Houghton's Sloane Zenner drives against Kalkaska in a Class C state quarterfinal on March 7, 2017 in Manistique. (Photo submitted to Daily Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — Getting shots up at the Michigan Tech SDC was a routine occurrence for Sloane Zenner. As a child and all the way up to preparing for her senior season at Houghton High School, that’s where she honed her game. And during these shooting sessions, the Michigan Tech women’s basketball team would also be getting shots up and working on drills on the other side of the gym. 

Now, it’s come full circle for Zenner, who is set to begin her first season with the Huskies. 

“It’s just kind of weird to be that person now,” Zenner said of becoming a Husky after years of growing up and watching the Tech women’s basketball team.

Zenner enters after being a three-time All-U.P. selection for the Houghton Gremlins where she finished with 1,078 points and played a vital role in Houghton’s three district titles. She showcased her versatility in her senior season, averaging 15.2 points, 6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 3.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 56 percent from the field.

“Sloane has a lot of really good athletic ability,” Tech coach Kim Cameron said. “She can play a number of positions, and I think she will be more of a guard for us. But I do think her height and athleticism is going to allow her to create some mismatches, and she’s going to be able to get to the rim and work on getting her shooting consistent. We’ll expect her to shoot from the perimeter well, but I do think her athleticism will allow her to be a really tough matchup.”

Zenner joins fellow former Gremlin Elisa Jurmu, who is preparing for her senior season. The older Houghton alum has been one of the veteran Huskies helping Zenner transition to the college game.

“I remember being a freshman in high school and watching Elisa as a senior (at Houghton),” Zenner said. “It’s been fun being on the same team. She helps me out a lot and it’s been cool.”

Zenner and Cassidy Trotter are the lone incoming freshmen on a veteran Tech team that lost just Morgan Anderson from last year’s squad. The two newcomers are both roommates with each other and have both been attempting to adjust to the increased speed of the game compared to the high school level.

“Just adjusting to the pace has been the hardest thing for me,” Zenner said. “Getting into the defensive positions has been something that I’ve been focusing on and will continue to do so.

“Just trying to find a role on this team and working and trying to find what works best.”