MACCRAY Wolverines Aim for Championship Glory in 2025-26 Season

The MACCRAY Wolverines girls basketball team is poised for another competitive season as they prepare for the 2025-26 campaign. Following a historic run in the previous season, where they advanced to the Class A championship game for the first time since 2006, the Wolverines are eager to build on their success. Despite ultimately falling to West Central Area with a score of 58-41, the team has set high expectations as they enter the new season.

Wolverines head coach Shaun Condon, now in his ninth year with a record of 112-91, emphasizes the importance of continual improvement. “We bring back a high volume of production,” said Condon. “It will be fun to see who steps up and fills the roles of the two seniors we lost last season, Ella Hultgren and Callie Jaenisch. We just need to stay hungry and get better every single day.”

Key Players Set to Lead the Charge

A significant part of MACCRAY’s strategy will hinge on Brielle Janssen, one of Class A’s standout players. The 6-foot-1 guard/forward had an impressive season, averaging 26.6 points, 12.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists, 4.4 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. Janssen’s contributions on the court have not gone unnoticed; she was named Class A All-State, and for the third consecutive year, she earned the title of Camden Conference North Player of the Year. With a total of 2,214 career points, she stands as MACCRAY’s all-time leading scorer and has committed to Minnesota State-Mankato.

Alongside Janssen is her classmate, Emma Thein, a 6-foot forward who also garnered All-Camden and All-Area honors last season. With an average of 15.0 points and 7.6 rebounds per game, Thein is just five points shy of reaching the 1,000 career points milestone, making her another key player to watch this season.

The Wolverines are not solely reliant on their dynamic duo. Sam Hultgren, a 5-foot-8 junior guard, returns to the starting lineup, complemented by 5-foot-9 sophomore guard Ruby Hultgren and 5-foot-4 junior Adyson Wulf. “Ruby was moved up to varsity around Christmas last year,” Condon noted. “She has a really high motor. She is a playmaker and has really improved on attacking the rim.”

Condon also highlighted the role of Wulf, stating, “Addyson was an important piece of our state run last year. She is a great defender and was a pest to opposing teams in the playoffs.”

Frontcourt support will come from Nora Hultgren, a 5-foot-11 senior, who showed promise last season. “Nora showed glimpses last year that she could make a big impact,” Condon added. “She continues to improve year after year.”

Building on Last Season’s Momentum

As the Wolverines gear up for the new season, the emphasis will be on leveraging last year’s experience and success. With a strong returning cast and promising new talent, MACCRAY aims for another deep postseason run, motivated by their recent achievements. The upcoming season presents an opportunity for the Wolverines to not only build upon their legacy but also to inspire the next generation of players in their community.

With a robust training regimen and a focus on teamwork, the MACCRAY Wolverines are determined to make their mark in the 2025-26 season. As fans eagerly anticipate the opening games, the team’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and the journey to the championship continues.