Three-sport standout Alison Nagel has carried over a successful senior year of volleyball into the first five games of the 2009-10 basketball season for the St. Edmond girls.

In her final year patrolling the net as a middle hitter, Nagel was a first team All-North Central Conference selection in the fall after leading the Gaels in kills (358), blocks (111), and aces (35). As a sophomore, Nagel was a state qualifier in the discus.

Nagel's dominant low post play in the early going of the basketball season is a major reason head coach Scott Messerly and the Gaels are off to a 4-1 start. Nagel scored 21 points in a 69-59 setback at fifth-ranked (3A) Algona High on Dec. 1.

The 6-foot-2 center leads the team in scoring (17.6 points per game) and rebounding (14.4). Nagel is currently leading all of Class 2A in rebounding. She is also shooting 83.8 percent from the free throw line.

Last year as a junior, Nagel was a first team All-NCC pick in basketball after averaging just over 17 points per game. She was on the third team as a sophomore.

"We have been working on fundamentals and our plays. We have been executing and that is what needs to happen during the game," said Nagel. "We are having a lot of fun on the court.

"Our team goal is to beat Algona and to be first in the conference. I want to end my career and the season on a good note. I also want to help out my younger teammates and be a good role model for them."

The Gaels finished 14-7 overall and 12-6 in the NCC last winter. Their season ended in a 60-46 setback at second-ranked Manson Northwest Webster in the first round of regionals.

Nagel points to Messerly as a mentor when it comes to her improvement on the hardwood.

"Coach Messerly is a good motivator. He yells a lot and I take it in a good way because I know he wants me to push myself to do better," Nagel said. "He has been a good influence on helping be become a better player."

Nagel is currently undecided on where she will play college basketball at next year. Wayne State, Iowa Central, Morningside, Central College, and Ellsworth are currently engaged in the recruiting battle. Nagel said she would have the opportunity to play both volleyball and basketball at Iowa Central.

Contact Ryan O'Hern at (515) 573-2141, or by e-mail at sports@messengernews.net