PGH Minnesota Team Preview: Foley
We are onto team preview number 8 for the state of Minnesota in which we head to the central part of the state to preview the Foley Falcons coached by Chris Gross. The Falcons were a 16-10 team last year and should be…
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Continue ReadingWe are onto team preview number 8 for the state of Minnesota in which we head to the central part of the state to preview the Foley Falcons coached by Chris Gross. The Falcons were a 16-10 team last year and should be one to watch in the Granite Ridge conference again this season.
Falcons to Watch
Alaina Hageman, Guard, 2022
-Coach Gross called Hageman one of the best guards in the area. Has the total package as she can shoot from deep and get to the rim with confidence. She also is a 3-sport athlete, and her work ethic is off the charts as far as what you want from a player. Hageman will be crucial at creating turnovers for the Falcons, as she had 53 steals last year. Also one of the best free-throw shooters on the team as well.
McKenna Gross, Guard, 2021
-Gross is the only returning starter from last year’s Foley Falcons, so she will be the leader on and off the court for Foley. Versatile player that can play either the 1 or 2 positions with strength. Gross will be the team’s best 3 point shooter, as she made over 40 threes last year and look for that number to improve this year. Gross along with Hageman, will be the top defenders for the Falcons as Gross had almost 70 steals last season. She also has a great understanding of passing the rock as she was solid last season finding her Falcons teammates. Work ethic sides with Gross too, as she like Hageman, a 3 sport athlete for Foley as well.
Jayden Hermanson, Center, 2021
Hermanson plays very competitively, and she also is a strong post player with both hands getting good use also looks to improve on her near 50% field goal percentage she had last season. She is a “tough matchup” said Coach Gross for defenders to match up with, so that is a matchup we look forward to seeing this season.
Abby Mazacek, Guard, 2021
-Defense is Abby’s game as her top strength is on the ball defense. Mazacek is a very hard-working player that will be very competitive for the Foley Falcons this season
Madyson Gruden, Guard/Forward, 2022
-Gruden is a “new face” of the Foley Falcons program. She plays flex for the Falcons, and can lineup anywhere in the lineup. Can play the post position well, but can also as a guard, get to the rim with ease as well.
Team Goals for Foley
Foley has three goals for their season; win the Granite Ridge Conference, improve on their 16-10 record, and to push each other to get better as the year goes on. “We want to be peaking in March” Coach Gross told Prep Girls Hoops Minnesota.
Conference Rivals Foley Needs to Beat This Season
According to Coach Gross, the biggest competitors Foley will face is the Albany Huskies and the Zimmerman Thunder as those two have had the least turnover from last year’s teams. Gross also stated it will be “interesting to see how the Granite Ridge turns out with the turnover”.
Biggest Improvements for the Foley Falcons from Last Season
The largest areas Coach Gross said they need to improve on is committing key turnovers and rebounding the ball better. Foley returns a pretty fast and athletic roster, but taking care of the ball will be a huge factor in the way their season plays out.
Thanks to Foley head coach Chris Gross for the interview!