Girls' basketball: Lakers need youth to step up

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With the start of the girls’ basketball schedule looming on Tuesday, the Lakers will be looking to young players to lend a hand.

With five seniors, one junior and two sophomores, the freshmen class could prove to be pivotal this season for Minnewaska.

The Lakers do return their leading scoring in senior Sydney Joos, who will be joined by seniors Myranda Swensrud, Paige Anderson, Bridget Opdahl and Veronica Weisel, all who hope to turn around last year’s 2-23 season. Returning letter winners Madison Phillips, junior, and Ariel Ostrander, sophomore, will round out the veterans on the team.

Second year head coach Brett Thorfinnson will also look to newcomers Emma Middendorf, 9th grader, and 8th graders Carley Stewart, Bayley Pooler and Ashlyn Guggisberg to add depth to the squad.

The Lakers, who play in the West Central Conference, will have to contend with some strong squads, including State Class AA runner-up Sauk Centre.

Minnewaska, which plays in the North Division, also has Morris/Chokio-Alberta, Paynesville and Melrose in its division.

The Lakers open the season on Tuesday at home against Paynesville.

MINNEWASKA GIRLS’

BASKETBALL ROSTER

SENIORS – Bridget Opdahl, Myranda Swensrud, Paige Anderson, Sydney Joos, Veronica Weisel.

JUNIOR – Madison Phillips.

SOPHOMORES – Ariel Ostrander, Mackenzie Walsh.

FRESHMEN – Courtney Erickson, Emma Middendorf, Kaylee Glover, Madison Lundebrek, Makenna Hanson, Mason Schlief, Michaela Englund, Vanessa Holland.

EIGHTH GRADERS – Abby VerSteeg, Ashley Blom, Ashlyn Guggisberg, Bayley Pooler, Carley Stewart, Makenzia Zemke, Taylor Amundson.

HEAD COACH – Brett Thorfinnson.

ASSISTANT COACH – Randy Albers.

Tags: minnewaska sports, sports, lakers, girls, basketball