Ozaukee girls’ work is paying off

After winning five games last season, the Ozaukee High School girls’ basketball team is 40% on the way to that total just two games into this season.

The Warriors won their first two contests, both by double digits.

“It was a strong start to our season. The girls have been practicing hard and putting what they have been working on in practice into the games thus far,” coach Linda Weyker said.

Ozaukee won at Campbellsport, 56-43, on Nov. 19.

Guard Ellie Rodgers had 22 points and five rebounds. Savannah Quade had nine points and four rebounds. Addison Schubert had five points, eight rebounds and three assists. Kenedeigh Harness had six points, five rebounds and three assists. Madie Prom had eight points.

The Warriors jumped out to a 27-17 halftime lead.

“We came out strong in the first half and then struggled to find our groove for a bit in the second half. The team played together and through to the last whistle,” Weyker said

”Ellie Rodgers had a strong first game on the offensive side.  Addison Schubert and Madie Prom had a strong defensive presence as did Chloe Dybul.”

Last Thursday, Ozaukee thumped visiting West Bend East, 63-34. The Warriors were up, 32-20, at halftime, and blew out the Suns, 31-14, in the second half.

Rodgers had 17 points, seven rebounds and four steals. She shot 4-for-10 on three-pointers.

Prom had 12 points. Mya Schroeder had eight points and six rebounds. Quade had eight points. Paige Kurlinski had four points and nine rebounds.

“The team showed speed and quickness on both the offensive and defensive side.  We were able to get some transition offense going in this game,” Weyker said.

“Paige Kurlinski had a good night on rebounding and on the defensive side. Madie Prom and Savannah Quade also played well on the defensive side. Ellie had another strong night on the offensive side.”

The Warriors this season have to replace 1,000-point career scorer Caitlyn Weyker, who averaged 20.4 points per game last year, along with a team-leading 10.1 rebounds, and they plan to do it with multiple players.

Four seniors return — Rodgers, who was second on the team with 11 points per game, and Schubert, who saw plenty of court time. Another two are back from injury — Kurlinski and Prom.

Quade, Dybul and Melissa Parisey are the team’s juniors. Harness and Adalyn Krenek are sophomores.

Schroeder and fellow freshman Bianca Marini are expected to see time.

“We are looking to see scoring balanced across the team this year as we have multiple players that are shooting the ball well,” coach Weyker said.

This year’s team will look to move.

“Our strengths are in our speed up and down the court and quickness on defense,” Weyker said.

The team will mix up defensive schemes.

Weyker laid out clear goals for the Warriors’ success.

“Our goal is to play as a team, move the ball well keeping turnovers low and transition quickly down the court.  With these key points in place, we will have a successful season,” she said.

Ozaukee was to host Howards Grove on Tuesday, Nov. 25, and host Random Lake on Thursday, Dec. 5.