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Finlandia’s Motherwell pleased with recruiting class

Houghton’s Harlee Froberg is a member of the 2018 Finlandia recruiting class. (Bryce Derouin/Daily Mining Gazette)

HANCOCK — After a tough opening season this past winter, Finlandia women’s basketball coach John “Mo” Motherwell is pleased with the talent he has signed up in the offseason.

Motherwell’s latest signee is Houghton standout Harlee Froberg, who signed a letter of intent this week.

“We were very happy to get Harlee signed up,” Motherwell said. “She’s the kind of player we can use in just about any role … She’s very versatile.”

The 5-foot-8 Froberg was a three-year starter for Houghton coach Julie Filpus. Motherwell said that Houghton players have a reputation of being fundamentally ready to play at the next level.

“Everyone knows what kind of program Julie Filpus runs over there,” he said. “Those kids are required to do all the fundamental things to become all-around players.”

Houghton posted a 71-23 record and won three West-PAC championships in Froberg’s four years. She also starred in softball for the Gremlins.

Froberg gained all-league and All U.P. honors during her career with the Gremlins.

Another signee that Motherwell is excited about is Katie Lundeen of Northwestern, Wis.

“We feel that she (Lundeen) can step right into our lineup and help us,” he said of the 5-10 newcomer. “She can play inside really well, but has the ability to step outside and hit the 3-point shot as well.”

The FU skipper is anxious to see how Lundeen will matchup inside against such players as Sydney Danison (Chassell) in the annual Border Bash game between players from northern Wisconsin schools and western Upper Peninsula teams on June 6 at Gogebic Community College.

The 6-1 Danison, an All-U.P. choice for the Panthers, will be joined by teammate — and all-stater — Milly Allen on the U.P. team. The two led Chassell to the Class D state title game this season.

“It should be a good challenge for Katie,” he said. “Danison is a skilled inside player. She’s headed to Lake Superior State next year.”

Two other players Katy Loman (Ishpeming) and Victoria Nagy (Sault St. Marie) have also signed with Finlandia.

“They are both very good players,” he said of Loman and 5-8 Nagy. “I feel they’re going to step in and provide us with a lot more depth than we had a year.”

He also has his eye on adding additional talent.

“The U.P. and northern Wisconsin has some very good girls basketball talent,” he said. “We have to tap into it to get better.”

Julia Daavettila of Dollar Bay High and Kelsie Richards of Houghton finished their careers at Finlandia last season, both averaging around 16 points a game.

“I wish I had both of them coming back; they were quality players and people,” Motherwell said.

Daavettila finished up with more 1,220 career points to place fourth on the all-time scoring list at FU.

A lack of home games, caused by lack of a conference affiliation, has been a problem at the university in recent seasons. Motherwell said that situation will be improved in the upcoming season.

“We already have eight games at home, with a possibility of more,” he said.

Finlandia played just five games at Paavo Nurmi last season.

Also returning coming back next season are former Hancock High products Molly Berg and Taylor Pertile, who started several games. Senior Haley Makela (Jeffers) is another returnee.

 

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