New Eastview coach Molly Kasper has her team embracing a theme of constant improvement this season.
“We really emphasize getting better every single game and every single half,” Kasper said after the Lightning dominated White Bear Lake 60-31 on Saturday night in the Pat Paterson Thanksgiving Tournament at Hamline University in St. Paul.
Eastview, which is ranked No. 4 in Class 4A poll by Minnesota Basketball News, was given a jolt this spring when former coach Melissa Guebert stepped down after four years on the bench.
Under Guebert’s guidance, the Lightning went 115-13, made four straight Class 4A state tournament appearances and won the title two years ago.
Kasper has instituted a new offense that has already paid dividends, as the Eastview recorded wins over No. 3-3A Bloomington Kennedy (59-51) on Friday and Saturday’s win over the No. 7-4A Bears.
“I think in these two games, we’ve been able to get some chemistry together and continue to grow,” Kasper said.
Junior guard Allie Pickrain, who sank five three-point baskets in the second half against White Bear Lake and finished with a career-high 22 points, has embraced Kasper’s system.
She said the Lightning is excited about the new scheme and the team's top priority is returning to last season’s form.
“We’re all ready to get back to where we were last year,” Pickrain said.
Pickrain is quick to deflect any praise for her shooting performance to her teammates.
“It could have been anyone out there making those shots,” Pickrain said.
Junior guard Rachel Ranke, who is Eastview's top returning scorer from last season, added 12 points in the win over the Bears to earn a spot on the all-tournament team.
Ranke said having Pickrain on the perimeter gives the team another scoring option if an opposing defense collapses on the Lightning’s frontcourt.
“I can always find her on the court,” Ranke said. “And I know she will knock down a shot.”
