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Larsen, Mustangs look to add to history

Newell-Fonda was 1A state runner-up last year

Messenger photo by Britt Kudla Olivia Larsen shoots for Newell-Fonda during a 1A quarterfinal game on Wednesday. For more photos, please visit CU.messengernews.net

NEWELL — Olivia Larsen led the Newell-Fonda girls to within one win of a Class 1A state championship last year.

Now, with four starters in all back, the Mustangs are looking to take that final step this winter.

Larsen, a senior all-stater, averaged almost 20 points per game a year ago and was also the team leader in rebounds, assists and steals. She shot 49 percent from the field and 32 percent from the 3-point line.

That state experience that saw Newell-Fonda win its first 26 games before falling to Springville in Des Moines was one Larsen will never forget.

“Making it to state was amazing,” she said. “State basketball is one of the best places in the world to be, and knowing that we always have the potential to accomplish our goals makes us excited. But we have to take it one day at a time.”

Under Dick Jungers, the Mustangs have qualified for state nine times, claiming gold in 2015 and finishing second four other times including last year.

Emma Stewart, a senior, along with junior Megan Morenz and sophomore Ella Larsen were all starters a season ago. Morenz averaged just under 10 points, Larsen was at 9.5 and Stewart 7.6 with 56 made triples.

“We will have a variety of options to go to in key situations,” said Jungers, who is 339-68 in 17 seasons at the school. “It is nice to know that we will be able to go to different players depending on the situation. We can go inside or we can go outside.”

Newell-Fonda was one of five teams last year to average over 70 points per game and they finished second in the state in made three-pointers with 226. Also, they scored the most points in the third quarter with 500 a season ago.

For Larsen, this season is another chance to add to the storied legacy built by those that came before her — and for those that will follow in her footsteps, including her sister, Ella.

“It’s always amazing knowing that you are continuing the tradition that the Newell-Fonda girls basketball team holds and it helps push each of us every day in practice because the ultimate goal is what we strive for when we walk into the gym whether we were successful or not the previous year,” she said. “A new season is a new season, and our goals remain the same every year. All we can do is try our hardest day in and day out, and we will like the outcome”

The Mustangs open the year on Tuesday at Spirit Lake.

MUSTANG RETURNING LEADERS

Points: Olivia Larsen, 531

Rebounds: Olivia Larsen, 189

Assists: Olivia Larsen, 131

Steals: Olivia Larsen, 140

Blocks: Ella Larsen, 15

Made 3s: Emma Stewart, 56

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