Player Profile: Madison Gehloff (2019)

<p>The Waseca girls had never ever been to a state tournament until last March, when senior guard Emily Karsten and sophomore forward Madison Gehloff led the BlueJays into 2 games at Mariucci Arena and Concordia University. Waseca lost them both, but with 4 starters returning it was not much of a leap to think that they might be back in 2018.</p> <p>Then came last spring’s semi-annual redistricting which moved Faribault and Jordan out of Section 2AAA and (drum roll, please)…………..moved Hutchinson in. Now a Waseca-Hutch dogfight would seem to be in the offing, though you won’t have to wait until sections to see it. They’ll meet on January 13 at Hayfield. But, then, it’s not unlikely there’ll be a rematch in March.</p> <p>Waseca will feature sophomore shooting guard Gus Boyer, the junior Gehloff, junior point guard Taylor Hiller and sophomore forward Hana Potter. 5-10 junior Brianna Highum has the inside track on the 5th starting slot. But, it’s Gehloff, their leading scorer the past 2 years, who gives the BlueJays their swagger. She scores from downtown (5-of-9 at state last year) and she gets to the FT line (8-of-11). She’s just 5-9 but she grabbed 14 boards at state, too.</p> <p>Let’s meet Madison Gehloff, from my father&#39;s hometown of Waseca.</p> <p><strong>Madison, when did you start playing basketball?</strong></p> <p>I started playing basketball in 5th grade because one of my friends said they needed more players for the team, and that it would be a lot of fun. I decided to sign up and it was the best decision of my life!</p> <p><strong>When did you begin to realize that you might have a knack for the game?</strong></p> <p>I started realizing that I had the ability to play basketball at an above average level when I was in 7th grade. I got the opportunity to be moved up to play C-squad and then the next year I was playing with the varsity team. </p> <p><strong>How do you describe your game? What are the things you do on the court that help your team the most?</strong></p> <p>I would describe my game as being disciplined on both sides of the court. On offense, I will be aggressive by driving into the lane and finishing around the rim and also taking shots but knowing when not to force a shot. On the other side, defense, I move my feet and close out hard. I also go after every board, first boxing out and then finding the ball. I stay on my toes on defense to get the stop and then finish on offense. </p> <p><strong>What are working to get better at?</strong></p> <p>I have been working on being strong with the ball and aggressively attacking the basket so I can finish under any circumstance. I have also been working on my ball handling skills and moving my feet quicker on defense. </p> <p><strong>How would you compare summer ball and school ball?</strong></p> <p>To me summer ball is always more aggressive than school ball. In summer ball, I like that aggressive factor because it helps you better your game both mentally and physically. Also, the college exposure is great in summer ball. In high school ball, the game is more controlled which I like. I love playing basketball in the high school season because you know exactly what your teammates are going to do and where they will be in the game because you&#39;ve played with them for so long. There is a sense of family and home in high school ball. </p> <p><strong>Do you see yourself playing basketball after high school?</strong></p> <p>Yes, I do see myself playing basketball at a higher level and I really want to. But, I am not very far at all in selecting a school. </p> <p><strong>Who are you going to be playing with next summer?</strong></p> <p>I am going to be playing with the Minnesota Fury in the summer. The program always does a great job of getting our team college exposure and tournaments where we can play and compete with other really good teams. </p> <p><strong>What are your goals for the BlueJays this winter?</strong></p> <p>This winter as a team we want to head back up to state. My goal for the team is to work hard every single day and continually push each other to get better.  We pride ourselves on our defense so one of my goals for the team is to keep our opponents at a very low scoring rate. Individually, I want to get 1,000 points and then break the record for leading scorer in Waseca&#39;s girl&#39;s basketball history. </p> <p><strong>What advice would you offer to younger girls who want to optimize their opportunities?</strong></p> <p>My advice would be to always work hard and give your maximum effort. It is also very important to get in the gym or go outside to shoot. You need to get shots up to help your game. Also, get into the weight room to build your strength and cardio because it can help your game tremendously. </p>