showed unequaled prowess as a rebounder and was constantly moving on the court with or without the ball in her hands, making her a perJoran Carlson (no. 33) and Kylan Gerads (no. 45) stand on defense against Glencoe-Silver Lake. fect belt for Albany’s autoThe Huskies won the game 72-49 April 6 at the Target Center in Minneapolis. mobile.

Rounding out the rest of the bench with consistent minutes were Bailey Keske, Samantha VanHeel and Rachel Rausch, who Boyum believes are comparable to a car’s turn signals, windshield wipers and cruise control.

Keske operated as a controlled, clutch backup point guard that kept the team turning, VanHeel had a knack for cleaning the glass and Rausch’s game was smooth and clean off the bench.

The Huskies embraced their respective proficiencies and were not looking to be anything other than what they were, and that was enough.

“Talent is great and talent is important and we felt like we had talent on our team, but if you have 10 girls that all want to be the engine, it’s not going to work,” Boyum said. “I felt like we had girls that were able to understand and appreciate their diversified traits and skills.”

These roles were not limited to the ones always out on the court; the Huskies heavily relied on the girls who saw less time but still made teamwide contributions. Marissa Voigt and Peyton Hylla functioned as the car’s mirrors and coolant because of their vision and clutch showings late in games, respectively, while Sydney Friederichs, Faith Borgerding, Mandy Ostendorf and Lily Orne received the roles of the muffler, headlights, heat and air conditioner and spark plug.

In the end, it took every single piece of the overall picture for Albany to lock up their fourth-ever state championship, a testament to their understanding of what their players did best and how they could make a difference.

“If someone wasn’t here, the car would be different,” Boyum said.

Abbie Christen brings the ball down court on a fast break in the state championship game against Providence Academy April 9 at Target Center in Minneapolis.

Alyssa Sand tries for two points in the semi-final game against Glencoe-Silver Lake April 6 at Target Center in Minneapolis

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Albany Girls Basketball | Wednesday, April 21, 2021| Page 5C

Meyer’s career reaches its astounding conclusion

“

Albany senior reflects on many years with program

“I never really envisioned anything specific at the time; I just wanted to make an impact anywhere I could when I was on the court” - Paige Meyer

With the effectiveness and hustle in which Paige Meyer has played the game of basketball, it almost seems like she has everything planned out in advance.

However, the Albany girls basketball program’s all-time leading scorer never anticipated the career she eventually embarked on, not even as an eager eighth grader entering varsity for the first time. All she could think about then was helping the team.

“I never really envisioned anything specific at the time; I just wanted to make an impact anywhere I could when I was on the court,” Meyer said.

Through the mentorship of several upperclassmen, the future star honed her talents as a versatile guard. While she possessed top-of-the-line athleticism as a result of playing sports year-round and constant dedication to the craft, it was an adjustment moving from youth basketball to the high-school level at such a young age.

“When you play varsity, the game is a lot quicker and playing against a lot of great people, I had to learn quickly,” Meyer said.

And learn quickly, she did. The area phenom picked up her first of four Granite Ridge Conference Most Valuable Player awards following a freshman season that displayed her upward trajectory toward the top.

The Huskies continued their ascent in Meyer’s sophomore campaign, compiling a 19-12 regular season record before upsetting top-seed Sauk Centre in the Section 6AA semifinals, eventually clinching a spot at the Class AA State Tournament. Unfortunately, their spirited performances were not enough to end the season No. 1, as the Huskies lost by a razor-thin margin against eventual champion Minnehaha Academy in the state semifinals. In that game, Meyer was purely spectacular, logging 29 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, putting the state on notice.

“A lot of people may not have expected our team to make it to state, but it showed how hard we worked all season,” she said. “Making it to state was a fun experience, but not ending the way we would have hoped gave us more motivation to get back there.”

The Huskies would not immediately find that state tournament gratification.

While the 2019-20 Albany team passed the eye test and dominated opponents in locking up a 27-3 record and the top section seed, they saw their season end earlier than they would have hoped with a 54-38 section championship loss to Sauk Centre.

Despite impressing with season averages of 21.6 points, 7.6 rebounds and 6.5 assists, Meyer knew there was more potential to reach.

“

BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER

“Within the next couple of days. I was already working on my game, looking to improve every aspect I could,” Meyer said.

“I was ready to get back to work.”

Meyer cemented her status as an area all-time great with a senior season for the ages, averaging 20 points, 7.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 4.3 steals per contest. With this production in hand, the Huskies got their revenge on the Streeters in the section championship and conducted a run to remember at state, winning by double-digits in all three tournament games.

“It shows how hard our team has worked together,” Meyer said. “One person can’t win it alone, so it shows how hard our team worked all season and all of the years we put in.”

Meyer will feel the joy of winning a state championship for the rest of her life as her crowning achievement as a high school basketball player. However, with this joyous accomplishment comes a bittersweet knowledge that her decorated career is now over.

“It sunk in a couple of days after,” she said. “I was sad I won’t be able to play in that jersey again, but it was super special and exciting how we ended the season.”

The acclaimed athlete has a resume unlike many, chalk-full of incredible highlights and recognition.

She has made the Class

PHOTOS BY MIKE KOSIK

Paige Meyer looks for an open teammate in the game against Providence Academy.

AA All-State Team twice, reached the 2,000-point milestone and was even named a top-10 finalist for Minnesota’s Miss Basketball Award. Even still, it means far more for Meyer’s final high school basketball game to end alongside her teammates, celebrating at Target Center’s midcourt.

“I’m grateful to be recognized and that I know my hard work has paid off over the years, but I don’t look too much into them,” she said.

As the longtime Husky moves on to a Division I basketball career at South Dakota State University and her days at Albany High School become fond memories, Meyer hopes the Albany community remembers her not as the Albany basketball star that took state tournaments by storm, but as a loyal and dedicated companion.

“I tried to be a great teammate and friend, both on and off the court,” Meyer said. “It wasn’t always about winning or losing, but just being there for your teammates.”

Providence Academy defenders double team Albany’s Paige Meyer in the championship game at Target Center. Looking on is Alyssa Sand (no. 43).

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Albany Girls Basketball | Wednesday, April 21, 2021| Page 7C

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Vs. 67-21 Milaca Albany traveled to Milaca Feb. 26 and led 41-11 at the half. The 67-23 win gave the Huskies the Granite Ridge Conference championship. Scoring: Meyer 17, Herkenhoff 9, Christen 8, Findley 8, Ostendorf 8, Carlson 6, Gerads 5, VanHeel 4, Rausch 2.

Vs. 45-62

New London-Spicer

The Huskies faced the No. 1 ranked New London-Spicer Wildcats in a March 1 home game. It would be Albany’s only loss on the season, giving them a 13-1 record.

Scoring: Meyer 25, Herkenhoff 5, Christen 5, Orne 3, Gerads 3, VanHeel 2, Ostendorf 2.

Vs. 53-30 Vs. 72-31 Cathedral Sauk Centre

The Huskies finished the conference and regular season with a 72-31 win over St. Cloud Cathedral March 12.

Albany shot pretty well from three-point range, making 8 of 16. The win gave Albany a 14-0 conference record, their second season in a row being unbeaten in the conference. Scoring: Meyer 19, Christen 11, Herkenhoff 11, Sand 10, Rausch 8, Gerads 4, Orne 3, Keske 2, Ostendorf 2, Carson 2.

Vs. 79-60 Vs. 85-16 Long Prairie-Grey Eagle Zimmerman

The Huskies came off their loss to New London-Spicer by beating visiting Zimmerman 79-60. Albany had one of their largest first-half scoring efforts with 45. Albany got a lot of players on the court, and it was not the first time. “We have had multiple games where we been able to get a lot of girls in,” Boyum said. “That has got to be a strength of ours.” Scoring: Meyer 26, Sand 14, Herkenhoff 8, Rausch 7, Christen 7, Gerads 6, VanHeel 3, Orne 3, Carlson 2, Findley 2, Keske 1.

The Huskies opened the Section 6AA playoffs with an 84-16 win over Long Prairie-Grey Eagle March 16. It was a season high for Albany as they drew the No. 1 seed in the tournament and would host all their section games. Everyone who dressed for the game got in the game. Scoring: Meyer 16, Keske 11, Rausch 10, Sand 8,m Findley 7, Hylla 6, Orne 5, Christen 5, Gerads 5, Ostendorf 3, Carlson 2, VanHeel 2, Borgerding 2, Herkenhoff 2, Voigt 1.

Vs. 57-30 Milaca Sauk Centre

Vs. 57-23

The Huskies faced another state-ranked team, but this time they prevailed by beating Sauk Centre 57-23 March 8 on the Mainstreeters’ court. “It was a true team win for us,” Boyum said. Scoring: Meyer 16, Christen 10, Carlson 10, Sand 6, Findley 5, Gerads 3, Herkenhoff 2, Rausch 2, Orne 2, Friederichs 1.

Vs. 68-24

Melrose

The Huskies posted a 72-31 non-conference win over I-94 rivals Melrose March 11. Albany limited Melrose to 9 first-half points, while scoring 42. Scoring: Meyer 29, Rausch 7, Christen 6, VanHeel 5, Findley 5, Keske 4, Gerads 4, Herkenhoff 3, Carlson 3, Sand 2.

Vs. 41-12

Pelican Rapids

The Huskies allowed the fewest points in the season when they opened up state-tournament play against Pelican Rapids at Pequot Lakes March 30 for a 41-12 win. Albany allowed just four second-half points.

Albany used a 2-3 zone which, Boyum said, “ended up working pretty well.” Scoring: Meyer 14, Christen 8, Sand 4, Gerads 4, Herkenhoff 4, Findley 3, Voigt 2, Carlson 2.

Vs. 72-49

Glencoe-Silver Lake

The Section 6AA quarterfinal game was close through a good portion of the first half, but the Huskies rallied to go ahead 30-17 at halftime. The Huskies made 10 of 11 free throws in the game and shot 50 percent from the field in the March 19 game where they won 57-30.

Scoring: Meyer 13, Christen 11, Carlson 11, Sand 8, Keske 5, Gerads 4, VanHeel 2, Herkenhoff 2, Orne 1.

Vs. 60-37 Pierz

Albany grabbed an 8-5 lead and never trailed after that, even though Glencoe-Silver Lake stayed close in the state semi-final game April 6 at Target Center in Minneapolis. At the half, Albany led 37-26 and went on to win 72-49. The Huskies defense proved stifling in the second half and took advantage of solid rebounding and forcing turnovers. Scoring: Meyer 27, Carlson 14, Christen 10, Herkenhoff 9, Sand 4, Findley 3, Rausch 2, Voigt 2, Gerads 1.

57-43

Vs.

Providence Academy

As in the previous two meetings against Pierz, the Huskies had tough competition, this time in the section semi-finals March 23 at Albany. The Pioneers got off to a 7-0 start, but at the half, Albany led 29-19 and won 60-37. “All of the girls really came in and stepped up,” Boyum said. Scoring: Meyer 15, Keske 11, Sand 8, Christen 7, Gerads 6, Carlson 5, Herkenhoff 5, Friederichs 3.

Albany broke open a tight game in the second half on their way to a 57-43 Class AA state championship over Providence Academy April 9 at Target Center. After the Huskies broke a 23-23 tie at 13:34, they held on to a slim lead until 5:41, when they surged ahead for a 14-point winning margin. Scoring: Meyer 20, Sand 9, Findley 8, Herkenhoff 6, Christen 6, Carlson 6, Gerads 2.

47

21 The number of points the Huskies averaged beating their opponents by

The average number of turnovers the Huskies forced in each game

500 The average shooting percentage of Albany opponents this year

The season shooting percentage of the Albany girls

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The number of points senior Paige Meyer scored this season

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A big second half in the Section 6AA championship game against Sauk Centre March 25 at Albany sent the Huskies to the state tournament. The Huskies out-scored the Mainstreeters 26-9 in the second half with the final score 53-30. Scoring: Meyer 19, Christen 8, Carlson 8, Gerads 6, Keske 6, Findley 3, Herkenhoff 3.

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