Hilltoppers hope to be competitive in 2015-16

GLENWOOD CITY — Coming off a 16-8 season which was their best record since the 2005-06 season, the Glenwood City girls’ basketball team hopes to finish again with a winning record and place near the top in conference play.

The Toppers were 9-5 in the Dunn-St. Croix for a strong third place a year ago and have several seniors returning including honorable mention All Conference player Morgan Kadinger who averaged 7.7 points per game along with Gabby Peterson (6.9 ppg) Rachel Klatt (5.5 ppg) and Maya Petersen (4.4 ppg).

Head coach Justin Kuehndorf begins his sixth year leading the Toppers with a 61-55 record and will have to replace Moriah Kuehndorf and Jennifer Kopacz who were both three time All Conference selections along with Kristie Knops, Megan Samens and Mikaela Voeltz who were all successful as seniors. Players looking to fill a spot on varsity are seniors Carlee Strong and Taylor Brittain, juniors Mara Wink, Jamie Scanlon, Morgan Peterson, Becca Moll, Jessyca Crossley, Tia Carlson and Briana Barstad. Sophomores looking for playing time are Mariah Voeltz, MaKayla O’Brien and Jessica Klinger as well as freshmen Maggie Wallin, Hanna Strenlo, Olivia Scalze, Delaney Quinn, Tressa Peskar, Michaela Nyhus, Jatelyn Johnson, Aubrey Curvello and Alexys Curvello.

“We will have a good starting lineup on the floor but are looking for a few kids to come off the bench and give us quality minutes,” Kuehndorf said.”Our lack of depth of experienced players will be a weakness and with the two long halfs (18 minutes each) instead of four quarters of eight minutes, this could be a problem. Time will tell if it is a good change or not. Our team goals are to be successful and enjoy the journey along the way,” he added.

Kuehndorf believes Elk Mound, Colfax and the new team in the conference, Durand will be contenders for the conference title this year. Assisted by Pete Gaustad, Dean Fayerweather and Bruce Kelm, the Hilltoppers will begin their season at Prescott Nov. 19.