Experienced Dragons hope to make another strong run

BY MICHAEL LYNE | West Central Tribune

LITCHFIELD — Coming off back-toback 19-9 seasons, the Litchfield girls’ basketball team is hungry for more with plenty of experience.

The Dragons girls basketball team return four of their five starters from 2021-22, where their season came to an end in the Section 3AA-North playoffs.

All four returning players are seniors. Forward Kylie Michels and Greta Hansen, both honored as All-Wright County Conference members following the 2021-22 season, will look to lead the way for the Dragons. Guard Ryanna Steinhaus and forward Izzy Pennertz round out the returning seniors; both were all-conference honorable mentions last season.

“They are a great group of leaders that will be able to help the younger players feel comfortable,” Litchfield head coach Eric Hulterstrum said. “They believe that there is some unfinished business and are hungry for a longer postseason run.”

Litchfield junior Isabelle Pennertz goes up for a basket while taking on New London-Spicer at Willmar High School on March 1, 2022.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

Despite the strong group of senior leaders, Hulterstrum will search for someone to take over the fifth starting spot in his Dragons’ lineup. That spot comes with big shoes to fill.

“We will be trying to fill the void of Maggie Boerema this year,” Hulterstrum said. “We have some younger players that are eager to try and fill the role.”

Boerema is currently in her freshman season with University of NorthwesternSt. Paul. The Eagles compete at the NCAA Division III level.

“There will be plenty of opportunities for players to grow and step up to the tough competition in the ‘WCC,’” Hulterstrum said. “We are looking to build off of what we were able to accomplish last year and push further into the postseason.”

Litchfield High School junior Greta Hansen drives to the rim while taking on New London-Spicer at Willmar High School on March 1, 2022.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune