PREVIEW: Wildcats to be deep, athletic

GIRLS BASKETBALL

     Maquoketa Valley 11^th-year head coach Scot Moenck isn’t shy about this season’s Wildcat girls basketball team.

     “This could be one of the deepest and most athletic teams we have ever had here,” Moenck said.

     The Wildcats return three starters and seven total letter-winners from the team that finished 16-6 last season, including 8-4 in the Tri-Rivers Conference.

     Leading the team will be senior guard Brianna Mensen, who made two all-district teams and was first team all-conference after averaging 13.4 points per game last year. Sophomore guard Sam Wall and junior forward Peyton Ries are also returning starters who were all-conference last year.

     Other returning letter-winners are senior Caitlin Schumann, juniors Madison Imler and Macy Hoeger, and sophomore Maci Freiburger.

     Three newcomers also show promise: junior Gracie Gellerson, who moved from Minnesota; sophomore Olivia Hoeger and freshman Lydia Helle.

     “We will have very good size,” Moenck said. “My biggest concern for us will be shooting the ball consistently. We have the potential to be a very good shooting team.”

     The Wildcats are in a tough conference, however, with Springville and North-Linn as the teams to beat, according to Moenck.

     “Our league seems to get somebody to the state tournament every year,” he said. “We have some very good teams on both sides of the conference.”

     So far, however, he likes the look of his team.

     “This group of kids has been working hard so far,” Moenck said. “I am so excited to see what the future has in store for them.”

     Assistant coaches are Brad Huber and Jesse Wooten.