Edina Girls Hoops Ready to Take Next Step

Edina girls basketball coach Matt Nilsen gestured toward the banners hanging in the gymnasium during a recent practice, quickly pointing out that the wall is far from full.

The currently undefeated Hornets, boasting a team filled with talent and strong senior leadership, has its eyes set on adding to the collection.

“It would mean so much,” senior captain Katybeth Biewen said. “It would just be icing on the cake. It’s been a great four years, but going to state I think is an experience everyone remembers for the rest of their lives.”

No question, Edina is just steps away. The Hornets have lost in the section championship game in each of the past two years—last year to Eden Prairie—and this year the squad is 11-0 and outscoring its opponents by an average of 63-43.

The key? Nilsen said his squad has a camaraderie and leadership mix that makes a difference on the court.

“We’ve got great team chemistry,” he said. “The kids are a fun group to be around. I hop it’s everybody’s best part of the day to come to practice or to come to games. They really play well together, they’re totally selfless, and I think we’re pretty deep.”

Along with Edina’s leadership—made up of five seniors and one junior captain—the Hornets are filled with potential. Now, those leaders’ objective is to keep the program progressing throughout the season.

“We have to continue to work on our offense and our defense and work as a team,” junior captain MC McGrory said. “We need to stay motivated and energized through practice and through the tough times.”

If the Hornets do so, the payoff could be unforgettable.

Nilson pointed to the 2006-07 banner hanging on they gym’s wall. That team, which went 26-5 and finished third at state, was the last Edina girls basketball team to reach the state tournament.

Nilson was a varsity assistant that year, and despite its differences the one thing he remembers about that team compared to this squad is the leadership.

He hopes that similarity carries on.

“It’s Edina,” Nilson said. “The state tournament is always the goal.”

Biewen is optimistic. Having been one win away for two straight years, this senior class understands what it takes to get over the top.

They’re prepared to put in the hours and let the wins and losses take care of themselves.

“It’s just going to take all of us working as hard as we can, playing as a team and being ready for each game,” Biewen said. “We always say that our earliest games are just as important as our last ones. We just need to get better each game.”