Seniors Olivia Otto (G), Kaytlyn Pattrin (G/F) and Kiley Lund (C) and juniors Sydney Schaefer (G/F), Grace Otto (G/F) and EmmaLee Brethorst (F) are the players returning with some starting experience.  Additional letter winners include juniors Emma Haugen (G), Taylin Kramer (G), Sophie Koep (G) and Kayla Bitzan-Anderson (C), and sophomores Kylee Dingwall (G/F), Skylar Bitzan (G) and Madison Anderson (F/C).  Coach Traphagen expects freshman Haddy Baune to also see some minutes at the varsity level this season.

“Losing our two top scorers in Bailey (18.8 ppg) and Mikenna (13/4 ppg) means we have some big shoes to fill,” noted Coach Traphagen.  “What is very encouraging about this team is that we are very balanced and should have a very deep bench with a number of players receiving experience last year who have a chance to take the next step at the varsity level.  The coaches have been very encouraged by the work ethic we’ve seen in early practices.  The most important thing for this team is just to get more game experience and find some consistent scoring on a nightly basis.  This is a group of scrappy, athletic girls that will defend in the full court to help create easier scoring opportunities on the offensive end.”

Mike Traphagen (Varsity Assistant), Kami Dingwall (B-Squad), Heidi Elmer (C-Squad), Pam Schjei (Junior High) and Jordyn Bossert (Junior High) will be assistants in the program.

“Section 6A is absolutely loaded this year,” commented Coach Traphagen.  “Underwood and Parkers Prairie split the conference title last year and Battle Lake returns everyone from last year’s squad.”