The Cannon Falls Girls Basketball team has begun their season with a win in their first game against the La Crescent-Hokah Lancers. So far, The Bombers have played five other games, losing four and winning one, bringing their overall record to 2-4. Nick Tennessen is the new coach for the Girls Basketball team this year, as Joel Rustad stepped down after the 2023-24 season. The team consists of one senior and one junior, along with some sophomores, freshman, and eighth graders. The Bombers have set many goals and are very optimistic about the season and growth to come.
Livia Tennessen, a sophomore and captain for the Bombers, was asked about the games so where she explained, “Even though we might lose games, I feel like we have more and more improvement each game.” She believes that the hard work the girls put in is evident and she hopes to keep growing as the season progresses. “Some goals I have as a captain is to push my teammates to become better players and for them to learn from their mistakes,” Tennessen stated. She also mentioned how she wants to not only grow in basketball, but also grow closer with the team to create a bond, which is key to teamwork in the sport.
“My first experience on varsity was very thrilling. All of my teammates were very supportive and welcoming,” Blake Johnson noted when asked about her first experience on varsity. Johnson is an eighth grader for the Bombers. Johnson loves the sport for many reasons, but she emphasized how much she loves the people on the team, “I also think that the Bomber Basketball Program is very positive which makes the season very fun and exciting.” Johnson looks forward to games and growth to come.
Anna Ritz is another one of the Bombers Captains, Ritz recently came back from an injury from the fall season. She stated, “I am definitely a little nervous to get back to playing after being out for a while, but more than anything I am just excited to play again.” Ritz added how she is hoping to provide some relief to her teammates since the Bombers struggle with low numbers. When asked about the team chemistry she responded with, “Our team chemistry is excellent, off the court we are all very close which helps us on the court because we trust one another.” Compared to last year, the team is virtually the same, so the girls have been used to playing with each other.
Nick Tennessen, the Girls’ Basketball Head Coach, was asked how he felt about the season so far, to which he responded, “I am really happy with how the season is going right now.” Tennessen previously coached JV for the Cannon Falls Boys Basketball program, but now has transitioned to the girls. Tennessen hopes to help the girls grow not only as basketball players but also as people in general. Tennessen believes that the girls are responding well to new ideas with the offense and defense. He also stated, “Things to work on would be our physicality and energy level.” Tennessen has many other goals for the season and is hoping to implement more and more with the girls as the season goes on.
The Cannon Falls Girls Basketball team is excited for where this 2024-2025 season will take them. Their upcoming opponents include the Byron Bears on Tuesday, December 17th, the PEM Bulldogs on December 20th, and the Triton Cobras on December 27th. The Bombers hope to see many fans at the games to come.
