Post by Admin on Oct 2, 2014 10:49:54 GMT -6
Find me a small school, heck any school, in MN who had 13 kids make over 20,000 shots in a 7 week period this past summer. They then had 9 more made at least 12,000. That is what the MIB girl's squad did this summer and also ventured together to 6 summer tourneys. This is a major credit to head Coach Jeff Buffetta and his staff Brian Buffetta & Doug Schmitz for building such a strong hoops culture.
Coach Buffetta has a lifetime record of 312-115 in 16 years at MIB, they finished up last year 28-3 & lost in the opening round of state tourney to eventual champion Win E Mac. The goal for the squad this year is to return to the tournament and advance further this year.
Guard play & depth are the strengths of this team. There is a lack of height with no one over 5'9. All of MIB's post players graduated last year, so expect the depth they have to provide an up tempo game for the full 36 minutes with many kids getting action.
Lissy McCullough, headed to Jamestown University next season & Kianna Martinson are seniors who'll be the big sisters and be pushing the younger kids to excel. Juniors Tatum Primeau, Cora Peterson, & Abby Schneider are quality players who know their roles and understand the system.
A couple of super sophomores and other youngsters provide good vibes for future seasons beyond this one. Chelsea Mason was all-conference and all-state last season. Teammate Mya Buffetta is an outstanding player in her own right. Both Mason and Buffetta eclipsed the 1,000 point mark as freshmen. They are a nice one two punch, but that's not the end of the talent. Sophomores Patty Overbye and Austyn Dagen also look to get themselves in the mix. Freshman post Mary Burke will be developing her game to contribute to this team as well. Also don't be surprised to see a couple 8th graders get some time off of an outstanding junior high team.
A game with Esko at Esko and a game at the Breakdown Tip Off Classic are early tests that the MIB girls look forward to. The Rangers also picked up tough non conference games against Pequot Lakes, Barnum, Red Lake, Proctor, Braham, Hibbing, Roseau, Warroad, and Maranatha Christian Academy. Arrowhead conference play will be competitive with some good squads. The section is stocked with other excellent teams in Cromwell, Cherry, Cook County, & South Ridge. Northern MN hoops is a girl's basketball mecca. Plenty of great teams and talent up there.