Braves hope to learn on the fly

Benson senior guard Marissa Connelly holds her follow-through on an outshot shot during Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Litchfield from Litchfield High School.

Benson returns two starters and two subs from a 4-13 squad

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

BENSON — Adam Foslien took over as Benson’s head girls basketball coach last year just as the Braves lost a bevy of experienced talent.

While there were a lot of seniors last season, Benson stumbled to a 4-13 record. Gone are Beth Cain, Marissa Connelly, Kimmy Pagel, Ellie Moesenthin, Sarah Brandt, kaitlyn Hippe and Susan Knutson. What’s back are two starters and two others who saw playing time.

“The Braves do return four seniors who saw significant varsity time last year who will be leaned on to lead the Braves this year,” Foslien said.

Benson senior forward Beth Cain takes it hard toward the baseline during Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Litchfield from Litchfield High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo

Leading the way are returning starters Adysen Himley and Mya Kurkosky. Himley is a 5-foot-9 senior guard/ forward. Kurkosky is a 5-9 senior guard. Two other seniors return with varsity experience: Marley Rush and Madi Wrobleski. Rush is a 5-10 post. Wrobleski is a 5-5 guard.

Rush led the Braves in field-goal percentage last year and was second in rebounds. “And (she) will be the starting post for the Braves,” Foslien said.

Two players to watch are sophomores Presley Nygaard and Kaylin Grube. Nygaard is a 5-6 guard. Grube is a 6-0 post. “Nygaard brings athleticism, instincts and strong defense to the Braves and (is a) very capable outside shooter,” Foslien said. “Grube will bring height, rebounding and inside presence off the bench …”

Foslien and his staff, which includes Jeff Guest and Scott Lee, are a little unsure about the rest of the squad.

“The remainder of the varsity roster consists of seventh-through-11th graders who will have to gain experience on the fly,” Foslien said.

The Braves opened with a 55-28 victory over Dawson-Boyd, then dropped two games in their own Benson Tournament, losing 40-20 to MACCRAY and 64-33 to Browerville/ Eagle Valley. Minnewaska, Lac qui Parle Valley, Ortonville and Sauk Centre are teams the Braves will play before Christmas.

Benson forward Adysen Himley releases a corner 3-pointer during a Section 3AANorth game March 17, 2021 from Litchfield High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune file photo