Thunder Women Wrap Up Second Season

Mar 15

Tom Urbanski

CLOQUET, MN– The second season of Thunder basketball at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College took a big step forward from the inaugural season last year. Despite a winless record at 0-22, the Thunder women’s basketball squad had a much-improved product over their debut season last year. Optimism was high at the start of the season when 13 players reported to practice, but injuries and eligibility issues slimmed the team down to just six players at the end of the season.

“I was very, very proud of the way the team competed hard to the end and maintained an incredible chemistry on and off the court,” said Thunder women’s head coach Jen MacKay. “We were a better team in February than we were in October. That is a goal every team tries to achieve.”

Leading the Thunder women was sophomore transfer forward Brady Donnahue of Floodwood. Donnahue led the Northern Division of the conference in three-point shooting percentage with a 48.4% season average, making 61 of 126 attempts. Donnahue also led the Thunder scoring with a 13.5 points per game average. She will be transferring to the University of North Dakota next year to pursue a degree in physical therapy.

“Our team had the best time playing together this year,” said Donnahue. “Personally, it was my best season because it was so much fun. It was frustrating at times because we didn’t win, but I became a better player going against skilled players and tough competition. I think the opportunity to play college ball at Fond du Lac is one of the best jumps to make, going from high school to college. You really learn about yourself and the game of basketball. I think local players can play at Fond du Lac, have a good experience, learn about basketball, get a great education and have a lot of fun.”

Freshman forward Lisa Muehlberger of Duluth Central was fifth overall in the conference is field goal shooting percentage with a 46.3% average. Muehlberger was also a solid rebounder, pulling down double-digit rebounds in several games and scoring a game-high 25 points against Itasca. Muelberger will also play softball for the Thunder this spring.

Freshman guards Darian Bushey of Barnum, Haley Lund of Proctor, and Amber Buckanaga of McGregor handled perimeter duties and bringing the ball up the court. Freshman forward Elizabeth McKenzie of Cass Lake contributed many minutes of playing time in the lane. Bushey led the team in scoring in several games. Lund will be transferring to Bemidji State University next year to participate on the cross-country and track teams.