CDH Girls Basketball: Building on the Momentum

by Athletics Staff

After a memorable state tournament run last season, the CDH Girls Basketball team enters the new year with confidence, experience, and a clear goal: keep moving forward. Head coach Tara Gunderson believes the foundation laid last winter has positioned this group to compete at a high level once again.

“I’m excited for this group of talented players,” Gunderson said. “Our returning players gained valuable game experience last season and have worked hard this offseason to improve their skills. We’re driven to keep developing as a team and strive to compete at a high level every time we step on the court.”

Leadership remains a major strength for CDH, anchored by a strong senior class and a deep group of captains: Sage Gilbert ’26, Joey Hover ’26, Gaby Hoban ’26, and Olivia Laughlin ’26. The senior captains—Gilbert, Hoban, Hover and Laughlin—were instrumental during last year’s postseason run and continue to set the tone on and off the floor.
Gilbert, a versatile leader and consistent presence, will continue her basketball career next season at Bethel University, while Hover has committed to UW–River Falls. Their experience and composure have helped guide a team that blends proven leadership with emerging young talent.

That youth movement is led by sophomore Anna Buri ’28 and three standout freshmen—Madeleine Hamiel ’29, Isabella DeLeeuw ’29, and Teagan Jacobs ’29—who played key roles in last year’s state run as eighth and ninth graders. Their early exposure to high-level competition has paid dividends, as all four have returned more confident and impactful.

“This group understands what it takes to win,” Gunderson said. “They’ve experienced the intensity of postseason basketball, and that’s a powerful motivator.”

With momentum from last season, a strong leadership core, and a blend of experience and youth, the CDH Girls Basketball team enters the season focused on growth, consistency, and competing with purpose. The standard has been set—and the Raiders are ready to build on it.