×

Senior guard Carsyn Osterman to lead Baraga Vikings girls basketball team

The Baraga High School girls varsity basketball team includes, front row from left, manager Corina Jahfetson, McKenzie Barrett, Alex Jahfetson, Chelsea Pittsley and manager Reide Osterman. Top row from left, Kerstyn Clisch, Justice Kinnunen, Brooklyn Fish, Carsyn Osterman, Casey Mleko and coach Keith Willis. Not pictured are players Ashtin Lindemann and Megan Kinnunen. (Paul Peterson photo)

BARAGA — Keith Willis isn’t sure what kind of season his Baraga High School varsity girls basketball team can have this season.

On one hand, Vikings return some key veterans from last year’s 11-9 squad.

On the other hand, Willis doesn’t know what to expect from this group.

“I think the main thing I’ve been preaching in my three years here is that basketball isn’t a sport you can report three weeks before the opening game … and expect to do well,” he said.

“But our off-season was terrible.

“I don’t know that this group of girls understands that you have to put in the time in the off-season to get better.”

One thing Willis knows for sure is that he will have a steady performer in senior guard Carsyn Osterman.

A four-year starter, Osterman was a Dream Team selection on the all-conference team a year ago and an honorable mention on the All-Upper Peninsula team.

“She (Osterman) is a good all-around player,” Willis said. “If we have a leader, it would be her.”

Senior center Justice Kinnunen, the tallest Baraga player at 5-foot-7, also saw a lot of time last year. She will have to battle bigger post players the Vikings will see all season.

“We’re not very tall,” Willis said. “In our first game (at Houghton) we’ll see a 5-11 point guard. And the rest of that team is even taller.”

Seniors Casey Mleko and Kerstyn Clisch are two players who started a year ago.

Junior forward Brooklyn Fish is another player who has good athleticism. A good leaper, she will be looked to help put under the basket.

Other players who could help include McKenzie Barrett, Ashtin Lindemann and Chelsea Pittsley.

Willis, who has coached the Vikings to back-to-back winning seasons, feels the attitude of the team will be critical in how the season develops.

“We’ve got a tough opener in Houghton and we also will see Calumet down the road,” he said. “We just have to see how the season goes.”

As far as the Copper Country Conference-Mountain Lakes Conference the team competes in, Willis sees Chassell and Ontonagon as favorites.

“I think Chassell is going to be very good and Jeffers and Lake Linden-Hubbell are always threats. As far as the other conference, you have to look at Ontonagon because (coach) Dick Franti is there and he always prepares his teams.”

Willis will find out a lot about his team when it travels to Chassell and Ontonagon early in the season.

Baraga girls

2016-17 schedule

All times Eastern

Dec. 5 — at LL-Hubbell, 7:20 p.m.

Dec. 8 — Chassell, 7:20 p.m.

Dec. 12 — at Watersmt., 7:20 p.m.

Dec. 19 — L’Anse, 7:20 p.m.

Dec. 20 — Calumet, 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 5 — Jeffers, 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 9 — at Hancock, 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 16 — Bessemer, 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 19 — LL-Hubbell, 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 23 — at Wake.-Mar., 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 27 — Rep.-Mich., 7:20 p.m.

Jan. 31 — at L’Anse, 7:20 p.m.

Feb. 3 — at Dollar Bay, 7:20 p.m.

Feb. 10 — at Rep.-Mich., 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 14 — Dollar Bay, 7:20 p.m.

Feb. 17 — Ewen-TC, 7:20 p.m.

Feb. 21 — at Chassell, 7:20 p.m.

Feb. 24 — Watersmeet, 7:20 p.m.

Feb. 28 — at Jeffers, 7:20 p.m.

March 2 — at Ontonagon, 7:20 p.m.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today