ELGIN — Success on the hardcourt is nothing new for the Elgin Public-Pope John Wolfpack girls basketball team under the guidance of Coach Randy Eisenhauer.
So, it’s no surprise how the team put together another fantastic season. The Wolfpack posted a 16-9 record, coming up just one victory short of advancing to the Girls State Basketball Tournament. Their season came to an end against Crofton. The Warriors went on to claim the C-2 state tourney crown Saturday.
But this isn’t about the Warriors. This is all about the Wolfpack.
“Overall, what a great year this team had,” Coach Eisenhauer said. “Through many ups and downs throughout the year the girls did an excellent job. They finished the year as Cedar Valley Holiday Tournament champions, NVC runner-up and district runner-up.”
Eisenhauer went on to talk about how the team did a great job of coming together and fighting for every win. “They stepped up many times throughout the year to battle and make the best out of the season,” he said.
As a team, the Wolfpack averaged nearly 47 points per game on offense while holding opponents to just under 43 points per contest. The Wolfpack averaged 34.4 rebounds per game while opponents pulled down 26.5 boards per game.
From the field the Wolfpack connected on 369 of 1302 field goal attempts (28 percent) Opponents made 31 percent of their field goal attempts. Free throws was one area where the Wolfpack held a huge advantage. They made 348 of 546 free throws attempts (63.7 percent) while opponents made just 54 percent of their attempts at the line.
Individually, the Wolfpack were led in scoring by junior Chelsi Mescher who averaged 13 points per game, sophomore Stephanie Bode tossed in 12.3 points per game. Mescher made 37 percent of her three-point shot attempts to lead the team. Bode easily led the team in made free throws with 143 and free throw percentage (72.2 percent) as well as rebounds (240, 9.6 rpg).
Carey Eischeid led the Wolfpack in assists with 55. Stephanie Bode led the team in steals with 67. Ashley Bode was the team leader in blocked shots with 10. Senior Lauren Selting was second on the team in three-point baskets with 20 (26 percent).
Finishing their Wolfpack careers this year were seniors Lauren Selting, Ashley Bode, Carey Eischeid and Kelsie Kuhlman.
