After a sixth-place finish in the competitive Fox River Classic Conference, the Manitowoc Lincoln girls’ basketball team begins a season in which optimism runs high, with a core of players returning from a team that won 14 games a year ago.
Riley Garbe begins his fifth year as Head Coach with arguably the most athletic and talented team he’s had.
Senior guard Sarah Bolchen anchors a deep group after leading the Ships and FRCC with assists per game (4.6) and is Lincoln’s leading returning scorer, averaging 16 and a half points per game.
Joining Bolchen in the backcourt are senior Taylor Peterson and junior Kendal Schmitz. These three are the core of a relentless, swarming defense that presses full court to create turnovers and easy opportunities on the offensive end.
Sophomore guard Lila Spaeth had a productive freshman season in 2024-25, and senior Ava Quinchia will be counted on to replace Maddie Johnson in the post, who grabbed nearly eight rebounds per game.
The Ships open their season this afternoon at Arrowhead. The Warhawks won 25 games a year ago and lost to Muskego in the Division One state semifinals. Tip time is scheduled for 3:30 p.m.
Other girls’ hoops games include a matchup of two perennial powers with Notre Dame of Green Bay hosting Pewaukee, Bay Port plays at Appleton North, Wausau East hosts Neenah, Kimberly hosts Brookfield East, Elkhart Lake/ Glenbeulah, off to a 2- 0 start, visits Southern Door, and Winneconne is home for Menominee Nation.
Manitowoc United opens its hockey season tonight as they travel to Green Bay to battle Notre Dame Academy at the Cornerstone Community Center.
Jeff Gadinski begins his second season on the bench for a team starting its second year of varsity competition.
Senior forward Benson Dickell will be counted on to lead a young team both on and off the ice, and United will have to replace goaltender Dan Karlin of Two Rivers, who graduated.
Face off is at 7 p.m.
The Manitowoc Lincoln boys’ basketball team travels to Kettle Moraine High School for a multi-school scrimmage. The start time has not been announced, while Kiel heads to Oostburg for a multi-school scrimmage beginning at 9 a.m.
