The Manitowoc Lutheran Girls Basketball Team has had a week less preparation time to get ready for the upcoming season thanks to their state championship run in volleyball.
Regardless, they’re ready to tip the season off tonight as they travel to Brillion for a non-conference tilt with The Lions.
Several players off that championship team will suit up for Head Coach Mike Behnke, who told Seehafer Sports that he’s excited to begin his tenth season at the helm.
-“Getting back in the gym and working with the girls and the coaches is inspiring. Getting amped up in the gym is easy, working together to achieve a common goal. I’m excited to see what this team can accomplish.”
The Lancers were 10 and 2 in The Big East North last season and 21 and 5 overall. They return everyone but one senior (Peyton Luebke).
Assistant Coach Mike Behnke, Head Coach Behnke’s third cousin, says he likes the makeup of this year’s squad.
” We want to build off what we put in last year. The kids are excited about improving on the 1-3-1 zone defense, which allows us to use our athleticism to force turnovers and get out on the open floor.” He adds—
“I also feel we have kids that can score the ball in the half-court, which forces defenses to play us more honestly.”
Five seniors plus a talented core of underclassmen make up this Lancer team, which looks to unseat St. Mary Catholic in the Big East North.
Senior Addison Korte says they welcome the challenge of trying to duplicate the Volleyball team’s success, which won a Division Four State Championship earlier this month.
“I think a lot of that excitement will carry over (from volleyball). I believe that culture will continue as we have great student and community support to help us succeed on and off the court.”
They also look forward to playing in their new “on-campus” gym sometime after the new year. Senior “G” Ermis says she can’t wait.
“It’s such a beautiful court with all the colors and ambiance. Our crowds have been awesome. We feel that combination will give us a huge homecourt advantage and help us win many games.”
When you add all the ingredients together, it does bode well for success this season. Junior Makiah Krause on what separates them from the rest of the contenders.
“I think our chemistry, both on and off the court, gives us an edge. If we stick together, we can go as far as we want to.”
Tonight’s game in Brillion tips at 7 p.m.
