GIRLS HOOPS PREVIEW
Christian has two new coaches and Lutheran’s top four scorers are back.
North and South are looking for scoring.
Here’s an outlook for all four teams …
CHRISTIAN
Last year: (JV only)
Lowdown
• Its new co-coaches are Alyssa Pasiewicz and Rachel Rasmussen (she graduated from Christian in 2017).
• The school will feature its own varsity squad this year – and JV – after two of its girls played for Lutheran as a co-op.
“You can tell that they’re really excited,” Rasmussen said.
Glad to be back
Ashley Rahn: The senior was a member of Lutheran’s team last season.
Maggie Bulkow, Mackenna Epping, Mariah Zylstra: These three will likely contribute as well.
Tough to replace
Maddie Zylstra: She made all-conference honorable mention for the second straight time by averaging 6.7 rpg and 4.8 ppg.
LUTHERAN
Last year: 8-17, 2-8 BEC
Lowdown
• The top four scorers, who combined to average 36 points, all return. Its top three rebounders, who totaled 22 per game, are back as well.
• In 2019, the Crusaders won just one game and were 0-19 in the Big East. They are already off to a 3-0 start, highlighted by a near triple-double by freshman Addy Verhagen.
Glad to be back
Rose Hahn: The senior led her team in scoring (for the second straight season). She earned all-conference second team and also contributed 7.0 rebounds.
Alex Stricker: The sophomore was second in scoring (7.9 ppg) and rebounding (7.2).
Anna Splittgerber: This senior averaged 7.8 ppg last year.
Faith Pape: This sophomore grabbed a team-high 7.9 rebounds.
Tough to replace
Maddie Zylstra: The 2020 graduate was one of two girls from Christian that were on the team, and she made all-conference honorable mention as a senior.
NORTH
Last year: 9-6
Lowdown
• The Golden Raiders have to replace their three girls who made all-conference, and only one of its top eight scorers is back (the top four all graduated).
“We lost a big chunk, for sure,” coach Keith Conway said.
• Three of its first four games were against Beaver Dam, De Pere and Randolph. Last year they combined to go 66-11.
Glad to be back
Victoria Toeller: The junior is her team’s top returning scorer. She averaged 6.5 ppg as a sophomore (to go with 3.6 rebounds).
Stella Revelis: The 2022 graduate is the top returning rebounder (3.7 per game).
Anna Fogle: This junior overcame last year’s injury and Conway expects “big things” from her.
Tough to replace
Emma Belmore: The four-year varsity player made all-conference the last two seasons. She was second team a year ago thanks to team highs in scoring (10.1, assists (4.1) and steals (3.4) despite missing the last seven games with an injury.
SOUTH
Last year: 4-9
Lowdown
• Two Redwings made all-conference last year for the first time since 2013.
• Only two of its top five scorers return, however. There is more depth compared to last year though.
Glad to be back
Maddie Ognacevic: The senior earned all-FRCC second team by leading the conference in rebounding (14 per game). She set the school record for most in a contest with 21 and was second on the squad in scoring (12.5 ppg).
“This summer she put in a good amount of work on her jump shot,” Renzelmann said. “That was the part of her game she strengthened the most. She’s always been a great defender.”
Sierra Ertman: The junior was the fourth-leading scorer on her team last year (6.4 ppg).
Tough to replace
Halle Boldt: She made all-conference honorable mention the last two seasons and the four-year varsity starter ranks third in school history for most assists and is sixth in scoring.
LEAGUES AT A GLANCE
BIG EAST
• Oostburg has won the last two South Division titles but has to replace three all-BEC players.
• Mishicot won the 2020 championship in Division 4 with the help of five all-conference players. However, four of them were seniors.
• Howards Grove also appeared at state (Division 3) but its three all-league players graduated.
FOX RIVER CLASSIC
• Green Bay Notre Dame is the reigning Division 2 state champion and returns three all-conference players, including two from the first team.
• De Pere features two all-league players from a year ago, including senior Jordan Meulemans, who led the FRCC in scoring (20.7 ppg).
• As a freshman last year, Preble’s Helena Paphlam averaged 11 points and eight boards.
Categories: Sports