For Tori Schlagel, basketball is more than a sport – it’s her passion, her outlet, and a perfect fit for her competitive drive and team-first mindset.

“I’m a very competitive person, so basketball is ideal,” Schlagel said. “Unlike track or gymnastics, where it’s all about individual performance, basketball is about working together as a team. It’s fun to collaborate and contribute to the team’s success, knowing it’s not all on just one person.”

That blend of drive and camaraderie has propelled Schlagel to a historic milestone. On Dec. 28, she became Eden Prairie’s all-time leading scorer in girls basketball. Her 28-point performance against Rosemount pushed her career total to 1,466 points, surpassing Shayne Mullaney’s record of 1,462 points, which had stood for more than a decade.

“It felt really good,” Schlagel said. “I’m just extremely grateful, because not many people even get the opportunity to come close to breaking a record like this. I’m thankful for my teammates who’ve helped me along the way, my support system, my family and all the fans who come to our games. Coach Ellen (Wiese) has been amazing, too.”

Schlagel’s achievement places her in the company of Eden Prairie legends. Mullaney, a 2012 graduate who played for the University of Minnesota, and Jackie Johnson, another 2012 alum who played at Minnesota before transferring to Loyola Marymount University, previously held the program’s top scoring records.

Yet, Schlagel keeps her sights on the next play.

“Our main focus this year is to make it to the state tournament and come out on top,” she said. “The goal is to win everything, but more importantly, to win as a team.”

Eyes on the postseason

After falling short in last year’s section finals, Eden Prairie entered this season determined to take the next step. Behind Schlagel’s leadership, the Eagles (12-2) rattled off 12 consecutive wins after dropping their season opener to Maple Grove.

The strong start earned them the top spot in Class 4A rankings and the highest QRF (Quality Results Formula) in Minnesota – at least before their recent loss to Hopkins, ranked No. 2 at the time. Rankings aside, Schlagel and her coach remain committed to preparation for the postseason.

“Our non-conference schedule has been the toughest of anyone’s,” Wiese said. “I know that because of our QRF, but none of that really matters except for the fact that it puts a big target on our back. Our goals are postseason-focused. I think we do a great job of taking it one game at a time and keeping our eyes on the prize.”

QRF, a Minnesota high school sports ranking system, evaluates teams based on strength of schedule, wins and losses and margin of victory.

Schlagel credits her team’s cohesion and determination for their success so far.

“I feel like this team has been pretty much the same for the past two years, with a couple of additions,” Schlagel said. “Last year, we had a good season, but losing in the section finals was really tough, especially since we had won the year before. Ever since then, through the spring, fall and the start of this season, we’ve been focused on getting back to that game. Our goal is to win the section finals this year and show what we’re capable of.”

Even with the setback against Hopkins – an 83-66 home loss on Jan. 10 – Schlagel and her teammates remain confident. Schlagel, averaging 20.6 points per game, is leading a talented squad with high postseason aspirations.

“Every game is preparation for what we’ll face in the playoffs,” Wiese said. “We’ve seen the best teams in the state, and that’s exactly how we want it.”

A coach’s praise

Wiese has watched Schlagel’s rise from an eighth-grade call-up to a record-breaking senior.

“Tori is naturally gifted, but she’s also put in a ton of work,” Wiese said. “It’s not like she just steps on the court and dominates without effort – she puts in so much work outside of what we do here. That’s what sets her apart.”

Wiese, now in her eighth year as coach, emphasized Schlagel’s dedication beyond game day.

“She’s extremely coachable, studies film and does everything beyond just showing up to practice,” Wiese said. “In the Lake Conference, the best in the state, you have to go above and beyond – and she has, every step of the way.”

Schlagel credits Wiese for transforming the program and creating a supportive culture.

“It makes me feel good to hear that from Ellen, and I feel the same about her,” Schlagel said. “Before she arrived, the culture at EPHS wasn’t great, but she’s worked hard to improve it. She’s created an environment that will benefit younger players as they start their high school careers.”

Schlagel also pointed to the bond with her teammates as a key to the team’s success.

“This group of seniors is really special,” Schlagel said. “We’re not out there for our own stats or recognition. It’s about taking the team as far as we can go, together.”

Inspiring a new generation

For Schlagel, basketball’s biggest women stars – Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers – have served as inspiring role models.

“A lot of people, including myself, looked up to Paige when she was playing high school games,” Schlagel said of the Hopkins graduate and University of Connecticut standout. “I would watch her and think, ‘Wow, I want to be like that. I want to get on the court and be as dominant as she was.’ It’s the same with Caitlin – I look up to them and hope to have the kind of impact they’ve had on younger players who are looking up to them now.”

Clark, the former University of Iowa standout now making her mark in the WNBA with the Indiana Fever, has elevated women’s basketball to new heights, driving increased media coverage and inspiring girls to dream big.

“It’s really exciting to be part of women’s basketball right now,” Schlagel said. “There’s so much hype around the sport, especially after players like Caitlin Clark brought so much attention to it. More people are following and supporting women’s basketball, and it’s an exciting time to be involved in the game – and to be a woman in general.”

Wiese said it’s thrilling to see the growth in women’s basketball and the opportunities it now offers.

“The WNBA has completely exploded in popularity and opportunity in recent years,” Wiese said. “It’s incredible to see how many more chances players like Tori have, compared to their predecessors. The game has come such a long way, and it’s exciting to see it finally getting the recognition it deserves.”

What’s next?

Schlagel, who will play for the University of South Dakota next year, plans to major in business, inspired by her mom’s career in the field. She’s equally excited about joining a program with a strong basketball tradition.

“They’ve been a very good program,” Schlagel said. “There have been a lot of coaching changes over the past four years, but I think they’ve got a good coach now. They also have a great basketball program and an amazing fan base that’s really supportive and excited about women’s basketball.”

Her basketball journey has been a family affair. With her grandfather’s background as a college coach and her younger brother Ty excelling at Cretin-Derham Hall, basketball runs deep in the Schlagel household.

Off the court, Schlagel enjoys reading, painting and spending time with friends and family. But her commitment to basketball remains her driving force.

“I’m in the gym every day, all year,” Schlagel said. “It’s a lot of unseen hours – going even when you don’t feel like it, as well as when you do. I’d say consistency and discipline have been key to getting me where I am today.”

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Wiese builds a winning foundation

When Ellen Wiese became head coach of Eden Prairie girls basketball eight years ago, she inherited a program in need of a fresh start after several challenging seasons.

This year, Wiese became the school’s all-time winningest coach, surpassing Dee Dee Deeken’s record of 134 victories. Deeken coached the Eagles from 1995 to 2006. Wiese’s impact, however, goes far beyond the numbers.

“It’s been special to see how far we’ve come,” Wiese said. “The wins are a product of that effort, but what really makes it meaningful is the community and culture we’ve built along the way.”

A cornerstone of Wiese’s success has been her focus on building relationships. Each varsity player is paired with a youth team, attending practices and games to inspire younger players. “That’s helped create a connected culture where the younger kids come to our games and feel part of something bigger,” she said.

While milestones like her coaching record or Schlagel’s scoring title bring recognition, Wiese views them as steps toward a larger goal.

“You asked about (Tori’s) record and mine, and while we’re proud of those achievements, we’re not the type to wave a flag about them,” Wiese said. “But if we win a state title, you’ll see us waving that flag, no question.”

Eden Prairie’s season continues with a home game against Wayzata at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14.