The Pequot Lakes girls’ basketball team hosted its team banquet on Tuesday, May 25, where forward Maci Martini was named the team’s most valuable player.
The sophomore averaged 17 points and five rebounds per game while shooting 45% from the field and 78% from the free throw line.
“Maci is very competitive, skillful and executes consistently on the court,” head coach Brian Lempola said. “We could always count on her to make the right play at the right time.”
ADVERTISEMENT
The Patriots finished the shortened 2021 season with an overall record of 18-3. The girls put together two winning streaks: one of 7 games and the other 8, and won the Mid-State Conference with a 9-1 record. The season came to an end in a 92-75 loss to Duluth Marshall in the Section 7-2A semifinals.
“Eleven players contributed pretty consistently throughout the season and it was a TEAM effort on a nightly basis,” Lempola said. “It was very rewarding to look up at the scoreboard at the end of the game and see multiple people scoring in double digits and many nights we had 9 or more make the scoring column and contribute.”
Senior Afton Crocker was named the team’s defensive player of the year, while Ella Kratochvil earned rookie of the year honors.
After leading the team in both assists and steals, Kelsi Martini earned the team’s Playmaker Award. She was also recognized for leading the team with a free throw percentage of 84%.
Morgan Eckes earned the Patriot Award, which is awarded by the coaching staff for “her outstanding positive attitude and energy she brought to the team on a daily basis.”
Lauren Schultz was recognized for leading the team in rebounds with 117 (5.6 per game)
ADVERTISEMENT
Larson, Maci Martini and Kelsi Martini were named to the All-Mid-State Conference team, while Crocker and Schultz earned honorable mentions. Additionally, the Martini sisters were named to the Brainerd Dispatch All-Area Team.
