Lady Mavericks Basketball 2021-22

The Lady Mavericks basketball team's 2021 postseason ended in heartbreak as the team lost the state championship 74-60 to the Fort Benton Longhorns.

The team hopes to get back and will try to do it with record numbers, as the team welcomes 18 athletes this year. The numbers are helpful, but the team will have big shoes to fill after losing two of their five 2021 All-State athletes, Kia Wasson and Kaitlyn McColly to graduation.

"The girls have been working very hard, have great team chemistry and are excited to get the season rolling," Lady Mavs Head Coach Amber Erickson said. "We have high expectations and goals for ourselves again this year and will continue to fine-tune what we want to run both offensively and defensively throughout the season."

The team welcomes back three All-State/All-Conference athletes including senior point guard Jaycee Erickson, sophomore guard/forwards Paige Wasson, and Teagan Erickson.

Coach Erickson talked about the trio prior to the season beginning less than a week ago, starting with J. Erickson.

"Jaycee will continue to be our floor leader this year," Coach Erickson said. "She has worked hard to continue to improve her game offensively in the off-season and is ready to help lead her team deep into the postseason again."

She then talked about Wasson and T. Erickson who posted stellar numbers in their first season as freshmen.

"Paige and Teagan are both lengthy, athletic players that can play multiple positions on the floor," Coach Erickson said, "They will be asked to step up and take on more of a scoring role this season which they are both more than capable of doing. Their ability to defend on the perimeter and inside along with rebounding will be a big asset to the team."

The team also welcomes back starting guard Kora LaBrie, and reserves Zandora Longtree, Cienna Strommen, Mattea McColly, and Kendall Scheffelmear, who will likely see more time on the court this season.

"Kora is a hard-nosed player who gets after it on both ends of the floor," Coach Erickson said. "Zandora Longtree is a strong player with a great shot, Mattea was sidelined last year for a majority of the season with a knee injury, but is back and ready to make a presence.

"Cienna is a junior who is coming back after two foot surgeries and beginning to get her agility and speed back and Kendall is another tall, lengthy player that will add depth and a big defensive/rebounding presence," Coach Erickson continued.

The Lady Mavericks have started this season with a 3-1 record after picking up a couple of wins in the Glasgow Showcase on the weekend of Friday, December 3, and then splitting games this past weekend in Lewistown.

The Lady Mavs were able to defeat the Fort Benton Lady Longhorns on Friday, December 10, 49-23.

"The girls came out focused and aggressive on both ends of the floor," Coach Erickson said.

Wasson led the team with 19 points and seven rebounds. J. Erickson had 12 points, five rebounds, and four steals. Teagan Erickson finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

The Winifred-Roy Outlaws avenged their semi-final loss to the Mavericks from last year's state tournament. The score was 42-39.

Statistically, J. Erickson led the way with 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists. T. Erickson had 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Wasson had eight points and three rebounds. Mattea McColly and Kendall Scheffelmear each contributed 5 rebounds as well.

"It felt great to get a solid win over Fort Benton on Friday, after they handed us our only loss last season in the State Championship Game," Coach Erickson said. "Winifred/Roy is probably the Class C favorite this season and to play them so tough this early in the season when we are still figuring out our strengths and roles was awesome!"