Experienced Bluejays hope to make a run

Central Minnesota Christian guard Coco Duininck works around a screen during a Camden Conference game against Lac qui Parle Valley on Feb. 12, 2021 from Central Minnesota Christian School in Prinsburg. West Central Tribune file photo

Central Minnesota Christian returns four starters, including Coco Duininck and Milly Mulder

BY TOM ELLIOTT | West Central Tribune

PRINSBURG — Four starters are back from a very good Central Minnesota Christian team that battled for the Camden Conference North Division title last season. Included is Coco Duininck, a three-time all-conference senior guard who also was the conference’s MVP the past two seasons.

“Coco is a threat on both ends of the court,” head coach Mike Mulder said. “She has the ability to create offensive opportunities. “Defensively, she uses her quickness and anticipates well, leading to transition scoring.”

Add in all-conference post player Molly Mulder and fellow senior forward Maaike Duininck, as well as sophomore post Lauren Taatjes, and the Bluejays feel they have what it takes to be among the conference’s best.

“Molly brings athleticism and relentless energy to the court,” Mulder said. “She’ll be an offensive threat and a strong defensive presence in the paint, averaging almost two blocks a game last season.”

Duininck, 5-foot-6, led the way with 23.3 points, 4.6 assists, 5.0 steals and 4.7 rebounds per game last season. Mulder, 5-11, averaged 10 points, 2 assists, 2 steals and 7 rebounds per game.

Those four helped the Bluejays go 10-6 in the Camden North just behind MACCRAY (10-5) and Lac qui Parle Valley (11-4). CMCS was 11-8 overall, averaging 56.4 points per game and surrendering 47.7 ppg.

Supporting team members include seniors Emma Roiseland and Reegan Swart and junior Natasha Erickson.

Also expected to contribute are Carrie Mulder, CC Roiseland and Avery Duininck. The hope is that someone will step up to replace the play of Nyssa Vogel, whom the coach described as a “feisty, 3-point-shooting guard.”

Besides the always tough Camden, the challenge will be the schedule. “We have a tough schedule this year,” said Mulder, who has a 45-25 record in four seasons as head coach. “The Camden Conference is competitive with many talented teams and our non-conference games will be against top-level talent.”

Included in Mulder’s praise are Mayer Lutheran, Montevideo and teams in the Wildcard tournament. The Wildcard Tournament in New London features the host NLS Wildcats, as well as Willmar and Redwood Valley. CMCS will play two of those teams Dec. 27-28.