HIGH SCHOOL JOURNALISM: Elkader Central eyes girls' basketball success

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By Kinsey Juergens, Elkader Central senior

ELKADER - With a devoted head coach and a committed group of players, the Central girls' basketball team has high hopes for this season and is anxious to get started.

The Warriors return nine upperclassmen and six sophomores who have experience and good basketball insight.

The girls' basketball team lost three significant seniors from last year, including two of the team's top three rebounders.

"The biggest aspect this year will be defense and rebounding," Coach Mark Wiley said. "We need to pick up the slack in those areas."

The Warriors are determined for more success this year because they have been so close in past years. Two years ago, Central lost to Tripoli in the second round of the postseason tournament by one point. Last year, the Warriors lost in a third-round tournament game to Bellevue Marquette by single digits. Bellevue Marquette ended up fourth in the state tournament.

The Warriors are ready for a winning season and a chance to go to state.

"It has always been a dream and goal to play on that Wells Fargo floor, and this could be the year," junior Kiana Stender said.

Central has put a lot of time in the gym during the off season. More than eight girls came into the gym more than 20 times this summer. This is a crucial part of being successful in the regular season.The coaching is an important aspect for the Warriors, too.  Wiley is entering his seventh year coaching girls' basketball. This consistency has proven to help the basketball program be successful throughout the years. This year the girls' team welcomes a new assistant coach, Kate Hudson. She played basketball for Iowa City High.

Hudson and Wiley are excited for this season to begin.