Grafton Spoilers: Season Sampler

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas (PGHD) is going back to Class A Region 2 for this Season Sampler article. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">We are taking a deep dive into the Grafton Spoilers. They have intriguing ballers with exciting talent. PGHD believes that they are ready for a breakout season in Class A.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>See below for a treasure trove of information on the Spoilers!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1051770,"width":"307px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/10/image_505646.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1051770" style="width:307px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>NAMES TO KNOW</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050973' first='Kate' last='LeClerc'] (2025) 5'9" Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1051796' first='Annelise' last='Presteng'] (2025) 5'7” Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1051803' first='Molly' last='Bjorneby'] (2025) 5'9” Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='405979' first='Savannah' last='Blackcloud'] (2025) 5'11” Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='342159' first='Paityn' last='Ziegelmann'] (2025) 5'5” Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='956239' first='Sydney' last='Suda'] (2025) 5'10” Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paige Suda (2026) 5'7” Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Emma LeClerc (2026) 5'5” Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isabelle Woinarowicz (2026) 5'6 Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Joslyn Kalbrener (2026) 5'5” Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>STATS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TEAM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PPG:</strong> 49.7 <strong>OPPG:</strong> 56.4 <strong>RPG:</strong> 35.2 <strong>APG:</strong> 12.7 <strong>TOPG:</strong> 19.1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RETURNING STATISTICAL LEADERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1050973' first='Kate' last='LeClerc'] - 11.8 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 51 - 3 pointers<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1051796' first='Annelise' last='Presteng'] - 2.9 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 2.8 APG<br>[player_tooltip player_id='1051803' first='Molly' last='Bjorneby'] - 1.8 PPG, 2.5 RPG<br>[player_tooltip player_id='405979' first='Savannah' last='Blackcloud'] - 8.6 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 1.6 APG<br>[player_tooltip player_id='342159' first='Paityn' last='Ziegelmann'] - 2.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 2.9 APG<br>[player_tooltip player_id='956239' first='Sydney' last='Suda'] - 3.2 PPG, 1.7 RPG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>LAST SEASON</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season was a down season for the Spoilers, finishing with a record of 6-16. The Spoilers struggled with the transition into the new 3-Class System, where every game was high level competition. Grafton had trouble taking care of the basketball and had too many turnovers during the season. However, they are excited for a fresh opportunity this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>OFF-SEASON</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grafton had a solid off-season by participating in the Grand Forks Red River Summer League, attending team camps, and putting in the work at their weekly skills camp. The Spoilers used the off-season to work together as a team and get people into new positions for the upcoming season. The majority of players put in the extra time with different professional trainers in speed and strength training.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Top Players</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1050973' first='Kate' last='LeClerc'], [player_tooltip player_id='405979' first='Savannah' last='Blackcloud'], [player_tooltip player_id='342159' first='Paityn' last='Ziegelmann']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1050973"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671c11fcf2dee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is the team's returning leading scorer and was an All-Region selection last year. Leclerc is one of the top 3 pointer shooters in the state. LeClerc gets the respect of the other coaches in Region 2, easily a top talent up north. Primed for a monster senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["405979"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671c11fcf2e4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blackcloud is the team's returning rebounding leader and second-highest returning scorer. She is strong, physical, plays through contact, and is a tough matchup. Savannah can work the outside game and also be a huge presence in the inside game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["342159"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-671c11fcf2e90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ziegelmann is the team's returning point guard and floor general. She has a great understanding of the game, a good feel, and a high hoops IQ. She makes her teammates better players and compliments LeClerc &amp; Blackcloud perfectly. Ziegelmann is a playmaker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1051803' first='Molly' last='Bjorneby']</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1051796' first='Annelise' last='Presteng']</strong>, and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='956239' first='Sydney' last='Suda']</strong> also return from last year's rotation. Bjorneby is a post-defender with great rebounding ability. Presteng is a good perimeter shooter with quickness. Suda is a physical post player with a great touch around the rim.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>UP-N-COMERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Paige Suda</strong> &amp;<strong> Emma LeClerc</strong> are both players who will help out the varsity this year. Suda is a quick guard that has playmaking ability. LeClerc is a 3-point shooting threat and rebounds well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>STYLE OF PLAY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grafton likes to play a fast-paced style of basketball. On the Offensive end, they like to use ball movement in their sets and work with an inside-out mindset. Grafton has the ballers to score on the interior and from beyond 3-point land.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the Defensive end, the Spoilers will press at times, but focus on the half-court defensive sets more. Grafton will often rotate between different trapping zones and man-to-man D to keep the opponent off-balance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>TOP DEFENDER</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1051796' first='Annelise' last='Presteng'] - She has quickness and athleticism to allow her to keep players in front of her. Presteng has an energy that doesn't stop and takes a lot of pride in defending opponents who are top players on the other team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>GOALS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continue to improve throughout the season. The Spoilers want to give themselves a chance to play for an opportunity to go to State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>TOP SHOOTERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1050973' first='Kate' last='LeClerc'] - She is a great set shooter with extended range. When locked in, LeClerc is one of the best 3-point shooters in North Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='405979' first='Savannah' last='Blackcloud'] - She has great range. Blackcloud can shoot the triple with excellent accuracy and also has a consistent shot from two-point range. Savannah is both a set shooter and someone who can create her own shot off the bounce.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='342159' first='Paityn' last='Ziegelmann'] - She is a set shooter from the 3-point range. Ziegelmann can also create off the dribble with a pull-up or floater.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>TOP IN REGION 4</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TEAMS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devils Lake</strong> - will be the team to beat in the region and the state. they return a good portion of their team from last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Thompson</strong> - has great talent returning from last year and is always a top program in the State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Four Winds-Minnewaukan</strong> - Returns a very good young lineup that continually improved as the season went on last year. They are a scary squad.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PLAYERS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='550491' first='Kya' last='Hurst'], [player_tooltip player_id='342171' first='Addison' last='Sage'] - Thompson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1000498' first='Suri' last='Gourd'], [player_tooltip player_id='1050762' first='Cailee' last='Hanson']- Four Winds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='933650' first='Tylie' last='Brodina'], [player_tooltip player_id='316053' first='Cabryn' last='Fritel'] - Devils Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1050973' first='Kate' last='LeClerc'] - Grafton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>FINAL COMMENTS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grafton needs to do a better job at adjusting to the competitiveness of the 3-Class System and bring their A-game every night. They compete in a tough Region and play a daunting non-region schedule that will help them continually improve as the season progresses and hopefully, they can be play into March. It is going to be a fun season for the Spoilers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800","fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800">BEST OF LUCK TO THE SPOILERS THIS SEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":897493,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/PrepGirlsHoops.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-897493" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->