For those who have been following along with our girls basketball program this year, you have witnessed some exciting moments thus far, including defeating the St. Mary Catholic Zephyrs at home back on December 5, 76-72. The lone blemish on an otherwise perfect season came at the hands of the Zephyrs when our Lancers visited SMC on January 17.
Two major events took place on Monday evening, February 10. First, Lancer junior, Marissa Mehlhorn came into the contest against Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah needing just 13 points to become just the seventh Lady Lancer in school history to earn 1,000 career points. Second, our team was playing for a share of the conference title.
A rich history of girls basketball at Manitowoc Lutheran, which dates back to the inaugural season in interscholastic play in the fall of 1974, marks a significant chapter in the school’s athletic legacy. The program began with an impressive level of enthusiasm and participation, demonstrating the strong interest among female athletes in the community. This initial season was remarkable not only for its commencement but also for the school's ability to field both an 'A' and 'B' squad, a testament to the depth of talent and the commitment of the players and coaching staff during those early days.
The establishment of two teams allowed more girls to engage in the sport, fostering a competitive spirit and providing valuable playing experience. This dual structure laid the groundwork for a program that would evolve over the years, nurturing countless athletes who would go on to excel both on and off the court. As the years progressed, Manitowoc Lutheran's girls basketball team became known for its dedication to skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship, creating a culture that prioritized not only winning but also personal growth and camaraderie among teammates.
Throughout the decades, the program has seen various milestones, including conference championships, playoff appearances,(WISAA & WIAA) individual accolades for standout players, and college scholarships. The coaching staff has played a pivotal role in shaping the program’s direction, instilling a strong work ethic and a passion for the game in each generation of athletes. Alumni often reflect fondly on their experiences, highlighting the friendships formed and the life lessons learned through the challenges and triumphs of high school basketball.
Community support has also been a cornerstone of the girls basketball program at Manitowoc Lutheran. Local fans, families, and former players have consistently rallied behind the teams, creating an electric atmosphere at home games and fostering a sense of pride within the school. The 'Lancer family' though the efforts from groups such as 'Friends of Lancers' has helped to sustain the program through the ups and downs, ensuring that the legacy of girls basketball continues to thrive here for years to come.
As the program looks to the future, it remains committed to developing young athletes who embody the values of hard work, resilience, and teamwork, ensuring that Manitowoc Lutheran’s rich history in girls basketball is not only preserved but also enhanced for many years to come. The foundation laid in that inaugural season of 1974 continues to inspire current and future players, proving that the spirit of competition and community engagement is alive and well in Manitowoc Lutheran's girls basketball program.
With just over three minutes remaining in the first half, on a pass from classmate Makiah Krause, Marissa scored her 1,000th career point and finished the game with 18 to bring her up to 1,005 total. Our Lancers would go on to secure the overwhelming victory over Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah 73-26.
With the victory on Monday the Lancers secured their 20th win of the season and earned co-conference champions for the Big East North Division, finishing 11-1 in conference, tied with St. Mary's Catholic who the Lancer split with this season. This is just the 4th conference championship in school history for our girls basketball program! To say it was a historic night is an understatement. Gods blessings run deep here at MLHS, to Him alone goes the glory, honor and praise.
Team Conf. Overall
Manitowoc Lutheran 11-1 20-1
St. Mary Catholic 11-1 20-2
Howards Grove 8-4 14-8
Reedsville 5-7 8-14
Mishicot 4-8 7-15
Elkhart Lake 3-9 7-13
Hilbert 0-12 1-19
In the extensive 51-year history of high school girls interscholastic basketball, a remarkable achievement has been reached by only seven exceptional athletes who have scored over 1,000 points throughout their high school careers. This milestone not only highlights their individual talent and dedication to the sport but also serves as a testament to the growth and evolution of girls' basketball at the high school level. These athletes have not only excelled on the court but have also inspired countless young players to pursue their dreams in basketball, paving the way for future generations. Let’s take a closer look back at those trailblazers who laid the foundation for Marissa and others like her.
SAVE THE DATE
Saturday, February 22 ALUMNI BASKETBALL GAME - Alumni of all ages welcome!
If you are interested in playing please contact Emily Roffers (Behnke '19) emily.behnke01@gmail.com .
At halftime of the varsity game on February 22, we will recognize the WISAA State Runners up from 1988-89, the WISAA State qualifiers of 1989-90, and the WIAA State qualifiers from 2017-18, as well as the coaches of those respective teams. Please help us spread the word about this event!
REMAINING GAMES
Tuesday, February 18 home MLHS (20-1) vs Kiel (16-5) - 7:15pm
Saturday, February 22 home MLHS (20-1) vs Cedar Grove-Belgium (14-8) - 6:00pm
