VALLEY AREA WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW FEATURING: St. Peter Saints • Minnesota River Bulldogs • Le Sueur-Henderson Giants • Tri-City United Titans • Cleveland Clippers Le Sueur County News | St. Peter Herald | Wednesday, November 27, 2019 and Thursday, November 28, 2019
St. Peter girls basketball
Lilly Ruffin, SO, forward Katie Peterson, JR, forward Abby Haggenmiller, JR, guard
By PAT BECK pbeck@stpeterherald.com St. Peter Girls Basketball
COACHES
MOVED ON
Head coach: Bob Southworth, 10th year Assistant coaches: Bill Stuewe, 10th year, plus 9 seasons as the head coach Corey Wiebusch, 2nd year Dave Nixon, 7th year
Jacey Welp - Playing at Gustavus Signe Alger - Swimming at Wisconsin Stevens-Point
2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
KEY PLAYERS
Sarah Conlon, SR, G/F, 3 year lettler winner, captain 823 career points, 390 career rebounds. Last year averaged 15 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2 assists. Shot 41% from 3 last year Morgan, JR, F, 2 year letter winner, captain 493 career points, 297 career rebounds, 100 career blocks. Last year averaged 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2.5 blocks. Shot 46% from 3 last year “We will rely on Sarah and Morgan pretty heavily this year,” Southworth said. “They are very similar players and are both very competitive. Last year after practice, they would play 1-on1 against each other and those games would get competitive in a good way. They make each other better by practicing against each other. They are both able to score inside, from the perimeter, and also taking it to the basket. They both have long arms which really
St. Peter forward Sarah Conlon drives for two of her game-high 20 points against WEM last season. (Pat Beck/St. Peter Herald) gives them an advantage on the able minutes off the bench,” defensive end of the floor.” Southworth said. “Maddie is a good defender and rebounder. We will rely on her for a little Madison More, JR, guard. more offense this season.” 2 year letter winner. “Maddie reEmma Jones, JR, guard. 1 ally came on towards the end of year letter winner. “Emma was a last year and provided us valu- starter for us last year and played
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
really good defense for us,” Southworth said. “She has the ability to hit the open 3 and will need to hit that consistently this season for us to be successful.” Josie Wiebusch, SO, guard/ forward. “Josie also gained valuable experience as a freshman
2018-2019 record 16-12, 1st Place in section and state participant. “Moving to Class AAA will be a new adventure for our basketball team,” Southworth said. “I am excited for the challenge and feel we will be able to be competitive. The competition will be more challenging, but I think our girls are up for the challenge. One of the challenges this year will also be learning about our section opponents. As a coaching staff, we really understood our section opponents since we have been in the same section for the prior 10 years. Not knowing our section opponents a lot yet, it is really hard to pick a favorite. One thing I do know is that the section will be very challenging and from talking with other coaches is every game within the section will be a challenge.
last year,” Southworth said. “She is a good defender and rebounder and has the ability to get to the basket. We will need Josie to become a more consistent scorer for us this year.” Grace Remmert, SO, forward continued on page 4
SP Girls BB
PAGE 2
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
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PAGE 3
St. Peter boys basketball
By PAT BECK pbeck@stpeterherald.com
St. Peter Boys Basketball
COACHES
Head coach: Sean Keating, 7th year as St Peter. head coach, 11th overall Assistant coaches: Derek Homrighausen, 10th year Air Chantharak, 2nd year in St Peter and 7th overall Jared Baron, 7th year Dan Guelle, 4th year
KEY PLAYERS
Wyatt Olson - Senior, F, 3 year letter winner, 3x all conference, 17.3 ppg, 12.2 rpg. “Wyatt is entering his 4th season starting varsity and 3rd as a captain. He has recently signed a letter of intent to player basketball at Bemidji St. He is our leader on and off the floor. We need Wyatt to make everyone around him better and continue to improve in order for our team to be success-
ful.”
Ethan Grant - Junior, G, 3 year letter winner, 7.1 ppg & 3.1 apg. “Ethan is entering his third season playing varsity basketball. He has really improved over the summer and we are excited to see him play this season. He is our floor leader as the point guard and does a lot of things that don’t show up in the stat sheet. He needs to take a more aggressive approach this season for our team.” Ethan Volk - Senior, G, 2 year letter winner, 3.3 ppg and 17/36 for 47% from 3 last season. “Ethan is one of our team’s best defenders and brings energy to our team. He has the ability to shoot the ball from perimeter and guard the other team’s best player. We need him to be more consistent on the offensive end this season.” Kaden Oeltjenbruns - Senior, G, 3 year letter winner, 5.9 ppg. “Kaden has a lot of experience at the varsity level and is one of our team’s best shoot-
ers. He has worked hard in the weight room and at his skills over the summer. We need his senior leadership this season.” Josh Johnson - Senior, F, 3 year letter winner, 7.3 ppg. “Josh is a pure shooter, who really showed his ability to guard over the summer. We are looking for his experience at the varsity level to pay dividends this season.” Eli Lubiani - Junior, F, 3 year letter winner, 6.9 ppg. “Eli is a natural scorer who makes hard plays look easy.”
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Bennett Olson - Sophomore, F, lettered last season. “Bennett was a key contributor on the 10th grade team last season and is back healthy after an injury over the summer. His ability to shoot and rebound are desperately needed for our team.”
MOVED ON
Tom Eide, Brock Han- St. Peter senior Wyatt Olson drives against Jordan forward Ryan Friedges in last year’s section final. (St. son, Seth Lokensgard, Carter Peter Herald file photo) Doose, Ahmed Youssuf tion. With the level up in com- to figure out our identity but one 12/5 - home opener vs petition we will have work hard thing I know is this group has NRHEG this season to be able to compete never been afraid of a challenge. 2/8 - Feb. 8 we host Minand learn what it takes to handle We have a great mix of senior nehaha Academy. They feature Last season 19-8, (8-2 con- the physicality and speed of these leaders and hungry underclass- Jalen Suggs (Class of 2020) and men which will make for a fun Chet Holmgren (Class of 2021) ference), won the section 2AA, teams. and compelling season.” – Sean who are both top 5 players lost to Minnehaha (78-47) and Keating ranked in the entire nation. Melrose (58-53) at the State Tournament. We have moved to a new classification due to enroll“We are lucky to have such 112 - Wyatt is 112 points ment and now will be competing a senior laden group who work from breaking the school rein section 2AAA (Mankato West, hard and represent our school cord in most career points (Joey Mankato East, Worthington, and community with class. Our Bartlett, 1,285 points, 2012 gradHutchinson, New Ulm, Marshall, Willmar). We are competing goal is to improve each day, be- uate). 26 - the number of regular with much bigger schools and come great teammates and emSt. Peter guard Kaden Oeltjenbruns takes it to the hoop between a Mankato East and Marshall are brace all of our individual roles. season games we have on the definitely the favorites in our sec- I think it will take us some time schedule this season. trio of Jaguars last season. (St. Peter Herald file photo)
2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH BY THE NUMBERS
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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
St. Peter gymnastics St. Peter Gymnastics
on Vault; Hannah Brenke (11 captain) All-Around; Makayla Moline (10) All-Around, back Head: Kris Glidden, 3rd from knee injury last year; Lauren Feder (12 - captain) Allyear Eva Hendrickson, 2nd year Around; Kaylee Moreau (11) Assistant coaches: Bridgette All-Around; Lexi Johnson (10) Floor; Jaiden Landsom (10) Mathiowetz, 1st year Beam, Floor; Brianna Baker Lexi Wilkins, 1st year After making a steal, St. Peter guard Allie McCabe races up court last (10) Floor season. (St. Peter Herald file photo)
COACHES
KEY PLAYERS
SP Girls BB continued from page 1
“One goal we have this season is to play for the conference championship. I feel we have a team that can achieve that, but we will need a lot of our players to improve and get better during the course of the season.”
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
Returning letter winners inMorgan are two players that are clude: very good but our success will Bella Edmonds (12 - capbe determined on having 2 or 3 more players step up and elevate tain) All-Around State Qualifier their games. I am excited because are numbers are higher this year and it will be fun to see how the new players progress.” — Bob Southworth, head coach
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Around; Audrey Kennedy (11) All-Around; Allie Mccabe (12) was a basketball player, now a gymnast, bringing great energy to the gym
MOVED ON
Kenna Zelenka, Claudia Giedd and Caitlun Salfer
SEASON OUTLOOK
“Last year we had a 5-4 win Athletes new to the team: loss record in dual meets, and Anna Klatt (10) Allplaced fifth out of 10 schools at sections. Bella Edmonds quali-
BY THE NUMBERS
177 - points from 1,000 (Sarah Conlon)
fied for state on vault.” “We suffered a number of season ending injuries in the middle of the season last year; we are hoping to stay healthy. We have a lot of talent again this year, with Audrey Kennedy and Anna Klatt joining the team; they have competed for MAGS and K&G in the past. Hannah Brenke and Lauren Feder are returning and will be steady performers for us. Makayla Moline has put a lot of time in the off season, rehabilitating her knee and is back at full strength, ready to go with some new skills. Bella Edmond has come into the season looking strong as well. She should pick up where she left off last season and have another successful run.”
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
“I am really excited for the upcoming season. Sarah and VALLEY AREA WINTER SPORTS PREVIEW A special publication of the Le Sueur County News and St. Peter Herald Publisher Chad Hjellming
Correspondent Richard Rohlfing
Editor Phillip Weyhe
Media Consultants Kathleen Davies Missy Daschner Gayle Stelten
Sports Editor Pat Beck
“We have great energy in the gym so far. Everyone is working hard, and I am looking forward to seeing lots of improvement by the end of the season.” Kris Glidden, head coach
Reporter Carson Hughes
Look for this section on LE SUEUR COUNTY NEWS com Valley Area Winter Sports Preview November 2019 is distributed to St. Peter Bella Edmonds flies through the air last season on floor exSt. Peter’s Lauren Feder performs on floor exsubscribers and readers of the Le Sueur County News and St. Peter Herald at ercises where she places 12th in the section with an 8.85. (St. Peter ercises last year with a 7.05 at the section. (St. no additional charge. All rights reserved. ©2019 All advertising contained Herald file photo) Peter Herald file photo) herein is the responsibility of the advertiser.
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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
St. Peter wrestling
f e St. Peter Wrestling ;
COACHES
,
Head coach: Keith Hanson, 27th year, and Ryan Timmerman, 8th year — first year of cohead coaches Assistant coaches: Ashton d .
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Michael Connor 4 years letter winner, Section Place finJuniors: Noah Hunt and isher, 64 career wins Nathan Fogal Eli Hunt 5 years letter winSophomores: Kole Guth Seniors: ner, State place finisher, 107 ca- and Brogan Hanson Wareke Gillette 5 years let- reer wins Freshman: Amir Loredo ter winner, Section Place finisher, Hollon 105 career wins Bartlett, 2nd year Mike Hohenstien, 9th year
KEY PLAYERS
fill all the weight classes, some wrestlers will be wrestling up a weight to help do this and get better competition. As far as section competition goes, Waconia has now moved up a class and is no longer in our section, but a number of teams return some good wrestlers. Early favorites would be the always tough Scott Sage Loredo Hollon, Mat- West Panthers, followed closely by TCU and Hutchinson, while thew Pettis and Hayden Thole both Mankato Schools bring back very respectable teams.”
MOVED ON
2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
s
“Last year, we finished 12-6 overall as a team, placed second in the dual meet portion of the conference, and won our first round of the section tournament before we were eliminated by section champion Waconia.” “We look to have a competitive team in dual meets if we can
d e n
PAGE 5
great energy and experience to the room.” - Keith Hanson, cohead coach
BY THE NUMBERS ners
11 - Returning letter win-
6 - returning section place finishers 1 - returning state place finisher
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
“It will be an exciting year working with the wrestlers, as we have a good bunch of kids who enjoy competing. Also, working with Ryan now as a co-head coach will be enjoyable for myself, and the team, as he brings
n
-
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St. Peter’s Wareke Gillette gets on top of Fairmont/MCW junior Nathan Simmons last season. (St. Peter Eli Hunt of St. Peter earns an escape against Big Lake’s Charlie Gellerman last season at state. (St. Peter Herald file photo) Herald file photo)
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PAGE 6
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
MINNESoTA RIvER BULLdoGS BoyS HoCkEy
Minnesota River Bulldogs
COACHES
Head coach: Shea Roehrkasse - 6th Assistant coaches: Shawn Weick - 4th, Kris Wilke - 2 (with boys high school), Chris Miller 2 (with high school)
KEY PLAYERS
Charlie Weick - 12 - F - 2 12g, 18a, 30p Shawn Lehtinen - 12 - D - 2 - 5g, 8a, 13p Zack Wendorff - 12 - F - 2 3g, 4a, 7p Brock Olson - 12 - F - 2 2g, 3a, 5p Matt Fink - 12 - D - 2 - 1g, 3a, 4p
Tristen O’Brien - 12 - D - 2 - 0g, 1a, 1p Logan Throldahl - 11 - F - 1 - 10g, 8a, 18p Brady Sowder - 11 - F - 1 4g, 7a, 11p Seth Reicks - 11 - F - 1 - 2g, 4a, 6p Jake Rimstad - 11 - D - 1 3g, 2a, 5p Tyce Shook - 11 - D - 1 - 0g, 1a, 1p Aiden Blaschko - 11 - D - 1
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
“We have a lot of guys fighting for a lot of spots this year that were opened from graduation. It is hard to tell who is going to step into those positions, but it will be a lot of fun to see our guys work and fight for those spots,” Roehrkasse said.
MOVED ON
Gunner Domine, Jade Bulldogs defenseman Shawn Lehtinen stick handles around a New Reicks, Blake Olness, Hunter Ulm player last season. (St. Peter Herald file photo) Wilmes, Tyson Sowder, Danny McCabe, Alex Wilson, Lane Schwarz, Ken Ringler, Andrew Regner Bulldogs defenseman Danny McCabe backhands a pass toward left wing Charlie Weick last year in front of Austin Packers goalie Ryan Flanders and defenseman Nick Dunlap on the power play. (St. Peter Herald file photo)
2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK 20-6
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Won Section 1A Conference Record: 12-2 (2nd place) 2. “Conference favorites: Marshall and we hope to be in the mix as well,” Roehrkasse said. “Section favorites: Would probably have to say either Mankato East or Mankato West and Albert Lea.”
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COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
create some good competition for our guys.” – Shea Roehrkasse, head coach
“As a staff we are really looking forward to this year. As a program we have continued to 43 - Number of players we make strides in a great direction will have on the junior varsity and we are looking to continue and varsity this year that. We lost 10 seniors from last 14 Number of seniors that years state tournament team and will be in the program this year so we will be looking at a lot of new guys to step into those roles. These opportunities will be fun to keep an eye on and hope to
BY THE NUMBERS
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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
PAGE 7
MINNESoTA RIvER BULLdoGS GIRLS HoCkEy
Minnesota River Bulldogs Girls they more than make up for it with ‘hockey smarts.’ Our defenHockey sive units are a very tenacious bunch that loves to get after it Head coach Tom Blaido, and shows no fear in the corners 8th year; assistant coaches Dave or around the net; if you like Swanberg, 2nd year with girls, physical hockey watching this 20th year overall; Tor Sinell, 5th defensive unit will be worth the year;Madison Bergren, 1st year price of admission.” Senior goalie Madi Kisor also returns for her second year starting between the pipes. Tri-captains, senior center Keely Olness, senior defender Ella Boomgaarden and junior “We have a large talent pool wing Nicole McCabe. “We have of players that moved up to the a solid core of players returning high school level this year that to support this trio which makes will be heard from in the near fuus very optimistic about the upture, ” Blaido said. “One of these coming season, of the rostered players that has already caught 32 players 17 are returning letter winners including all conference all the coaches eyes is 8th gradwinner Keely Olness,” Blaido er Makenna Mueller. “Mak” is making her presence known alsaid “This year’s Lady Bulldog ready with her speedy aggressive
COACHES
KEY PLAYERS
KEEP AN EYE ON
attacks in the offensive zone and how quickly she has been able to pick up on a new system; we are expecting some big numbers from her in the upcoming years.”
MOVED ON
“Graduation from last season’s team left some large holes to fill,” Blaido said. “We graduated two forwards and two defense. At forward we lost speedster Kylie Dunning and the always aggressive Hal Overgaard and on defense we lost super fast Elle Seaver and the always dangerous all-conference award winner Whitney Weick.”
2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
Last season, the Bulldogs finished 8-16-1 overall and lost Bulldogs goalie Madi Kisor takes a shot off her mask against Marshall last season. (St. Peter Herald file photo)
team will feature a lot of scoring punch throughout the first three lines which include Olness, 28 points last season, McCabe, 24 points last season, and sophomore Anna Pavlo, 21 points a year ago. Along with those three we are expecting to light the lamp often with the offensive talents of some of our younger upcoming stars such as Emma Seaver, Adrianna Bixby, Angel Mass, Darbi Dunning and Sophia Doherty. “The defense is a little on the younger side, however it is anchored by Boomgaarden along Bulldogs left wing Nicole McCabe scores by Morris/Benson goalie with junior Mary Rella. What Leah Thompson on a pass from center Keely Olness behind the net the defense lacks in experience last season. (St. Peter Herald file photo)
in the first round of the Section 2A playoffs to Hutchinson 9-1. The Bulldogs placed fifth in the Big South Conference at 6-7-1. “I believe the key to success for this team will be how well we control the puck up front to alleviate some of the pressure off our defense and goalies,” Blaido said. “The more we control the puck up front and reduce our unforced turnovers the less time we will spend on our heals playing defense and clearing shots. We’ve spent several practices working on a faster break and a more aggressive forecheck, I believe improvement in those two
areas will be key if this team is to contend for the conference championship. “This season looks promising, however we will have to avoid the bugs that always seem to pester us each year such as illness and injury. We have a lot of talent on this year’s squad, and we have the potential to be a very dangerous team if we can keep all of our pieces in place. I do expect this team to compete for the conference title but that will certainly require us to improve weekly as the season progresses. “Girls hockey in the Big South Conference is becom-
ing more and more competitive. Luverne looks like the team to beat with Minnesota River and New Ulm close on their heals. Worthington and Waseca will also be solid contenders for conference titles as well as both squads have the talent to run with almost anyone.”
BY THE NUMBERS 4 — Seniors 6 — Juniors 7 — Sophomores 2 — Freshmen 1 — Eighth-grader
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PAGE 8
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
TRI-CITy UNITEd GIRLS BASkETBALL 2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
“Last season we ended the year 11-3 in conference (tied for 2nd), 18-9 overall, earning the four seed in our section.” said Eric Specht. “We were a very senior dominate team, which has created some unknown heading into the 2019-20 season. Although this is scary for a coach, it also has created a lot of excitement and energy amongst the coaching staff and players.”
“I feel we have a very competitive Minnesota River conference this upcoming season. Several teams return a lot of talent from last season. It will be fun to watch our conference battle each other throughout the season.” “Like our conference, we have a very strong section. There are several 1 or 2 loss teams from last year which are returning their core group of players. This will be a run race to the end.”
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
“I know this is cliche but our goal is to be playing our best basketball at the start of playoffs,” said Specht. “We are a very inexperienced basketball team but have the potential to develop into a competitive group. If our girls can stick together, continue to improve as both individuals and team, I believe we could create problems for any team in our section.”
LS-H’s Michaya Samora (25) battles to get off a shot attempt while TCU’s Grace Factor (11) defends. Factor is a key player for TCU’s upcoming season. (Le Sueur County News file photo) By CARSON HUGHES job rebounding on both ends of chughes@leusuercountynews. the floor. We will rely on Grace’s com quickness down low to create some easy baskets for our team.” Tri-City United, Girls BasketErica Jackson - Senior ball Guard “Erica is a returning letter winner and selected captain for our 2019/20 team by her Head coach: Eric Specht, teammates,” said Specht. “Erica is a our most consistent outside 7th year Assistant coaches: Lora threat. She will be asked to help Angileno, 10th year, John handle a lot of the ball handling duties this season.” Schmiesing 9th year Jessica Dull - Junior Forward “Jessica is returning letter winner from last season,” said Grace Factor - Senior For- Specht. “Jessica is our most polward, “Grace is our only return- ished post player heading into ing player receiving all-confer- the 2019/20 season. She will be ence honors from last season as asked to control paint on both she was selected all-conference ends of the floor. Jess does a realhonorable mention,” said Coach ly nice job of passing the basketEric Specht. “Grace has been se- ball from the five position, which lected captain for our 2019/20 will be an advantage for our team season. Grace is a natural ath- this season.” lete that has a nose for the basSam Lang - Junior Guard ketball. She does a great job nice “Sam is returning letter winner
COACHES
KEY PLAYERS
from last season,” said Specht. “Sam has been selected a captain for the 2019/20 season by her teammates. Sam is very good at attacking the rim on the offensive side and playing longer than what she is. I’m excited to see Sam reach her potential this season.”
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Katilyn Lang - 10th grade guard Kia Krocak - 9th grade Post
MOVED ON
Maggie Trnnka Courtney Whipps Keeley Oak Cassie Kadrlik Hannah Chadderson Sarah Novak Emily Chadderdon
Erica Jackson makes a play for the basket during the Titans game against NRHEG last year. Jackson returns this year as a senior, team captain and key player identified by her coach. (Le Sueur County News file photo)
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Tri-City United Wrestling 2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
t
“Last year our team finished 20-4 overall in dual meets,” said Stimmerman. “We made the final four in team sections. We finished second in our conference tournament, losing to Scott West.” “This season we are looking at a wide range schedule from Class A to Class AAA teams. This will be the last year of our individual conference tournament and look forward to the competition when it is here. We are also looking forward to hosting our own tournament again this year, but with more teams and some great competition to attend. Our team and individual section tournament is always one of the toughest in Class AA, and it always provides great competition and a great atmosphere.”
m p
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PAGE 9
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
“We have the pieces to make a great team here. Great studentathletes, great upperclassmen, great leaders, and great numbers. Looking forward to getting on the mat and having a season to remember.” - Shaun Timmerman/Paul Norgren
BY THE NUMBERS
30-plus - Number of wrestlers grades 7-12
Brandon Balma (138) wrestles Nick Baier, of Mankato East, during the 2018-19 TCU wrestling season. (County News file photo)
1st year Brody Rud man, Tyler Stans. By CARSON HUGHES Assistant coaches: Mason Sophomores: Caleb chughes@leusuercountynews. Brownlee, Corey Block, Aaron Whipps, Robert Bastyr, Austin com Norgren, Josh Selly Rutt All Tri-City United Titans Freshmen: Zach Bal- wrestling this year. Tri-City United Wrestling ma, Brant LeMieux, Carter Seniors: Jose Reyes, Bran- O’Malley, Caden O’Malley, Head coach: Shaun Tim- don Balma, Adam Frederick- Cole Franek, Marco Reyes, Steve Miller, Sam Miller, Hunter Rutt of TCU maneuvers in his 138-pound clash with LS-H’s Chris Johnson, Dante Juberian, Tommy Gupton last year. Rutt has moved up to the senior class of son, Hunter Rutt merman, 1st year s Nick Johnson, Tyler Schroer wrestlers this season.(Le Sueur County News file photo) Juniors: Riley O’Malley, Riley Skulzacek, Tegan DeterHead coach: Paul Norgren,
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
COACHES
KEY PLAYERS
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MOVED ON
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PAGE 10
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
Tri-City United boys basketball
Dominick Miland, left, attempts to take a shot during a 2018-19 Tri-City Untied boys basketball game. Matthew Rabenberg controls the ball during a 2018-19 Tri-City United boys basketball game against St. (County News file photo) Peter. (County News file photo) Jack Sladek (guard) By CARSON HUGHES “TCU will be a young team chughes@leusuercountynews. looking for senior leadership,” com said Pinke. “These are two kids Tri-City United Boys Basket- who work hard and have led by example on the court. The Seball nior leadership and guidance are what the Titans will need to Head coach: Austin Pinke, build off of a 1-26 record. Both kids lettered last year. “ 2nd year Assistant Coach: Kyle Johnson, 1st year Assistant Coach: Rennardo “There are strong numbers Lampley, 2nd year in the junior class. Dominick Miland (power forward) and Matthew Rabenberg (guard) Key players returning are both had meaningful minutes on seniors Chase Vargo (guard) and the court at the varsity level as
COACHES
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Good Luck
sophomores. Both lettered last tion and last in our conference,” said Pinke. “This year’s section season.” favorites are the newcomers — the Waseca Bluejays.” “The Titans are looking to The Titans lose Matthew improve upon a losing record Feddema (guard, all-conference) and Kyle Sladek (power forward, from last season. The kids put all-conference honorable men- in the work this off-season and tion) to graduation. Last year, are ready to get the season startMatthew Feddema averaged ed. We have a ways to go to get 13 points per game, while Kyle where we want to be as a team. Sladek averaged 6 points per But I believe we have the pieces within this program that will game. lead to success.”
MOVED ON
2019-2020 SEASON OUTLOOK
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Le SueurHenderson wrestling
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
Le Sueur-Henderson Wrestling returning letter winner. “He won eight matches last season at 113 and was really wrestling well at Head coach: Mike May, 4th the end of last season.” Dylan Novak - 10th grade. season head, 14th overall Assistant coaches: Brett “Dylan comes to us after wrestling form Mankato West last Schwartz, 5th year season. He was 14-15 last season Billy Exline, 7th year . at 126.” Jordan Grinde - 10th grade, 3 year letter winner. “JorTommy Gupton - Senior, 3 dan knows a lot of technique and year letter winner, 2x third place is a smart wrestler. Look for him Section 2A, 20-16. “Tommy is to find some success this season.” coming back from a knee injury during the football season and will ease into the season. He is a very determined young man who doesn’t shy away from hard Jorge Hernandez - 26-4, 3rd Place individual state Class A at work.” 126 Ethan Genelin - Junior, 2 year letter winner, 13-21 last Jacob Wacker - 22-11, 3rd Place season. “Ethan was coming on Section 2A at 285 strong last season before the section tournament. He was not able to finish the season due to illness.” “We will be a young team Sam Gupton - Eighth grade looking to gain experience as the
COACHES
KEY PLAYERS
MOVED ON
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COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
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Ethan Genelin of Le Sueur-Henderson pins Seth Swehla of Maple River last season. (Le Sueur County News file photo) season goes on. We have several wrestlers with varsity experience coming back that should look to improve upon their records from last season. We have added in a few more junior high and junior varsity events this season to try and develop some of our younger wrestlers along with a mix of varsity events. This should be a fun season.” – Mike May, head coach
BY THE NUMBERS
10 – 10 out of 13 wrestlers are returning Tommy Gupton (top) of Le Sueur-Henderson turns in a 9-1 major decision over Jared Latusek of Maple River at this season. 145 pounds last season. (Le Sueur County News file photo)
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PAGE 12
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
Le Sueur-Henderson girls basketball
Le Sueur-Henderson Girls BasKyla Samora: (Senior) 4-23; place in section: 8th; con- growing stronger as a program. to have multiple conference wins - John Garvey, head coach ketball “Good inside scorer, good re- ference record: 1-13 (8th) We play aggressive defense and this season and be around the 10 bounder.” The 2019-20 section/sub- disciplined offense. I expect us win mark by the end of the year.” section favorites would be Waseca or Norwood. Head coach: John Garvey, 13th year Gabby Straub, Kelsey BerAssistant coach: Sherri ndt, Mia Preuhs, Emily Wilke Fritz, 18th year and Kia Samora
COACHES
MOVED ON
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
KEY PLAYERS
Lauren Gregersen: (Senior) “Good post player who rebounds well, good shooter, good leader, hard worker.” Morgan Goettlicher: (Senior) “Strong post player, strong rebounder, aggressive defender.” Halle Bemmels: (Junior) “Good all-around player, plays hard on both ends, good ball handler and team leader.” Olivia Fritz: (Junior) “Good shooter, aggressive defender.” Karragen Straub: (Junior) “Good ball handler, strong defender, good outside shooter.” Zoe Thomson: (Junior) “Good post moves, gets to the foul line, good defender.”
“I expect our girls to continue improving every day. We made some strides last year and Last year’s overall record: will continue to work hard on
2019-20 SEASON OUTLOOK
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Makenna Borchardt: (Junior) “Good shooter, hard worker, good defender.” N Samantha Wilbright: (Sophomore) “Strong guard, Morgan Goettlicher keeps the ball high as she looks inside for an Lauren Gregersen of Le Sueur-Henderson works her way to the basket against a Mayer Lutheran defender G last season. (Le Sueur County News file photo) good ball handler, good shooter.” open Giants player in Thursday’s game.
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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
PAGE 13
Le Sueur-Henderson boys basketball
Le Sueur-Henderson Boys Basketball
COACHES
Head Coach: Robert Steiger, 14th year as head coach, 23rd overall B-Squad: Ryan Graff, 10th year C- Squad: Dana Owens, 1st year
KEY PLAYERS
Nolan Maczkowicz - Senior, 2 year letter winner, 8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg. “Nolan has a varied offensive game for a 6-5 player that allows us to exploit mismatches on the offensive end of the floor,” Steiger said. “We are looking for him to take the next step from contributor on our team to a leader offensively and defensively on the floor.” Dominic Drent - Junior,
1 year letter winner. 17.2 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2 spg. “Dominic has an impressive sophomore season and is looking to build off it,” Steiger said. “He is strong in the open court and an excellent finisher in the lane. He needs to continue to develop all aspects of his game since he will be one of the focal points of opposing teams defenses this season.” Zach Berndt - Junior, 1 year letter winner: “Zach will be one
of our primary ball-handlers and is a good perimeter defender. He also is one of our best outside shooters,” Steiger said. Trace Edmondson - Senior: “Trace has worked hard in the off-season to expand his offensive game. He is our best post defender and rebounder,” Steiger said. Ethan Steiger - Senior: “One of our primary ball-handlers who has the ability to knock down open jump shots and is a good perimeter defender,” Steiger said.
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
Brandon Stolley - Senior, Forward; Noah Koller - Senior, Guard; Jesse Mercado - Junior, Guard; Nathan Gregersen Sophomore, Guard; Gage Bishop - Sophomore,Guard
MOVED ON
Burke Nesbit - 4 year letter winner, 3 time all-conference; Jayce Luna - 2 year letter winner; Tyler Pengilly - 2 year letter winner; Logan Kahlow - 1 year letter winner; Aaron Barnard - 1 year letter winner; Evan Weiers - 1 Year letter winner; Connor Arnold - 1 Year letter winner
2019 - 2020 SEASON OUTLOOK
Guard Dominic Drent led all players with 28 points as the Giants downed visiting Norwood-Young America in the first round of the Section 2AA tournament last season. (Le Sueur County News file photo) finals by Jordan. For 2019-20, “Jordan is considered the top team in the MRC, followed closely by Mayer Lutheran. The remaining six teams are close in talent level, which will lead to very competitive games throughout the year. Subsection Favorites: 1. Jordan; 2. Glencoe - Silver Lake; 3. Belle Plaine; Section Favorites: 1. Waseca; 2. Jordan; 3. Blue Earth Area; 4. Glencoe-Silver Lake
COACH’S COMMENTS
Nolan Mackowicz (3) applies pressure to Lucas Dose of Sibley East as he tries to take the ball out late in the 2018-19 record: 11-14, tied Giants’ 70-58 victory Thursday last season in Arlington. (Le Sueur County News file photo) for 4th in the conference at 7-7; “We will have several playdefeated in the subsection semi- ers who will be getting their first
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varsity experience this season. A large part of our success will depend on how quickly we adjust to the speed and physicality of varsity basketball. - Robert Steiger, head coach
BY THE NUMBERS
1,302 - Career points of Burke Nesbit who graduated last season and is now playing at Augsburg 8 - Number of seniors who graduated last season. 3 - Number of players we have returning that have any varsity playing experience.
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PAGE 14
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019
Cleveland boys basketball
matured, confident, and it’ll be time to unleash the beast on our opponents this season. Ben is legit, and he still has lots of upside. Cleveland Clipper Boys BasketFans should enjoy watching him ball operate.” Isaac Mueller – 6-1 junior guard. Two-year letter winner. Head coach: Dan FredrickHe had the most three-point basson 22nd year coaching, 18th as a kets for the Clippers (48) and the head coach, 8th at Cleveland most steals (52). “Isaac is a gifted Assistant coaches: Lon Voss, player,” Fredrickson said. “He’s a JV coach, 5th year at Cleveland, guard who has unique handles. was Fredrickson assistant at He can get anywhere on the floor Glenville-Emmons for 5 years he wants with his dribble. Isaac Curt Buhl, freshman coach, is a very confident player who 2nd year coaching at Cleveland can be a true difference maker. Chris Seely, volunteer assisHe averaged 15 points per game tant versus the toughest opponents we played last year and had a 12-game stretch in which he Luke Mueller – 5-11 senior was dominant. If Isaac can play guard. Three-year letter winmore consistently, he will easily ner. Returning Captain and Allbecome one of the conference’s Conference Honorable Mention. best. He can shoot well, and he is His 112 assists was the most for going to the basket more relentthe Clippers. “Luke is a complete lessly. He is a natural scorer, and player,” Fredrickson said. “He can he’s a game changing type player. do it all at the guard position. He After a full season on varsity last has played in big games since year, Isaac will surely be up to the his freshman year. Luke was at challenge of competing at a high times this summer a truly elite level this season game in and player playing at a very high level. game out.” Health is key, and he’s working Levi Baker – 5-9 senior guard. Two-year letter winner. “Levi is one of the best competitors I’ve coached,” Fredrickson said. “He will play lots of point guard for us this year. He shoots well, and he gets the ball where it needs to be on time. He’s strong going to the hoop and is a very unselfish player; he’s a great teammate and a rock on the defensive end. He plays with heart and passion and does the tough things that winners do. Levi is a Seniors on the Cleveland boys basketball team are Luke Mueller, Mi- team leader and someone that’ll chael Sullivan, Levi Baker and Jerren Jobe. (Richard Rohlfing/Le Sueur be leaned on for lots and lots of County News) By RICHARD ROHLFING Correspondent
COACHES
KEY PLAYERS
his way back from a football injury. We look forward to having his impact on the floor very soon. Defensively he is relentless player and plays with a fire coaches love. Luke is a special player and he will have a memorable senior season. He has meant a lot to our basketball program.” Ben Holden – 6-6 junior forward. Three-year letter winner. MVP last year. Unanimous All-Conference selection. Last season he had the Clippers’ most points (427), most rebounds (278), most blocks (53), the highest field goal percentage and the best free throw percentage (73) “Ben is a dominant player,” Fredrickson said. “He has the ability to completely change the game. He’s one of the most skilled post players in the area. He has an inside/out game that’s special, and he’s a nightmare matchup for opponents. Ben has been dominant on the glass, and his help side defense is unique. He blocks and changes lots of shots. Ben has played in big games for Cleveland since his 8th grade year; however, this year looks different. He looks supremely motivated,
Good Luck Teams!
minutes.” Alex McCabe – 5-10 junior guard. Two-year letter winner. “Alex has a high basketball IQ,” Fredrickson said. “He’s very good going to the basket. He is a special defensive player and our best help-side defender. He sees the floor so well, a trait most quarterbacks have. Alex is a great team leader and a tough competitor. We need Alex playing major minutes for us this season. He’s always been one of the last players to leave the gym. He plays the game hard and his hard work will keep paying off.” Eric Rohlfing – 6-3 junior forward. One-year letter winner. “Simply put Eric will burst onto the scene this year,” Fredrickson said. “He is so talented and so motivated that he will be one of the conference’s best players this year. He has a strong frame and a diverse skill set that makes him so hard to guard. Eric has made a monster leap this last year, possibly the biggest jump I’ve ever had a player I’ve coached make. It’s hard not to gush when talking about his talent and strides he’s made. Hard work truly pays off, and Eric will reflect that example all year. He forms a frontline with Ben that can be truly dominant. Eric is a player who will have a lot of people talking.” Elijah Sullivan – 5-10 junior guard. “Elijah can shoot it well,” Fredrickson said. “He’s fundamentally a very sound player. He has a high basketball IQ and that translates to the floor. He plays with high energy and grit, and he’s poised to have a big role for the Clippers this season. Elijah has also made a very big leap over the last year. I’m proud of his
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work ethic and he’ll see that really be a very special player for the pay of this year.” Clippers down the road. He’s got it.” Kolby Gens – 6-2 sophomore forward. One-year letter Jackson Meyer – 5-10 winner. “Kolby will be a valuable sophomore guard. One-year letreserve big man for us this seater winner. “Jackson is splashy,” Fredrickson said. “He can dial it son,” Fredrickson said. “He will in from deep. He’s a very gifted thrive in JV games. He has a very offensive player. Jackson is very bright future.” coachable, and he’ll have a sizable varsity role this year. I love his game.” Brendon Brown, Austin Cameron Seely – 6-1 ju- Gibeau and Daniel Rohlfing nior forward. “Cam is a strong “All three will be missed,” rebounder and defender,” Fred- Fredrickson said. “I was proud of rickson said. their leadership and the way they Jerren Jobe – 5-11 senior competed every day. guard. “Jerren has juice he flies up and down the floor,” Fredrickson said. “He will have a nice role this season. He plays hard.” While it was a given that the Michael Sullivan – 5-11 seClippers would be down last year nior guard. One-year letter winafter graduating some big names ner. “Michael can shoot well,” from the prior season, with a Fredrickson said. “As a senior he 6-19 overall record, they underwill see the game slow down this performed expectations. The year. Michael can be impactful Clippers finished last in the confor us this season.” Carter Dylla – 5-10 sopho- ference last season after winning more guard. “Carter is one of the three-straight conference chambest passers in our program,” pionships. Avenging an earlier Fredrickson said. “He’s going to season loss, host Sleepy Eye made for a one-and-done Clipper boys
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With 19 points, a dozen rebounds and 10 assists, Luke Mueller had a triple double Saturday in a 2018-19 Clippers game. He’ll be a senior leader on the 2019-20 Cleveland team. (Richard Rohlfing/Le Sueur County News)
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Wednesday, November 27- Thursday, November 28, 2019 post season with a 66-55 win.
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
“The section is completely loaded again this season with four of the top ranked teams in the state residing in Section 2A (BOLD, Mayer Lutheran, Springfield and New Ulm Cathedral),” Fredrickson said. “However, the Conference race is pretty wideopen. Martin County West, the reigning conference champion, finished last season unbeaten in the Valley and is probably the favorite. Nicollet is strong. ML/ GHEC/T has size and is a factor. St. Clair is always talented, and their underclassman are legit. Loyola also has a very good returning group. Madelia houses one of the conference’s best players. But it’s my expectation that the conference championship comes back home to Cleveland. As far as the section goes, teams can have their rankings, but I know who we are. More so I know who we can become, and that’s a very dangerous team in March. We are talented and motivated, and this team is different. With an overall developed toughness and maturity, we are a team that is ready to perform and meet expectations this year. Come out and support the Clippers.”
BY THE NUMBERS
6 – The number of wins the Clippers had last season. If they unite as a team, that should be easy for them to top this year…by a wide margin. 4 – The number of points Cleveland lost by to MCW last season. MCW was unbeaten in conference. The Clippers will carry this potential forward this year. They just have to unleash it. 11.29 – The Clippers tip-off: Black Friday in Wabasso
VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
PAGE 15
Cleveland girls basketball
letter winner. “She gets up and recovers from a knee injury susdown the court well,” Remiger tained in volleyball at the start of said. “She is also a good ball han- the summer. Cleveland Clipper Girls Basket- dler and rebounder and inishes well around the rim.” ball By RICHARD ROHLFING Correspondent
COACHES
KEEP YOUR EYE ON
2020 SEASON OUTLOOK
The Clippers finished last Head coach: Joe Remiger, Serena Williams – 5-5 ju- season with an 8-16 overall 2nd year as Cleveland varsity nior guard record. With wins over Madcoach Sarena Remiger – 5-8 elia, GHEC/T/ML and JWP, they Assistant coach: Dave Cink freshman forward were 3-5 in the Valley ConferKaylee Karels – 5-4 fresh- ence. They came back from a man guard 17-point deficit to beat CedarStephanie Cink – 5-0 8th Mountain in the first round of Mya Krenik – 5-4 senior guard, two-year letter winner. grade guard the section playoffs but then fell Asia Kern 5-7 – freshman hard to BOLD. The only senior. “She probably is our best defensive player,” Remi- guard Remiger said that every Micah Peterson – fresh- game this year will be tough for ger said. “She also has a good drive to the rim and is lways hus- man guard the young Clippers and looks for “We are going to be relying St. Clair/Loyola, Martin County tling and trying to get better. We will be relying on her heavily for on them heavily this year,” Remi- West and Lake Crystal-Wellcome ger said. our team leadership.” Memorial to lead the conference Emmie Dittmar – 5-9 juwith Alden-Conger as the wildnior forward, two-year letter card. In the section, BOLD, St. winner. “She gets up and down The “Iron Five”: Karna Clair, Waterville-Elysian-Morthe court well and is a good re- Ziebarth, Caitlin Brink, Kate- ristown and Mayer Lutheran are bounder,” Remiger said. “Offen- lyn McCabe, Julia McCabe and all contenders. The Clippers lack numsively she has a good drive to the Christa Phillips. All starters, bucket.” they, along with junior Halle Mc- bers, and not having McCabe Macey Ziebarth – 5-6 ju- Cabe, had the bulk of the playing in the lineup is a big loss, but nior guard, two-year letter win- time last year. But McCabe will they have the tools they need: ner. “She loves to get up and likely be out for the season as she skilled ball handling and shootdown the court,” Remiger said. “She plays good defense and is a good three-point shooter. Offensively we will be relying on her to get to the rim or kick out to open shooters.” Kallie Phillips – 5-10 junior center, forward, one-year letter. “She is a good rebounder, a hard worker and a good vocal leader,” Remiger said. “We will be relying on her this year for a lot of rebounds and for a force in the middle.” Captains for the Clippers are senior Mya Krenik and juniors Macey Emily Kern – 6-1 sopho- Ziebarth, Kallie Phillips and Halle McCabe. (Richard Rohlfing/Le more forward, center, one-year Sueur County News)
KEY PLAYERS
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Mya Krenik, left, drives toward the hoop during a 2019-19 Cleveland girls basketball game. Krenik is a senior captain for the 2019-20 season. (Richard Rohlfing/Le Sueur County News) ing guards and tall players that can put the ball up from inside and pull down a rebound. Their weakness is a lack of varsity game experience, but if they can adjust quickly to each other to maximize their abilities, they have a chance to post more wins than a year ago, especially as the younger players mature throughout the season.
COMMENTS FROM THE COACH
“We are going to miss Halle McCabe a ton this year. She is our best defensive, offensive and rebounding player. Teamwise, we are down in numbers this year and looking for our young girls to step up and play hard, espe-
cially, Sarena, Kaylee and Steph. We need to get better every day as individuals and as a team. But the girls have been working hard in the off-season and in the first couple of weeks of practice. It is a great group of girls to work with and coach, and I am excited for the upcoming season.” - Joe Remiger, Head Coach
BY THE NUMBERS
1 – The number of seniors on the team: Mya Krenik 8 – The number of triumphs the Clippers had last season. 11 – The number of players on the team, not counting Halle McCabe, who still maintains a role as a team captain. There is not enough for a B squad.
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VALLEY SPORTS PREVIEW
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