GIRLS BASKETBALL
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D7
Lakers have talent, tough schedule
Minnewaska will be led by Maddie Thorfinnson, Addy Randt BY TOM ELLIOTT
state Class AA champion Albany. And that doesn’t GLENWOOD — Sidney include Sauk Centre and Montevideo, who are Schiffler is a new head expected to be top teams coach, but she already in Minnewaska’s West knows a few things about the Minnewaska girls bas- Central Conference. Do we need to mention that ketball team. Barnesville and BreckenFirst, Maddie Thorfinridge are Section 8AA son is really good. The 6-foot point guard was the preseason favorites or that Jackson County West Central Conference Central is a contender in Offensive Player of the Year. She is already signed Section 3AA? But the Lakers don’t to continue her career at Division II Southwest Min- only have Thorfinnson. Also back is Addy Randt. nesota State University. She’s a 5-3 guard. “We expect her to be “Addy Randt also was one of the leaders for our a starter and we expect team,” Schiffler said. her to be one of the Second, the Lakers’ better on-the-ball defendschedule is brutal. ers in our conference,” Four teams that made Schiffler said. the state tournament Thorfinnson, Randt and last season are on the Berkley Steffen are Minneschedule, including New London-Spicer, West Cen- waska’s captains. tral Area, Belgrade-BrooThey’re expected to fill ten-Elrosa and defending the shoes of key roster West Central Tribune
losses Annika Randt, Isabella Ortendahl, Makena Panitzke and Avery Hoeper. Schiffler is optimistic. “Our girls have been working hard with the leadership from our senior group and at this time we are still working on the players who will contribute to our team,” Schiffler said. “As a coaching staff we are excited with our team and the potential they have.” The Lakers were 6-11 last year under head coach Brett Thorfinnson, who retired. Schiffler’s staff includes Emily Roering, Makenzie Larsen and Josh Greene. Minnewaska has gotten off to a promising start. The Lakers lost 59-55 in overtime to Lac qui Parle Valley, then beat Eden Valley-Watkins 44-36.
Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune
Left: Minnewaska’s Addy Randt (right) strips the ball from Montevideo’s Hailey Dirksen (middle) during a West Central Conference game March 8, 2021 from Montevideo High School. Right: Minnewaska’s Maddie Thorfinnson scores a bucket in the paint during a West Central Conference game against Montevideo from Montevideo High School.
