NLS ready for another long run

New London-Spicer guard Jaden Coahran brings the ball up the court during the first half of a non-conference game against Albany on March 1, 2021 from Albany High School. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo

Wildcats should contend for conference, section titles

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

NEW LONDON — It was another great year for one of the state’s top Class AA programs. The New London-Spicer Wildcats went 14-0 to win the Wright County West Division title and finished 22-1 overall, losing to Providence Academy in the state Class AA semifinals at Target Center.

That’s the preferred destination for NLS under the direction of Mike Dreier, the winningest girls basketball coach in state history. And while the Wildcats lost most of the players that made all that happen, including all their scoring, rebounding, steals and assists, NLS looks like it will be a premier team again in 2021-22.

“Our team is very experienced and has a very nice blend of inside and perimeter athletes,” Dreier said. “All of our seniors have been major varsity contributors for three years. “They know what it takes to be successful, so there is no reason that they can’t be in the mix for conference, sub-section and section honors.

“We will need improved contributions from some of our younger players to reach our potential, however.”

The talented players gone from the Class of ‘21 include Mackenzie Rich, Emma Hanson, Ava Kraemer, Erin Knisley and Grace DeSchepper.

The cupboard’s far from bare, however. Seniors Izzy Schmiesing (5-foot-8, forward); Ellie Hanson (5-11, f/c); Nyla Johnson (5-6, g) and Courtney Rich (5-4, g) have all been through a lot.

Three juniors also figure to be heavy contributors: Jaden Coahran (5-7, g); Avery Rich (5-7, g) and Ellary Peterson (5-9, f/c) as will sophomore Delaney Hanson (5-9, g). What’s different is that NLS was huge up front last season. Kraemer was 6-0, DeSchepper 6-1 and Knisley 6-2.

The Wildcats won’t be as big up front this season, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be good.

Avery Rich is the top returning scorer who averaged 5.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game last season. Dreier describes her as an “excellent overall player, very good paser, shooter, ball-handler and defender.”

Coahran averaged 4.1 points, 2.7 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.2 steals per game. Dreier calls her a “top-notch, all-around performer. (She) can drive, score outside, handle the ball and rebound.”

And Schmiesing? “(She’s a) good leader, smart player, (who) battles inside and on the boards despite being undersized,” Dreier said.

Hanson is the Wildcats’ top returning post, but tore her anterior cruciate ligament in her knee in June and “will miss all or most of the season,” Dreier said.

Johnson is a good leader who can hit an outside shot.

Other players on the varsity radar include Hanson; Audrey Schneider (5-10, sr., c); Ellary Peterson (5-9, jr., f/c); Courtney Rich (5-5, sr., g) and Dakota Rich (5-7, fr. g).

The Wildcats believe they will be one of the teams to beat in Class AA.

New London-Spicer guard Avery Rich launches an outside shot during a Wright County Conference game against Watertown-Mayer on Feb. 5, 2021 from NLS High School. Right:

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo