Editor’s note: Here is your chance to tell your story about your team, your school or your favorite player. If you’d like to join The Gazette’s growing list of high school contributors, contact J.R. Ogden at jr.ogden@thegazette.com
“Some people want it to happen, some people wish it would happen, others make it happen.” – Michael Jordan.
STANWOOD – The North Cedar Knights girls’ basketball team has a lot of potential this year, losing only two seniors from last year year’s team and returning four starters.
This appears to be one of the most athletic teams North Cedar has seen in a while.

Miranda Thimmes drives toward the basket in a 2-on-2 drill. (Madison Blake photo/North Cedar senior)
New head coach Jake Wilke and returning assistant coach Jay Fetzer have worked well to put together, putting together a strong and promising team.
The Knights started practice on Nov. 5 and will be playing their first game at Maquoketa Valley on Nov. 16.
With a record of 9-12 last year, the Knights are excited to start play. They believe their toughest conference competition will be Mid-Prairie and West Branch.
The goal is to place higher than fourth in the conference this year.
“Those teams might be tough, but we have the ability to play with the best,” Fetzer said.
Multiple players in multiple positions will make the Knights strong everywhere on the court. Returning seniors include Madison Blake, Payton Bunge, Allison Hamdorf and Olivia Tuel. The seniors this year have done an outstanding job in leading the team in practices, insuring that the team works together, and keeping the others positive on and off the court.
With this enthusiasm, the North Cedar girls are hoping for a successful season and they are determined to make it happen.