Totino-Grace Girls Basketball: A Season of Unity, Growth, and Grit
The 2024–2025 winter season was nothing short of thrilling for the Totino-Grace High School girls basketball team. Under the leadership of Varsity Head Coach Mary Dengerud, the Eagles soared through a competitive schedule, displaying remarkable resilience, deep team chemistry, and standout individual performances. Though the season ended just shy of a state berth with a heartbreaking overtime loss in the section championship, the journey itself showcased a team firing on all cylinders—and left no doubt that the future remains incredibly bright.
As part of our 2025 Winter Season Recap Article Series, we had the chance to speak with Coach Dengerud about the highs, the hurdles, and the heart behind this memorable season.
A Balanced Attack: Team Depth Leads the Way
At the core of Totino-Grace’s success this season was balance. The Eagles didn’t rely on a single star to carry the load—instead, they found success through a deep, dynamic lineup that could score, defend, and adapt to whatever challenges came their way.
Chloe Nuss led the team in scoring, providing consistency and a scoring punch that opponents struggled to contain. Maria Radabaugh, who returned triumphantly from a prior ACL injury, followed closely as the next leading scorer, proving her resilience and reaffirming her status as a key offensive threat.
The team’s versatility extended beyond just scoring. Erica Welsh was a crucial two-way player, combining sharp three-point shooting with stifling defense, while Carolyn Schrader emerged as the team’s top defender and rebounder, anchoring the interior with toughness and tenacity.
Rounding out the starting five was Ava Litecky, a 6'0" sophomore who impressed with several standout performances. Her length, agility, and improving skill set allowed her to impact games on both ends of the floor, and her emergence bodes well for Totino-Grace in seasons to come.
Highlights and Turning Points: High-Octane Offense and Signature Wins
The Eagles were a force offensively throughout the year, scoring over 75 points in 14 different games—a testament to their ball movement, perimeter shooting, and pace. According to Coach Dengerud, a late-season surge in three-point shooting brought everything together at just the right time.
Totino-Grace also earned statement wins over larger schools like Blaine, Andover, and Rogers, proving they could rise to the occasion against top-tier competition.
But perhaps the most defining moment of the season was their overtime battle in the section final, where the Eagles came up just short. Though it ended their playoff run, the game encapsulated the team’s grit and never-say-die spirit.
Players on the Rise: Growth in Real Time
Development was another cornerstone of this year’s team. As the season progressed, several players blossomed into bigger roles—none more than Ava Litecky and Sophia Person.
Litecky, already a fixture in the starting lineup, showed maturity beyond her years. Whether it was crashing the boards, altering shots, or providing much-needed buckets in tight games, she proved to be a foundational piece of the future.
Sophia Person, meanwhile, made major strides over the course of the season. Her commitment to growth and consistent effort helped her earn more time on the court and positioned her as one of the key players to watch going forward.
Strength Through Adversity
Injuries and losses are an inevitable part of any season, but the way a team responds speaks volumes about its character. For the Eagles, those moments of adversity only made them stronger.
“Our team was very tight this season,” said Coach Dengerud. “Losses or challenges only fueled their work ethic.”
That cohesion was visible in their on-court chemistry and off-court camaraderie. The players genuinely supported one another, creating a positive environment where growth and accountability went hand in hand.
Seniors Set the Tone
Totino-Grace was fortunate to have a senior class of nine, three of whom were starters, while the other six were critical contributors off the bench and in practice. Their collective leadership, energy, and commitment set the tone for the entire team.
“Every one of them pushed the team and lifted the team up every day,” said Coach Dengerud.
Their impact went beyond the stat sheet. They modeled what it means to work hard, stay positive, and compete with heart. Their legacy is one that will shape the program for years to come.
Looking Ahead: Talent, Work Ethic, and Opportunity
Even with the departure of a large senior class, there’s plenty to be excited about for Totino-Grace fans. The returning core—anchored by Litecky, Person, and others—has already shown they’re capable of big things. More importantly, they understand the work it takes to reach that next level.
“Our young players are very talented and used to working hard,” Coach Dengerud emphasized.
As they transition into larger roles, the focus this offseason will be on "filling empty shoes and seeing who will step up." It’s a challenge that Coach Dengerud welcomes, knowing that competition and internal growth are key ingredients in sustained success.
By the Numbers and Beyond
Record: Section runner-up (final loss in overtime)
Scoring: 14 games over 75 points
Three-Point Shooting: Surge in accuracy toward season’s end
Key Players: Chloe Nuss (leading scorer), Maria Radabaugh (returning from ACL injury), Erica Welsh (3PT + defense), Carolyn Schrader (defense + rebounding), Ava Litecky (6'0" sophomore breakout)
Stats Available: Hudl platform
Final Thoughts: A Team Worth Celebrating
The 2025 Totino-Grace girls basketball team gave their school and community a season to be proud of. They competed with integrity, battled through challenges, and gave everything they had—every single game.
Though their story ended just short of a state tournament appearance, their journey was a triumph in itself. And with a dedicated coach, a talented crop of returners, and a culture rooted in hard work and unity, the Eagles are poised to fly even higher in seasons to come.
This isn’t just the end of a great season—it’s the beginning of something special.
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