Winter Sports 25-26 Check-In
The winter sports season is in full swing, and SPA student-athletes are competing with energy, focus, and determination across the ice, courts, slopes, and pools. From exciting victories to personal milestones, each team has made significant strides, and coaches are proud of the growth and resilience their athletes have shown so far. | Follow @spaspartanathletics on Instagram for more updates!
Below, get a closer look at each program’s highlights, notable performances, and what’s ahead for the remainder of the season.
Boys Basketball
The boys varsity basketball team has been one of the most explosive and entertaining squads this winter, using depth, defensive pressure, and balanced scoring to fuel a strong start to the season.
“This team is a must-watch. Our depth and quickness allow us to full-court press and trap for an entire game, and we have a balanced group of shooters who can score in bunches. We’ve eclipsed the 100-point mark twice this season, and our offense is led by three captains who set the tone every night,” said head coach Kevin Keto.
“Senior point guard Ben Sieben is shooting 50% from the field and 41% from three, which puts him among the best shooters in Minnesota high school basketball. His hot shooting has gained national attention, as he was named Prep Hoops x Dr. Dish Player of the Week in late December. Senior wing Ezra Cunningham recently eclipsed 1,000 career points and is averaging 22 points and 10 rebounds per game, while junior captain John Grimsrud is on pace to break the school’s single-season rebounding record.”
The Spartans currently sit tied for second in the IMAC as they head into the heart of conference play. | Team Page
Overall Record: 9-5-0
Next Game: Tuesday, January 27 vs. Breck @ Breck School, 7:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball
The girls basketball team is navigating a demanding stretch of the season as January has been a packed schedule and brought new challenges.
“We started strong, but now we’re in a bit of a slump. We’ve dealt with some injuries, and overall fatigue has been an adjustment for our team. With a grueling January schedule — eight games in three weeks — I’m looking forward to seeing how our group responds and adjusts to adversity,” said head coach Natalye James.
Despite the challenges, the team continues to compete through a rigorous slate as they push toward the second half of the season. | Team Page
Overall Record: 5-9-0
Next Game: Tuesday, January 27 vs. Highland Park @ SPA, 7:00 p.m.
Nordic Ski
The nordic ski program is in the midst of its strongest season to date, with both the boys and girls teams consistently competing at the top of the field.
“SPA Nordic is having our strongest season ever. The boys are starting to compete at the conference level, and the girls are on pace for a six-peat as conference champions and a repeat as section champions,” said head coach Max Lundgren. “After years of building, we’re finally in a position to compete with the big schools at state in this single-division sport. More importantly, the quality of skiing and team camaraderie are at all-time highs.”
Both boys and girls varsity squads have been consistently at the top of the leaderboard throughout the season as they continue to build momentum. | Team Page
Next Meet: Wednesday, January 28 IMAC Championships @ Theodore Wirth Park, 8:00 a.m.
Alpine Ski
The SPA alpine ski teams have battled a wide range of conditions this winter, from slushy spring-like runs to icy, challenging courses, but have continued to show growth and competitiveness as the postseason approaches.
Under head coach Corey Marthaler, the girls team has surged at the right time and is living up to its preseason expectations. A strong second-place team finish in the third conference race (just 10 points out of first) has the Spartans within striking distance of a second-place overall finish in the IMAC Conference heading into championships next Wednesday (1/28). Individually, Sophie Ferrer ’28 and Sophia Wenberg ’29 are both firmly in the mix for All-Conference honors.
On the boys side, the season has been defined by resilience during a rebuilding year. Following the graduation of state champion Caden Burns ’25 and several injuries, younger skiers have stepped into higher race start positions and gained valuable experience. The group has been led by Pike Marthaler ’28, who is currently competing for All-Conference recognition, as the team looks to build momentum heading into the final conference race and the Section meet.
With the postseason nearing, the Spartans once again have their sights set on a familiar goal: representing SPA at the State Meet at Giants Ridge. | Team Page
Next Meet: Monday, January 26 vs. Hill-Murray @ Wild Mountain Ski Arena, 7:30 p.m.
Boys Swimming & Diving
The HP/SPA boys swimming & diving team, known as the Trojans, has had a strong season and continues to excel in conference competition.
“The Trojans have had a great season. We are undefeated in SPCC conference dual meets and just competed in True Team Sections 6AA, the toughest section in the state, featuring two-time state champions Edina. The team set 30 personal records…” said head coach Stacy Overgaard.
Some athlete highlights include:
- Ben Lee (’26), captain: 5th in 100 Fly and 100 Breast
- William Hanna (’26), captain: personal record in 100 Back and 13th in 200 Free
- Sam Galarneault (’27), captain: 13th in 50 Free and 12th in 100 Breast
- Alex Haupt (’27): dropped 11 seconds in 500 Free
- Kaya Cayci (’28): 13th in 200 IM and 17th in 500 Free
- Peter Overgaard (’30): 17th in 200 IM and 19th in 100 Fly
The Trojans will look to continue their strong performance and chase another conference title as the season progresses. | Team Page
Next Meet: Friday, January 30 vs. Central @ Humboldt, 7:00 p.m.
Boys Hockey
The boys hockey team continues to focus on growth and development as a young roster gains valuable experience throughout the season.
“We have not achieved the results we would have liked so far; however, our young players are improving,” said head coach Bill McClellan. “We will continue to work hard and hope the results come as a result of that effort…. we’ve also welcomed players back from injury and from studying overseas.”
The Spartans look to build momentum down the stretch as players return to the lineup and the team continues to develop on and off the ice. | Team Page
Overall Record: 1-14-0
Next Game: Tuesday, January 27 vs. Simley @ Simley – Vet’s Arena (IGH), 7:00 p.m.
Girls Hockey
The Blake Girls Hockey team (co-op) has put together a strong and balanced season while continuing to focus on growth and postseason preparation.
“The season is going well. We’re learning, growing, and trying to get one percent better every day so we’re playing our best hockey come playoff time,” said head coach Kristi King. “We play three lines and three pairs of defense, which is extremely uncommon and really shows our depth and the trust we have in all of our players. We have high aspirations for the postseason, and that mindset drives us every day.”
The team has found success within section play (4-0) and continues to build momentum as the postseason approaches.
“Senior Day will be Saturday, Jan. 31. We have seven senior players and a senior manager this year,” King added. “Ella Bond (SPA) is one of those seniors and has been an incredible contributor both on the ice and in the locker room. She’s approaching 100 career points and has been a great presence for our team.” | Team Page
Overall Record: 17-6-0
Next Game: Tuesday, January 27 vs. Benilde -St. Margaret’s @ Blake Ice Arena, 7:00 p.m.
Fencing
The fencing team’s winter season has centered on growth and team development, according to head coach Dong-Ying “Sasha” Pai.
“This season has been about growth—both individually and as a team. Hosting the SPA Invitational allowed us to see our athletes support one another and apply their training in competition. A special highlight was team captain Rowan Moore winning the women’s saber event and keeping the trophy at home. We’re excited to continue building resilience, focus, and a strong team culture as the season continues.”
The team will look to carry that momentum into the remainder of the season as they continue to develop both competitively and collectively. | Team Page
Next Meet: Saturday, February 7, SYFA Cupid’s Arrow 2026 (MN High School Qualifier)
