GRANITE FALLS — The Yellow Medicine East girls basketball team hopes to build around three returning starters who likely will dictate the Sting’s fortunes in 2021.
The trio were key players in a 13-11 2019-20 season that included a 9-7 record in the very strong Camden Conference South Division.
Leading the way is Shelby Mortenson, a 6-foot junior center who earned all-conference honors as a sophomore. Mortenson averaged 11.5 points per game, second-best on the team. She shot 48 percent from the field and contributed 8.3 rebounds per game, as well as 3.6 blocks per game. She’ll be the center of attention for opponents’ defenses.
Also back is Brylea Ruff, a 5-9 senior guard. Ruff averaged 5.9 points per game, making 27 of 102 three-pointers and shooting 84 percent from the free-throw line. She chipped in with 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.5 assists per game last season.
The third member of the trio is Yansi Flores, a 5-10 junior forward. Flores averaged 2.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game.She led the Sting in assists.
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They try to replace Madison Hinz and Lauren McCosh, who graduated. Hinz led YME with 16.0 points per game. And had 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 steals and 2.5 assists. McCosh contributed 6.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.
YME has had back-to-back winning seasons under head coach Ryan Schultz, who is back for his third season.
The Sting opened Jan. 14 at Central Minnesota Christian, then were scheduled to play Jan. 15 against Lac qui Parle Valley in Granite Falls. Their next game is Jan. 21 at home against Renville County West.
