“We have a goal of defending our CLC championship and we want to compete for the Section 8AA crown,” said veteran Head Coach Brad Strand.  “The girls will need to enjoy playing hard for each other whenever they step on the basketball court with a vision of how each can help their team be better today than yesterday.”

The Otters lost Sabrina Fronning (M State-Fergus Falls), Carlie Meis, Gretchen Davis, Olivia Kaliher, Gracee Albertson, McKenzy Braeger and Andreya Lockett to graduation.

Senior Paige Pearson (Forward) and juniors Ellie Colbeck (Guard) and Tori Ratz (Guard) are returning starters.

Seniors Anna Anderson (Guard/Forward), Logan Strom (Guard), Emily Nuss (Guard), Katie Strommen (Center) and Makayla Huus (Guard), and junior Ainsley Hansen (Guard Forward), Hannah Polejewski (Forward Center) and Ellia Soydara (Guard) gained experience last year, all with important roles on a very successful JV team and some by filling important roles on the varsity squad.  “We will need them to step up and meet the varsity challenge this year,” said Strand.

Karley Braeger, Jenna Carlson and Cyntreya Lockett round out the roster and will also compete for playing time.

Strand says Alexandria, Brainerd, Willmar and Sartell are the teams to beat in the CLC, while the top teams in 8AA are Roseau, Pelican Rapids, Perham, Crookston, Hawley, Breckenridge and Barnesville.

“There are some great teams and coaches in Section 8AA,” noted Strand.  “The section is loaded with top talent with very few losses to graduation for the top teams.  This group of Otters loves to compete and be challenged.  And like every team we will need to stay healthy and be playing our best basketball in March.”

Strand will be assisted by Josh Steer, Alyssa Huseby, Anna Monke-Gervais and Heather Schultz.