PGH Minnesota Team Preview: Alexandria Cardinals
For my third team preview for PGH Minnesota, I’m headed up I-94 to take a look at the Alexandria Cardinals, coached by the winningest female coach in Minnesota Girl’s Basketball history, Wendy Kohler. I was able to ask Wendy some…
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Continue ReadingFor my third team preview for PGH Minnesota, I’m headed up I-94 to take a look at the Alexandria Cardinals, coached by the winningest female coach in Minnesota Girl’s Basketball history, Wendy Kohler. I was able to ask Wendy some key questions to preview how the Cardinals will fare in the Central Lakes Conference this season.
Cardinals to Watch
Ella Grove Ella Grove 6'0" | CG Alexandria | 2020 State MN , Guard/Forward, Senior (2020), Committed to University of Mary (ND)
Ella will be the heart of the leadership for the Cardinals this season. She presents a matchup issue as a physical, lengthy guard that can attack the rim as well as knock down the big three. Inside the paint, Ella can post up with either hand, which makes her a tough matchup down low. She also had a great summer playing Minnesota Fury which took her game to an even higher level.
Mia McGrane, Senior (2020), Guard
Mia brings “grit, intensity, and is a hard nose competitor,” Coach Kohler said about McGrane. The thing that stands out about Mia is her handle, as she uses it to attack the basket or get the open three, which she has been efficient with shooting from deep. The team player is what makes Mia a great leader, as she was the assists leader last year as well. Can’t forget about steals, she’s a “lockdown defender” and led the team in steals as well last year. She also has a great vertical to get the boards with authority. McGrane along with Grove will be another key leader to the Cardinals senior class.
Alayna Strand, Junior (2021), Forward
Alayna is a matchup problem on defense as she uses her lanky frame to rebound with grit. Even offensively, her speed, length, and explosiveness will create all sorts of matchup problems in the Central Lakes this season. Her athleticism on both sides of the ball will be a huge strength for the Cardinals this season.
Lily Horn, Junior (2021), Guard
Lily’s assets to her game will be her clutch handles with the ball and her ability to be tough with rebounds. Also a great 3 point shooter, Horn will be a key guard to this Cardinals roster.
The Cardinals also expect very consistent contributions from Summer Gerhardt, Jaya Hatlestad, Mataya Hoelscher Mataya Hoelscher 5'5" | CG Alexandria | 2021 State MN , Cate Bloom, and Myah Kremer.
Team Goals for the Cardinals
When I asked about teams for the Cardinals; Wendy stated: “our goals are always TEAM oriented”. The battle cry every year for the Cardinals is that “the faces may change but our expectations do not”. The Cardinals look to be in the hunt for another section and conference title but have created a team-based effort. “No stars, everyone must do their part,” Wendy Kohler told me in one of her final quotes on team goals.
Alumni Coming Back to Build the Cardinals
Two former Cardinals helped out the program last summer. Kendall Kohler, who plays at Northern State (SD) and Macy Hatlestad, who plays at St. Thomas both were key contributors to the Cardinals program last summer. When asked about their contribution, Wendy said “They are both tremendous leaders, have a great work ethic and are excellent role models to our program.
Improving on Last Year’s Cardinals
The biggest improvement the Cardinals said they can make is to push the ball harder on offense and attack stronger when they have the ball. Forcing more pressure on defensively is one of their improvements they can make this year as well. “With the skill and depth the Cardinals have this year, attacking with the ball should come naturally.
The Central Lakes Conference Foes for the Cardinals
The four key programs to the Central Lakes will be Willmar who finished just one game ahead of Alexandria last year. Fergus Falls will be another who finished 12-3 in the conference, and 19-4 overall. As far as the tough battles, look for the games with Brainerd and Sartell-St. Stephen to be one to watch this year as both teams finished in the middle of the pack last season.
Thanks to head coach Wendy Kohler and the Alexandria Cardinals for letting us preview their team for this upcoming season.