Lady Mavericks Basketball 2020-21

The North Country Lady Mavericks are chock full of talent this season, returning three All-State athletes.

"We are fast," said Lady Mavericks Head Coach Amber Erickson. "We have length. We have athletic ability and depth. I really feel like we are going to be a very aggressive team both offensively and defensively."

Coach Erickson said that the team plans to go into every game not with a hoping to win mentality, but with a "we are going to win," mentality.

The team welcomes back plenty of talent this season, including a trio of starters that made the All-State and All-Conference lists last season; seniors Kia Wasson, Kaitlyn McColly, and junior Jaycee Erickson. McColly and Erickson both were also named to the Defensive Team.

"They are the veteran leaders on the floor now," Coach Erickson said.

Coach Erickson described Jaycee as the team's floor general, stating that she does a good job getting the team into their sets as well as keeping her head up in transition.

"I think that we will see a lot more scoring from her this year," Coach Erickson said.

Coach Erickson said that Wasson has been working hard to become a complete basketball player this off-season, working on her game inside of the perimeter.

Offensively, McColly has been the team's slasher, that could drive to the rim on any given possession.

"She is strong," Coach Erickson said. "She can play on the wing. She can play in the post. She is a great athlete overall. A great communicator on the floor, and a solid rebounder."

The team also welcomes back starters Kelsee Cummings and Jaydyn Erickson.

"Kelsee has put in a lot of time this summer and has come to the court in very good shape," Coach Erickson said. "She ran cross country as well."

After the team's 16th practice of the year, Coach Erickson shared what the team's mindset was.

"They are ready for a game," Coach Erickson said. "I am excited for them to get to play together and compete against somebody else."

Given that the team has plenty of returning talent, Coach Erickson said that a couple of other athletes will help in the rotation and could see time at the starting lineup.

The group of returning athletes includes Kora LaBrie and Mattea McColly, Zandora Longtree, and Cienna Strommen. The team welcomes freshmen Paige Wasson, Teagan Erickson, Kendall Scheffelmaer.

"Our practices are extremely competitive, physical and intense," Coach Erickson said. "At this point, for the first couple of weeks, Kora will start for us."

Coach Erickson said that the fifth spot in the starting lineup will alternate throughout the season.

The team is without Elise Strommen who graduated last year.

"She was just a hard worker, a good person, and a great teammate," Coach Erickson said. "She worked her way up from being a sub-varsity player into a starting role in her senior season."

Coach Erickson said that she earned her role in the starting lineup last season by working hard and being a good teammate.

In their opening game, the Lady Mavericks cruised to a 45-32 victory over the Plentywood Lady Cats in Plentywood.

North Country was led by Wasson who had 12 points. McColly had 10 points, Jaycee Erickson had seven points, Teagan Erickson had six points, Paige Wasson had five points, Cummings had three points, and LaBrie had two points.

"Girls played great for our first game out," Coach Erickson said. "Got after it on both ends of the floor. This was a big win for us to kick off the season."

The Lady Mavericks will head to Glasgow on Thursday, January 8, to take on the Lady Scotties. North Country will then host Scobey-Opheim for their home opener in Hinsdale. Both games are scheduled for 6 p.m.