Home / Sports / Willmar Cardinals: A Family's Fight for State
Willmar Cardinals: A Family's Fight for State
4 Mar
Summary
- Willmar won a thrilling overtime game against Fergus Falls.
- The team views themselves as a family, battling adversity.
- They face top-seeded Little Falls for a championship title.
The Willmar Cardinals girls basketball team is preparing for a significant championship game, fueled by a strong sense of unity. They recently clinched a hard-fought 56-53 overtime victory against Fergus Falls in the Section 8AAA semifinals. This triumph marks their first section championship appearance since the 2018-19 season.
Their next challenge is against the top-seeded Little Falls Flyers on Thursday. Willmar, holding a 17-11 record, hopes for their first state tournament berth since 2017-18, while Little Falls aims for their first trip since 1991. Coach Brendan Hedtke highlighted the difficulty of defending Little Falls' star guard, Malin Youngberg, and her supporting shooters, noting the team's past struggles against similar opponents.
The Cardinals have overcome considerable adversity this season, including the loss of a starting guard to injury and a mid-season losing streak. Their semifinal win showcased their resilience, with a remarkable comeback in the final moments of regulation. Player Maddison Molacek emphasized the team's 'family' bond as the key to their success and expressed confidence in their ability to win the championship.
