Senior captain Rae Ehrman during Eden Prairie’s 72-55 win over Eagan on Nov. 26. Photos by Jeremy Peyer
The Eden Prairie girls basketball team has opened the season 3-1, with its lone setback coming against a strong Maple Grove squad as the team builds on its veteran experience heading into Lake Conference play.
A heartbreaking section final loss to eventual state champion Minnetonka last March ended the Eagles’ momentum-building finish and has fueled this year’s drive.
Senior captain Vanessa Jordan (34),
Junior Emerson Johnson (13) during Eden Prairie’s 83-70 win over DeLaSalle.
“We were all very disappointed the way our last season ended,” said Wiese. “I feel the focus and intensity of our team to not have that happen again. We have a great focus not only in games but in every practice and every drill.”
The Eagles return all varsity letter winners from last season, led by South Dakota commit Tori Schlagel, who is averaging 22.2 points per game, and University of Montana commit Rae Ehrman, who is contributing 20 points per contest. The squad is captained by Schlagel, Ehrman, Vanessa Jordan, Camryn Denin, and Abby Valiton.
Wiese, in her eighth season leading the program, sees this team’s cohesion as a key factor.
“We have a core group of seniors who have the experience and chemistry to work through the ups and downs of a long season,” Wiese said. “They understand how important practice, film, (and) communication are to our overall success.”
Coach Ellen Wiese discusses strategy with senior captain Abby Valiton.
A challenging Lake Conference schedule lies ahead. “We are prepared for the gauntlet of the Lake Conference, which will prepare us for the post season,” Wiese said.
The Eagles host Prior Lake this Friday at 7 p.m.
