Lady Bulldogs to Start Season Tomorrow Night

The Lady Bulldogs basketball team hits the court for their first game of the 2023-2024 season on Thursday, December 7. Milbank takes on the Wahpeton Huskies on the road in Wahpeton.  

Coach Brian Pauli starts his eighth season as head coach, and he says although he has no seniors on his roster this year, he has five players with solid experience returning to the pack. “I think our skills have improved. The players put in a lot of work this offseason.” 

Isabella Anderson, a junior who made the NEC All-Conference list last season, has been playing b-ball since seventh grade. Pauli says, “Isabella had a terrific summer. She puts in a ton of time improving her game, and she will be one of our leaders this season.”

Tyra Berry returns with a full season of varsity experience earned last year. “Tyra had a successful summer, and we are excited to see her grow into a more consistent player this year,” Pauli commented. 

“Claire Snaza, Siera Wenzl, and Josie Riveland all gained valuable varsity experience a year ago, and they also improved their skills through the summer,” Pauli says.  He believes their increased confidence will prove to be beneficial for the team.  Ella Sandvig, Rylee Scoular, Anna Neugebauer, Belle Pauli and Averie Schunaman will also be fighting for playing time. “Competition amongst our team will be much improved this season,” Pauli predicts, “and creating depth could be the important piece to get us to the next level this year.” 

A big change for players and fans is the new free throw rule. The regulation revision affects everyone across the U.S. and officially begins with the first game of the 2023-2024 season. In short, there will no longer be 1-and-1 Bonus free throw situations (earning the second by making the first). The Bonus now results in two free throws each time. Also, when a team commits five fouls in a quarter, the other team enters the Bonus for the rest of that quarter. The team fouls will reset every quarter. The only carryover will be from the fourth quarter to overtime. The change mirrors the rules of women’s collegiate basketball in the United States.

Another change – this one just for the Lady Bulldogs – is Milbank adding Wahpeton, North Dakota, to their schedule. Pauli noted, “Wahpeton is returning several players that can really score the basketball!” He also mentioned that the Lady Bulldogs will be playing in two Classics this year – one in Sioux Falls and the other in Mitchell. “The opponents are yet to be determined, but it will be exciting for the team to play in that environment,” Pauli added. 

He also singled out the teams he expects to give the Lady Bulldogs a run for their money this year. “Sisseton was in the state tournament last season and returns everyone; Lennox will be good; Aberdeen Roncalli and Groton return a number of players and were young a year ago.” 

Tony Howard will lead the JV girls again this season, and Eric Townsend will be at the helm of the C-Team.

You won’t want to miss a single moment of the action this year!
Lady Bulldogs 2023-2024 Varsity Team Roster
Ella Sandvig – Junior
Siera Wenzl – Junior
Isabella Anderson – Junior
Tyra Berry – Junior
Rylie Scoular – Junior
Claire Snaza – Junior
Josie Riveland – Junior
Anna Neugebauer –  Sophomore
Averie Schuneman – 8th Grade
Belle Pauli – 8th Grade

Lady Bulldogs 2023-2024 JV Team Roster
Macy Mueller – Freshman
Zayda Townsend – Freshman
Jazmynne Ronke – Freshman
Adison Pauli – 8th Grade
Brea Townsend – 8th Grade
Lydia Gall – 8th Grade
Brooke Hendricks – 8th Grade