3 minute read
Almost everyone’s back for ACGC Falcons
ACGC freshman Ruby Klinger looks for an open shot at the basket while being heavily defended during a game at Benson High School on Saturday, February 4, 2023. Macy Moore / West Central Tribune
Five starters return, including 3 key seniors, under new head coach Jacklyn Frericks
BY MICHAEL LYNE | West Central Tribune
GROVE CITY — After serving as an assistant coach for three seasons in the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City girls basketball program, Jacklyn Frericks will now be at the helm.
Frericks, who will be assisted by Jordan Olson and Misty Langseth, replaces Trevor Heining.
Heining spent the previous four seasons as head coach of the Falcons and had a 10-85 overall record over that span. ACGC was 5-20 overall and 2-11 in the Central Minnesota Conference in 2022-23.
“I’ve watched this team develop and I am looking forward to this season,” Frericks said. “This season, the team is hoping to show opponents that they are here and ready to contend. The team strongly believes in the term family; they are ready to protect each other and support each other throughout the season.”
The Falcons return all five of their starters from a season ago, three of which are seniors Elli Roemeling, Grace Kaehler and Mikaili Johnson. ACGC graduated no players.
Roemeling, a 5-foot-9 guard and an All-CMC Second Team selection, looks to lead the Falcons to a strong campaign. She averaged 6.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last year.
Kaehler is a 5-9 guard and Johnson is a 5-9 forward.
“The three seniors have been playing varsity since eighth grade due to low numbers the previous three seasons,” Frericks said. “These three are great team captains and are examples of what perseverance and persistence look like in basketball players.
“They could have quit years ago when they were being beaten by 60, 70, 80 points every game. But they kept coming back to the gym, getting to work, having a positive attitude and supporting the younger girls.”
Also back as starters are 5-10 sophomore center Ruby Klinger and 5-5 junior forward Mackenzie Powers.
Klinger was an All-CMC First Team pick. She averaged 14.7 points and 9.2 rebounds per game as a freshman.
Frericks is excited to see what Brooke Schultz and Taylor Frericks bring to her squad this season.
Schultz is a 5-7 junior guard and Taylor Frericks is a 5-5 sophomore guard.
“Brooke is coming off a productive summer rotating in with the starting five from last year. She adds length and speed to our defensive game and she adds depth to our offensive scoring game,” Jacklyn Frericks said. “Taylor provides the team with speed and agility on the offensive and defensive end of the floor. She has a natural ability and vision on the court. Her communication on the floor is her biggest contribution to the team.”
Rounding out ACGC’s force are junior forward Aaliyah Carlson, junior guard Haven Weseman and sophomore guard Brooke Brekke.
“The trio provide key roles for minutes played off the bench and each is ready and willing to meet the call to action,” Jacklyn Frericks said.
