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Upsala hungry for deeper playoff run

By Taylor Lunemann, Long Prairie Leader, 11/23/11, 4:01PM CST

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Cardinals feel just as strong as last year's 24-2 team


Aimee Pelzer

Last season, the Upsala Cardinals girls’ basketball team only lost two games and to just one team, Sebeka.

This year, the Cardinals look to continue playing well in the Prairie Conference. They finished 24-2 last season, falling to Sebeka for a second time in the subsection finals.

Head coach Paul Pelzer has made it a team goal to not only get to the subsection finals, but to go beyond that.

 

“Once again we’d like to win the Prairie Conference and hopefully get further in section play,” Pelzer said. “Hopefully we can get back to the subsection finals and win a few more playoff games.”

 

The team will be similar to last year’s squad. The Cardinals only lost two seniors last year, and have a deep bench.

 

“We’re experienced, most of the girls have been playing for two years and a couple have played for three,” Pelzer said. “I expect we can go eight or nine players deep, which is good for a school our size.”

 

Aside from the players having good varsity experience, Pelzer believes the team will have a good season because of their numerous strengths.

 

“As a team we have very good ball handlers, shooters, and we are very fast and quick,” Pelzer said. “The girls also came to practice in good shape. Most of them just came off volleyball so they’re strong, ready to go, and pumped for the season.”

 

He thinks the only weakness the team might have is their lack of height, but believes their athleticism will make that less of a factor.

 

In the offseason, the girls played in a tough 16 team Alexandria league against many bigger schools. The girls did well finishing first in the regular season league play and second in the playoffs.

 

They also participated in a pair of summer tournaments. One was played in Sauk Centre and then the Cardinals hosted one as well.

 

Pelzer believes the Prairie Conference will be tougher than some think this year because of the additions of West Central and Long Prairie-Grey Eagle.

 

The first week of practice went well and there were some pleasant surprises for the coaches.

 

“Other than a little rust here and there, we were happy to see many younger girls making good impressions,” Pelzer said. “There’s going to be some young players coming up and contributing for us this season.”

 

The Cardinals will open up the season at home when they take on LPGE Dec. 2.

 

www.lpleader.com

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