By Okon Ekpenyong, with Photos by Steve Kotvis and Matt Maly.

Excitement and pride filled the halls of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as the girls’ basketball team competed in the State Tournament for the first time. After an incredible season and winning the Section 3AAA Championship, the team was ready to take on their next challenge and make their mark in school history.

The journey to the State Tournament began with rigorous training, hard work, and dedication from the players and coaches. Led by Coach Tyesha Wright, the team has shown exceptional teamwork, determination, and skill throughout the season. Their passion and drive have inspired the entire school community.

Wednesday, March 13, marks the first game of the State Tournament for the Teddy Girls, as they affectionately call themselves. The game was at 10 am at the Maturi Pavilion at the University of Minnesota. The girls faced off against Benilde-St Margaret’s, a formidable opponent, and it was a battle in the first quarter 33-27 in favor of Benilde during the Class 3A quarterfinals. 

But in the second quarter, Benilde-St. Margaret extended its lead and emerged victorious with a 75-40 win over Roosevelt. The team’s McDonald’s All-American player, Olivia Olson, finished the game scoring 35 points. Despite the loss, it is worth noting that Roosevelt’s playing in its first-ever state appearance was a commendable achievement.

The Teddy Girls basketball team is thrilled to participate in their next game, the state tournament consolation semifinals against St. Peter, on Thursday, March 14, at 2 pm. The match will be at Concordia University’s Gangelhoff Center, and the team is eager to continue their legendary season on the court. Fans and supporters are encouraged to come out and cheer on the Teddy Girls as they aim for victory in this crucial game.

According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the Teddies suffered two consecutive losses in the section championship during Wright’s playing days. They were defeated by Jordan in 2009 and Minnehaha Academy the following year. However, the team made it to the section final again this season, winning a 50-49 victory over St. Paul Como Park in the Section 3 championship.

“The girls were walking in the shoes I’ve always wanted to be in, but I was able to walk in the shoes as a coach in the state tournament,” Coach Wright told Minneapolis Star Tribune. The Teddies had eight seniors on the roster, so credit also goes to them for helping the team accomplish this much this season. Wren Davis scored a team-high 17 points before fouling for Roosevelt. She told Star Tribune, “We’ve come very, very far as a program, and we didn’t get as far as we wanted.”

The team’s performance this season in the Class AAA Section 3 Conference was outstanding. They finished the season with a remarkable record of 11-1. Overall, they had an impressive 23-8 record, showcasing their exceptional skills and teamwork.

As a proud Teddy, I couldn’t be more thrilled for the girls and their accomplishments. The Teddies nation has always supported and cheered on past and current athletes, and this time is no different. The girls have worked incredibly hard to get where they are and deserve all the recognition and support they can get.

But it’s not just about the game but the journey and lessons learned along the way. Being a part of a team teaches valuable skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance. The Teddy Girls have excelled on the court and grown as individuals, learning the importance of hard work and never giving up.

So, as the Teddy Girls played in their first State Tournament game, the entire school community rooted for them. Some, including me, may not have been there physically for those Teddies who don’t live in the area anymore, but the team felt our love, support, and pride. Each time they step onto the court, they carry with them the hopes and dreams of their school, and we know they will make us proud no matter the outcome. Go, Teddy Nation.

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