Girls Basketball Preview 2021

GIRLS BASKETBALL

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2021 | D5

Braves hope to learn on the fly

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

Adysen Himley and Mya Kurkosky. Himley is a West Central Tribune 5-foot-9 senior guard/ BENSON — Adam Foslien took over as Ben- forward. Kurkosky is a 5-9 son’s head girls basketball senior guard. Two other seniors coach last year just as the Braves lost a bevy of expe- return with varsity experience: Marley Rush and rienced talent. While there were a lot of Madi Wrobleski. Rush is a seniors last season, Benson 5-10 post. Wrobleski is a stumbled to a 4-13 record. 5-5 guard. Rush led the Braves in Gone are Beth Cain, Marissa Connelly, Kimmy Pagel, field-goal percentage last year and was second in Ellie Moesenthin, Sarah rebounds. Brandt, kaitlyn Hippe and “And (she) will be the Susan Knutson. starting post for the What’s back are two Braves,” Foslien said. starters and two others Two players to watch who saw playing time. are sophomores Presley “The Braves do return Nygaard and Kaylin Grube. four seniors who saw sigNygaard is a 5-6 guard. nificant varsity time last Grube is a 6-0 post. year who will be leaned “Nygaard brings athletion to lead the Braves this cism, instincts and strong year,” Foslien said. Leading the way defense to the Braves and are returning starters (is a) very capable outside

shooter,” Foslien said. “Grube will bring height, rebounding and inside presence off the bench …” Foslien and his staff, which includes Jeff Guest and Scott Lee, are a little unsure about the rest of the squad. “The remainder of the varsity roster consists of seventh-through-11th graders who will have to gain experience on the fly,” Foslien said. The Braves opened with a 55-28 victory over Dawson-Boyd, then dropped two games in their own Benson Tournament, losing 40-20 to MACCRAY and 64-33 to Browerville/ Eagle Valley. Minnewaska, Lac qui Parle Valley, Ortonville and Sauk Centre are teams the Braves will play before Christmas.

Photos by Patrick Bernadeau / West Central Tribune

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

Benson senior guard Marissa Connelly holds her follow-through on an outshot Benson senior forward Beth Cain takes it hard toward the baseline during shot during Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Litchfield from Litchfield Tuesday's Section 3AA-North game against Litchfield from Litchfield High School. High School.