With a 9-0 record within the Wright County Conference, Orono's girls' basketball team has been thriving under first-year head coach Ellen Wiese.

And, according to Wiese, Haley Erickson is a big reason why. The versatile forward does a little bit of everything for the Spartans.

She is second on the team in scoring and led the Spartans with 22 points in a recent loss to No. 1, Class 4A Hopkins. She is the defensive stopper. She even took over at point guard against Hopkins when the Spartans' starting point guard was injured.

"I can put her anywhere on the court and I don't worry about her," Wiese said. "She's done a phenomenal job."

Q You have a new coach, Ellen Wiese, this season. How has the transition gone?
A Going in, we had heard great things about her and knew she was an awesome lady, but we were a little scared about tryouts. We didn't know what to expect there.

Q Have all of your worries been calmed?
A Yes. From the first day of tryouts, we fell in love with the entire staff. They're hilarious. They're always making us laugh.

Q And the team is winning. So obviously, the change has been good. What is the reason for this team's success so far?
A I think we have great chemistry. Five of us have been playing together since about the fifth grade, so we know how to play with each other. So the coaches give us a lot of freedom. They urge us to shoot all the time. There's not too many strict guidelines.

Q Coach Wiese called you her most versatile player. What are your thoughts on Coach Wiese's opinion?
A Obviously, it's a great compliment to have the coach think that way. I love having that type of leadership role. I think it's a good thing to be a leader for all of the girls on the team.

Q You always guard the opponents' most dangerous offensive player. You never get a night off.
A I appreciate that she has me guard the toughest player. No, I don't get a night off, but I love the challenge. I find it very rewarding.

Q What are your defensive secrets?
A Just the basics. Hard work and determination. Staying low. Not reaching.

Q And moving your feet on defense. How many times have you heard that?
A Oh yeah, moving your feet [laughs]. I've heard that so many times since I've started playing. It's like second nature.

Q Who is the best player you've had to guard?
A Probably Marissa Janning of Watertown-Mayer. She's very good. We started off in a man defense, but I didn't do so good. We switched to a zone.

Q As a senior, this is your last year to play with the girls on your team. Has that sunk in yet?
A Yeah. We know it's our last hurrah. We're hoping to make the best of our senior year. I'm not going to play any further past high school, so we want to make it our best year and get to state.

Q Has the season lived up to your hopes so far?
A Definitely. I think this has been the most fun season we've ever had.