By Chad Zutter, Sports Reporter
New coach … Many new players … Lost three college basketball players… Defending BRC Champs … Sectional Qualifiers.
First time head coach, and Menomonie High School graduate, Tyra Swanson has a challenge in front of her as a varsity coach. Her team's motto this season is rise, and that’s exactly what the 24-25 girls basketball team will have to do at Menomonie High School to compete in the Big Rivers Conference. With the loss of four starters and their head coach Storm Harmon, a new era will begin this season.
When asked about the biggest weakness of the Mustangs for the 2024-25 campaign, Swanson commented, “Our amount of varsity experience on the court”. A team that lost over 60 percent of their scoring from a season ago. Three Menomonie graduates, Mary Berg (UW-Stout), Sammy Jacobsen (UW-LaCrosse) and Elizabeth Kyles (St. Catherine) are playing basketball at the collegiate level.
Despite the large loss of talent, Swanson said, “We have a very athletic group of girls” and “our press and pace of play will be a big strength.” Just like we saw from the Mustangs under the Harmon regime, Swanson plans to use the speedy legs of the Lady Mustangs to cause havoc to the opponents, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the court.
The lone returning starter, Brooklynn Birt, and sophomore Jordan Ohman, who chipped in 5.4 points per game as a freshman, will be looked at to fill a big portion of the scoring loss. “They will be the two we look at for the scoring loss,” commented Swanson when asked about the returning Mustangs.
The Mustangs roster will display seven seniors and a large sophomore class. Siera Auth, Cortlyn Greeley, Maci Marlett, Amanda Holzhueter, Brooklyn Sterry and Ali Haas will all be looking to replace pieces of the scoring loss.
The 2024-25 Mustangs varsity girls basketball schedule can be found HERE.
Menomonie Mustangs Girls Basketball Roster:
Livestream games can be viewed on Mustangs TV.
Season Notes:
Brooklyn Birt needs 397 points to join the 1,000 point club. Mary Berg accomplished this feat during last season.
Tyra Swanson is a 2018 graduate of Menomonie High School.
Swanson played college basketball at Minnesota State Mankato and UW-Eau Claire.
