Previewing the Breakdown Crossover Classic

Grant McGinnis January 13, 2022 @ 10:55 AM

Next year at this time she’ll being playing in front of packed houses at South Dakota State University. This weekend will be one of the star attractions at the Breakdown Crossover Classic in Perham where her Fergus Falls Otters will be one of six girls teams on hand. Here’s a rundown on the teams, match-ups and players to watch. 12:45 p.m. – Sartell-St. Stephen vs Detroit Lakes Sartell-St. Stephen has put together a very impressive season to date. Coach Katie Martin has the Sabres playing fast and fierce. The press, they trap, they sprint – a combination many opponents have been overwhelmed by. Sartell is led by a trio of really good juniors, including the gritty , speedster and floor general . Senior guard Megan Driste is a big part of the Sabres’ attack, as well. While the Sabres have speed and quickness the Lakers offer up size and experience. Detroit Lakes is built around three veteran leaders: Abby Larson, and Jacee Hauser. Larson is a versatile guard who runs the Lakers’ offense from the point and is a very scrappy defender. Bettcher is 6-foot power forward with plenty of length who can really defend. Hauser is a gym rat, a 5’11 guard who is a lights-out shooter. They’ll have success if they put their athleticism and grit to good use. 3:45 p.m. – Hawley vs Henning Double trouble. That’s what the Hawley Nuggets bring to the floor. That’s because twins and are a two-headed monster for other teams to guard. The senior sisters, who have committed to play college basketball at Montana State-Billings, are skilled, they’re quick and they can shoot it. Longtime coach Bill Gottenborg will also rely on 5’10 forward Anna Steer, whose court vision and passing ability are key to the Nuggets attack. The Henning Hornets faced a daunting task this season as coach Mike Hepola’s team graduated over 4,200 career points from its lineup. Of course the bulk of those points (2,248) belonged to longtime leader Ellie Dague, who graduated last spring and is now at North Dakota State University. So far the Hornets have exceeded expectations and are off to a nice start. Henning is led by junior guards Ally Hart and Faith Fisher. The team’s strength is turning pressure defense into transition offense. 7:00 p.m. – Fergus Falls vs Perham With South Dakota State commit running the show, the Fergus Falls Otters are a handful for any and all opponents. Coach Josh Steer’s high-flying squad includes not only Colbeck’s vast array of D1-level skills but another college-bound standout in senior guard , who has committed to MSU-Moorhead. The elite shooter and all-around performer has been a starter since 8th grade. In the middle is senior post Anna Polejewski. Fergus Falls is a perennial state tournament contender. Besides home court advantage, the Perham Yellowjackets will bring plenty of assets to this contest. Coach T.J. Super’s squad is led by some solid veterans along with Top 50 sophomore . The big forward is a walking double-double who is having a breakout season. She’s joined by senior sharpshooter , a versatile guard who can really fire it. Senior guard Greta Hillukka has battled injuries over the past couple of seasons but is a big contributor when she’s healthy. Unfortunately point guard is still rehabbing a major knee injury. She’s a player to watch in the future. Top photo: Tory Ratz, Anna Polejewski and Ellie Colbeck Ellie Colbeck 5'9" | PG Fergus Falls | 2022 State MN of Fergus Falls. (Photo courtesy of Breakdown Sports)