The Willmar Cardinals girls basketball team triumphed in a thrilling overtime match against the Fergus Falls Otters, winning 56-53 in the Section 8AAA semifinals on March 2, 2024. This victory marks the Cardinals’ first appearance in a section championship game since the 2018-19 season, igniting hopes for a return to the state tournament.
Family Spirit Drives Team to Success
For Maddison Molacek, the emotional core of the team is what fueled their recent success. Before the game against Fergus Falls, the team gathered in the locker room, where the atmosphere shifted from tactical discussions to a heartfelt reminder of their unity. “This is our family and we cannot let this be the last time that this family’s together,” Molacek expressed. Her sentiment resonated as the Cardinals rallied to secure their place in the championship.
Willmar, seeded third in the section, is set to face off against top-seeded Little Falls on March 7, 2024, at Little Falls Community High School. The Cardinals, with a season record of 17-11, are aiming for their first state tournament appearance since back-to-back trips in 2017 and 2018. The Flyers, currently 22-6, are seeking their first state tournament berth since 1991.
Preparation for Championship Showdown
In their earlier meeting during the regular season, Little Falls edged out Willmar with a 46-35 victory. In that game, the Flyers held the Cardinals to a mere 25% shooting. Willmar’s defense also put up a strong front, limiting Little Falls to 30% shooting. As they prepare for the championship, Molacek noted, “If we can play exactly how we did on Saturday, then we’ll be in pretty good shape for Thursday.”
Central to Willmar’s game plan will be containing Malin Youngberg, the Flyers’ standout guard. Youngberg, a 6-foot sophomore who has already committed to play for South Dakota State University, poses a significant challenge. “Some would say she’s probably the best player in the section,” said Brendan Hedtke, head coach of the Cardinals. “She’s really good with the ball in her hands, she’s a really good shooter and a really good passer.”
In their prior matchup, Willmar managed to hold Youngberg to just 14 points, significantly below her average. Nonetheless, her supporting cast, including sophomores Khloe Schlagel and Reese Becker, as well as junior Samantha Pint and Youngberg’s eighth-grade sister Ehlin, will also need to be closely monitored. Hedtke acknowledged, “If (Malin’s) sharing the ball and willing to get her teammates involved, it’s really hard to defend.”
The Cardinals have faced significant challenges this season, including the loss of starting guard Isley Ripperger to a torn ACL early in the season. After experiencing a five-game losing streak in January, which included the loss to Little Falls, the team has shown resilience. Their semifinal victory exemplified their tenacity, as they overcame a seven-point deficit in the final moments of regulation. Telilie Lange scored the last eight points for Willmar, including the crucial basket that sent the game into overtime tied at 50-50.
In overtime, Willmar’s defense held Fergus Falls to just three points, concluding with a decisive steal by Molacek to secure the victory. This win represented a significant milestone for the Cardinals, being their first victory by a single possession since last season against Little Falls.
As the team looks forward to the championship game, Molacek emphasized the importance of teamwork: “Us winning on Saturday was because we played as a family.” With the pressure now on, she sees it as an opportunity. “Pressure is a privilege,” she stated. “It’s a privilege to be in this position and be with this team. This is a very special group of girls, and we have every capability to win this game on Thursday.”
