Girls Basketball 2025 Season Recap: A Young Team with a Bright FutureMandaree
In the heart of North Dakota, the Mandaree Girls Basketball team took the court this past winter with determination, grit, and a spirit rooted in growth. While the 2025 season wasn’t about championships or records, it was every bit about development, resilience, and laying the foundation for what promises to be a powerful future.
Head Coach Donovan Abbey, leading a team composed mostly of freshmen and middle schoolers, saw this year not as a rebuilding season, but as a launching pad. “This year was a learning year,” Coach Abbey noted, “we had no seniors, just a couple juniors, a sophomore, and mostly freshmen with even an 8th grader and a 7th grader stepping into starting roles.” Despite the odds and the youth of the roster, the team showed flashes of brilliance, especially in clutch moments.
Youth Leading the Charge
At the center of Mandaree’s promising core is Cora Mann, a freshman who dominated the stat sheet and earned All-District honors. “She led the team in most of the stats,” Coach Abbey said, “and she’s only a 9th grader.” Her impact on both ends of the floor, coupled with a competitive spirit well beyond her years, made her the team’s undisputed leader.
But Cora wasn’t the only freshman making noise. Charleigh Driver, another ninth grader, proved herself as one of the most versatile players on the squad, playing everywhere from the post to the point guard position. Her ability to adapt and contribute in multiple ways made her invaluable throughout the season.
Passion Lincoln, also a freshman, anchored the post for Mandaree. While undersized compared to some of her opponents, Passion didn’t back down. She consistently held her ground defensively and battled on the boards, earning praise for her toughness and rebounding ability.
Among the older players, junior Natie Mann brought vital experience and leadership. “She was a great shooter and a defensive stopper with her wingspan,” Abbey shared. As the oldest player on the team, Natie helped guide her younger teammates, leading by example and offering stability in high-pressure situations.
Moments That Mattered
While the season may not have resulted in a winning record, it had its share of unforgettable moments. Two games stood out as defining highlights: nail-biting victories won in the final seconds, both by a single point. “They were barn burners,” said Coach Abbey, “and coming out with the wins in those pressure situations was huge for our confidence.”
In fact, handling pressure was one of the team’s strongest suits. Despite their youth, the girls consistently rose to the occasion in tight games. These moments not only gave the team confidence but also showed glimpses of what this group could become with experience and continued development.
Tough District, Tougher Team
Mandaree competed in a challenging district, where three of the eight teams were ranked in the state at some point during the season. That level of competition could have easily overwhelmed a young group, but the Lady Warriors used it as a learning opportunity.
“I wouldn’t say there was one turning point,” Coach Abbey explained, “but we kept growing and had to grow up fast.” The grind of the season exposed weaknesses and helped set clear targets for offseason improvement. The team may not have dominated the district, but they emerged battle-tested and wiser.
Growth from the Youngest Players
While freshmen like Cora, Charleigh, and Passion were key contributors, the team's future may be even brighter when you look at the middle school players who stepped up.
8th grader Telsia IU and 7th grader Brighten Johnson both earned starting roles at different points during the season. They contributed not only with hustle and heart but with skill and poise that defied their age. “They helped us with big minutes,” Coach Abbey shared, “even coming off the bench.”
This early experience will be invaluable as they move into bigger roles next year and beyond. Their development is proof that the team’s talent pipeline is strong, and with continued commitment, these girls will be making headlines soon.
Bouncing Back from Losses
While high-pressure wins provided momentum, the tough losses stung, particularly for such a young group. Still, the coaching staff saw them as opportunities. “They were hard to get over,” said Abbey, “but they were great learning tools. Watching our game films helped us see what we needed to work on.”
From improving transition defense to tightening up half-court execution, the Lady Warriors have already begun studying their game with an eye toward becoming more competitive across the board.
No Seniors, No Problem
With no seniors on the roster, Mandaree didn’t have traditional upperclassman leadership this season. But that didn’t stop the team from creating a positive culture rooted in effort, teamwork, and resilience. The players learned how to support each other, take ownership of their roles, and grow together through the highs and lows.
That bond will pay dividends in the years ahead.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the mood around Mandaree’s girls' basketball program is one of optimism and excitement. “The future is so bright,” Coach Abbey emphasized. “We were down this year, but next year and the years after, we’re going to be even and then up.”
With nearly the entire roster returning and a solid group of middle schoolers already contributing, expectations are rising. The commitment to improvement is already evident, and the coaching staff is focused on a strong offseason.
Offseason Focus: Strength, Shooting, and Fundamentals
The team has identified several areas for improvement in the offseason. Chief among them are strength and conditioning, which will allow the girls to be more physical on defense and hold their own against bigger opponents.
Shooting is also a priority, particularly free-throw consistency and in-game shot repetition. Becoming more efficient offensively will help Mandaree stay competitive in tight contests and improve overall scoring output.
With the work ethic already in place and a team hungry to get better, this offseason could be the catalyst for a major step forward.
Building a Program, Not Just a Season
While Mandaree may not have received news coverage or box scores in the local paper, the story of this team is about much more than wins and losses. It’s about building something lasting — a program that values player development, perseverance, and community.
Coach Abbey welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the team’s progress to reach out directly for stats or insights. “We’re a small school,” he said, “but we’re doing big things.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season for the Mandaree Girls Basketball team wasn’t just about growing pains — it was about planting the seeds for future greatness. With a roster brimming with young talent, a coach invested in long-term development, and a team culture built on heart and hustle, the Lady Warriors are on the rise.
Next year, the scoreboard may look different, but the foundation has already been laid. The journey has just begun.
Share With