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They're No. 1: Goodhue weathers early storm

By Luke Meyer, Star Tribune, 02/18/11, 12:36PM CST

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Wildcats earn No. 1 state ranking for first time in school history


Goodhue players watch from the bench during last year's state title game loss to Barnum. /Star Tribune file photo

As early season starts go, a 4-3 record is less than desirable. But in having to endure such a beginning to its season, the Goodhue girls’ basketball team quickly learned to weather an early season storm.

A daunting start to the 2010-2011season included a 65-35 loss to Red Wing (ranked No. 10 in Class 3A), and home losses to 2A schools Rochester Lourdes (ranked No. 8) and Winona Cotter.

For head coach Josh Wieme, the early season competition proved to be a great teaching opportunity to ready his team following a runner-up finish in Class 1A last season.

“Our competition those first few weeks was very, very tough,” Wieme said. “Playing bigger schools makes a big difference. We see a lot more size and depth. It’s been a huge advantage for us.”

Has it ever. Since its loss to Cotter on Dec. 14, the Wildcats have won 18 straight entering Friday night’s home contest against Zumbrota-Mazeppa while earning the No. 1 ranking in Class 1A this week for the first time in school history.

Confidence-boosting wins during the streak include a pair of road wins at ranked Class A schools – New Life Academy (No. 9) and Section 1 foe Spring Grove (No. 3).

Win streaks and rankings aside, the Wildcats yearn for another chance to prove themselves at the state tournament following a 2009 state quarterfinal defeat and last year’s championship loss to Barnum.

“Our main goal is to get to the state tournament,” Wieme said. “We want to validate last season and prove we belong.”

To earn the program’s fourth state tournament appearance, Wieme will rely on a talented group of returners that is as deep and quick as any team he has coached. Leading the way is senior point guard Courtney Hinsch, a player Wieme points to as his leader despite a lack of gaudy numbers or a “flashy” game.

Hinsch has flourished during her third year of varsity action. After becoming the starting point guard late during her sophomore campaign, Hinsch credits the teaching style and philosophies of Wieme in helping the team achieve its success.

“He’s really taught us how to play great defense and emphasized how defense can win games,” said Hinsch of her coach. “Before him, we really didn’t know how to play defense. Now we can control the opposing offense and rattle some teams.”

The 1995 Kenyon-Wanamingo graduate and University of Wisconsin-River Falls alum completed two separate seasons as head boys’ basketball coach at K-W before landing at Goodhue and taking over the reins of the girls’ program for the 2008-2009 season.

Despite never having coached girls before, Wieme has learned to adapt to the differing style of play while continuing to push and motivate his players as he always has.

“I press a little more and play a little bit more up-tempo,” Wieme said. “This group wants to be pushed and wants to be challenged.”

Now laying claim as the top team in Class 1A, Hinsch recognizes that a new challenge awaits.

“It’s exciting to be ranked, but it’s not really anything until you can prove it,” Hinsch said. “We want to work for it.”

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