Season Overview
In what head coach Donovan Abbey described as a "learning year," the Mandaree Girls Basketball team battled through a competitive season with a roster built almost entirely of underclassmen. With no seniors and a core composed of freshmen, an eighth grader, and even a seventh grader, the team took major strides in building a foundation for the future.
Despite their youth, the Braves showed resilience and promise, highlighted by two last-second victories in pressure-packed games. Their progress in one of the state’s toughest districts was a sign of what’s to come.
Key Contributors
Cora Mann, a freshman, stood out as the team’s leader across the board. Named to the All-District Team, she led Mandaree in nearly every major statistical category — a remarkable achievement for a ninth grader.
She was joined by:
Charleigh Driver (Fr.) – A versatile contributor who played roles 1 through 4, handling everything from post play to ball-handling duties.
Passion Lincoln (Fr.) – The team’s undersized post, who played tough interior defense and battled on the boards against bigger opponents.
Natie Mann (Jr.) – The team’s oldest player, known for her long-range shooting and defensive presence thanks to her wingspan.
Player Development
As the season wore on, multiple players embraced larger roles. Cora Mann continued to grow into a true leader, while middle schoolers Telsia IU (8th) and Brighten Johnson (7th) emerged as vital parts of the rotation, both eventually earning starts and delivering in big moments.
Coach Abbey praised their rapid development and their ability to compete at the varsity level despite their age.
Tough District, Tougher Team
While there wasn’t one single turning point, the team’s growth was steady and noticeable. Mandaree competed in one of North Dakota’s toughest districts, where three of the eight teams were state-ranked at some point in the season. Despite the challenge, the girls rose to the occasion, showing maturity and learning valuable lessons from each contest.
Clutch Moments
Among the season's high points were two close wins, secured by clutch baskets in the final seconds. These "barn burners," as Coach Abbey called them, were huge morale boosters for such a young squad and proved their composure under pressure.
Challenges and Responses
Injuries and tough losses tested the team, but the Braves responded with heart. “Pressure situations were probably our biggest positive,” said Abbey. “Tough losses were harder, but they became great learning tools as we reviewed game film and worked to improve.”
Looking to the Future
Although Mandaree had no seniors this year, the potential for long-term growth is enormous. “We were on the bottom of the teeter-totter this year,” said Abbey, “but we’re confident we’ll be rising fast in the years ahead.”
The drive to improve is already evident among the players, and excitement for next season is building.
Offseason Goals
The focus this offseason will be:
Strength & conditioning – To boost physicality and defensive presence.
Shooting consistency – With an emphasis on improving field goal percentage and free throw shooting, which will be critical in tight games.
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