Carrington basketball to have a dozen girls in entire program

Dec. 4—CARRINGTON — Andy Braaten has been coaching basketball at Carrington for 26 years and there is always something the head coach has to adjust to.

This year, it's the numbers.

"We're not very deep so that will be a challenge throughout the year is getting deeper," Braaten said. "We only have 12 players 9 through 12. That's the lowest number I have ever had."

Carrington began practices on Nov. 17.

The Cardinals are entering their third season at the Class A division. Carrington finished second in the region and fifth at the state tournament last season.

"It's always a challenge," Braaten said. "Our schedule, if it is not the strongest, it's one of the strongest in the state. We have South Prairie and Benson County, we picked up Turtle Mountain, Kindred and Central Cass.

"I think we had the second-rated schedule last year but I think we made it tougher," he said. "It's a tough game every night, but it makes you stronger at the end."

The 2025 squad opened up the season on Dec. 1 hosting South Prairie/Max.

"We lost five good seniors," Braaten said. "We have some talented kids, but it will take time to develop some leadership skills, and that's what we'll really be counting on from our upperclassmen this season."

Sienna Topp is the Cardinals' lone senior. She is a three-year varsity team member. Topp played in 14 games and 160 minutes last season.

"She's improved her game throughout the years," Braaten said of Topp. "She's a pretty versatile player. We'll have to guard some really good players throughout this year, so we are going to have to look for those kids who can be defensive stoppers for us and she might be one of them."

Harper Kollman leads Carrington's junior class.

"Harper Kollman started at the end of the year," Braaten said. "She gave us some really good games last year, especially defensively. She does a nice job defensively and blends in really well offensively. She's a good passer, good shooter, good rebounder, so she brings the tools we need."

Sophie Spitzer and Berkley Somsen are two other returning juniors. As for sophomores, the Cardinals are expecting five. Marah Johnson and Maara Kutz are returning starters, while Kodi Thiel and Daryna Bondarenko are noted as giving depth to the group. Aniston Hoornaert is also expected to be back on the hardwood.

"Aniston Hoornaert really sparked us last year offensively," Braaten said. "She's a good shooter, good passer and good rebounder — can play at multiple positions."

Sophomore Josey Kollman will likely not be back playing for Carrington. Kollman sustained an injury during the volleyball and may be out for the year.

Braaten said between the 12 athletes, the Cardinals will have a nice mixture of athleticism and basketball skills. The head coach said the girls will need to continue to put in time to their skills, along with speed and strength training. Developing consistency on both ends of the floor and staying healthy are the two main challenges the Cardinals will be facing this season.

"It's just about improving day by day," Braaten said. "We're not going to look too far ahead."