Bulldogs believe in their chemistry

BY MICHAEL LYNE | West Central Tribune

PAYNESVILLE — After a 6-21 effort in 2021-22, the Paynesville girls basketball team believes from within that the Bulldogs’ can turn their tide toward success in 2022-23.

The Paynesville Bulldogs expect big things led by Katie Uhlenkamp and Emma Flanders as it tries to turn around a 6-21 season.

“We have a group of girls we believe in and buy into seeing success in Paynesville,” said Bulldogs head coach Jake Heimerman, who’s been at the helm of the Paynesville girls’ program for seven years. “(This group is) the best group, collectively, that we have seen in some time when it comes to dedication to the sport, time put in and leadership.”

The Bulldogs’ group is led by senior forward Uhlenkamp and junior forward Flanders. Both were named to the AllCentral Minnesota Conference second team following the 2021-22 season and come as returners to Paynesville’s starting lineup.

Paynesville’s Finley Anfinson goes up for a shot on the Holdingford Huskers on Tuesday, Jan. 18, 2022.

Macy Moore / West Central Tribune

The Bulldogs lost three key players — Aubrie Spanier, Madison Hentges and Mikayla Roberg — to graduation. Heimerman mentioned four players to keep an eye on as the season gets underway.

The first two are sophomore guards Rayna Spanier and Grace Roberg. Joining them were their fellow sophomores in guard KyliePauls and guard/forward Finley Anfinson.

“Rayna Spanier and Roberg were spot starters as freshmen last season and only improved as the season went on,” Heimerman said. “All four had a strong off-season and have been part of an excellent and successful group within our program.”