BELGRADE — Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa made school history in 2019-20. And despite losing three starters to graduation, the Jaguars hope to repeat history with a second straight state berth.
“BBE is coming off (its) first-ever state tournament berth and (has) the goal of getting back there,” said Jaguars head coach Kristina Anderson, who is 149-86 heading into her ninth season.
“Even though the team loses three starters, they return plenty of depth and a large senior class with great leadership.”
The defending Section 5A champions will be led by senior forward Allisa Knight. An All-Central Minnesota Conference and All-Area selection in 2019-20, the 6-foot Knight hit 58 percent of her shots for 12.9 points per game along with 7.3 rebounds per game and 25 total blocks. Her biggest game came in the section championship with 22 points.
Along with Knight, senior guard Jackie Lindsay is the other returning starter for a Jaguars lineup that has seven seniors.
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Karissa Jones, a 5-8 senior forward, returns after finishing third on the team with 9.2 points per game on 54.2 percent shooting.
Four seniors are in the mix at guard in Karsee Kampsen (5.4 ppg, 49.0 shooting percentage), Abby Berge (6.2 ppg), Josie Knutson (3.9 ppg, 78.3 free throw percentage, 41 assists) and Liz French (2.1 ppg).
Anderson’s goal is to use BBE’s athleticism and quickness to full effect.
“This is a team that will look to pressure and play an up-tempo style of play,” Anderson said. “They have a great balance of guard and post play. They should be a fun team to watch.”
Going 9-5 in Central Minnesota play in 2019-20, the Jaguars open 2021 on the road against defending conference champion Royalton on Thursday, Jan. 14. Then, BBE has three straight home games: Tuesday, Jan. 19 vs. Paynesville; Thursday, Jan. 21 vs. Kimball; and Thursday, Jan. 28 vs. Holdingford.
