State competition is next for the high school trap shooting team, but the group already has a conference championship under their belts.
Northeast Range/Ely placed first among nine teams in its conference, which included schools from across the state with league play done with each team shooting at its respective course.
It was the first conference title in 10 years for NER-Ely, and the victory came against conference foes Bloomington Jefferson, Hendricks, Hinckley-Finlayson, Lewiston-Altura, Luverne, Martin County West (Trimont), Milaca and North Lakes Academy.
Conferences are determined by the size of the team, not geography, so Ely won’t compete against nearby schools such as Mesabi East and Hibbing.
Individual winners included Kamryn Bregier-Beno, who had the top average among females at 22.3. In third place among females was Alyssa Ice (21.4).
The top-scoring male was Hunter Kosinski, who recorded a 22.6 to take third overall.
Next up for the team is the 2A state tournament, for teams with 20-24 shooters, slated for June 16 at Alexandria.
That event is expected to attract approximately 900 shooters from around the state, and the top three teams will advance to the Minnesota State High School League state tournament, to be held June 26 at Prior Lake.
Coach Julie Huseby equated the conference title as the equivalent of winning a section championship, and the team is now gearing up for state, shooting regularly at the Babbitt Conservation Club.
Other team members are Ryland Sandy, Amelia Sandy, Talan Hart, Ari Hart, Laydan Hart, Sabrah Hart, Thomas Hway, Peyson Roseth, Carrington Kosinski, Wyatt Carlson, Hannah Ice, Henry Lenz, Jay Mattila, Blake Stalboerger, Garen Weisinger, Trynn Weisinger and Kylee Zobitz.
Trapshooting, also known as clay target, is termed an “emerging activity” by the Minnesota State High School League and brings a new opportunity to compete.
