Despite a quarterfinal loss to Sauk Centre, the future looks positively dazzling for Minnehaha Academy.
The Redhawks made the Class 2A girls' basketball state tournament with a lineup packed with freshmen and sophomores. Of the few upperclassmen on the roster, only junior Terra Rhoads receives significant playing time.
"We're pretty excited," coach Josh Thurow said. "We might have been one year ahead of schedule this year, but that's fine. We couldn't be more excited about the future."
Rhoads, whose younger sister Taytum Rhoads led the team with 25 points Wednesday, perked up when asked about what lies ahead.
"I think this provides great experience for us," she said. "We're lucky to be here, but I'm really looking forward to next year."
Options stay open
Roseau senior guard Kiley Borowicz is a 3,000-point career scorer and has led the Rams to the Class 2A semifinals for three consecutive years. The 5-8 Borowicz has yet to make a college commitment, however, and the question of why is something she hears frequently.
"Just about every day," she said in the aftermath of the Rams' 82-64 quarterfinal victory over New Richland-HEG. "I'm hoping to play Division I, either with a scholarship or walking on."
Borowicz has had numerous offers at the Division II and III levels but isn't ready to give up on her dream.
"I've worked so hard that I feel I can do better," she said. "I know I can play at the highest level."
Supportive community
First-time state tournament qualifier Waseca brought a solid crowd Wednesday to Mariucci Arena. Fans weren't just cheering good basketball, they were reciprocating the community support players showed last fall. About 10 inches of rain fell during September flash flooding in Waseca, washing out county roads, submerging cars and swamping basements. Varsity athletes pitched in.
"All of our school's sports teams went around and helped," senior guard Emily Karsten said. "We went and hauled sandbags. We don't have a very big town, but we have a lot of support for one another."
