Felsinger starts season with a bang

Cedar Grove-Belgium High School’s Ellie Felsinger, who earned Big East Conference honorable mention recognition last year, didn’t take long to pick up where she left off and then some.

The senior forward went 10-for-20 from the field and 8-for-11 on free throws to score 28 points and lead the Rockets over St. Mary Central, 59-47, in the first game of the season at home last Friday.

Maddie Sutryk added 16 points on 8-for-12 shooting. Alex Mentink scored eight and Amy TenHaken had five.

The Rockets led, 24-20, at halftime before pulling away in the final 18 minutes.

Four Zephyrs scored eight or more points, led by Abbi Thelen’s 12.

Coach Jason Jones said the Rockets look good so far. They come off of a 13-10 season with an 8-8 mark in the Big East.

“They have been working hard over the summer and fall. We are really hoping for good things this season,” he said.

Felsinger is the only Rocket who received all-conference honors last year. She averaged more than 10 points and more than seven rebounds per game.

“I am expecting her to take another step forward this season. She is one of the hardest workers on the team putting a lot of time in this summer,” Jones said.

Mentink returns as a starter, and TenHaken, Maycie Navis and Bailey Cooney all helped the Rockets off the bench last season.

“We look forward to all these girls having an impact, especially in the role of leadership. We graduated some very good leaders last year and we are looking to keep that high level of leadership this season,” Jones said.

The Rockets lost solid contributors Amanda Meerdink and Brittany Teunissen to graduation.

This year, the Rockets are a little taller and quicker. Mentink, TenHaken, Shely Cooney, Sutryk and Anna Claerbaut “have speed that will help our team get up and down the floor quicker,” Jones said.

The Rockets were to play at Mishicot on Tuesday and at Sheboygan Lutheran on Thursday, Nov. 29.