|
State champs! Warriors finish off perfect 31-0 season with 54-50 win
|
|
|
By Charlie Warner
Argus News Editor
After battling their way to “The Big Dance” in 2007 and 2008 only to go one and out in the opening round each year, the Caledonia girls basketball team grabbed the golden ring and hung on, winning the Minnesota Class AA Basketball Championship Saturday afternoon.
The Warriors completed a perfect 31-0 season, beating Braham 75-54 Wednesday evening, then battling #1 state ranked Jordan 71-59 in the semi-finals Friday night, and out-lasting Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted (HLWW) in the state championship game 54-50.
The Warriors utilized a balanced scoring attack, tenacious defense, and clutch free throw shooting in their state championship run. At one juncture of the Jordan game, the Warriors made 17 straight free throws. They finished that game making 23 of 28 shots from the charity line.
Coach Scott Sorenson preached a team concept all season, and his charges did exactly that, with five different girls scoring in double figures during the three-day tournament.
Three girls were named to the All Tournament Team. They were seniors Libby Augedahl and Megan King, and junior Aly Meyer. Augedahl averaged 15 points, nine rebounds and nearly four steals per game. King averaged 12 points, three rebounds, 2.5 steals and 3.3 assists per game. Meyer averaged 15 points and seven rebounds per game.
“Wow! That is the only way I can describe this tournament and season,” said Coach Sorenson Monday morning. “It just kept getting better with every game. The girls had a goal at the beginning of the season and that was to win the first game at the state tournament. Once they did that I think in the next two games, they just went out and played basketball and really enjoyed themselves.
“It got a little tight at times, but true to their nature, they never did make things easy on the coaches or the fans. But what a way to go out and top off a great season.
“These girls proved that if you really want something to go after it no matter what everyone around you says, or does to try to bring your team apart or down. They stuck together, to prove that they were something special.
“What an accomplishment, 31-0 on the season and our community’s first state title in girls basketball. It is just overwhelming. The girls earned it and represented our community with class and dignity at the state tournament. From security guards to chaperone’s at the Target Center we heard so many great remarks about our kids and how respectful and well representing of their community they are. That to me means more than any championships or awards. Outstanding job ladies!”
Commenting on his players, Sorenson said:
“Megan King- was just outstanding. She lead us with a lot of will and determination. Making 10-11 free throws in the semi-final win over Jordan was just amazing and the two clutch free throws to ice the championship game, that is senior leadership.
“Libby Augedahl- basically just took her game to a new level. There were times that she just took over the game. She came out of nowhere to grab rebounds and get put backs. She played with a lot of heart and determination.
“Cassie Gran- she played so physical and dominated the other post players. She seemed to be on every loose ball, with basically full lay-out dives to the floor. She was determined to do everything in her ability to bring home a win.
“Laquita Becker- she was so explosive to the basket to get by defenders. There was not a player in the tournament that could match her quickness. The two big threes she hit in the semi-final win over Jordan could very well be the biggest shots of her career. She did not hesitate, she just drained them.
Aly Meyer- this was a coming out party for her. So many reporters and basketball people wondered why they had never heard of her. She had an outstanding and consistent three games. She was the best all-around post player in the tournament. She had so many key rebounds and shots at key times.
“Amber Sorenson- she had a great coming out party as well. She played great minutes coming off the bench. I am not sure how many blocked shots she had, but it was a lot. Again, like Aly, people were wondering why they had not heard of her. As the commentator said after the Jordan game, I can’t wait to see her as a senior.
“Bobbi Jo Schuttemeier- she stepped in and played some great moments for us off the bench. The big three she hit was clutch. She comes in off the bench and on her first look drains a three. She played some great defensive minutes.
“The bench was great, they were so supportive. They were always talking and getting the players in the right spots and letting them know where the shooters were. It was an incredible team effort, everyone had their role and they executed it to perfection.”
For a complete look at the Warriors’ state championship run, see the sports section.
You can contact Charlie Warner at
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
|
