WILLMAR -- For the second straight year, Ridgewater College plays host to the MCCC women's basketball state tournament today through Sunday.
Eight teams are involved in the competition for the first-place trophy and spots in the regional tournament.
The host Lady Warriors placed third last year and would later advanced to the NJCAA Division III Tournament after winning a one-game Region 13A playoff. This year Ridgewater comes in as the No. 4 seed out of the South Division.
Itasca returns to defend its 2006 championship. The Vikings tipped Ridgewater 61-56 in the semifinals and then dispatched Minneapolis 79-74 in the championship. Sophomore Tarah Geisler, a two-year starter, leads the Vikings in scoring (13.3 points-per-game).
For Ridgewater, guards Amy Ballard and Kayla Karnes, wing Ashley Olson and post Melissa Sterkel return from last year's state tournament team.
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One of the top players back from last year's tournament is Rochester forward Brittany Gladis, who is averaging 16.2 points and 9.0 rebounds-per-game. South Division champion Anoka-Ramsey is led by freshman forward Sonja Ellingson (16.8 ppg, 4.5 steals per game).
North Division
1. Itasca, Grand Rapids (12-0, 19-4), 68.3 ppg, 49.5 allowed .... Key players: Tarah Geisler 13.3 ppg, 34 3-pts; Megan Zubke 71-94 FT, 75.5%; Michelle Bessler 68-124 FG, 55%; Alexa Grones 5.3 apg.
2. Mesabi Range, Virginia (9-3, 21-6), 65.4 ppg, 49.9 allowed ... Key players: Jenna Norman 14.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg; Breann Stottler 47 3 pts, 3.7 apg; Jamie Fosness 22 3-pt; Shelby Slygh 4.3 spg, 10.6 spg.
3. Northland, Thief River Falls (9-3, 12-14), 61.6 ppg, 63.1 ... Key players: Jackie Fossum 15.7 ppg, 8.1 rpg, 5.4 apg; Casey Engelstad 12.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg; Sarah Rindahl 8.0 rpg; Susan Satre 27 3-pts, Jackie Fossum 58 3 pts, Lynsey Roppe 33 3-pts, 2.5 spg; Amber Stirling 4.3 spg, Heather Keogh 2.6 spg, 3.4 apg
4. Central Lakes, Brainerd (5-7, 8-17) 50.0 ppg, 50.0 allowed .... Key players: Megan Meyer 2.1 spg, Whitney Glazier 7.
South Division
1. Anoka-Ramsey, Coon Rapids (9-1, 19-4), 64.5 ppg, 48.2 allowed .... Key players: Sonja Ellingson 16.8 ppg, 25 3-pt, 4.5 spg; Desirae Robinson 19 3-pt, 3.7 apg; Marlayna Graffi 9.0 rpg; Amanda Reh 4.7 apg.
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2. Rochester (8-2, 18-8), 66.4 ppg, 54.2 allowed ... Key players: Brittany Gladis 16.2 ppg, 9.0 rpg; Trisha Peterson 39 3-pts; Kassie Helmer 13.1 ppg; Abby Lindquist 4.4 apg, 2.0 spg; Whitney LaBrash 2.0 spg
3. Minnesota West, Worthington (5-5, 10-16), 61.5 ppg, 65.9 allowed ... Key players: Jacinta Boever 14.3 ppg, 66 3-pts, 2.1 spg; Stacy Bush 57 3-pts, 4.4 apg
4. Ridgewater College, Willmar (4-6, 11-13) 56.0 ppg, 56.4 allowed ... Key players: Hilary Goorthius 14.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg; Kayla Karnes 2.3 spg, 4.6 apg; Melissa Sterkel 7.6 rpg; Ashley Olson 44-64, 68.8 FT %.
