Excitement is building as the Blue Devils kick off their season with a good balance of new players and experience. Increased size and depth in all positions should only help the Devils' efforts in reaching post season play. Last season the Lady Devils fell just short of the MCAC State Tournament with a 14-12 record. Riverland's all time leading scorer (1183) Krista Viehauser, also named 2nd team All American, along with four other teammates (Brooke Rosenstiel, Joni Lillo; Waldorf College, Krissy Schemmel; Bethany Lutheran College, Danyel Hythecker) will leave a gap of talent and scoring ability for the new team to fill.
Returning this season are 3 inside players including Selena Gindratt (Georgia), and Bridgette Bergstrom (Marshall, MN) and Robin Arjes (Austin, MN) who started most games for the Blue Devils last year. Kim Craig (Adams, MN) returns on the perimeter along with Ashley Lau (Glenville, MN) who played on the 2007-2008 team that finished 5th at the MCAC state tournament and helped set the record for most team 3's in the tournament with 45. All returners gained valuable experience and have already proven their improvement from last season in the opening practices.
Seven new players join the five returners to help fuel the Devils' run on the hardcourt. Although a few have been away from competitive basketball a little while Hebrink couldn't be happier to add them to the roster. Takiyah Stewart, (St. Louis Park) played for Mpls North during their three year consecutive state title run. Rebecca Aase, (Austin, MN) also played for a state tournament qualifiying team in 2008. Brittany Murphy (St. Paul, MN), Cassie Masberg (Waterville, MN) Karley Phelps, (Owatonna, MN) Skyler Anderson (Albert Lea, MN) and Sophia Hebrink (Austin, MN) all bring great court experience and competitiveness with them as freshman.
"As we look to this season there is a lot of excitement... our players know we have a huge margin for improvement." Says Hebrink.
"Each individual is working to make themselves better. We have an intense group that wants to leave there mark. How well we come together as a team and take care of the ball will be key factors in making this season successful. I am thrilled at the committment these players have made and both Ryan (Weichmann, 2nd year assistant) and I look forward to working with this dynamic group of young ladies."
