December 10, 2024
The Lancer Girls basketball season is progressing well, with the team achieving a flawless 6-0 record after six games. This year, the team is aiming high, targeting a conference championship and a strong playoff performance. The Lancers have brought back the core players from last year, when they finished 10-2, securing second place in the Big East North conference. The team includes several All-Conference award winners: Ginevra Ermis (Sr), a 2023-24 Second Team member; Marissa Mehlhorn (Jr), a 2022-23 First Team and 2023-24 Second Team member; and Makiah Krause (Jr), who received a 2023-24 Honorable Mention.
The Lancers welcome back Addison Korte (Sr), Trisha Kiss (Sr), and Abigail Behnke (Jr), who participated in all 26 games last season. Maren Dewane (Sr) and Ava Vandermause (Jr) also return, having played significant roles off the bench in 25 and 24 games, respectively. Lilly Mehlhorn (Jr) and Brylie Zirbel (Jr) each appeared in 20 games, while Natalie Hochmuth (Jr) played in 17 games. The Lancers boast depth and experience. The team has also added juniors Evelyn Overland and Olivia Martin, along with Morgan Jost (So), completing the varsity roster of 14. Furthermore, this year features a strong JV team of 12, coached by MLHS alumni Paige Zirbel ('21). With Jost participating in both teams, the Lancer girls' basketball program is robust with a total of 25 players.
The first game of the season commenced on the road at Brillion on the notable date of November 19, setting the stage for what promised to be an exciting season for the Lancers. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as fans filled the stands, eager to support their team in this inaugural matchup. The Lancers demonstrated remarkable teamwork and skill throughout the game, ultimately walking away with a convincing victory, finishing with a solid 20-point lead over their opponents.
Marissa Mehlhorn emerged as the standout player of the night, leading all scorers with an impressive performance that showcased her offensive prowess. She efficiently converted 10 of her 16 attempts from the field, culminating in a total of 24 points. Beyond her scoring ability, Mehlhorn also contributed significantly on the defensive end, recording 7 steals that disrupted Brillion's offensive flow. Additionally, her presence on the boards was felt as she secured 7 rebounds, demonstrating her all-around game and determination to help her team succeed.
Ginevra Ermis also played a crucial role in the Lancers' victory, adding to the team's scoring total with 19 points. Her shooting was particularly noteworthy, as she successfully sank three 3-pointers, which not only boosted her personal tally but also energized the team and the crowd. Ermis's shooting accuracy was reflected in her 8-for-18 shooting performance from the floor. In addition to her scoring contributions, she showcased her playmaking abilities by dishing out 7 assists, facilitating ball movement, and creating scoring opportunities for her teammates. Furthermore, she contributed defensively as well, grabbing 6 rebounds, which underscored her versatility and commitment to both ends of the court.
The Lancers' cohesive play and individual standout performances were key factors in their successful start to the season, setting a positive tone for the games to come. The combination of Mehlhorn's scoring and defensive efforts alongside Ermis's shooting and playmaking created a formidable challenge for their opponents, leaving a lasting impression on the crowd and setting high expectations for the rest of the season.
On November 26, the girls' basketball team proudly hosted their first home game of the season, creating an electrifying atmosphere that filled the gymnasium with enthusiasm and anticipation. The Lancers faced off against the Two Rivers Raiders, a matchup that was highly anticipated by both teams and their supporters. From the very beginning, it became clear that the Raiders were unable to match the intensity and skill level displayed by the Lancers.
Ginevra Ermis emerged as the standout player of the game, showcasing her exceptional talent on the court. With remarkable precision and determination, she dominated the scoring, finishing the game with an impressive 23 points. Ermis's shooting performance was particularly noteworthy, as she went 9 for 15 from the field, demonstrating her ability to find the basket under pressure and contribute significantly to her team's success.
In addition to Ermis's stellar performance, Addie Korte also made a vital contribution to the team's overall scoring effort. Korte added 11 points, showcasing her versatility and ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Her contributions were crucial in maintaining the momentum of the game and ensuring that the Lancers remained firmly in control throughout.
The victory was not solely attributed to the efforts of these two players; it was a true team effort that saw a total of 11 Lancers stepping up to contribute points on the scoreboard. This collective display of teamwork and collaboration highlighted the depth of talent within the Lancers' roster, as players from various positions and backgrounds came together to achieve a resounding win. The final score reflected not just the individual brilliance of certain players but also the cohesive strategy and unyielding spirit of the entire team.
As the game concluded, the Lancers celebrated their well-deserved victory, which not only marked a strong start to their home season but also set a positive tone for the games to come. The camaraderie and support from the fans added to the overall experience, making it a memorable night for everyone involved. The Lancers' performance against the Two Rivers Raiders was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and the promising potential of the season ahead.
Game three of the season took place on Saturday, November 30, and it was an exciting matchup that showcased the skills and determination of the Lancers as they continued their impressive start to the season. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with fans from both teams filling the stands, creating a vibrant backdrop for this highly anticipated rivalry game against the hometown rival Roncalli Jets.
From the opening tip-off, it became clear that the Lancers were on a mission, as they quickly established their dominance on the court, executing their game plan with precision and confidence. The Lancers breezed to another double-digit victory, further solidifying their reputation as a formidable force in the league. Marissa Mehlhorn and Ginevra Ermis emerged as standout players in this contest, each contributing significantly to the team's offensive efforts by tallying 14 points apiece. Their performances were not just about scoring; they demonstrated exceptional teamwork and court vision, making crucial assists and setting up plays that kept the Jets on their toes. .
Mehlhorn's ability to drive to the basket and Ermis's sharpshooting from beyond the arc were instrumental in building a substantial lead that the Jets struggled to overcome. The synergy between the two players was evident, as they complemented each other's strengths and created opportunities that led to open shots and fast-break points. As the game progressed, the Lancers maintained their intensity on both ends of the floor, showcasing a strong defensive effort that stifled the Jets' scoring attempts.
The combination of solid rebounding and quick transitions allowed the Lancers to capitalize on their possessions, further extending their lead. The final score reflected their hard work and strategic execution, leaving the Lancers with a growing sense of confidence as they look ahead to the rest of the season. This victory not only added another win to their record but also reinforced their position as a team to watch in the league.
At the beginning of the season, both the team and fans were highly engaged and enthusiastic, identifying a few key games as 'BE THERE' events that would be pivotal in shaping the trajectory of the season. Among these highly anticipated matchups, Thursday, December 5, stood out prominently. On this electrifying evening, our Lancers hosted none other than the defending conference champions and perennial favorites to repeat their success, the St. Mary Catholic Zephyrs.
The atmosphere inside the gym was charged with excitement, reminiscent of a post-season showdown, as fans filled the stands, their cheers echoing off the walls, creating a palpable sense of anticipation. It was clear that this game would have significant ramifications on the conference standings, influencing the dynamics of competition for the remainder of the season. Both teams were aware that the outcome of this contest could serve as a crucial benchmark in their quest for the championship.
The matchup featured two of the top 10 teams in the state, underscoring the intensity and importance of the game. The Zephyrs entered the contest ranked an impressive 3rd in the WISSPORTS.NET Girls Basketball Coaches Poll, while our Lancers were not far behind, holding the 8th spot. This high-stakes environment set the stage for an unforgettable clash.
Throughout the game, four Lancers emerged as standout performers, each contributing significantly to the team’s success. Leading the charge was Makiah Krause, who showcased her scoring prowess by netting an impressive 20 points while also grabbing 7 rebounds, dishing out 5 assists, and making 2 steals. Her ability to control the game on both ends of the court was instrumental in keeping the momentum in favor of the Lancers. Following closely was Marissa Mehlhorn, who added a solid 16 points to the scoreboard, complemented by 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Her sharp shooting and tenacious defense were key factors in maintaining pressure on the Zephyrs throughout the match. Addie Korte also made her mark, contributing 14 points with a shooting performance of 6-14 from the floor, alongside 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, demonstrating her versatility and skill in both scoring and playmaking. Lastly, Abbie Behnke was a force in the paint, dominating the boards with an impressive 13 rebounds while also contributing 4 points. Her presence in the paint was crucial in limiting the Zephyrs' second-chance opportunities and helped secure a remarkable team victory over St. Mary Catholic.
The collective effort of these four athletes not only highlighted their individual talents but also exemplified the strength of teamwork and strategy that defined the Lancers' approach to this critical game.
On Saturday, December 7, the Kewaunee Storm traveled to face off against the Lancers in a highly anticipated matchup, hoping to put an end to the Lancers' impressive four-game winning streak. The atmosphere in the gym was electric, with fans from both teams filling the stands, eager to support their players and witness an exciting contest. However, despite their best efforts, the Storm encountered significant challenges throughout the game, resulting in limited success against the determined Lancers.
The Lancers, showcasing their strong teamwork and strategic play, managed to maintain their winning momentum, ultimately securing a solid victory over the Storm with a final score of 58-48. This win not only extended their streak to five games but also solidified their position as a formidable contender in the league. Key players stepped up during the game, demonstrating their skills and commitment to the team's success.
Among the standout performers was junior Marissa Mehlhorn, who delivered an exceptional performance, achieving a double-double with an impressive tally of 22 points and 12 rebounds. Her ability to dominate both ends of the court was pivotal in the Lancers’ triumph. After the game, Mehlhorn reflected on the team's performance and emphasized the importance of continuing to improve, particularly in areas such as reducing turnovers and perfecting layups. She noted that these aspects are crucial for maintaining their winning streak and achieving their long-term goals for the season.
The Lancers' coaching staff also recognized the need for ongoing development, highlighting that while the victory was a positive outcome, there were still areas that required attention and improvement. As the team prepares for their upcoming games, they remain focused on refining their skills and building on their recent successes, with the ultimate aim of competing at the highest level.
In the latest matchup, which took place on December 9, the Lancers hosted the Indians of Mishicot in what was expected to be a thrilling contest. Right from the opening tip-off, the Lancers demonstrated their determination and skill, launching into an impressive offensive and defensive display that allowed them to establish a commanding lead. Within just a few minutes, they had surged ahead to an astonishing 40-point advantage, showcasing their exceptional teamwork and strategic execution. The Lancers maintained their intensity throughout the game, never allowing the Indians to regain their footing or mount a significant comeback, effectively controlling the pace and flow of the match.
This latest victory marked yet another remarkable team win for the Lancers, highlighting their collective effort and depth. Leading the charge in scoring was the standout player Ginevra Ermis, who delivered an impressive performance, contributing a remarkable 20 points to the team's total. Her agility and sharp shooting were pivotal in maintaining the Lancers' momentum. Additionally, Brylie Zirbel made her mark on the game by chipping in 9 points, demonstrating her ability to find opportunities in the offense and capitalize on them. Not to be overlooked, Makiah Krause also played a significant role, adding 8 points to the scoreboard, further solidifying the Lancers' dominance in this matchup. With this victory, the Lancers have now achieved an outstanding record of 6-0 at the start of the season, a testament to their hard work and dedication. As a result of their stellar performance, they have gained recognition and, according to the latest WISSPORTS.NET Girls Basketball Coaches Poll, they are currently ranked an impressive 3rd in Division 4, a position that reflects their skill, determination, and the potential for even greater success as the season progresses.
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