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Undefeated, fifth-ranked Posen girls in midst of another successful run

POSEN -- To some, last year's Division 4 regional semi-final loss to Mackinaw City might have felt like an ending for the Posen girls basketball team.

In some ways though, it only ushered in the beginning of something extra-special.

"We are a better team than we were last year, no question," Karl Momrik, who is in his 15th year as the team's coach said. "I think the experience that we have with this year's team with girls in their fourth and fifth year in basketball is certainly a big edge for us."

That added year of experience has made all the difference for the Vikings. They're off to an impressive 14-0 start and have gained enough attention in the process to garner a fourth place spot in last week's Associated Press statewide rankings.

"We have had four close games this year and the hallmark of this team this year is their rebounding, if you can rebound you can stay in games," Momrik said. "We've been able to stay in the game and that has been key to our close games this year."

That was perhaps most evident in an early season three-game stretch in December; when the Vikings took down Alcona in back-to-back contests and also defeated Oscoda; a squad that has dominated North Star League opponents in recent years.

"Oscoda is a real tough opponent and that was a big win for us at home," Momrik said. "Alcona has a very underrated team that is very strong and they have also beat Oscoda this year. Those are wins over really good Division 3 programs."

To say the Vikings' roster is talent laden, might be an understatement.

Senior forward Makayla Kamyszek is posting a head-turning 19 point, 14 rebound per game average. Sophomore forward Ella Szatkowski isn't far behind with 15.3 points and 10 rebounds a game.

"We have two bonafide scorers with Makayla and Ella, but we have several on this team that can score," Momrik said.

Senior guard Elizabeth Romel is a gritty defender and has averaged eight points a game. Abby Schellie, a senior center, is another big-time defender and tracks down six boards a game. Junior Faith Cousins runs the show at point guard, dishing out seven assists a game.

"Another strength for our team is our bench, we have three real solid guards that come off the bench in Mia Newhouse, Ava Wesner, and Carlota Julia," Momrik said. "They bring us a lot of energy. Sofya Hincka is coming off the bench and getting six rebounds a game for us. Sophie Romel, Madison Kamyszek, and Sara Cecconello provide added depth for us."

With all that offensive firepower, in-your-face defense and knack for rebounding, it's no wonder this squad has made a jump to the top five in the polls; not that Momrik is paying too close attention to that.

"That is all speculation, you don't play those teams that much, so it is just a guessing game," he said. "We are just happy to be thought of that highly, but it comes down to tournament time."

Momrik is no stranger to this amount of success. He has amassed a 246-77 record, 10 league titles, eight district championships and he also won a regional crown in 2014.

"We are on the verge of a fifth straight North Star League Little Dipper title," he said, adding that his team isn't overlooking visiting Hillman tonight in a key conference match-up.

"That's a big one," Momrik said.

And beyond that?

"We know that the district is going to be tough and anything after that, if we are fortunate to still be going it's going to be tougher yet," Momrik said. "We just have to keep focusing on our drills, focus on getting better with the basketball and focus on being a better shooting team. There is something we can always improve on."