The Lakers had a good start to the season, logging week #1 competition scores last Sunday night that were pretty decent with an overall team average of 17.8, according to coach Jennie Stone.  “It was a nicer day and although there was a tail wind, it was much less wind than the previous Thursday,” coach Stone said.

Dylan VanZee was top gun again, this time smashing a 25 on his second round for a total of 49×50. “Dylan is such a solid shooter, so consistent. He just goes out and takes care of business,” said coach Stone.  

Makayla Hagen shot an impressive 46 for top honors for the girls.  “Makayla shot three rounds of 23 today.  She has some high goals for the year and if she continues to stay focused she is bound to reach those,” Stone said.  

Personal bests this week were reached  by Matthew Longtin, Grady Braaten, Riley Weisel, Kendra Shultz and Koda Noyes. Most improved shooter this week was Makayla Hagen, improving her total by 11 targets.  “We also saw improved scores from the newest team members and it won’t be long and our team average will be notching up,” Stone said.

This year’s competition is tough as the Lakers are currently in fifth place, while New York Mills ranks first. “NYM has a big jump on us, but we are really not that far behind second through fourth place.  With some more good practice there is no reason we can’t move up significantly in the standings,” coach Stone said. 

Currently, Makayla Hagen is ranked No. 1 among girls in the conference with an average of 23.  Holly Hennen, Tabbi Durand and Kendra Schultz are also all in top 15.

For the boys, Dylan VanZee is tied for second in the conference, Levi Schultz tied for 8th and Mason Reichmann is tied for 15th.  “I expect to see several more of the boys on that list as the season progresses,” Stone said.  “Now, if the weather will cooperate just a little!”

•  This year’s roster includes Grady Braaten, Ethan Curry, Tabbi Durand, Jonathan and Makayla Hagen, Holly and Isaac Hennen, Brody Hoffert, John Jenson, Onyx Johnson, Sam Jones, Hunter Kalb, Carter Katzenmeyer, Cole Kittelson, Matthew Longtin, Bage Maasjo, Micah Mahoney, Carson Meyer, Koda Noyes, Andren Olness, Madeline Reents, August Reichmann, Mason Reichmann (captain), Kendran and Levi Schultz (captain), Dylan Vanzee, Landon Weber and Riley Weisel.