Lydia Shultz and Amelia Penke teamed up to spark yet another deep playoff run for Ely’s high school girls basketball team.
That work was noticed by opposing coaches.
For a second straight season, the Ely juniors won spots on the All-Iron Range Conference team, while Shultz also landed a spot on the All-Arrowhead Conference team.
The recognition comes after the Wolves won 16 games, pulled two monumental playoff upsets and reached the Section 7A title game for the first time in program history.
Shultz has developed into one of the top guards in the conference, leading the Wolves with an average of 17 points per game while also snaring 5.5 rebounds per game and a team-best 5.5 steals per contest.
Now, Shultz holds Ely records for steals in both a game (13) and a season (142). “Lydia had an outstanding year for us, and was a true force on both ends of the floor,” said Ely Head Coach Tomi Cole. “She was the motor that kept us going throughout the season. Lydia’s offense was much improved this year, making
IRC ELITE Members of the All-Iron Range Conference Girls Basketball Team
Lydia Shultz, Ely Amelia Penke, Ely
Marta Forsline, Mesabi E. Micah Layman, Mesabi E. Mae Layman, Mesabi E. Tatum Morrison, Deer R. Josie Watkins, Deer R. Caitlynn Hemphill, Deer R. Josie Baumgard, Chisholm Destiny Schmitz, Chisholm Cheznee Skrien, Int. Falls Kylee Villebrun, Greenway Nashwauk-Keewatin Belle Bolle, Two Harbors her so difficult to defend, but I think what is even more noteworthy are her defensive contributions. I am so proud of the season she had, and I cannot wait to see what she does in her senior year.”
Penke also repeated as an All-IRC pick after stepping up for the Wolves on both ends of the floor.
She averaged a double double, scoring 11.4 points and 10 rebounds per game while shooting an effective 58 percent from the floor.
“With the loss of post presence due to graduation last year, Amelia really stepped up in her rebounding efforts this year,” said Cole. “There was a long stretch of games at the end of the year where she had multiple double figure rebounding nights and can contribute her share of points in the mix. Her determination to make a difference does not go unnoticed and she made big plays for us this year. I look forward to another year of maturing and development from Amelia, and believe her senior year will be her best one yet.”
The Ely girls program has been on quite a run, with the finals appearance part of a stretch that has now included five consecutive berths in the final four of Section 7A.
Mt. Iron-Buhl dominated the section, beat Ely in the finals and reached the Class A title game last Saturday, where the Rangers fell to Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s.
League champion Mesabi East paced the IRC with three all-conference selections.
