LITTLE FALLS — The Willmar girls basketball team has transformed from uncertain to undeniable. After a challenging January that included a five-game losing streak, the Cardinals rallied to win eight of their final ten regular-season games, securing their spot in the Section 8AAA championship on March 5, 2026.
“In the middle of January, we started doubting ourselves,” said senior post Lyza Gustafson. “But we pulled it together and we’ve been playing our best basketball all year together as a team.” The Cardinals’ determination culminated in a 55-41 victory over the top-seeded Little Falls, marking their first trip to the state tournament since 2018.
Willmar will develop its ninth appearance at the state tournament, having previously qualified in 1984, 1992, 1994, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2017, and 2018. “It’s been a dream for our team to go to state,” said senior guard Telilie Lange. “It’s super incredible for us to piece it together at the end.” The Cardinals finished the game with an overall record of 18-11 and will initiate their Class AAA state tournament play at the Maturi Pavilion on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis.
Strategic Adjustments Pay Off
During the regular season, Willmar faced Little Falls previously, losing 46-35 in a game where neither team shot well. Acknowledging this, the Cardinals implemented a new offensive strategy just days before the championship game, one they had not run all season. “We put that in for this game because we felt that they couldn’t guard it with the way they play their 2-3 zone,” said head coach Brendan Hedtke.
The strategy proved effective, with junior Maddison Molacek scoring nine points in the first half and Gustafson adding another seven. “To be honest, it didn’t look that great in practice,” Hedtke reflected, “but we bet on it and it worked. I’m just really proud of those two for sticking to it.”
Defensive Resilience
Despite being sidelined for a portion of the first half due to foul trouble, Lange managed to contribute significantly in the second half, finishing the game with 15 points and a team-high five steals. “The second half, I was able to calm down and everybody else was rotating to where they needed to be so I could play my game,” Lange noted.
Little Falls star Malin Youngberg led all scorers with 20 points, but the Cardinals effectively neutralized her supporting cast. “We knew that from the start we were going to attack her and go where she wants to go,” Lange said. Gustafson added, “That was a big point of emphasis for us. Just run at [the shooters] as hard as you could and we’ll see if they make them or not.”
Key Contributions and Celebrations
With a crucial 39-35 lead, Willmar pulled away with an 11-3 run, stretching their advantage to 50-38 with just over three minutes left. Molacek led the Cardinals with 18 points, including a notable free throw that marked her 1,000th career point.
“I really didn’t know how close I was,” Molacek said. “I endeavor not to suppose about it, especially during the playoffs. I play for my team and that’s what our mentality was.”
As the final buzzer sounded, the Willmar players were celebrated by their student section and pep band. They shared in joyful moments, cutting down the nets in a triumphant display of their hard-fought victory. “Man, this has been a grind,” Hedtke expressed. “Coaching is the most rewarding thing but it’s also a lot of work. But I have great girls. This is a family, and these girls did not want to give up this family.”
Looking Ahead
With their championship win secured, the Cardinals now prepare to compete against the best teams in the state. The upcoming tournament will be a new challenge for Willmar, but their recent performances suggest they are ready to make their mark. The seeds for the state tournament will be announced in the coming days as the team continues to build on their momentum.
Fans are encouraged to support the Cardinals as they embark on this exciting journey to the state tournament. Share your thoughts and congratulations for the team’s remarkable achievement!
