PREVIEW: Eagles hope to gain experience, limit turnovers

GIRLS BASKETBALL

     There are many goals for this year’s Midland girls basketball team, but two of the biggest ones are gaining experience and limiting turnovers.

     The Eagles, who were 7-15 a year ago, have nine returning letter-winners, but only two seniors.

     “We have a lot of kids coming back, but still not a lot of upperclassman experience,” fifth-year coach Nathan Becker said. “We will get better throughout the year, which goes with more experience.”

     Returning starters include senior post Libertie Uppena, senior guard Sydney Stender and junior guard Calli Markmann.

     Other returning letter-winners include junior post players Emma Paulsen and Emma Vacek, and sophomore guards Delanie Uppena, Drew Jensen, Mikayla Dosland and Morgan Soper. Freshman guard Kirstin Schaefer is a newcomer who could make an impact as well.

     Becker said he hopes defense and rebounding will be among the team’s strengths this season.

     “I think we will be solid defensively, as long as we can get our half-court defense set,” he said. “Rebounding will have to be a strength this year. We have a lot of girls that go after the ball, so this will be helpful, particularly on the offensive side. We need to get as many extra opportunities as we can.”

     Becker said Midland was one of the state leaders in turnovers last season, “which has to change. In order to stay in games, we are going to have to limit our turnovers.”

     The Eagles will also have to battle in a tough Tri-Rivers Conference. Midland shares the East Division with co-favorites Easton Valley and Bellevue Marquette. Top teams in the West could include Springville, North-Linn and Maquoketa Valley.

     “We want to be competitive, and like most years, prove people wrong,” Becker said. “We are young overall, so we will take the season one game at a time, improve each game and gain in confidence.”

     Jason Soper is the assistant coach, and Sarah Fishwild is a volunteer assistant.