Scott Antonutti begins his 6th season as the head coach of the Eskomos and sports an impressive 152-29 lifetime coaching record currently. His Eskomos made it to the state tournament last season & finished 3rd place. This squad could be equally good or better this year.

A pair of seniors along with a couple of high scoring sophomores are what is coming back. Sophomore Ava Gonsorowsk was the team’s leading scorer last season and her classmate Judy Wagemaker was the 2nd in scoring last season. The two seniors provide quality play and leadership as well. Bailey Mudek, who was on the all-tournament team at State & Ashley Bergeson, a 2nd team all conference player will provide great leadership this season.

A welcome addition back to the Eskomos this year is 6’5" Molly Trapp. She did not play last season, but will be a force in the paint this season due to her shot blocking skills. Five other letter winners with experience are back as well. Expectations to compete for conference and section titles this season are on the minds of all in the program and town.

Teams in the way of those dreams consist of Barnum and Cromwell in the conference, while Barnum again along with Aitkin and International Falls are the early teams looked at as possible contenders in Section 7AA. 

Those games with Barnum and another with Class AAA Grand Rapids are ones that will be watched by many in the girl’s basketball circles this season. It will be fun to follow this squad in their quest to return to State.

For more previews or high school basketball discussion, visit the MN Buckets Forum.