With 12 to 13 returning letter winners and a new head coach the upcoming season, the Esko girls basketball season could be a memory maker.
"I'd like to think we will compete for a trip to the state tournament," said new coach Scott Antonutti. "There is a lot of experience on the team with the senior class and they are complemented by a very athletic group of juniors and sophomores."
The Eskomos will lean on seniors Roz Chromy, Kelli Rengo, Jamie Rust and Amber Jubie. Chromy and Rust give the Eskomos a solid 1-2 post player punch. Rengo is an extremely quick guard with good court vision, she is the Eskomos floor leader and a four-year starter. Jubie is a versatile player who is a great defender, can shoot from anywhere and has good court sense. Joining that group is Amanda Bergstedt, a junior, who is ultra-competitive, aggressive and can handle the ball as well as shoot the ball from the outside.
"We play Crosby-Ironton the first game of the season and they are always tough, so it will be nice to see where we are at come Dec. 2," mentioned Antonutti. "We also have early season games with Cloquet, and potentially Hermantown, depending on the scheduling of the Coaches Classic Christmas Tournament."
Esko also has games scheduled with Hinckley-Finlayson, Duluth East, Virginia, Braham and Barnum, with Barnum always a great game.
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"I anticipate us being very aggressive defensively, which I hope translates into fast break opportunities," said Antonutti. "I also think we'll be able to play a strong half-court game because of the post players we have. We do have a great mix of kids and things look a little different depending on who is on the floor."
Antonutti also thanked the previous head coach, Sue Northey, who left the program in tremendous shape after deciding not to return this season.
"With a whole new coaching staff and the girls having to adjust and adapt to new things, we hope there is a smooth transition," explained Antonutti. "We hope to continue the great tradition built in Esko by Sue Northey and her staff. We have great numbers out again and that is a compliment to Sue. The cupboard was definitely left full for us."
