Tigers confident in returning pieces

MARENGO — Lydia Kriegel, a second-team all conference honoree who averaged 13.9 points last season, returns this season for the Iowa Valley Tigers.

“Lydia has been a key scorer and rebounder since she entered the high school scene her freshman year,” Iowa Valley head coach Janet Holst-Behrens said.

“We will rely heavily on her, but we will not isolate her to playing under the basket this year. We hope this will prevent teams from doubling and triple-teaming her when she played post the previous years.”

The Iowa Valley girls’ basketball team went 11-12 last season, 7-7 in conference play. The Tigers were able to win one game in regional play against Cedar Valley Christian.

Last year’s team was led by a group of seniors which included all-conference forward Lola Frimml. But multiple players with varsity experience will return this season for the Tigers.

“While it looks like we lost a lot of players, we are returning some very good and experienced players to fill this year’s roster,” Holst-Behrens said.

Izzy Kriegel will run as the team’s point guard this season, a new position for the Tigers’ senior.

“Izzy has worked extremely hard to become a point guard for us, and we will need for her to be on the court at all times,” Holst-Behrens said.

Myla Frimml and Clara Fry both saw a lot of minutes last season and will most likely step into starting roles this season.

"We have a great group of kids with great attitudes, and I am looking forward to a fun season with them,“ Holst-Behrens said.

”As long as they continue to believe in what we are trying to do, believe in each other and allow ourselves to have fun, we have a chance to surprise some people.“

The Tigers begin practice tomorrow and have a scrimmage Nov. 19 at home against Lisbon.

The official first games of the season will be Nov. 22-23 at the 4 Corners Shootout in Keota.

The Tigers will play at 6 p.m. both nights with games against Highland and Lone Tree.