New Prague coach Ron Gunderson didn't underestimate his girls' squad before the season like some basketball magazines did. The journals didn't show a lot of respect for the Trojans in their preseason polls.
"Some publications picked us as low as fifth in the section," Gunderson said. "They must have expected us to have a down year."
Instead, the Trojans (22-6) won the Class 3A, Section 2 title to qualify for their eighth state tournament appearance under Gunderson. All eight have come since 1992.
"We have some kids that were overlooked early on," Gunderson said. "They are better as a whole team than as individuals."
Seniors Annie Dittberner, averaging 15.6 points per game, and Lexi Ruehling, with a 13.4 average, lead the Trojans' attack. They have four other players averaging between 4.7 and 8.7 points per game.
"This group of kids isn't afraid of hard work," Gunderson said. "Practice isn't a chore for them."
New Prague, seeded fourth in the state tournament, will meet Missota Conference foe Red Wing (21-7) in the quarterfinals at noon Wednesday at Williams Arena. It lost to the No. 5-seed Wingers twice in the regular season.
"We can't avoid each other," Gunderson said. "It always ends up New Prague versus Red Wing. We don't have to meet in Zumbrota to exchange film."
