Shakopee girls win last Missota basketball title

The Shakopees girls' basketball team followed in the footsteps of the boys' program, winning the final Missota Conference regular season championship.

"One of our goals coming into the season was to compete for the Missota Conference championship," Shakopee coach Juan Mitchell said. "Winning the Missota in the final season is awesome for the players and the program. It's been a very fun season for us."

The Sabers, who finished the regular season with an overall record of 21-4, wound up with a 12-2 mark in league play. They finished one game ahead of Chaska.

Mitchell's group won at Chaska 55-45 the final week of the season. It also beat Chaska by nine points earlier in the season.

"The Chaska game was very intense, physical and a fun environment," Mitchell said. "The players played great defense, and we made some key shots down the stretch. We just made a few more plays than they did."

Sophomore guard Taylor Koenen paced the Sabers with a game-high 24 points. She leads the team in scoring, followed by junior forward Haley Zerr and sophomore guard Annie Rhinesmith. All three average double figures.

"With being a young team, you never know how your team will react to things, but this team has worked very hard to be the best they can be," Mitchell said. "We have a lot of leaders on this team, including our only two seniors Emily Horsmann and Greta Schleif."

"Whether in coaching or teaching, it is so important to surround yourself with strong leaders who share the same vision for success," Laufenburger said. "I have been blessed to work with some amazingly talented people, and I am excited to continue to have the same quality in our coaching staff."

Laufenburger was an assistant coach under Becky Egan, now at Hamline, for one year and Ted Reiff this past season. He also spent eight years as an assistant coach in Rosemount's program.

• Lakeville South senior Mitch Herrera was the only double winner in the Class 2A boys' swimming state meet at the University of Minnesota Aquatic Center. He won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:40.85 and 500-yard freestyle in 4:33.55.