Dragons have new coach, strong junior class

Litchfield post Maggie Boerema defends Rockford junior forward Aliyah Robran on the perimeter during a Wright County Conference game March 2, 2021 from Litchfield High School. Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo

Litchfield returns one starter in senior center Maggie Boerema

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

LITCHFIELD — Welcome Erik Hulterstrum to the fray.

He’s Litchfield’s new head girls basketball coach, replacing Ian Anderson, who resigned after leading the Dragons to a 13-7 record last season, including an 8-6 mark in the Wright County Conference West Division.

“I am very excited to start my varsity coaching career with the girls that I originally started with on JV,” Hulterstrum said. “It has been fun to see them grow from freshmen to now juniors and how their game has improved.

“Even better is that I get the opportunity to have them all next year, too.”

The Dragons lost 70-45 to New London-Spicer in the Section 3AA playoffs. The Wildcats advanced to the state Class AA semifinals, where they lost 58-54 to Providence Academy at Target Center.

“I am also looking forward to growing a successful girls basketball program in Litchfield,” Hulterstrum said. “We have a rich basketball history in this town and I am thrilled to keep the tradition going.”

Litchfield has one starter back from last season, senior center Maggie Boerema. Players to watch include five juniors: center/forward Izzy Pennertz, guard Kylie Michels, point guard Ryanna Steinhaus and forward Greta Hansen.

“These four juniors supplied varsity minutes last year and got their feet wet,” Hulterstrum said. “With the absence of five seniors (from last year), these juniors will need to step up and fill the void this year.

“We are eager to see who steps up to fill the five vacant positions.”

Among the departing seniors were Sydney McCann and Lily Osterberg, who combined for 23 points per game, plus a bunch of rebounds and assists as well as leadership, Hulterstrum said.

The Dragons have started the year 1-1, losing 59-41 to Hutchinson, a Class AAA school, and beating Paynesville 60-39. Hulterstrum’s staff includes Andrew Weber, Maliinda Larson and Zack Piepenberg.

The Dragons are scheduled to play in the Crusader Christmas Classic Dec. 29-30 at St. Cloud Cathedral.

Litchfield post Greta Hansen takes a floater in the lane during Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Benson on March 16, 2021 from Litchfield High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune