Posted: 3/13/07
Caledonia girls defeat Kingsland; move on to state tournament
By Diana Hammell
Argus Sportswriter
The Caledonia Warriors girlsí basketball teamís record to date is 27-3. The thing about those three losses is that during the section tournament, the Warriors defeated the two teams that handed them those losses, and now the Warriors will be playing their next game in the state tournament this Thursday at 1 p.m. at the University of Minnesota Pavilion against Pipestone.
Caledonia met Kingsland for the Section1AA championship at Mayo Civic Arena on Thursday, March 8, and everything Kingsland thought they must have known about Caledonia didnít help them a bit. Although Kingsland hadnít lost to the Warriors in their two meetings earlier this year, they were rightfully nervous about coming up against Caledonia in the game that would send the winner to the state tournament. Caledoniaís score to send the Kingsland Knights home for the year was 49-41. Everything the coaches have been working on with these girls, and their knowledge and confidence in their abilities have brought the Warriors to the big dance for the first time since 1998.
Coach Scott Sorenson said that their game with Kingsland was one that the girls really wanted. "After losing to them twice during the year, we knew we could play better, we just wanted another chance.
"The girls did such a great job preparing for them. We started Monday, talking to the girls about putting the big win against Winona Cotter behind us, and they did just that," said Sorenson. "We did not have to say anything to them Monday at practice, they were ready to prepare and prepare they did. We always talk about the fact that a lot of the games are won or lost in preparation the days leading up to the contest. This one was not different. We put together a good scouting report and game plan and the girls came out and executed it to a T.
"We wanted to start under control and really spot pressure them, and the girls did as we held a team that usually scores 65.1 points a game to just 17 first half points. The credit goes to the girls and how well they played defense. The communication has been the key all year. When we talk we play excellent defense when we donít, we struggle.
"The start of the second half was a little like the first half, except we allowed them to get some good looks at the basket. But, every time it looked like Kingsland was going to make a run, we answered with a run of our own. A couple more keys to the win was our rebounding and free throw shooting. We out rebounded them 44-28. That just comes from the girls wanting it more. Rebounding is all heart and hustle and the girls really proved they had both.
"Free throw shooting was the other key. They just stepped up and made enough free throws to keep us in the lead and eventually preserve the win.
"Like every other game it is difficult to pick a player or two that really stood out because this team is just that ñ a team; and it takes all of them to win a game. What makes this group that much more special is that they all believe in each othersí ability and play with so much confidence because their teammates and coaches support them. The seniors have really stepped up as leaders of this team.
"Danielle was just a force under the basket both on offense and defense. Ashley King recorded 8 offensive rebounds. Jane Pettit keeps us in the right frame of mind defensively.
"Our juniors really stepped up. Alecia Fruechte had some excellent drives to the basket and hit the offensive rebounds. Sarah Colleran stepped in and hit some clutch freethrows and really was phenomenal on the defensive end. Brianna Vick did a great job when Danielle was out, going to the offensive glass and playing solid minutes on defense.
"Our sophomores played well again. Megan King did a great job with handling their pressure and dealing with foul trouble. Laquita Becker also did a great job dealing with cramps in her legs due to the continuous pressure. Cassie Gran was awesome in the post, they just did not have an answer for her strength. Libby Augedahl got back on track coming off the bench and sparking us with 8 quick points and some good press break drives.
"Like I said this was a total team effort and that is what it is going to take for us to win a state title. We are happy with the fact that we are going back to the state tournament, but the girls are not satisfied yet.
"I want to thank the fans for their support. It was great to see you really get behind these girls. The student body was absolutely crucial in this win. Nice job ñ and hope to see everyone Thursday at 1:00 as we take on Pipestone Area in the first round of the state tournament.
Statistics
Caledonia had almost twice the number of rebounds than Kingsland did with 45, a large factor in their victory. Danielle Frank led the scoring for both teams with 15 points, and scored a double-double when she also had 13 rebounds. She also had 4 blocked shots. Cassie Gran had 10 points and 6 rebounds; Libby Augedahl 7 points, 4 rebounds and 1 steal; Ashley King 4 points and 7 rebounds; Sarah Colleran 4 points, 2 assists and 2 steals; Megan King 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 steals; Laquita Becker 2 points, 1 assist, 3 rebounds and 1 steal; Alecia Fruechte 2 points and 3 rebounds; Jane Pettit 1 point, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 1 steal; Brianna Vick 1 assist and 1 rebound.
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