At long last, Richfield has its first date at state

LeeAnn Wise was having the time of her life.

Her ears ringing, her voice hoarse, the principal at Centennial Elementary School in Richfield was trying to arrange transportation for students across the school district on 20 buses. And there was still a pep fest to plan.

It is Wise's second job, as the Richfield girls' basketball coach, that has generated all the hubbub. The Spartans won the Class 3A, Section 6 championship last week, sending them to the state tournament for the first time in team history.

"It's been pretty crazy," Wise said. "The crowd we had at the section final was incredible. I didn't get my hearing back for two days."

State tournament appearances have become humdrum for some schools, but for Richfield this has become a reason for all to celebrate.

"I'm an elementary school principal and all of the kids at my school want to go to the tournament," Wise said. "This is a first for us. Everyone is kind of in awe."

While certainly out of the ordinary, the Spartans are no surprise entrant.

"I really didn't know what to expect," January admitted. "I know I didn't expect this."

What January, a 26-points-per-game scorer in 2011, did know was that she would need to become a more well-rounded player for the Spartans to improve. It was a tradeoff she never hesitated to make.

"I knew I needed to be a truer point guard," she said. "I had to give my teammates more opportunities."

January still leads the team, scoring 22 points per game, but Wise points to her passing as an indicator of her growth.

"What impresses me the most is that she's averaging [almost] seven assists per game," Wise said.

One thing is certain: The Barn's stands will be filled with Richfield supporters.