The Eden Prairie High School girls basketball team is set to enter the section tournament, coming off a successful regular season under the guidance of head coach Ellen Weise. Despite graduating four of its five starters and losing close to 90% of its scoring from the previous year, the team achieved an impressive 18-8 record.
This season’s success comes with a largely inexperienced roster at the varsity level, with most contributions coming from juniors who had limited playing time last year. The exception is second-year starter junior Tori Schlagel
“What this team has done thus far this season is nothing less than extraordinary,” Weise said.
The Eagles’ eight losses were against Wayzata, Hopkins twice (once by six points and once in overtime), St. Michael-Albertville, Minnetonka twice, Maple Grove, and Lakeville North — all of which were ranked in the top five at the time.
“Our team competed in the state’s toughest conference, faced the most challenging non-conference schedule, and with a roster led by juniors and sophomores, still achieved an 18-8 record,” Weise said.
Leadership among the juniors has been a key factor in the team’s performance. Captains Schlagel, Vanessa Jordan, and Abby Valiton have been praised for their leadership on and off the court.
“They are true leaders, understanding that leadership means putting the team above themselves and looking out for all their teammates in good and trying times,” Weise said.
The coach also emphasized the value of competition, noting that facing the best teams has prepared Eden Prairie for the challenges ahead.
As the team looks forward to the section tournament, the focus is on taking each game one at a time, emphasizing teamwork, defense, and adherence to the game plan.
Eden Prairie, which is ranked No. 2 in sections, will host its first tournament game against No. 7 Waconia this Wednesday at 7 p.m
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