Lakers have talent, tough schedule

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. Patrick Bernadeau/ West Central Tribune

Minnewaska will be led by Maddie Thorfinnson, Addy Randt

BY TOM ELLIOTT West Central Tribune

GLENWOOD — Sidney Schiffler is a new head coach, but she already knows a few things about the Minnewaska girls basketball team.

First, Maddie Thorfinson is really good. The 6-foot point guard was the West Central Conference Offensive Player of the Year. She is already signed to continue her career at Division II Southwest Minnesota State University.

“We expect her to be one of the leaders for our team,” Schiffler said.

Second, the Lakers’ schedule is brutal. Four teams that made the state tournament last season are on the schedule, including New London-Spicer, West Central Area, Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa and defending state Class AA champion Albany. And that doesn’t include Sauk Centre and Montevideo, who are expected to be top teams in Minnewaska’s West Central Conference.

Do we need to mention that Barnesville and Breckenridge are Section 8AA preseason favorites or that Jackson County Central is a contender in Section 3AA?

But the Lakers don’t only have Thorfinnson. Also back is Addy Randt. She’s a 5-3 guard.

“Addy Randt also was a starter and we expect her to be one of the better on-the-ball defenders in our conference,” Schiffler said.

Thorfinnson, Randt and Berkley Steffen are Minnewaska’s captains. They’re expected to fill the shoes of key roster 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.

Minnewaska’s Maddie Thorfinnson scores a bucket in the paint during a West Central Conference game against Montevideo from Montevideo High School.

Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune