Houston girls basketball had looked up at first half deficits before. Versus Hayfield in the 1A semis, they trailed 10-1. Versus Kingsland in the 1A finals, they trailed 9-3. But versus #1-ranked Minneota (22-0), in a battle of undefeated
teams in a state quarterfinal contest, Houston (18-0) dug a hole too deep against a squad way too good. The Vikings entered as the most recent Class A state champion. They won the 2019 state title (30-1) and were in the semifinals last year as the tournament’s #1-seed (31-1) before COVID ended their chance at a repeat. Over the past three years, Minneota posted a collective record of 83-2. They entered the 2021 state playoffs on a 40-game win streak. The Vikings have nine state appearances and two state titles since 2011. Their head coach Chad Johnston entered with a 446-111 career record. The Hurricanes have been a strong regional program in recent years. They were getting their first chance on a state stage. It could be called David versus Goliath. The first half played out that way (only the big guy won). Olivia Beckman hit an early three to give Houston a 5-4 lead. The Vikings then used a host of skills to reel off 31 unanswered points, taking command 35-5. They held Hurricane leading scorer Emma Geiwitz scoreless in the first half (0-for-3 shooting, all threes). The halftime score was 43-15. Minneota won a more competitive second half 24-19. But the verdict was never in double. The Vikings prevailed handily by a final of 67-34. Houston’s awesome ride into uncharted waters finally was ended at Mankato-East High School. Geiwitz led Houston in scoring (8 pts, 5 rebs). She only had a couple steal and break-out opportunities, her bread and butter. Sydney Torgerson (7 pts, 7 rebs, 3 asts, 3 stls) was her biggest help. Beckman (5 pts, 5 rebs), Becca Rostad (5 pts), Amelia Torgerson (4 pts), Ashytn Meyer (3 pts), and Priya Kingsley (2 pts, 5 rebs, 3 asts) also scored. Minneota was led by the duo of All-State players 5’11” junior forward Natalee Rolbiecki (21 pts) and 5’9” senior guard Abby Hennen (21 pts). The latter hit five threes, as the Vikings hit nine trifectas. It is a tough end to a great season for the ‘Canes. Their first loss is their last loss. They finish 18-1. Houston as a school hadn’t had a state qualifier all of their own since the football team won the 9-Man title in 2008. The senior class of Geiwitz, Rostad, A-Torgerson, Allison Papenfuss, and Bev Hahn got to live the high school hoops dream of making state.
Coach Dale Moga; “The girls basketball team has accomplished many things over the last five years. They have changed culture and standards for Hurricane girls’ basketball. People will not forget what they accomplished on the court with conference championships, a section title, and state appearance, but the players, managers, and coaching staff will remember so much more with the relationships that were created during this season and past seasons. We spend a lot of time together and make sacrifices to strive to be the best version of ourselves and at the end of the day we can all hold our heads up high and be at peace no matter the result.”
All-Journal Basketball Teams
The Fillmore County Journal began covering high school sports in 2010. “All-County” teams for boys and girls basketball, highlighting the top talent from the county were created. Coverage of Houston High School was added a few years later, but the squads were still called All-County (despite the Houston’s location in Houston County). With the additions of three more non-Fillmore County schools – Grand Meadow, LeRoy-Ostrander, and Spring Grove, and the impending addition of Caledonia (amidst the Journal’s expansion), the phrase All-County is obsolete. All-County becomes ‘“All-Journal 10,” to represent the ten schools amidst our coverage umbrella. It will become “All-Journal 11” when the Warriors are fully added next year. With an expansion from seven to 10 schools, this year’s list grows from two teams to three.
2020-2021 All-Journal 10 Boys Team 1st Team
Headlining the first team is Reid Johnson (6’2” Sr. G, Chatfield): It was a stellar year for the Gophers stand-out. Johnson dropped points in bunches, put himself at the top of Chatfield’s all-time scoring list, and, most importantly, finally played on a winning team, helping the Gophers to a 15-5 campaign and a near huge play-off upset of Stewartville. Reid averaged 21.7 PPG to lead his team in scoring for a fourth straight year, adding 6.8 RPG and 2.2 SPG. His percentages were super impressive; 51.5% from the field and 44.6% from distance (66 of 148) plus 74.3% from the line. He notched five double- doubles as a guard. Johnson hit double-digit scoring every game and popped for 20-plus 14 times. He finishes his career as Chatfield’s all-time leading scorer (1,668), a mark that is up there for any boy from any school in Fillmore County. For his career, he had 86 double-digit scoring games including doing so in every game, save two, from his sophomore year on (69 of 71). Reid three-peated as All-TRC and makes his third All-Journal team (two-time 1st teamer).
Checking in next on the list is Caden Grinde (6’4” Sr. G, Spring Grove): The SEC Player of the Year, Grinde led the Lions to an East division title and a 13-4 record. He led his dad’s team in scoring (19.2 PPG) and the entire SEC in steals (4.7 SPG). Grinde added good across the board numbers; 5.0 RPG and 4.2 APG. He was maybe the most-rounded player in his conference and on this list (the only to go 19/5/4/4). He finished second in his league (SEC games) in scoring to L/P’s Buay Koak. Grinde shot a highly effective 49.8% from the field, a litany of dunks helping said percentage. He also led SG in 3-pointers (23) and free throws made (52). He scored in double figures in all but two games and topped 20 points seven times. He had four-plus steals 15 times. Finished his career with 1,150 points, which is 11th in SG history. He also ranks top 10 in SG history in steals (5th > 261), assists (8th > 279), and blocks (7th > 52). He earned his third All-SEC honors (second time 1st team). Grinde has signed to play college ball at Upper Iowa University.
Next is another multi-year SEC stand-out, Colt Landers (6‘4” Sr. F, Grand Meadow). He is the only four-time All-SEC pick on the list (second team as a freshman, 1st team the last three years). Landers finished off a stellar career. He averaged 16 PPG-plus for four straight years, including a team-best 16.5 PPG as a senior (plus around 7.0 RPG and 2.5 APG). He finished with the GM boys scoring record (1,945 points), eclipsing the previous mark by 667. His career scoring average is 16.3 PPG. He was over 1,000 points his sophomore year and had the boys scoring mark already by his junior. For his career, he hit 269 career threes (five years of at least 31 makes each season). Landers helped key teams that went a collective 50 and 24 the last three years. Had there not been COVID, he would’ve scored 2,000 career points easily.
Rounding out the first five are a pair from R-P. Justin Ruberg (6’3” Jr. F, Rushford-Peterson) used his interior abilities to lead his team in scoring (14.5 PPG) and rebounding (6.7 RPG). He scored in double-digits in all but two games. He topped 15 points 11 times, shooting excellently all the way around; 56.9% FGs, 30.1% threes, 73% FTs. He shot 50% of better in 17 of 20 games. He heads to his senior year very close to 1,000 career points. Ruberg earned All-TRC for a second time and makes his second All-Journal first team.
Luke O’Hare (6’3” Sr. F, Rushford-Peterson) finished up a four-year varsity career by attaining a big personal milestone and helping the Trojans back to the Section Final Four. O’Hare averaged 12.8 PPG to go along with 4.9 RPG and 1.8 SPG. He hit double digits 15 times. He led the squad in steals while finishing second in scoring and rebounding. O’Hare topped 1,000 career points amidst shooting 46.3% from the floor and 76.9% from the free throw line. Earned All-TRC for a third time and makes his third All-Journal team (first time first teamer).
2nd Team
Making his first inclusion on an All-Journal team is Cole Johnson (6’3” So. G/F, Chatfield). While his older brother scored in bunches, Cole did a lot of the other things including running the offense as the Gophers’ point forward. The sophomore averaged strong across the board numbers in helping Chatfield to a 15-5 campaign; 8.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.9 APG, and 2.5 SPG. He was team leader in assists and steals, recording 10-plus assists three times. He earned his first All-TRC selection.
Doing the same was Zach Haugerud (6’1” Sr. G, Fillmore Central). He had an excellent season for the Falcons, averaging a team-best 19.2 PPG while adding 5.2 RPG. Haugerud hit for at least 17 points in every game save two. Over his junior and senior years (42 games), he put up 684 points, or 16.3 PPG. An excellent shooter, Zach went 36 of 93 from distance for the season, a strong 38.7%. He hit three-plus threes in a game seven times. Earned All-TRC after being All-TRC as a junior.
Tanner Olson (6’3” Jr. F, LeRoy-Ostrander) stepped into the role as the Cardinals top player. Olson led L-O in scoring (13.9 PPG) and finished second in rebounding (5.8 RPG). He had big games versus G-E (30 pts, 11 rebs) and Kingsland (28 pts, 7 rebs) and averaged 16.2 PPG over the first 11 contests of the year. Shot a solid 45.1% from the field. Earned All-SEC 2nd Team.
Also making his first “main” All-SEC team is Cayden Tollefsrud (5’9” Fr. G, Mabel-Canton). The Cougars leading scorer as just a freshman (12.8 PPG), Tollefsrud was also first in steals (2.1 PPG) and second in rebounding (5.6 PPG). Cayden hit 41 threes at a 30% clip while shooting 72% at the free throw line. He hit multiple threes in a game 13 times. Performed the rare freshman-on-varsity feat of topping 20 points (including a career-high 30 versus Cotter). An All-SEC 2nd Team pick.
Next up is Carson Gerard (6’3” Jr. F, Spring Grove). The Lions interior weapon, Gerard averaged a team second-best 10.5 PPG and a team-best 6.2 RPG. He chipped in 2.2 SPG. Gerard shot very well from the floor (54.5%) and scored in double figures in 11 of 17 games. He made All-SEC 2nd team.
3rd Team
Heading the third team is John Prestemon (6’0” So. G, Lanesboro). The Burros top player missed part of the year to injury, but still led the team in scoring (9.8 PPG), assists (3.6 APG), and steals (1.6 SPG) while adding good rebounding (3.9 RPG). He finished third in the SEC in assists per game (4.2), league games only. Made the All-SEC 2nd team and an All-Journal team for a second time. Taylor Glynn (5’11” Jr. G, Grand Meadow) was another good SEC guard. The Larks’ point, Glynn was third on the team in scoring (10.2 PPG) while adding good rebounding (about 4.5 RPG), assists (about 2.5 APG), and steals (about 1.5 SPG). He scored in double figures in 12 of 17 games, always between 10 and 15 points. Glynn is an All-SEC 2nd Team pick. From the TRC comes David Castleberg (6’3” Sr. F/C, Chatfield). The Gophers pure post inside, Castleberg was a three-year starter. He averaged 8.9 PPG and a team-second-best 6 RPG, shooting 51.9% from the field. His efforts amidst the Gophers 15-5 team earned him All-TRC. It was a tough year for the Hurricanes and Noah Kingsley (6‘0“ Sr. G, Houston), as they went winless. But the senior put up good numbers (and team-high’s), averaging 18.1 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 2.7 APG, and 1.9 SPG. Kingsley scored in double figures in all but one game including posting a career-high 38 points in his last game. He hit multiple threes 16 times in 18 games, including three-plus on 11 occasions (57 total threes made). He finished fourth in the SEC in scoring (17.4 PPG), league games only. He is an All-SEC HM pick. Rounding out the group is Elijah Solum (6’0” Fr. G, Spring Grove). He had an excellent freshman season, averaging 9.8 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 3.2 APG, and 1.9 SPG. Solum led the Lions in three-point shooting percentage (20 of 61, 32.8%). He scored in double figures 10 times in 17 games and is an All-SEC HM pick.
The Honorable Mentions
Among the honorable mentions are a couple players from Chatfield, Drew Schindler (5’9” So G) and Henry Gathje (5’11” Sr. G). Both made All-TRC Honorable Mention. Schindler broke out with an excellent sophomore year, averaging 9.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, and 2.9 APG. Hit a team-second-best 28 of 83 threes (33.7%), helping the Gophers to a 15-5 season. Trevor Hershberger (5’11” Sr. G) made All-TRC HM for the Fillmore Central. All the teams in the SEC got one HM pick. Evan Oehlke (6’1” Sr. F) used his athleticism to earn the honor for GM, as he averaged 8.9 PPG and around 5.5 RPG. Isaac Collier (5’11” Sr. F) was L-O’s pick after averaging 6.3 PPG and 5.6 RPG. Gavin Johnson (6’2” Sr. F) made All-SEC HM for a second straight year for M-C. He was second on the Cougars in scoring (10.2 PPG) and first in rebounding (5.8 RPG) while adding some steals (1.6 SPG). Johnson had eight double-digit scoring games, but topped 19 points in four of those contests. Lanesboro’s All-SEC HM pick also worked down low. Ryan Holmen (6‘2“ Sr. C) had his season ended by injury, but he was second on his team in scoring (9.7 PPG) and rebounding (5.0 RPG). Holmen shot 47.8% from the field. Rounding out the crew is Kingsland’s All-SEC HM pick, Walker Erdman (6’2” Jr. G). For a second straight year, he led his team in scoring at 13.4 PPG. Chipped in 5.0 RPG and 1.7 SPG.
*All stats are calculated by Paul Trende, taken from stats sent to him by coaches. Subject to error.
All-Journal 10 Girls Basketball Teams 1st Team
Headlining the first team is Emma Geiwitz (5’9” Sr. G, Houston). The ‘Canes senior ended a fabulous four-year varsity career by taking her team where few do, the state tournament. Geiwitz averaged an SEC-best 22.7 PPG plus 6.3 SPG for the 19-1 Section 1A champs. She added 5.4 RPG and 3.9 APG. She led her in team in points, assists, and steals. With her quick reflexes and open court speed, set the Hurricane all-time steal record (414). She had 14 games of 5-plus steals as senior including double-digit steals four times. Probably would’ve set the Hurricane all-time scoring mark, had the season not been cut short by COVID. Geiwitz finished second in Houston history with 1,660 points. Alyssa Rostad holds the record at with 1,756 and Geiwitz played 10-plus less games as a senior than normal. Emma scored in double figures in all but two games and topped twenty 16 times (including averaging 24.3 PPG in four section 1A play-off games). For her career, scored 20-plus points in a game 44 times. Posted three straight years of at least 18.0 PPG. Won or shared four SEC division titles in her four years. Lived the majority of the Houston girls basketball resurgence, going 77-24 since 2017-2018 (winning percentage of 76%). A two-time All-SEC 1st team pick, one time All-SEC 2nd team pick, and makes her third All-Journal team (three-time first teamer). Also made All-State Class A Honorable Mention.
Next up is Ellie Buchholtz (5‘8” Sr. G, Kingsland). The Knights top player finished off a fabulous four-year starting career by leading her team in scoring (18.1 PPG) and rebounding (6.7 RPG), finishing second in assists (3.0 APG) and steals (4.5 SPG). Said averages jived with her junior year production (19.4 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.3 APG, 3.1 SPG). She put up three years of in excess of 16/6/3/2.5. Led Kingsland to a second straight SEC-West title and a Section 1A runner-up, a 17-3 record. Ellie scored in double-figures in all but one game and topped 20 points ten times. She did so efficiently, shooting 49.3% from the field and 31.4% from deep (after starting the year at 10% through seven games). Finished her career with 1,549 career points, one ahead of Sister Lauren in the Knights record books. Ellie scored 20-plus 27 times in her career. Her graduation concludes the Buchholtz Era at Kingsland, as her and sister Lauren (plus brother Zach) had all been All-Conference. An All-SEC 1st team pick for a second time after being All-SEC 2nd team as a sophomore. A three-time All-Journal pick (all first team). Also made All-State HM for a second time this year.
Enhancing her street cred was Sydney Torgerson (5‘9” So. F, Houston). She ascended this year as a major stand-out for the ‘Canes. In her third year of varsity, Torgerson averaged a team second-best 15.2 PPG and team-best 9.7 RPG, notching eight double-doubles. She added 2.6 APG and 3.4 SPG. Used terrific post moves to hit double figures in all but four games, shooting excellently from the field (51.3%) and the free throw line (72-93 > 77.4%). Shot better than 50% from the field 12 times and hit seven or more free throws in a game six times. Averaged 18.5 PPG in four Section 1A playoffs. Should be the next Hurricane 1,000-point scorer (she is well north of 800 points with two years left). An All-SEC 1st Team picked after making 2nd Team last year. Makes her second All-Journal team.
Next up are a pair of Chatfield players, gals who helped the Gophers have a nice 9-7 season. Jaiden Zimmerman (5’8” Jr. G, Chatfield) led the squad with 13.6 PPG. She used excellent three-point shooting as her main weapon, making 29 of 82 threes at a strong 35.4% clip. Also averaged 3.9 RPG, 2.0 APG, and 2.0 SPG. Zimmerman scored in double figures ten times in 16 games, oddly topping 15 points each time. An All-TRC selection. Teammate Kara Goetzinger (5‘8“ So. F, Chatfield) used her sweet mid-range game to average 11.1 PPG, hitting at an excellent 51.8% clip. Also chipped a team-best 6.1 RPG. She scored in double figures in 10 of 16 games. Made big leaps after averaging under 2.0 PPG playing only a little on varsity as a sophomore. Not as accredited as state champion wrestler brother Seth, but an All-TRC pick on the b-ball court.
2nd Team
Heading the second team is Houston’s third key option Becca Rostad (5‘6” Sr. G, Houston). She got to live the senior’s dream, taking her team to state. Older sister Alyssa holds the school-record for points but Becca boasts more team success, having played on squads that went 77-24 the past four years, won or shared four SEC titles, and claimed Houston’s only Section 1A title. Rostad averaged 11.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG, and 3.7 SPG during the campaign. She hit a team second-best 22 threes, but four crucial ones versus Kingsland in the section final. An All-SEC 2nd Team after being All-SEC HM as a junior.
Helping her team get to five-hundred this year was Brielle Ruen (5’8” Jr. G, Lanesboro). She averaged team-bests 11.4 PPG and 3.6 SPG for the Burros. Chipped in a team third-best 6.3 RPG. Hit a team-best 36 threes including splashing down three-plus in a game eight times. Scored in double figures 14 times in 20 games. An All-SEC 2nd team pick.
Helping Ruen was a namesake, Kaci Ruen (6’0” So. F/C, Lanesboro). She’s the only Journal 10 player to average a double-double (10.2 PPG, 10.4 RPG). She was second on the team in scoring, first in boards and field goal percentage (50%). Ruen had eight double-doubles on the season. An All-SEC HM pick.
Anika Reiland (5‘5” So. G, Kingsland) was probably the SEC’s best on-ball defender. She used her speed and athleticism to harass, rebound, and pass. Averaged 7.0 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 3.5 APG, and 4.7 SPG. Reiland notched five or more rebounds 17 times, five or more assists five times, and five or more steals 13 times. A fast-twitch athlete and key cog to the Knights Section title run. Kingsland’s All-SEC HM pick.
Teammate Sam Wernimont (5’4” Sr. G, Kingsland) rounds out the second team. Kingsland’s designated quick-release shooter, Wernimont averaged a team second-best 9.9 PPG along with 1.8 APG and 1.4 SPG. Wernimont hit a team-best 37 threes including one in every game save one. Helped Kingsland to a Section Runner-Up. All-SEC 1st Team after being All-SEC 2nd team as a junior and HM as a sophomore.
3rd Team
Topping the third team is Kammry Broadwater (5‘8” Fr. G/F, Fillmore Central). The Falcons’ most versatile player, the third Broadwater girl averaged team-bests with 8.8 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, and 2.7 SPG. She followed in the footsteps of her sisters Kenzie and Kassidy, and has three years to go. An All-TRC HM pick. A pair of Larks check in next. Kendyl Queensland (5‘8” So. G, Grand Meadow) finished second on her team in scoring (10.2 PPG), hitting a team-best 23 threes at a team-best 38% clip. Also averaged 3.8 RPG and 1.6 APG. An All-SEC 2nd Team pick. Teammate River Landers (5’11” Jr. C/F, Grand Meadow) led the Larks in scoring at 10.6 PPG while shooting 54% from the field. Also was second on the team with 6.2 RPG, adding 1.8 APG. An All-SEC 2nd Team pick. Kaylee Ruberg (5‘11” Jr. F, Rushford-Peterson) led the Trojans in scoring at 13.6 PPG. She hit double figures in 15 of 19 games including topping 20 three times. Averaged in excess of 5.0 RPG per game too (stats insufficient). An All-TRC HM pick. Brother Justin Ruberg is 1st Team boys All-Journal 10. Rounding out the third team is Kelly Hanson (5’10” Sr. C, LeRoy-Ostrander). Used her strength and skills to average a team-best 13.1 PPG, plus a team second-best 5.8 RPG. Converted field goals at a 56% rate. Hanson scored in double figures in all but two games for the Cardinals. An All-SEC 2nd Team selection.
Photo by Dawn Hauge
The Honorable Mentions
Jordyn Newgard (5’6” Sr. G/F, M-C) made the All-SEC 2nd Team. She finished tied for second for M-C with 5.7 PPG and 5.8 RPG while adding 2.2 SPG and 1.9 SPG for the Cougars. Newgard led M-C in assists and steals. A pair of Gophers, a pair of Falcons, and a pair of Trojan made All-TRC Honorable Mention. Peyton Berg (5‘7” Jr. G/F, Chatfield) averaged 6.2 PPG and a team second-best 5.8 RPG plus 1.8 APG. Teammate Tessa McMahon (5‘5” Jr. G, Chatfield) point guarded the Gophers, averaging 6.6 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 5.1 APG, and 2.3 SPG. Her assist total was one of the best in the TRC. For the Falcons, Maddie Krage (5‘7” Sr. F, FC) tied for a team second-best with 7.5 PPG and 5.5 RPG, while adding 1.9 SPG. Lauren Mensink (5’7” Jr. G, FC) also made All-TRC HM for FC. For R-P, Alayna Helgemoe (5‘6” Sr. G, R-P) is one Trojan HM pick, as she averaged a team
Photo by Dawn Hauge
second-best 6.7 PPG plus in excess of 4.0 RPG (stats insufficient). Emarie Jacobson (5‘8” Jr. F, R-P) is the other. The SEC teams all get one HM pick. Sydney Cotten (5‘6” So. G, Grand Meadow) is the Larks’ selection. She averaged a team third-best 7.4 PPG along with 3.4 RPG and 3.1 APG. Cotton hit 22 of 74 threes, a solid 30% clip. Priya Kingsley (5’6” So. G, Houston) took big steps as Houston’s point guard, averaging 6.0 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.8 APG, and 3.8 SPG for the section champs. Jordan Runde (5‘8” So. G/F, LeRoy-Ostrander) averaged a team second-best 11.1 PPG to go along with 5.1 RPG and 4.1 SPG. The sophomore had six games of five-plus steals and notched L-O’s highest scoring game of the year (22 points). Kinley Soiney (5’9” 7th F, M-C) had an eye-opening year as just a 7th grader for M-C, leading the Cougars in scoring at 7.1 PPG and rebounding at 6.3 RPG, adding 2.2 SPG. Finally, Jordian Leahy (5’7” Jr. G, Spring Grove) made All-SEC HM for the Lions, leading them in scoring (11.4 PG) while chipping in some boards (3.2 RPG).
*Fillmore County Journal Sports page is a written collaboration by Paul Trende and Lee Epps.