“This team plans to compete with the top teams in both the Central Lakes Conference and also Section 8AA,” said Head Coach Brad Strand of the Otters.  “Strengths of the team will be their athleticism and work ethic.  Keys to a successful season will be to keep all of our girls healthy.  It will be a brand new section and class for the Otters and we are really looking forward to the challenge.  There are some great teams and coaches in Section 8AA and this group of girls loves to compete.”

Returning Starters include sophomore point guard Ellie Colbeck (16.2ppg, 5.0rpg, 4.0apg, 2.0spg), sophomore shooting guard Tori Ratz (10.0ppg, 3.0rpg, 3.0apg, 1.0spg) and senior guard Sabrina Fronning (8.0ppg, 4.0rpg, 4.0apg, 3.0spg).

“Ellie and Tori are top basketball players in our area,” noted Strand.  “Ellie earned all-conference last year and led our team in scoring, while Tori was all-conference honorable mention and led our team in 3-point shooting.  Both girls play a lot of basketball and spend countless hours in the gym working on their game.  Sabrina is a top athlete in the area.  She has quickness that you can’t teach and excellent anticipation on the defensive end of the court.  She is a state level sprinter/jumper for the track team and was a great leader for us last year as a junior.  We look forward to seeing her leadership continue to grow as a senior.  She hates to lose!”

Strand is also looking to seniors Gretchen Davis (P) Carlie Meis (G) and Olivia Kaliher (G) and juniors Paige Pearson (P), and Anna Anderson (G) to be key members of the varsity rotation.

“Paige played for us last year but we are looking for a big jump in her production and time on the floor,” said Strand.  “Gretchen will help give us depth in the post and provide athleticism.  Anna was our leading scorer on the JV team and can play multiple positions.  Carlie has the heart of a champion and will do whatever is necessary to help her team win, and Olivia was a leader for our JV team and we are looking for her to step up in her senior year.”

Abby Tysdal, Andreya Lockett, McKenzy Braeger, Gracee Albertson and Svea Smestad were all members of the JV team that won 20 games a year ago and will be pushing players in practice as they compete for floor time.  Sophomore Hannah Polejewski (F) led their C team in scoring during a 20 win season.

Roseau has won the Section 8AA title for five straight years.  Hawley, Menahga (30 wins last year), Pelican Rapids, Crookston and East Grand Forks will all be strong this season.