C1 December 4, 2019
High School 19-20 Basketball Preview
Previews by Patrick Bernadeau, Joe Brown and Tom Elliott / Photos by Joe Brown, Dave Harwig, Tom Larson, Brooke Kern and Jake Schultz / Design Jamie Hoyem Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there.
Wishing all area teams the best of luck this season! Play hard and have fun!
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C2 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Young Cards start fresh With five new starters, Willmar prepares for the rugged Central Lakes
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar’s Jack Jeffords passes the ball around the perimeter during a game against Fergus Falls at Willmar High School.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar’s Sam Fraser dribbles around a New London-Spicer defender at Willmar High School. By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com WILLMAR — The Willmar Cardinals are truly starting fresh in 2019-20. Not a single starter returns from last season, when Willmar finished 9-7 in the rugged Central Lakes Conference and was 15-13 overall. Gone are all-conference members Drey Dirksen, Ty Roelofs and Ryan Slette, among others. The trio were the Cardinals’ top three scorers. Dirksen averaged 16.1 points per game, Slette 13.5 and Roelofs 10.6 “Ninety-five percent of our scoring, rebounding and assists have graduated,” head coach Matt Williams said. It means a lot of new faces will play key roles for the Cardinals. Three to watch are three 6-foot senior guards: Jack Jeffords, Sam Fraser and Zach Morrell. Junior forwards Dalton Ogdahl and Sam May are also noteworthy. “We are rebuilding,” Williams said. “There is talent in the gym.” The key will be coming together and learning to play hard at the varsity
level, Williams said. Williams is in his fifth year as the Cardinals’ head coach. He has a 58-52 career record and knows what it’ll take to compete. “We hope to improve,” he said. He has a slew of assistants: Dale Becker, Jeff Holtkamp, David Runia, Mike Buer and Levi Gotto. Improvement will be measured incrementally. Last season, the Cardinals were in the middle of an extremely balanced conference. CLC co-champions Sartell and St. Cloud Apollo were 11-5, followed by Brainerd and Fergus Falls, who were each 10-6. Next came Alexandria and Willmar at 9-7. The key word here is balance. The Cardinals averaged 62.6 points per game, fourth best in the conference. They allowed 58.9, which was third best. No one in the CLC was far from those numbers. Brainerd, at 69.5 ppg, was first in offense. Rocori was last at 55.0. Fergus Falls, at 57.0 points allowed per game, was first in defense. Sauk Rapids allowed 72.4, which was last. “We hope to improve,” Williams said.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar’s Dalton Ogdahl moves around the perimeter during a game against Southwest Christian at Willmar High School.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C3
Team Cards ready for some more excitement Willmar hopes to defend its CLC title and be a force in Section 5AAA
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Willmar’s Madi Linbo drives the lane during the second half against Rocori at Willmar High School.
By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com WILLMAR — Dustin Carlson can’t contain his excitement about the prospects of the 2019-20 Willmar girls basketball. The head coach thinks there is a nice mix of experience and young talent that should make the Cardinals serious contenders in the Central Lakes Conference and Section 5AAA. “This year is an exciting year with the amount of returning talent and some fresh faces ready to step into the bright lights of varsity action,” Carlson said. “Our conference will once again be strong on the top end. “But that will prepare us for section play.” Carlson believes Alexandria and Fergus Falls will be formidable CLC teams. In 5AAA, Becker is the favorite. The Bulldogs return all but one key player in their rotation from last season, when they wound up second in the state. “Becker undoubtedly will be the favorite,” Carlson said. “But our team has a lot of fight and determination to make it back to a third state tournament trip in four years.” Three starters return: Katelyn Murphy (5-foot-7, senior, guard), Madi Linbo (5-7, Sr., G) and Sadie Raitz (5-8, Sr., F).
Murphy averaged 7.7 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.7 assists per game. Linbo averaged 7.7 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Raitz’s numbers were: 4.0 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. “Katelyn is a dynamic point guard who can create for herself and teammates,” Carlson said.”Madi is a powerful guard who is fearless in the way she plays the game. “Sadie is our utility player. She is a natural forward, but can play any position you ask. Her versatility, especially on defense, allows for us to create nightmare match-ups for the other team.” Expected to make an impact this season are: Mackenzie Jones (5-11, Jr., G), Ashley Prahl (5-9, Sr., F), Callie Slagter (5-8, Jr., F) and Ella Shinn (5-10, So., F). Carlson, who spoke highly of all his players, thinks Jones is special. “Mackenzie is an elite basketball player,” he said. “Her length, dribbling ability and shooting range are all at the level of putting her in the highest category. “Kenzie has worked tirelessly on her game to become the player she is and it is going to pay off this season with a big increase in numbers, minutes and role on the team.”
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Willmar’s Katelyn Murphy drives past an Alexandria defender at Willmar High School.
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Willmar’s Sadie Raitz drives the lane for a layup in the first half of the Section 5AAA championship game in Buffalo.
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C4 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Warriors’ hopes remain high after losing star Steffel BOLD leaning on seniors Snow, Trongard, Weis By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
BOLD guard Gavin Vosika runs a fastbreak against Melrose in Bird Island.
BOLD returns a talented bunch Warriors open No. 2 in Class A preseason rankings By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com
BIRD ISLAND — For the second season in a row, BOLD captured a school-record 22 wins during a 201819 campaign that started with 17 straight wins. Earning the top seed in Section 2A-North, the Warriors stumbled down the stretch, dropping four of their final nine contests, including an upset loss to New Ulm Cathedral in the section semifinals. With a chance at redemption, BOLD brings back the majority of its core. Six rotation players return as well as four starters, which includes senior guard Gavin Vosika, who was one of the three selected to the All-Conference team. During his junior season, Vosika filled up the statsheet, averaging 16.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 6.7 assists and 3.6 steals per game. Senior guard Jordan
Sagedahl was just as devastating last season from his guard spot, leading the team with 19.3 points per game on 55 percent shooting, while chipping in 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals a contest. Senior guard Mathew Morse joins junior guard and fellow All-Conference player Drew Sagedahl in the starting lineup. Rounding out the depth at the guard position is Blake Plass, who head coach Jake Brustuen describes as a “quick, athletic guard who can get to the rim and score at all three levels.” The only major hole the Warriors will have to fill is in the middle after Carter Henry graduated. With his length, athleticism and shot-blocking ability, the 6-foot-7 center anchored a defense that relinquish 57.2 points per game. While undersized compared to Henry, 6-foot-2 senior Trenton Ziesmer and 6-foot-1 sophomore Max Marks will be counted to sure up the defense and racked up rebounds.
OLIVIA — Trying to make it back to state for the second straight year is tough. Now, try doing it without your school’s all-time leader in points, rebounds, steals and blocks. That’s the predicament BOLD finds itself in as the 2019-20 season gets underway. “We are looking to put a competitive team on the floor this year,” said Warriors head coach Brian Kingery. “We return three good starters from last year’s state tournament team; all three averaged double digits. We have good size and speed. We like to try to get up and down and push the tempo. “We are hoping that the experiences from last year will help lead us to some big victories this season.” Along with losing key contributors Morgan Schmitz and Alex Revier, BOLD has to replace Makenna Steffel, who holds the school record in those four categories while earning a Class A AllState honorable mention nod last year. She averaged 18.4 points on 61 percent shooting and 8.6 rebounds per game prior to the state tournament. To offset that loss, the Warriors have a trio of seniors back in the starting lineup from last year’s 22-7 squad. All-Area second-teamer Makayla Snow (14.0 points/game, 8.1 rebounds/game, 2.3 steals/game) leads that group along
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
BOLD’s Brenna Wes looks to get past a Menahga defender in the Class A quarterfinal at Maturi Pavilion on the campus of the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.
with All-West Central Conference picks Ashley Trongard (11.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg) and Brenna Weis (12.2 ppg). BOLD has a pair of juniors in the mix with Jaylen Mortensen and Madyson Herdina along with four sophomores in Abby Meyers, Leslie Snow, Bria Henriksen and Lidia Plass. Freshman Mari Ryberg has also seen some key minutes in the opening games of the 2019-20 season. “Several of our players had very good JV seasons last year and showed a lot of improvement this off-season,” Kingery said. Even with the loss of Steffel, the Warriors are projected as one of the top teams in Class A, earning the No. 5 spot in the Class A preseason poll from Minnesota Basketball News.
BEST OF LUCK to the ACGC Falcons & to the Litchfield Dragons for a winning season!
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C5
ACGC goes in a different direction New head coach hopes to lead Falcons to a better season in 2019-20
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
ACGC’s Dawson Miller (right) looks for a shot as MACCRAY’s Will Asche defends during the Case IH Invitational third-place game in Benson.
ACGC has the scorers, but does it have the defense? Falcons return All-Conference players Miller and Lawver By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com GROVE CITY — The good news for the Atwater-Cosmos-Grove City boys basketball team for the upcoming season is that it arguably returns its best players in Dawson Miller and Steven Lawver. Selected as the team’s MVP, Miller captured his second nod to the AllConference team and made an appearance on the Tribune’s All-Area second team. The 6-foot-4 wing tossed in 23.9 points per game on 48/36/75 percent shooting split. He also earned team-highs with 10.7 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. As for Lawver, the 6-3 senior wing delivered 16.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.0 steals a contest. With those numbers, Lawver was also selected to the All-Conference team. Moving on to the potential bad news, the Falcons and long-time head coach Terry Miller will have to clean up a
defense that was very poor last season. Giving up 76.4 points during a 10-17 campaign, the team was the fourthworst team in all of Class AA. Nonetheless, Miller and his coaching staff believe the squad’s defense will improve because the Falcons are deeper. “When you return two all-conference players, it’s a good place to start,” Miller said. “With that said, it will be our depth this season that will make us a better team. Last season we had to protect guys on the defensive end of the floor, which really limited us on defense. We will be a deeper, more athletic team this season which will hopefully add up to more wins.” Senior guard Shelby Shoen is one of the team’s three returning starters. Meanwhile, Josh Kinzler, Zach Hinther, Ethan Lilleberg and Ethan Melberg are all newcomers that will bring toughness and versatility to the table.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
ACGC’s Jeana Denton pushes the ball up the floor in a game against BLHS last year at ACGC High School. By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com GROVE CITY — Trevor Heining takes over as head coach at AtwaterCosmos-Grove City. Heining inherits a squad that went 2-12 in the West Central Conference and 3-21 overall. The Falcons opened with a win over Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity (52-50) on Nov. 27. Their only other wins were over Montevideo (32-26 and 50-47). Two starters return: Jeana Denton (5-foot-6, senior, guard) and Rachel Wilner (5-6, Sr., G). Denton averaged 8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals per game last year. Wilner averaged 8.5 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 2 steals).
Another key senior to watch is Diamond Picotte (5-3, Sr., G). That trio hopes to make up for the loss of Lindsey Minnick, Brittney Schultz, Alex Schmidt and Bailey Wilner. Last year’s team averaged 41 points per game and allowed 62.2. ACGC shot 29 percent from the field and 24 percent from 3-point range. It made 59 percent of its free throws. All those numbers must improve for the Falcons to have more success under Heining, whose assists are Misty langseth and Sarah Anderson. This will be ACGC’s last year in the West Central. All of the school’s athletic programs, except for football, are headed to the Central Minnesota Conference next fall.
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C6 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Seniors integral to Braves’ hopes Benson looks to improve on promising ending
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Benson’s Abbie Mitteness makes a pass inside against New London-Spicer in New London. Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
Benson’s Will Enderson gets up a shot as Hancock’s Bennett Nienhaus, right, and Connor Reese (23) defend during the Case IH Invitational championship game in Benson.
Jensen takes over Braves
Benson brings guard-heavy team to the floor in 2019-20 By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com BENSON — Winless through the 2017-2018 season, the Benson Braves had a semi bounced-back campaign last season. In the second game of the year, Benson snapped a 28-game losing streak
with a 71-64 victory over Montevideo. In the final season of longtime head coach Roger Lindahl, the program added six more victories by year’s end. Looking to keep the ball rolling, Adam Jensen takes over the helm after playing and coaching under Lindahl.
BENSON BOYS: Page C7
By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com BENSON — The Benson girls basketball team was a squad of streaks during the 2018-19 campaign. The Braves once back-to-back games once and had a three-game winning streak later in the year. However, they also had three separate losing streaks
of four or more games, including a five-contest slump to close the season. Even with his team’s struggles, fifth-year head coach Jonas Grossman had plenty to be encouraged about when the year ended with a 61-60 loss at Litchfield during the Section 3AA postseason.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C7
BENSON GIRLS From Page C6
“I truly believe we were playing our best basketball at the end of the season, which was evident in a close loss to Litchfield in the sections playoffs,” Grossman said. “The girls also had a great summer. Hopefully we can build off that success. If we get a total team effort every night, I believe these girls can compete with anybody.” Benson’s success will hinge on a veteran senior core of Claire Ricard, Kaitlyn Berreau, Abbie Mitteness, Abby
Lundebrek and Hannah Andrews. Playing the forward spot, Ricard was the team’s best player, statiscally, with averages of 15.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.6 steals per game. She was selected to the All-Conference team. Berreau did as well, as she added 10.7 points and 3.7 rebounds per contest. Elsewhere, Mitteness earned All-Conference honorable mention recognition after chipping in 3.8 points, 3.3 rebounds, 2.3 steals and 2.1 assists per game. “They have been playing varsity basketball since ninth grade and have put in countless hours together on the court,” Grossman said.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Benson’s Kaitlyn Berreau looks for an open pass along the baseline against New London-Spicer.
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BENSON BOYS From Page C6
“We hope to keep the Benson Braves program strong and build on our previous success,” Jensen said. “I am really excited about the group of young men and their families that we have in our program. I know we are all eager to get the season going.” The Braves lost four key contributors in Austin Ose, Matt Goossen, Hunter Gonnerman and Eric Hoium, but bring back All-Conference guard Will Enderson. The 6-foot-3 senior put up 14 points per game last season. Benson will also be reliant on the junior foursome of guards Ben Peterson, Abe Peterson, Cole Hedman and Sam Lenarz. Hedman was responsible for 9.2 points per game while Ben Peterson added 8.6. “These guys all saw varsity minutes last year and were a big part of our late season success,” Jensen said. “These are the guys that get us going on both offense and defense and can set the tone for the team we want to be.”
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C8 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Montevideo has sights on competitive season BOLD leaning on seniors Snow, Thunder Hawks return two starters from one-win team By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
Montevideo’s Jasmyn Kronback drives for two points against Paynesville in a Section 3AA-North playoff game in Montevideo.
Thunder Hawks aim for improvements
Montevideo has 8 key players back from a 3-19 team By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com MONTEVIDEO — There’s improvement expected at Montevideo, where the Thunder Hawks went 3-18 last season, including 1-12 in the rugged West Central Conference. Head coach Steve Rohloff spells it out clearly. “We need to take care of the basketball at all times,” he said. “Because of our height, we need to be able to box out and rebounds a lot better this year. “We are starting to see improvements in all areas, but we must continue to improve in all aspects both on the offensive and defensive ends.” Eight key players return. They are: Liva Gades (5-foot-7, junior, guard); Kori Douglas (5-7, Jr.,
F); Lexi Brockmueller (5-5, Jr., G); Rose O’Malley (5-9, Jr., C); Jasmine Kronback (5-9, Sr., F); Kaylee Pauling (5-7, Sr., C); Avery Koenen (5-10, Fr., G) and Tenley Epema (5-9, Fr., G). There were two key roster losses: Maddie Killibarda and Sydney Zindel. The Thunder Hawks averaged 41.2 points per game and surrendered 55.4. Their two regular-season victories came consecutively: 39-38 over Minnewaska on Dec. 21 and 58-56 over Central Minnesota Christian on Dec. 28. The highlight was a 71-54 victory over Paynesville in the first round of the Section 3AA playoffs. They then lost to Eden Valley-Watkins, 65-23. EVW lost to Redwood Valley in the 3AA championship match.
MONTEVIDEO — Rebuilding a program isn’t easy, and through the first two years under head coach Derek Webb, Montevideo has seen some growing pains. The Thunder Hawks have only produced four wins over the past two seasons, including a 1-22 mark in which they had negative point-differential of more than 15 points per game. However, the 2019-20 campaign is a new year, and for Webb, it’s another chance for his group grow into a competitive one. “Our team will have a mixture of newcomers, who are ready to contribute at the varsity level, and guys who have been around the block,” Webb said. “If those newcomers can come along quickly, this team will be fun to watch and be in a lot of games this year.” Webb will have two returning senior starters in Cole Sandven and Sam Olson. Sandven, a 6-foot-3 center who was an all-conference honorable-mention last season, is a post player who is capable of scoring inside as well as on the perimeter. Although he is listed just an inch shorter than Sandven,
Olson has the versatility to handle both the guard and forward spots. At 6-1, senior Cade Weber will also switch between the two positions to stabilize the starting lineup while sophomores Kaden Boike and Bradyn Schultz, each standing at 5-10, will see extending time of the floor from the backcourt. “Cade, Kaden, and Bradyn all played minimal minutes last year at the varsity level, but we look for those three to fill in major roles and minutes that were left on the floor from the seniors who graduated,” Webb remarked.
Go BBE JAGUAR Athletes! Make this your best season ever!
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C9
New coach leads Dragons Ian Anderson takes over at Litchfield, which returns 3 starters from last year By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Litchfield’s Tyson Michels shoots a jumper against New London-Spicer at New London-Spicer High School.
Dragons seek an encore
Litchfield tied for Wright County West title and made a strong 5AA run in ‘18-19 By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com
LITCHFIELD — After a 2018-19 season that saw the Litchfield Dragons go 23-6 and give Section 5AA champion
Minneapolis North all it could handle, it was safe to say it was a great first year for head coach Matt Draeger.
LITCHFIELD BOYS: Page C11
LITCHFIELD — Welcome Ian Anderson to the fray. He’s the new head girls basketball coach at Litchfield. He and assistants Eric Hulterstrum and Zack Piepenburg inherit a squad that returns three starters from last season’s 17-11 team, including a 6-8 record in the rugged Wright County Conference West Division. Starters back include Neriah Lara (5-foot-8, senior, guard), Sydney McCann (5-8, Jr., G) and Katelyn Cruze (6-0, Sr., P). Anderson calls Lara a “skilled offensive player who will take on a bigger role this year.” She averaged 6 points and 4 rebounds per game last season. McCann enters her third season as a starter. Anderson calls her a “stat sheet stuffer, (who) could reach 1,000 points with a good season.” She averaged 8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals per game. McCann was allconference. Cruze, he said, is a “physical post who had a great summer season.” She shot 58 percent from the field, averaging 6 points and 5 rebounds. Cruze was an all-conference honorable-mention. Anderson noted that Kamri Driver (5-6, Jr., G) started about half of last season. All involved must assume larger
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
Litchfield’s Sydney McCann works to control a loose ball during a Section 3AA-North playoff game at Willmar High School. roles with the graduation losses of Laney Huhner, Maddy Shoultz and Natalie Hansen from last season’s team, which averaged 53.1 points per game and allowed 51.6. The Dragons play in a conference which includes state-tournament contenders Annandale (12-2 Wright County West, 22-7 overall last season) and New London-Spicer (12-2, 20-7). Beating Annandale 41-38 in Section 3AA was a big step for the Dragons, who lost to the Cardinals twice during the regular season (67-49 and 48-42).
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C10 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
BBE shows promise Jaguars return three starters from a Section 5A runner-up squad By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com
Dave Harwig / Forum News Service
Belgrade-Broten-Elrosa’s Will VanBeck makes a layup in front of Cromwell-Wright’s Jaden Gronner during the Section 5A championship game at Crosby-Ironton.
BBE has some adversity to deal with Jaguars lose two starters to injuries, giving others an opportunity By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com BROOTEN — A tough year injurywise for the football team has carried over to basketball season. Ashton Dingmann and Gavin Kampsen, returning starters for Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa, will both miss the season because of anterior
cruciate ligament injuries. Head coach Chris Anderson sees the two injuries as a potential positive. “In the long term for our program, it could be beneficial,” Anderson said. “It’s going to make everyone have to step up, obviously.
BBE BOYS: Page C11
BELGRADE — There is much promise for the Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa girls basketball team this season, mostly because of who’s back from last year. The Jaguars were 24-3 last season and return three starters: Allisa Knight (6-foot, junior, forward), Grace Illies (5-9, Sr., G) and Jenna Dingmann (5-7, Sr., G). Head coach Kristina Anderson raves about all three. ► On Knight: “Allisa has really worked on her game and it shows. She is long, lanky and athletic. She runs the floor extremely well and has great touch around the basketball.” ► On Illies: “Grace is a great defender and has continued to expand her offense game. She creates a lot of problems with her length and quickness on defense.” ► On Dingmann: “Jenna is a start basketball player who understands the game. She is a great 3-point shooter and we will look to her to be more of a scoring threat this year.” Those three should be aided by Brittany Berge (5-10, Sr., G), Karsee Kampsen (5-7, Jr., G) and Karissa Jones (5-8, Jr., F). They’ll play expanded roles to replace Marcie Kirckhof and Cassandra Tensen, since-graduated starters from last season. Guess what? Anderson is high on them, too. ► On Berge: “Brittany is a versatile player who can play both in and out.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
KMS guard Morgan Lesteberg tries to dribble out of a pressing defense from Lac qui Parle Valley. She is smooth around the basket and also shoots the three very well.” ► On Kampsen: “Karsee makes her teammates better and does the little things well.” ► On Jones: “Karissa will look to make an impact in the pain this year. She is undersized for the position, but uses her body well and has great rebounding abilities.” The Jaguars hope that nucleus adds up to another serious run in the Central Minnesota Conference, where they were second with an 11-3 record behind Eden Valley-Watkins (14-0, 27-1). And, BBE figures to contend again in Section 5A, where Menahga beat the Jaguars 46-39 in the championship game.
We are proud to support our athletes and students at KMS & Benson.
Go KMS Fighting Saints and Benson Braves!
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C11
LITCHFIELD BOYS From Page C9
The long-time assistant took over for legendary head coach John Carlson, who retired. And while four starters are gone, Draeger believes Litchfield again has the personnel to make another serious section run. “We are hoping to use last year’s experience of our section tournament run to lead us into another good year,” Draeger said. “We lost most of our starters last year, but return a bunch of kids who played important minutes in big games last year. “We hope to have an exciting team to watch and hope to develop into a highly competitive team by the end of the year.” The starter returning is Tyson Michels (6-foot-2, junior, point guard). Starters since departed are Owen Boerma, Alex Gruenke, Joe Pennertz and Jacob Schneider. Draeger suggested the cupboard’s not bare. Players to watch include: Tanner
Ziegenhagen (5-9, Sr., G), Logan Graphenteen (6-1, Sr., W); Ben Nelson (6-4, Sr., P); Avery Liestman (6-3, Jr., W) and Drew Kotzer (5-11, Jr., G). Graphenteen is coming off an excellent football season. He also didn’t play last year because of an injury, Draeger said. “He started as a sophomore and can really attack the rim and defend at a high level,” Draeger said. What else Draeger has to say: ► Ziegenhagen “is an explosive player who will help us by getting to the rim and making his teammates better.” ► Nelson “has really improved his athleticism and will help us with an inside presence on defense and the ability to shoot from he outside.” ► Liestman “is a great shooter who shot over 40 percent from the arc as a sophomore.” ► And, Kotzer “is a physical guard who has improved his perimeter shooting.” The Dragons hope that nucleus adds up another Wright County West Division title.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Litchfield boys basketball head coach Matt Draeger signals to his players in a Wright County Conference game against New London-Spicer.
BBE BOYS From Page C10
Brooke Kern / Stevens County Times
BBE’s Jackson Peter dribbles baseline during the non-conference game against Hancock in Hancock.
AT
“It’s a big-time chance for some of our younger guys who wouldn’t have had the opportunity.” Still, Dingmann and Kampsen are tough losses. Kampsen, a 6-foot-3 sophomore, averaged 16.9 points and 6.3 rebounds per game last season. “They’re both guys who worked extremely hard in the summer, doing all the weight-room stuff we asked of them and more,” Anderson said. “And they’re both really good kids.” Will Van Beck (5-9, So, G) is the lone returning starter, though Jackson Peter (6-2, Sr., G/F) averaged 4.4 ppg off the
bench and will see an expanded role. Ryan Schwinghammer (6-2, Jr., F) also played quite a bit last year. Two players to watch are Kaden Pieper (6-0, Fr., G) and Evan Jones (6-3, Sr., F/C). Another key loss is Evan Wiener, who averaged 17.1 ppg and 8.3 rpg last season, earning West Central Tribune All-Area honors. “I’m real excited for the season,” said Anderson, who is in his sixth year as head coach after leading the Jaguars to a 16-12 record last season. “We’re just trying to find positives and for our seniors, it’s obviously going to be a different season for them. “They all have great attitudes and have stepped up.”
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C12 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Big 3 hope to carry KMS to new heights Madison Rohner, Maret Gjerde and Morgan Lesteberg return for Saints
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
KMS’s Alex Call makes a pass during a Camden Conference game against RussellTyler-Ruthton in Kerkhoven.
KMS will call on the Calls
Issac and Alex Call are expected to lead a young Fighting Saints squad By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com KERKHOVEN — When it comes to Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg boys basketball, who are you going to call? Why, you call the Calls. Isaac Call and Alex Call figure to lead the way for the Fighting Saints. They’re the lone returning starters from last season’s 14-11 squad that tied for second in the Camden Conference North Division with a 9-6 record. “I think the Call brothers can be one of the best duos around this area,” KMS head coach Matt Fragodt said. Isaac is a 6-foot-3 junior guard who was an honorable-mention allconference selection. He averaged 9.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. “He will be a three-year starter and he brings so much energy to our team,” Fragodt said. “He will now step into a
leader role and we expect him to be a great defender, but also one of our leads on offense.” Alex is a 6-3 sophomore guard. He averaged 11.0 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.7 steals per game. “This is Alex’s second year starting and he was second in scoring for us,” Fragodt said. “We expect even more things this year.” The Calls will lead the way for a team that lost Weston Gjerde (13.4 ppg), Ethan Hauge (12.6 ppg) and Regan Carlson (9.0 ppg) from last season. “We lost some pieces that have been a big part of our basketball team for a long time,” Fragodt said. “We will be a little inexperienced at the beginning. “But, I hope our young players can step in and learn a lot.” Fragodt also expects big things from Titian Norton (5-11, Sr., F, 4.4 ppg) and Chris Moist (5-9, Sr., F, 2.6 ppg).
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
KMS guard Morgan Lesteberg tries to dribble out of a pressing defense from Lac qui Parle Valley. By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com KERKHOVEN — They’re really not that big, but they need to come up big for Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg. Madison Rohner, Maret Gjerde and Morgan Lesteberg give KMS head coach Justin Johnson a decent amount of optimism about the Fighting’ Saints’ fortunes in 2019-20. The trio are returning starters from last season’s 13-14 squad that posted an 8-7 record in the Camden Conference North Division. It was Johnson’s first season as head coach and it’s a good place to start this year. “We are returning a strong core of girls to hopefully build off last season,” Johnson said. “We should have a very nice mix of guards and post players. “I see us as being a very balanced scoring team, making it tough for opponents to focus on just one girl.”
KMS GIRLS: Page C14
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C13
Blackjacks have a special player in Bartunek Senior guard is the lone returning starter for a young Dawson-Boyd squad
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Dawson-Boyd’s Avery Bartunek dribbles up the court during a Camden Conference game against CMCS in Prinsburg.
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
Dawson-Boyd’s Romell Horton lays up a shot as KMS’ Regan Carlson attempts a block during a Camden Conference game in Kerkhoven.
Horton, Durfee among key Blackjacks returners Dawson-Boyd looking to replace major production from a 15-win team By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com DAWSON — With the graduation of senior forwards Bentley Boike and Colton Husby, Dawson-Boyd will enter the 2019-20 campaign without its leading scorer and rebounder from a year ago.
Between the two players, the Blackjacks will have to replace about 25 points and 14 rebounds a game, but they do bring back a few experienced players capable of replicating that production.
DAWSON BOYS: Page C14
By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com DAWSON — The Dawson-Boyd Blackjacks return one starter from last season, but what a returning starter she is. Avery Bartunek earned All-Camden Conference North Division honors. The 5-foot-9 senior guard averaged 10.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 3.3 assists per games last season for the Blackjacks, who went 5-10 in the conference and 7-15 overall. “She will lead us in many statistical categories,” head coach Justin Wager said. “She will need to be the leader at both ends of the floor and control the pace and set the tone for the game.” Bartunek emerges as a leader with the graduation of Alex Sather and Mary Bothun. Sather averaged 18.0 points and 7.4 rebounds per game. Bothun averaged 7.6 points and 5.1 rebounds. Wager suggested they’ll be tough to replace. “We will be undersized and inexperienced returning only one starter,” Wager said. “But, we will need to make up for that by focusing on playing as a team, getting to loose balls and getting great shots.” Wager will be in his fifth season as head coach. The Blackjacks have gone
22-67 in that time. There is one other senior besides Bartunek on the roster: Amelia Olson (5-5, Sr., G). There are two juniors: Alexis Breitenstein (5-7, Jr., F) and Rachel Lund (5-7, Jr., G) and two sophomores: Laney Bartunek (5-8, So., G) and Vi Horst (4-11, Jr., G). Everyone else on the varsity roster is a ninth- or eighth-grader. The ninth-graders are: Chelsie Husby (5-7, Fr., G), Gracie Bellefeuille (5-5, Fr., G) and madison Selchert (5-5, Fr., G). Eighth-graders currently on the varsity roster are: Allison Estling (5-5, 8th, G) and Ella Wolner (5-10, 8th, F).
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C14 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
KMS GIRLS From Page C12
Rohner is a 5-foot-9 senior center who averaged a double-double last season, putting up 11.2 points, 10.3 rebounds, 0.6 assists, 1.2 steals and
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
KMS’s Maret Gjerde launches a 3-pointer against Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in Kerkhoven.
DAWSON BOYS From Page C13
“We will look to a number of players to fill the roles lost to graduation,” head coach Cory Larson said. “We have a group of players new to the varsity level that will provide a lot of energy when on the floor. We will compete, each and every game. Finding consistency on
1.1 rebounds per game. Johnson said her footwork enables her dominate in the low post. Combine that with “a nice mid-range jumper,” Johnson said, and the Saints should be strong in the middle. Gjerde is a 5-6 junior guard who’ll be given the task of guarding the opponent’s top player. She’s a great defender and good long-range shooter who averaged 8.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.6 steals per game. Lesteberg is a 5-4 senior guard who averaged 7.7 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.6 steals per game. Johnson said she “does a great job of running the offense.” We do need to find some depth and see who can give us quality minutes off the bench. Players to watch include: Haylee Johnson, Hayley Demuth and Lauren Krieger. The coach is hoping to develop depth. “We do need to develop some depth and see who can give us quality minutes off the bench,” Johnson said.
KMS center Madison Rohner tries a finger roll while splitting a pair of Yellow Medicine Esat defenders.
the offensive end will determine how competitive we become.” Leading the team with 55 three-point makes, senior guard Romell Horton is back after averaging 15.5 points and 3.9 assists per game. Horton appeared in 24 games last season, as did senior forward Zach Durfee, who averaged 13.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 201819. Durfee and Horton are the team’s returning starters while senior guard
Josh Anyasike is the only other player on the roster with significant varsity floor time. Checking into 25 games last season, Anyasike led the team with 1.8 steals per game. Among other returners from a team that compiled a 15-10 record, junior Micah Olson is back at the guard position while forwards Michael Kvaal and Colby Deuth along with guard Brenden Stulz round out the squad’s six seniors.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Dawson-Boyd’s Zach Durfee reacts after throwing down a dunk in overtime of the Section 3A-North championship game against Lac qui Parle Valley at the R/A Facility in Marshall.
Entering his 15th season as head coach, Larson is two wins away from 250 career victories.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 C15
Owls with big shoes to fill Hancock search for answers after losing top scorers By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com HANCOCK — Hancock has finished 10 games above the .500 mark each of the last four years. Over the last two seasons, the Owls have reached the 20-win mark. Making it three in a row might be a difficult task considering the losses the program suffered. Making the Tribune’s All-Area second team, leading scorer Bennett Bienhaus graduated, as has Cole Reese, Connor Reese, Colton Crowell, Peyton Rohloff and Tanner Pahl. Crowell was the team’s leading rebounder while the Reese boys each dished at least 100 assists. Among the kids on the roster from a year ago, junior Preston Rohloff scored more points than any other returner. The 6-foot-2 guard averaged 6.2 points
per game while grabbing 99 rebounds and having a 53-19 assist-to-turnover ratio during his 27 appearances. Elsewhere, senior guard Daniel Milander is behind Rohloff in returning scoring. Putting up 5.1 points per game, shot 39 percent from three-point territory while snatching a team-high 69 steals. “Preston is our leading scorer coming back. He manages the game very well and is a very good leader,” head coach Cory Bedel said. “Daniel handles the ball well, plays great defense, is one of our fastest players and shot the three well last year.” Last season, the Owls averaged 65.5 points per game and relinquished just 57. Winning nine of its last 12 games, Hancock opened the section postseason with a 66-60 victory over Brandon/ Evansville before falling to Ortonville 58-39.
Three starters will be key to Owls’ fortunes Alexis Staples, Morgan Kisgen and Rylee Hanson return for Hanock By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com
Brooke Kern / Stevens County Times
Hancock junior Daniel Milander pulls up in the paint for two early on in the nonconference game against BBE in Hancock.
HANCOCK — The Hanock Owls return three starters from a team that went 12-12 last season, including Alexis Staples, Morgan Kisgen and Rylee Hanson. Staples, a junior, averaged 9.7 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game, earning All-Pheasant Conference honorable-mention honors. Kisgen, a junior, averaged 4.4 points, 2.6 steals and 2.3 assists per game. Hanson, a sophomore, averaged 9.5 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. That’s where the Owls will start as they attempt to improve upon a 2-6 conference record. Players to watch include: sophomore Tori Pahl and junior Morgan Kisgen. Key losses include leading scorer Carlee Hanson (9.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg) and
Haley Mattson (7.6 ppg, 2.8 rpg). Tony Thielke enters his third season as head coach. He has a 25-23 career record. His assistant is Ryan Snyder, an assistant on Hancock’s Prep Bowl football team.
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C16 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Can Kottke carry Mustangs once again?
Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart’s Sara Kottke drives for a layup against ACGC in Grove City.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Senior leads Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart following eight-win improvement By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com HECTOR — During her junior season, Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart 5-foot-9 forward Sara Kottke received accolade after accolade. And it was all deserved. Pouring in team-highs with 24 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.8 steals per game, Kottke was named to the Tomahawk All-Conference team, the Tribune’s All-Area first team and
was a Class A All-State Honorable Mention. Behind her spectacular play, Kottke was the catalyst of an eight-game improvement for the Mustangs. “Sara is our program leader on and off the floor,” second-year head coach Dustin Wright said. “Sara put in a lot of time this off-season and we expect her to have a great senior season.” For the team to have a great season, an impact from returning sophomore starters Maddy Wuikan and Allison
Dornseif could prove to be the trick. Averaging 10.5 points per game, Wuikan is an excellent three-point shooter who also excels at the defense end from the guard position. Meanwhile at forward, Dornseif is the team’s best defender who will look into increase her offensive output. Elsewhere, Jessica Novotny, Emilie Hable and Tia Weispfennig are returners expected to contribute. In addition, freshmen Lily Dean and Allison Milbrandt along with eighth-
graders Rachel Kottke and Kristi Kottke will be in a mix for minutes on the floor. “We will have a deep and versatile team this year. Because of that, we will be able to play an uptempo style with a lot of skilled athletes. We are going to be able to get after it on the defensive end and get up and down on offense. ... We hope to be competitive in both the Tomahawk Conference and in Section 2A.”
BLHS hopes for a turnaround
Mustangs plan to improve after going 2-22 in a tough 2018-19 season By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com HECTOR — It was a tough season to be a Mustang. In 2018-19, Buffalo-Lake-HectorStewart went 2-22, including a 2-14 record in the Tomahawk Conference. Both wins came over the Wabasso Rabbits. It was a learning experience, to say
the least. BLHS returns three starters from that squad and that’s where the Mustangs’ hopes for better fortunes in 2019-20 begin. Senior point guard Elijah Stifter, senior shooting guard Phil Kirtz and junior power forward Braden McColley all the returnees. Head coach Dylan Gass calls Stifter a
floor leader who controls the offense. Stifter averaged 6.6 points per game. Kirtz is the Mustangs’ rebounding leader and a scorer who averaged 7.4 rebounds and 7.2 points. McColley is BLHS’s big man and another rebounder and scorer. He averaged 7.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last season. He shot 49 percent (61 of 125) from the field.
A player to watch is senior shooting guard Ben Dornseif, whom Gass said will supply offensive help and be a main three-point shooter to an offense that averaged 48.3 points per game. (The Mustangs allowed 69.2 points per game). Dornseif averaged 4.6 points per game last season.
D1 December 4, 2019
High School 19-20 Basketball Preview
Previews by Patrick Bernadeau, Joe Brown and Tom Elliott / Photos by Joe Brown, Dave Harwig, Tom Larson, Brooke Kern and Jake Schultz / Design Jamie Hoyem
D2 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Wildcats with plenty of voids to fill
Everyone’s back for Wildcats
New London-Spicer lost key six seniors Seven of New London-Spicer’s top nine to graduation last season return from conference co-champs By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com NEW LONDON — The New LondonSpicer boys basketball program enters the 2019-20 campaign having increased its win total each of the last three seasons. After a 16-12 showing in 2016-17 and a 19-9 mark one year later, the Wildcats were Wright County Conference co-champs following a 20-8 record. It was the first time since the state-title team in 2009 that the black and yellow reached the 20-win mark. If NLS is to continue this trend going forward, it will have to do so without a majority of its core. Six of their top eight players graduated, including four-year starting guard Brandon Adleman and three-year starting forward Ander
Arnold, who are each playing collegiate ball this winter. “A number of our kids have worked hard in the offseason and that will pay dividends for us,” first-year head coach Skip Wright said. “Although we have a lot to figure out, we hope to get better everyday, come together as a team and compete.” The Wildcats will rely heavily on a pair of seniors: 6-foot-2 guard Christian Lessman and 6-foot-6 center Jake Poole, who averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s two section playoff games last year. Wright says Lessman and Poole, along with senior forwards Nick Hubbard and Nate Tebben will be counted on for the team’s leadership.
LONDON-SPICER BOYS: Page D8
By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com NEW LONDON — The New LondonSpicer Wildcats are loaded with experience and talent. The trick now is to have it all come together. For what it’s worth, head coach Mike Dreier is up to the task. As he begins his 42nd season, including a 933180 career record, he returns a squad that went 20-7 and earned co-Wright County Conference championship honors with Annandale. Both were 12-2. “With all of our starters and seven of our top nine returning this season, our players expect to be in the mix to compete for conference, sub-section and section championships,” Dreier
Quad County Wrestling
said. “We will have a team with a very nice blend of inside and perimeter athletes.” Top players back include Payton Mages (5-foot-8, senior, guard), Emma Hanson (5-8, Jr., F), MacKenzie Rich (5-7, Jr., G), Ava Kraemer (6-0, Jr., F), Erin Knisley (6-2, Jr., C) and Grace DeSchepper (6-1, Jr., C). It’s an impressive group that will be aided by Isa Ommodt (5-9, Sr., F), Emily Giere (5-7, Sr., F), Avery Rich (5-7, Fr., G) and Jaden Coahran (5-7, Fr., F). The scoring was balanced, led by Hanson (11.6 points per game), Rich (10.9), Knisley (7.9), Kraemer (6.6), DeSchepper (5.9) and Mages (5.8).
LONDON-SPICER GIRLS: Page D8
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 D3
Jaguars looking for third-straight winning season Renville County West’s Jaden Kolker (right) guards Dawson-Boyd’s Colton Husby during a Camden Conference game in Renville.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Renville County West is coming off first 16-win campaign in 14 years By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com RENVILLE — Renville County West won 16 games last season. It was the team’s second consecutive winning season and the first time the program reached the 16-win mark since the 2004-05 campaign. After years mired in the bottom of the standings, safe to say things are
starting to look up for the Jaguars. Even with momentum on its side entering the 2019-20 campaign, the team has one major hole it will have to replace. Selected to the Tribune’s AllArea first team last year, guard Justin Schrupp is following a season where he earned MVP honors from the Camden Conference North by averaging 27 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.1 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.5 blocks per game.
That kind of production is difficult to make up for from two players, let alone one. Riley Ashburn. figures to shoulder some of the load left by Schrupp’s absence. Collecting an All-Conference nod last season, the 6-foot-3 junior forward put up 15 points, 8.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists and team-best 3.2 steals. “Riley was a good second option for us last year as he worked in tandem with Justin Schrupp,” head coach Matt
Huhnerkoch said. “This year, Riley will be looked on to take over as the main scoring option for us. Riley is a good floor leader for us and he will be leaned on to be the coach on the floor.” Elsewhere, Huhnerkoch believes junior guard Brandan Hoberg can make a solid impact after spending last year on junior varsity. Hoberg brings quickness and an attacking style that will put pressure on opposing defenses.
RCW hopes to turn things around Jaguars, winless in 2019-20, have a 25-game losing streak By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com RENVILLE — The Renville County West Jaguars aspire to move up after a tough spell over the past two seasons. RCW brings a 25-game losing streak into the 2019-20 season. They were 0-24 last season, including 0-16 in the Camden County North Division standings. That was after RCW went 1-24 in 2017-18, including 1-15 in the Camden.
In ‘16-17, the Jaguars were 1-15 in the conference and 2-24 overall. In ‘15-16, RCW went 1-15 in the conference and 2-23 overall. That’s a 5-95 record over the last four years, including 3-61 in the conference. But it hasn’t always been that way. As recently as 2007-08, RCW went 13-3 in the conference and 21-7 overall. Last season, the Jaguars scored 34.6 points per game and allowed 59.7. This season’s varsity roster includes
three seniors: Lauren Allex (5-7, Sr., G), Lauren Wulf (5-11, Sr., F) and Vanessa Savig (5-5, Sr., G). There’s one junior: Yarely Ramirez (5-4, Jr., G). And, there are four sophomores: Addyson Tanner (5-6, So., G), Hannah Pharr (6-0, So., C), Holly Bratsch (5-9, So., F) and Jennifer Bratsch (5-9, So., F). Included are four ninth-graders: Alize Davila (5-9, Fr., C), Angela Tatge (5-2, Fr., G), kaydence Jansen (5-8, Fr., F) and Kylee Bock (5-9, Fr., F).
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D4 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Young Wolverines will focus on ‘D’ MACCRAY hopes to use its depth to hold teams down in the scoring column By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
MACCRAY’s Trenten Cavaness (middle) works in the post against a pair of Hancock defenders in a Case IH Invitational game at Benson High School.
Post enters year two with the Wolverines
CLARA CITY — MACCRAY is young, head coach Shaun Condon says. But he hopes that youth develops enough experience to make the Wolverines a competitive Camden Conference team in 2019-20. “We are a young team,” Condon said. “Some of those girls have some varsity experience. But a lot of them don’t.” Returning starters are Gabby Randt (5-foot-11, sophomore, center) and Kate Hultgren (5-5, Sr., G). Players to watch include Kylee Kimpling (5-9, So., G/F), Ella Bourne (5-6, So., G) and Kaisa Jaenisch (5-5, Jr., G). All involved saw some playing time for a team that went 5-11 in the Camden North and 9-15 overall. Condon said defense will be emphasized. The Wolverines averaged
MACCRAY lost just two players from last season’s 10-16 squad By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com CLARA CITY — After six seasons with Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg, Lucas Post enters his second season heading the MACCRAY boys basketball program. Post’s Wolverines went 10-16 last year, averaging 63.5 points per game, but relinquishing 67.5 points per game as well. In search of its first winning season since 2014-15 campaign, MACCRAY may have the talent and continuity to accomplish just that. Scoring just a tick under 16 points per game and dishing out a team-high 4.8 assists during his sophomore year, point guard Brady Kienitz is back after earning an All-Conference nod and a spot on the Tribune’s All-Area third team. The 6-foot junior also contributed 6.0 rebounds, a team-high 4.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He is one of three players back who averaged more than 10 points per game, joining senior
forward Blake Wadsworth (10.7) and junior center Trenten Cavaness (12.0). Wadsworth, standing at 6-3, paced the team with 1.5 steals per contest while Cavaness, who is listed at 6-4, led the team with 7.8 rebounds and 1.1 blocks. “Our three returning starters should give us a lot of options both on offense and defense,” Post said. “All are really active and athletic players.” Post hopes the Wolverines aren’t just a three-player team. Losing just two seniors to graduation Kelby Jaenisch and Thomas Kirking should help that cause. “We also return a lot of solid contributors from last year that saw significant minutes,” Post remarked. “Will Asche, Brooks Asche, and Tommy Hoekstra will continue to give us strong depth and quality minutes along with additional offensive punch. Both Will and Tommy made a handful of starts for us last season.”
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
A quartet of MACCRAY Wolverines swarm ACGC’s Brittney Schultz at MACCRAY High School in Clara City.
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
MACCRAY’s Ella Bourne defends during the Case IH Invitational championship game against Morris/CA at Benson High School.
42.1 points per game last year and allowed 47.9. That 47.9 was secondleast in the Camden North behind conference champ Lac qui Parle Valley (15-1, 23-4), which allowed 42.4. Only Camden South champ Minneota (16-0, 30-1) allowed less at 38.9. “Defense is going to be our strength,” Condon said. “We have some good athletes (who) can defense, create turnovers and block shots.” Condon, who is in his third year with a 23-27 record, and his staff of Bryce Olson and Dana Johnson, believe MACCRAY will use a lot of players. “We graduated a large chunk of our scoring from last year, so we will have to have some girls step in and fill that role,” Condon said. “Being that we have some good depth, we should be able to rotate girls in and out to keep fresh bodies on the court.” The Wolverines believe that will lead them to a competitive season. 001752179r1
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 D5
YME hopes to continue last season’s success Sting were 14-9 in first year under head coach Rick Schultz
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
YME’s Carter Sneller looks to move by the Paynesville defense during a nonconference game in Granite Falls.
YME has some holes to fill
Sting, who lose 66.3 percent of their scoring, will be led by a healthy Carter Sneller By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com
GRANITE FALLS — The Yellow Medicine East Sting have some holes to fill, having lost roughly two-thirds of their scoring from 2018-19. But head coach Jacob Suter believes there is enough experienced, returning talent along with some promising newcomers to make 2019-20 a good season. “We have a nice mix of seniors and a group of younger guys who may mix in with our varsity team this winter,” Suter said. Gone are Bennett Knapper (14.6 points per game), Jahrell Ischmon (13.2 ppg) and Dalton Anderson (7.5 ppg). That’s 35.3 points per game for a squad that averaged 53.2 (66.3 percent). Hoping to pick up the slack, according
to Sutter, are Carter Sneller (6-foot-2, senior, guard), Hunter Johnson (6-2, Sr., W), Elliott Korstad (5-6, Sr., G), Kyle Chase (6-0, Jr., G) and Damian Rhode (6-5, Sr., W). Sneller averaged 12.5 points per game, shooting 43 percent (from the field) with 6.0 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals per game. He also missed more than half the season with a broken wrist. He looks healthy and is playing well, according to Suter. “We will need the other seniors to step up and fill roles left behind by last season’s graduating class,” Suter said. Those players include Johnson averaged 3.5 ppg and 2.6 rebounds per game. Korstad put in 2.3 ppg. Chase averaged 4.9 ppg. It’s a start for a squad that went 3-13 in the Camden Conference South Division and 4-20 overall last season.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
YME’s Madison Hinz lines up a long-distance shot against KMS last year in Kerkhoven. By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com GRANITE FALLS — The Yellow Medicine East Sting put together a 14-9 season in Rick Schultz’s first season as coach. YME went 10-6 and tied for second in the Camden Conference South Division behind mighty Minneota, which went 16-0 and finished 30-1. It was a streaky year. The Sting opened with a 47-43 win at Montevideo, then lost three straight. Next came an eight-game winning streak, followed by a five-game losing streak. YME then closed out the year with five straight wins before losing to eventual state Class A champion Minneota in the second round of the Section 3AA playoffs. Four starters graduated: Meeghen Dahlager, Mackenzie Dyrdahl, Hannah Gullickson and Sam Anderson. Dahlager, Dyrdahl, Gullickson and Anderson accounted for 36 of the Sting’s 53.2 points per game. Returning is Madison Hinz. The senior guard earned all-conference honors last year and put up impressive numbers: 11.2 points, 2.5 assists, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 steals per game. She
shot 32 percent (49 of 149) from threepoint range and 75 percent (74 of 98) from the free throw line. She’s definitely a player to watch in the West Central Tribune Area. Besides Hinz, there is one other senior on the roster: Lauren McCosh (5-foot-7, senior, forward). There are two juniors: Brylea Ruff (5-9, Jr., G) and Sydnee Skjefte (5-8, Jr., F). Two sophomores are currently on the varsity roster: Shelby Mortenson (6-0, So., C) and Yansi Flores (5-9, So., G). Everyone else is a ninth-grader.
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D6 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
LQPV ready for seconds Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Lac qui Parle Valley’s Maverick Conn goes up strong against CMCS in Prinsburg.
Led by Conn and Bonn, Eagles try to build on last season’s successes By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com MADISON — Barry Besonen says his team is hungry. The Lac qui Parle Valley head coach doesn’t mean it literally. The Eagles eat well. He means competitively. Last season was a very good year. LQPV went 18-11 and finished runner up in Section 3A North. “This group is hungry to build on last season,” Besonen said. They’ll do it after losing three starters:
Caden Bjornjeld, who is playing at Concordia-Moorhead, Thoams Daniels and Eean Allpress. They’ve got a good start, however, with returnees Austin Bonn and Maverick Conn. Bonn is a 6-foot-1 senior guard who earned All-Camden North honors and was a second-team West Central Tribune All-Area selection after averaging 17.8 points, 3.3 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game. Conn is a 6-4 junior forward who also was all-conference and put up
good numbers: 13.3 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 3.0 apg. “Bonn and Conn are proven players who will be among the best in the area,” Besonen said. Who’ll play around them is a bit of an open book. Besonen listed no fewer than nine players who could play key roles: Evan Hegland (6-5, Jr., F), Tucker Droogsma (6-2, Sr., F), Mason Clark (6-0, Sr., G), Landon Schirm (5-7, So., G), Hunter Conn (6-3, So., F), Kaiden Allpress (5-10, So., G) , Ryder Droogsma (5-10,
Sr., G), Carter Amland (6-1, Jr., F) and Austin Kalthoff (6-1, Sr., F). Hegland, Droogsma and Clark were LQPV’s “top three reserves last year and will be expected to take on bigger roles this year,” Besonen said “Schirm, Conn and Allpress led last season’s b-squad to an 18-win season. “We need to have players step up and replace last year’s seniors and for our young talent to make the adjustment to varsity basketball,” Besonen said. If it comes together, expect another good year from the Eagles.
LQPV believes the cupboard is not bare Despite returning only one starter, Eagles have young talent
By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com MADISON — One starter returns from what was a really good season for the Lac qui Parle Valley Eagles: Sidney Gerdes. Gerdes, a 5-foot-4 senior guard, earned all-conference honorablemention honors last season for an LQPV squad that went 23-4 overall. The Eagles won the Camden Conference North Division title with a 15-1 record, six losses fewer than runner-up Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg. Gerdes is where LQPV starts as it attempts to re-load.
“Right now, we are a team that doesn’t have a lot of varsity experience,” said John Nolte, who has a 49-8 record as he enters his third season as head coach. “Our goal is to grow from where we are now to be contenders at the end of the season.” It starts with Gerdes, who averaged 5.5 points per game. But the cupboard is not bare. Macie Lund (5-6, Jr., G), Alex Stitt (5-6, Jr., G), Cassidie Olson (5-10, Jr., C) and Addy Bohn (5-6, So., F) all figure to be players to watch. “Macie is a great player who has a great shot,” Nolte said. “She ahs offensive savvy and really stepped up
this summer for us in the scoring department.” He’s also high on Stitt. “Alex is our spark plug,” Nolte said. “Her energy and speed can make her a game-changer. “Cassidie is a tough interior defender and brings some physicality to our team. We are going to be depending on her inside to set the tone and rebound. Addy is a very versatile player who can play all over the floor. She is strong enough to finish inside and has a great outside shot.” The Eagles hope it all adds up to another conference championship and another long section run.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 D7
Central Minnesota Christian returns all five starters from last season By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com PRINSBURG — The good news for the Central Minnesota Christian Bluejays is abundant. All five starters return from a 13-13 squad. Included are seniors Katelyn Bulthuis (5-10, Sr., F), Reegan Duininck (5-5, Sr., G) and Ellie Stoel (5-11, Sr., F) and sophomores Coco Duininck (5-6, So., G) and Molly Mulder (5-10 So., C). It’s a talented group. Reegan Duninck and Coco Duininck each earned AllCamden Conference honors. Stoel was an honorable mention. Coco Duinick was on the West Central Tribune’s AllArea second team. “With all five starters returning from last year, we will rely on each of them to play key roles in the success of our team,” head coach Mike Mulder said. “We are looking for Nyssa Vogel and Maaike Duininck to play significant roles off the bench.
CMCS GIRLS: Page D8
Bluejays have experience on their side
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Central Minneota Christian’s Elli Stoel launches a 3-pointer from the corner against Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart at Prinsburg
Bluejays seeking to return to winning ways CMCS bring back all five starters from a 12-13 season By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com PRINSBURG — In search of its first winning season since going to state in 2016, Central Minnesota Christian returns all five of its starters from a team that went 12-13 one year ago. In senior shooting guards Peter Martin and Jay Marcus, along with senior small forward Austin TeBrake, sophomore Caleb VanderBeek and sophomore point guard Case Mulder, the Bluejays bring back 70 percent of their offensive production and rebounding. TeBrake highlights the returning starters. Earning the his second straight All-Conference nod, last season, the 6-foot-2 small forward led CMCS with
17.6 points per game. He drilled a team-high 55 three-point baskets on 34 percent shooting while making 74 percent of his free throws. In addition, the big man paced the Bluejays with 8.6 rebounds and 1.8 blocks per game. Martin also was a All-Conference selection, as he was second on the team in scoring at 14.6 points a contest. He had the most trips to the charity stripe (73), along with the most makes (52). Both Martin and TeBrake dished out a CMCS-best 51 assists. If the Bluejays want to improve on last year, their defense has to improve. The 2018-19 squad relinquished more points per point (62.7) than it scored (62.1). CMCS earned a 5-4 mark in games
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D8 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
New London-Spicer’s Ava Kraemer shoots a layup against Glencoe-Silver Lake at New London-Spicer High School.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
A trio of New London-Spicer defenders swarm the ball handler from Central Minnesota Christian at Willmar High School.
LONDON-SPICER BOYS From Page D2
While inexperienced, Wright believes
he will get production from the team’s juniors. He adds, “our junior class is coming off a strong sophomore season and we are expecting significant contributions from several players.”
LONDON-SPICER GIRLS From Page D2
Kramer (8.9 rebounds per game), Hanson (6.0 rpg), Knisley (6.0 rpg) and DeSchepper (4.7 rpg) are top rebounders. Mages (4.1 assists per game) is a top play-maker and defender (2.2 steals per game).
Hanson, Rich and Knisley were AllConference performers. But the section is again tough. Dreier figures Eden Valley-Watkins, Morris/ Chokio-Alberta, Minnewaska Area, Benson and Redwood Valley are all top Section 3AA contenders. And, there are things to work on. “We need to mature as players and as a team to perform at a higher level in late-game situations,” Dreier said. Don’t count against them doing it.
Jake Schultz / West Central Tribune
Central Minnesota Christian’s Coco Duininck looks to pass against MACCRAY in Clara City.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Central Minnesota Christian’s Molly Mulder (right) goes for a block attempt on Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart’s Sara Kottke in a Section 2A playoff game in Prinsburg.
CMCS GIRLS From Page D7
“(The) girls are hard-working and determined. I am looking forward to a fun and competitive season.” Coco Duininck averaged 17 points and three steals per game. Stoel averaged 10
ppg and 8 rpg. Bulthuis had 8 ppg and 6 ppg and Reegan Duinick and Molly Mulder each averaged 5 ppg. Vogel, a junior, and Maaike Duininck, a sophomore, will be key players. Mulder is in his second season as head coach. His assistants are Janey Duininck and Roger Mulder. The Bluejays are in the Camden
Conference North Division. They took third with a 7-9 record behind conference champion Lac qui Parle Valley (15-1) and second-place Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg (8-7). CMCS is in the Section 2A-North Division. BOLD is section champion. CMCS hopes to be a top section contender.
Proudly supporting YME, CMCS & MACCRAY athletes! Have a GREAT season!
West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 D9
Lakers figure to be a force
Minnewaska, led by Emma Thorfinnson, will be a factor in West Central
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Minnewaska’s Grant Jensen (5) tries to drive around BOLD’s Jordan Sagedahl during a West Central Conference game in Bird Island.
Can the Lakers make it back to state? Minnewaska loaded with wing talent following 21-9 campaign By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com
GLENWOOD — The Lakers rode a 14-1 overall mark against section opponents all the way to the big dance last season. Following an overtime victory and a pair of two-point triumphs in the section playoffs, Minnewaska earned its third trip to state last season and finished the year at 21-9. With a solid collection of talent entering the fray, the Lakers will look to make it backto-back appearances. “We have good experience returning on our varsity team combined with young players that contributed at the varsity level as sophomores,” head coach Phil Johnsrud said. “We have seniors that have a chance to make key contributions to this team as well as underclassmen that have experienced success at all levels leading to this season, so we are hopeful that this year’s team can work together to be successful.” Leading the Waska attack will be
senior Grant Jensen. The 5-foot11 guard was selected to the AllConference team and was named the Lakers’ MVP. While Jensen is a small guard, the defending Section 3AA champs bring a fair amount of size on the perimeter. Returning starters Luke Barkeim and Aaron VerSteeg are two of the six perimeter players measured at 6-2 or taller. Playing significant minutes as a sophomore, junior Peyton Johnson is included in that group. Barkeim, a captain on the team, along with senior post Aiden Tank are each returning from significant injuries suffered during the football season. “Luke played for us as a sophomore and figures to be a big part of our team,” Phil Johnsrud said. “Aiden Tank has worked very hard to prepare for the upcoming season so his injury recovery is important to us as well.” Minnewaska will be without 6-10 bigman Shawn Carsten. Tank and 6-4 junior Sam Hested will look to fill Carsten’s presence.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Minnewaska’s Alexis Piekarski looks to make a pass while BBE’s Jacqueline Lindsay puts a hand in her face. By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com GLENWOOD — The Minnewaska Lakers figure to be a force in the West Central Conference and Section 3AA this season. They were 15-11 last season and return a nucleus that includes senior guard Emma Thorfinnson. She opened the 2019-20 season by pouring in 26 points on 9-for-18 shooting from the field, including 5 of 11 from threepoint range, in a 65-48 win over Lac qui Parle Valley. She also mixed in seven rebounds, three assists and two blocked shots.
She figures to be one of the top players in the West Central. Also expected to be factors are Maddie Thorfinnson (5-11, So., G), Alexis Piekarski (5-9, Sr., G), Isabella Ortendahl (6-1, Jr., C), Makena Panitzke (5-9, Jr., G), Michele Stai (5-6, Sr., G), Addy Randt (5-6, So., G), Avery Hoeper (5-9, Jr., F) and Elizabeth Murken (5-7, Sr., F). Head coach Brett Thorfinnson’s squad figures to be among the contenders in the West Central with defending champion Sauk Centre (26-3 last season), BOLD (22-7) and Morris/ Chokio-Alberta (15-9). All will be contenders in their respective sections.
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D10 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
What can Loge do as an encore?
Anderson helps Tigers and their successful ways
Sensational sophomore leads Tigers after 18-9 season By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com MORRIS — There aren’t too many fabulous freshman campaigns that compare to the kind of year Jackson Loge produced last season. The 6-foot-6 center was the engine behind a Morris/Chokio-Alberta team that went 18-9 overall and 8-6 in West Central Conference play. Loge put up 17.8 points, 10.6 rebounds and 2.9 blocks per game. Those numbers only increased in the postseason when he posted a 45-15-5 during a Section 3AA quarterfinal against ACGC. Earning a spot on the Tribune’s AllArea first team, Loge was one of three Tigers selected to the All-Conference teams. The other two players chosen are no longer with the program, as Camden Arndt and Jaret Johnson each
graduated after 1,000-point careers. With Loge attracting attention as the team’s focal point, Morris/CA will count on its youth to establish itself over the course of the year. “We will be a young team with five sophomores on the varsity squad to start the year,” head coach Mark Torgerson said. “Many of them played quality minutes last year and will need to step up even more this year for us to be successful. The juniors and seniors we have coming back should allow us to be a team with a lot of depth and options.” Starting games late in his freshman campaign, sophomore Durgin Decker was an “offense spark” who Torgerson thinks will improve. Among other contributors is senior Jaden Maanum, who is back as the team’s top defender.
Morris/Chokio-Alberta coming off of back-to-back 15 wins seasons By Patrick Bernadeau pbernadeau@wctrib.com MORRIS — Behind a five-game winning streak and another successful stretch that extended to six games, Morris/Chokio-Alberta finished with a 15-9 overall record, including a 9-5 mark in conference play. At 59.4 points per game, the Tigers were third highest-scoring team in all of Section 3AA. Head coach Dale Henrich runs one of the most consistent programs in the area, as his squad has not had a losing season since 2011-12.
MORRIS/CA GIRLS: Page D12
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
Morris/Chokio-Alberta’s Maddie Carrington shoots a runner as Eden Valley’s Halle Jansen (22) and Olivia Schleper (13) defend during a Section 3AA-North playoff game at Willmar High School.
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West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn. — Wednesday, December 4, 2019 D11
Bulldogs aim to take another big step up Paynesville head boys basketball coach Rick Hendrickson looks on during a game against Yellow Medicine East in Granite Falls.
Joe Brown / West Central Tribune
Paynesville, which improved five wins last season, hopes to contend in 3AA By Tom Elliott telliott@wctrib.com PAYNESVILLE — When it came to basketball, the Paynesville Bulldogs took a giant step forward in 2018-19. In Rick Hendrickson’s first year as head coach, Paynesville went from 6-20 to 11-13. A similar improvement this year would put the Bulldogs in the hunt for the Central Minnesota Conference title, not to mention Section 3AA. Six key players return, including leading scorer Corbin Froelich.
The 6-foot-4 junior guard/forward was an all-conference first-team selection last season. He averaged 20.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. He shot 41.2 percent from the field (166 of 403), including 32.5 percent from three-point range (63 of 194) and made 76.4 percent of his free throws *(94 of 123). Froelich is one of the top returning players in the CMC. Also back are: Levi Bast (6-2, Sr., G); Grady Fuchs (6-1, Sr., G/F); Brendan Uhlenkamp (6-5, Sr., F/C);
Carter Wessel (6-1, Sr., G/F) and Caden Spanier (5-10, Sr., G). Bast (7.2 ppg, 4.6 rpg) was a secondteam all-conference pick. Fuchs (7.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg), Uhlenkamp (7.7 ppg, 5.6 rpg); Wessel (7.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg) and Spanier (5.4 ppg, 2.0 rpg) all contribute offensively and defensively. “Our top six returning players all played significant minutes a season ago,” Hendrickson said. “All six of them started games and had multiple double-digit scoring games as well.” Players to watch include Evan Hess
(6-0, Sr., G/F) and Kadin Ludwig (6-1, Jr., G/F). They’ll contribute, too. “Both Evan and Kadin can play multiple positions, defend multiple positions, handle the ball and our confident shooters,” said Hendrickson, whose assistants are T.J. Schultz and Ben Moser. Hendrickson defined what will be key to the Bulldogs’ improvement from last season. “We were 6-1 in the conference at home, but 1-6 in the conference on the road,” he said. “So, we will look to improve in that area.”
Paynesville looks to climb out of CMC cellar Bulldogs return four starters to the team By Joe Brown jbrown@wctrib.com PAYNESVILLE — A combined 10-92 over the past four seasons, Paynesville is ready to start trending upward in the Central Minnesota Conference. And in order to do that, the Bulldogs have four returning starters they’ll need to make some progress. “We may not have any standout players in the ‘statistics column,’ but we sure hope to in the ‘let’s out-work them column,’” said third-year head
coach Phil Carlson. “We should be improved in every aspect of the game.” A trio of seniors look to get Paynesville out of the doghouse in 5-foot-4 guard/ wing Kali Reiter, 5-8 forward Harley Kunstleben and 5-7 forward Lindy Hennen. Sophomore Macy Carlson is also back as a returning starter at guard. Reiter, Kunstleben and Hennen, along with fellow senior Grace Utsch, hope to elevate the Bulldogs after the graduation of Kylie Everson, Sophie Strand and Taylor Reiter.
The junior class includes Erica Gaebe, Kendra Schleper and Natalie Lieser. Along with Carlson, the sophomores are Maddie Hentges and Mikayla Roberg. Freshman Katie Uhlenkamp and eighth-grader Emma Flanders are also listed on the varsity roster. “As a group, we need to make an impact,” Coach Carlson said. The last Paynesville team to reach double-digit wins was in 2013-14 when the Bulldogs wrapped up the year at 13-11.
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D12 Wednesday, December 4, 2019 — West Central Tribune — Willmar, Minn.
MORRIS/CA GIRLS From Page D10
Despite not losing All-Conference point guard Riley Decker to graduation, there’s no reason to think Morris/ CA will not have another winning campaign. Entering her senior year, post Malory Anderson will lead the charge. After receiving honorable mention honors on the Tribune All-Area team as a sophomore, she made the second-team as a junior. Anderson scored 12.7 points and over 11 rebounds a game. For the secondstraight year, the post’s work on the boards set a Tigers’ single-season record. She wasn’t done there, ending his junior year with 4.7 steals, 1.7 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. Elsewhere, senior forward Kylie Swanson, senior center Kendra Wevley, senior guard MacKenna Kehoe, and junior guard Emma Bowman are all returners expected to join Anderson in the starting lineup.
Tom Larson / West Central Tribune
Morris/Chokio-Alberta’s Malory Anderson, left, drives the lane as Eden Valley-Watkins’ Olivia Schleper closes in during a Section 3AA-North playoff game at Willmar High School.
Boys and Girls Basketball Standings
Girls Central Lakes Team Willmar 14-2 Alexandria Fergus Falls Apollo Brainerd 7-8 Sartell Tech Rocori Sauk Rapids
Con. Over. 21-5 13-3 22-5 12-3 23-6 11-5 17-11 11-15 6-10 10-17 5-11 9-18 1-14 4-22 1-14 3-23
Camden North LQPV 15-1 23-4 KMS 8-7 13-14 CMCS 7-9 13-13 Dawson-Boyd 5-10 7-14 MACCRAY 5-11 9-15 RCW 0-16 0-24 South Minneota YME Lakeview R-T-R Canby T-M-B
16-0 30-1 10-6 14-9 10-6 13-11 8-8 10-14 6-10 7-19 5-11 7-17
Central Minnesota EV-W 14-0 27-1 BBE 11-3 24-6 Holdingford 9-5 15-12 Kimball 7-7 12-15 Pierz 6-8 12-14 HL-W-W 6-8 10-17 Maple Lake 2-12 3-23 Paynesville 1-13 2-22
Pheasant West Central C-G-B W/H-N Hancock 2-6 Ortonville
7-1 19-7 6-2 19-6 3-5 9-17 12-12 2-6 10-14
Tomahawk Wabasso 16-0 SESM Springfield G-F-W MVL BLHS NU Cath. 4-12 Sleepy Eye Cedar Mt.
21-4 12-4 21-8 10-6 17-10 10-6 11-13 9-7 15-12 6-10 10-16 11-16 4-12 11-16 1-15 4-21
West Central Sauk Centre 14-0 26-3 BOLD 11-3 22-7 Minnewaska 9-5 15-11 Morris/CA 8-5 15-9 Melrose 6-8 10-16 Benson 3-9 7-18 ACGC 2-12 3-21 Montevideo 1-12 3-18 Wright County West Annandale 12-2 22-7 NLS 12-2 20-7 Wat.-Mayer 8-6 13-15 Litchfield 6-8 17-11 Rockford 6-8 16-12 Mound-Wes. 6-8 15-13 Glencoe-SL 6-8 13-13 Das.-Cok. 0-14 1-24
Boys Central Lakes Sartell Apollo Brainerd Fergus Falls Alexandria Willmar Tech Rocori Sauk Rapids
11-5 20-9 11-5 15-13 10-6 15-12 10-6 15-12 9-7 19-9 9-7 15-13 6-10 7-20 3-13 6-21 3-13 5-22
Camden North LQPV 10-6 18-11 RCW 9-6 16-10 KMS 9-6 14-11 Dawson-Boyd 8-8 15-10 CMCS 8-8 12-13 MACCRAY 5-10 10-16 South Minneota R-T-R T-M-B Lakeview Canby YME
15-1 24-3 12-3 17-8 5-10 11-13 5-10 9-17 4-12 5-20 3-13 4-20
Central Minnesota EV-W 10-3 14-12 Maple Lake 9-5 14-13 BBE 8-6 17-13 HL-W-W 8-6 13-14 Pierz 7-6 15-11 Paynesville 7-7 11-13 Kimball 5-9 11-16 Holdingford 1-13 4-21
Pheasant Ortonville Hancock West Central W/H-N C-G-B
8-0 21-3 6-2 20-7 4-4 15-10 2-6 8-17 0-8 3-22
Tomahawk Springfield MVL NU Cath. Cedar Mt. SESM G-F-W Sleepy Eye BLHS Wabasso
15-1 29-3 14-2 25-4 12-4 21-7 11-5 20-7 6-10 9-18 6-10 7-16 5-11 8-20 2-14 2-22 1-15 3-22
West Central Melrose 13-1 28-5 BOLD 12-2 22-4 Minnewaska 9-5 18-9 Morris/CA 8-6 18-9 Sauk Centre 6-8 12-15 ACGC 4-10 10-17 Benson 3-11 7-18 Montevideo 1-13 1-22 Wright County West Litchfield 11-3 23-6 Mound-Wes. 11-3 20-7 NLS 11-3 20-8 Rockford 8-6 16-12 Glencoe-SL 6-8 15-14 Annandale 6-8 12-16 Wat.-Mayer 3-11 11-17 Das.-Cok. 0-14 2-23