Sports
Robbinsdale Cooper Hopes to Gear up for March
Hawks girls basketball is starting strong as they enter challenging conference season
Hawks coach Jennifer Rademacher wants her team on the fast track to March.
"We want to be competitive and get better in each game, so we are playing our best basketball in March for the playoffs," Rademacher said.
The Hawks have speed and quickness with returning players Lay-Lay Rich, Chelsey McGee, Ashli Lee and Jazmyn Lee. They will also look to fill the shoes of graduates Kwanisha Patterson and Caitlin Stifter-Hennen.
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Rademacher has seen positive strides for her team early on, particularly on defense. Yet, she sees needs for improvment on the offensive end.
"We need to shoot the ball more consistently," Rademacher said.
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She also anticipates a challenging North Suburban Conference season for the Hawks. Benilde-Saint Margaret, Chisago Lakes and Totino Grace all have strong teams. BSM has lots of talent returning from a team that took third at state.
"Benilde-Saint Margaret's will be very tough this year," Rademacher said.
The Hawks have started 5-2 and will open North Suburban play on Friday against Irondale.
TEAMS TO WATCH
Benilde-Saint Margaret - The Red Knights have a 4-1 start going and boast a lot of talent.
Totino-Grace - The Eagles started the season 3-2 with Gabby Zehrer leading the charge with 19.2 points per game.
Chisago Lakes - The Wild Cats have plenty of punch offensively with Whitney Tinjum.
KEY RETURNERS
Whitney Tinjum (Chisago Lakes) - The Wisconsin Badger recruit gives the Wild Cats a big spark offensively with 26.2 points per game in the early season.
Hannah Niewald (Fridley) - She averages 21.5 points per game for the Tigers.
Gabby Zehrer (Totino-Grace) - She leads the Eagles in scoring with 19.2 points per game.
Khadijah Shumpert (Benilde-Saint Margaret) - She provides a tough presence in the post and gives the Red Knights double figures in scoring every night.
KEY LOSSES
Kaeli Kraska (Totino-Grace) - She led the Eagles in scoring with 18.6 points per game last season.
PRESEASON PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Whitney Tinjum (Chisago Lakes) - She gives the Wild Cats a chance to win on any given night, and she has already improved her points per game average from last season.