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Gobblers get some experience at the Target Center
The Aitkin Gobblers met Mora on the Target Center floor and won the contest by nine points. Coach Kaija Davies, "It was great, a different floor and the girls are young and were pretty nervous." (photos by Jessica Palm)
Tika May firing up a three at the Target Center, she loved the chance to play there, "It was super fun, I'm glad I got some time on the court."
Kate Palm taking it to the hoop at the home of the Timberwolves and the Lynx. Kate talked about the day, "It was a really fun experience to have as a high school team. It made us realize where we could play and what we could accomplish if we work hard enough. It was also cool to see their training facilities and the trophies the Lynx have won. This is thanks to Matt Bare who gave us the opportunity."
Kacie Kaiser battles two Mustangs for the basketball at the Target Center.
She's gonna be a royal!!
Aitkin Gobbler senior Abby Palm. who missed most of the past season with an ACL injury has committed to Bethel University for the 2025-26 year. Despite her injury she was still an integral part of the Gobblers successful season. Congratulations Abby!
What a difference a year makes
One year ago this Saturday, the 29th of February the Aitkin Gobbler girls with their record of 3-23 prepared to take the court against the C-I Rangers. They would be defeated that day by the score of 99-22 ending their season. Heads were down and who could blame them, they lost their last seven games and twelve of their last thirteen. Since the Holiday Tournament they had only scored more than fifty points four times. But a fire burned in the underclassmen, and they decided that night that they were not going to suffer through another season like this. Whatever it took they would do it and turn a program that had won just 21 games in the previous four years into a winner, and they knew they had the right coach to do just that. They started this season with four seniors but lost one to injury and one to the wrestling program, but they never stopped supporting the basketball team. So that left just Brita Westman and Ellie Hoppe standing. Those two would lead a group of young, young players and the rest is history. How did it happen, let's ask Coach Kaija Davies, "This season's turnaround is a direct result of the hard work and dedication our athletes put in during the off-season. We spent countless hours in the gym, focusing on improving individual skills, team dynamics and over all fitness. But it wasn't just about the time spent working. Our players bought into the process, showing an unwavering commitment to getting better every day. Our senior players with their experience and maturity have set the tone for the entire team. They've not only worked hard themselves, but they have also mentored the younger players, holding everyone accountable and leading by example. Their work ethic, combined with a strong desire to improve, has been the driving force behind our success. This teams hunger to grow, their belief in the process and their relentless effort have made all the difference in turning our program around." Tuesday night the Gobblers will host a Section 7AA first round game for the first time in six years. It's a 6:00 start against the Moose Lake-Willow River Rebels. The two teams met in December and the Gobblers came away with a 58-53 overtime win. I'm looking for a big crowd to watch this team try to move on to the second round and I have faith that this program that has gone through so much the last four years, will be ready to go. A win or loss however will not define this team or this program. They have started something at Aitkin and will do their best to keep it going year after year. A coaching staff and players who are willing to run through walls for them can't be defeated.