SPORTS WRAP
Girls hoops
Huskies’ girls basketball went through changes this winter, not only adjusting to the new surroundings but also a new coach. Pat Webb moved over from being a boys’ assistant and preached defense.
“I think we’ve really improved throughout the year defensively. Our zone offense has gotten a lot better throughout the year. We’ve seen a lot of zone defense this year. It’s a long, long season. They’re learning how to grind,” said Webb.
Carsyn Brady was team MVP and Defensive Player of the Year. Morgan Fisher led in free throw and three-point shooting efficiency. Both were All-Big Nine Conference selections. Ava Olson was honorable mention and led the Huskies in rebounding. Danika Ringhofer won the Coaches’ Award and was Academic All-State with Brady and Fisher. Maryn Pool won the Blue Collar Award. Sophie Schlauderaff was Most Improved.
Boys basketball
OHS boys basketball replaced most of their lineup from the previous season. Coach Josh Williams was proud of the team’s 17-10 record.
“The focus is to be really good in February and March and keep getting better throughout the season while finding our own identity. Who’s going to step up offensively to replace all the scoring that we lost? Defensively who we are? It’s been really fun to see that growth,” said Williams.
Rielly Keeberger and Nolan Ginskey shared the team MVP Award and were both all-conference. Leyton Williams earned the Blue Collar Award and All-Big Nine Conference honorable mention. Maurice Dut was named Most Improved. Yaasir Munye won the Coaches’ Award. Owen Smith was Teammate of the Year. Nathan Theis led the team in three-point shooting. Ginskey led in four individual categories. The team was the section academic champion.
Dance
Owatonna Dance Team had a breakthrough season, finishing second in the Big Nine – their highest finish ever. Coach Nikki Gefre told Todd Walkingstick on “Beyond the Game” that a strong finish last season showed the squad they can contend for the title.
“Last year, knowing they could place top three at Big Nines, the pressure got to them. Where this year, it was just like, ‘Let’s go have fun.’ You could see it. They were energized and spunky. It was a different feeling, which was cool. They’re handling pressure a lot better,” said Gefre.
All-conference honors went to Kennedy Katzung, Taylor Shewe, and Chloe Walerius. Amelia Goettl, Lauren Kubicek, and Kayleigh Norbeck landed honorable mentions.
Gymnastics
OHS gymnastics won their 19th overall Big Nine Conference title this winter and finished second in the section. Seven individuals qualified for state.
“It’s their hard work and their dedication. I think it shows the depth we have on our team is incredible,” said assistant coach Kiana Stark.
Stark was named Big Nine Conference and Section 1AA Assistant Coach of the Year.
Halle Theis was named MVP. Dylann Norrid won the Husky Spirit and Most Improved Awards. Delia Neumann earned the Coaches’ Award. Theis, Neumann, Emma Johnson, Johanna Spielman, Jozie Johnson, Kendra Miller, and Averie Roush were all-state selections.
OwatonnaLive.com play-by-play schedule
Thursday, April 11
Medford baseball vs. Cleveland, 4:30 p.m.
OHS JV softball vs. Rochester Mayo, 5 p.m.
OHS softball vs. Mayo, 7 p.m. (first game at new field)
Friday, April 12
OHS JV softball vs. New Prague, 5 p.m.
OHS softball vs. New Prague, 7 p.m.
Saturday, April 13
OHS baseball DH vs. Rochester JM, 12 p.m.