South Shore’s Small-School Spirit Translating on Basketball Court

Cardinals 11-1 overall this season

PORT WING, Wis.- It’s been nine years since the South Shore girls’ basketball team reached the State Tournament. Ryan Tiberg, who was in his second year as the cardinals coach at the time, says that team was a lot different from his current roster.

“(A) little different dynamic, that 2015 team,” says Tiberg. “We had a 6′ 3″ post player who was a very good player, so a little different dynamic in the way we’re scoring.”

While Tiberg oversaw that historic season from the sidelines, current senior and point guard Kiley Mueller was only in third grade.

“I wasn’t able to go to green bay, but we all watched when we were in our little classrooms,” smiled Mueller.

this season, Mueller has become an essential part of South Shore’s offense, acting as an on-court coach of sorts. “She distributes and runs the sets, she knows the sets better than I do,” says Tiberg. “I can call them out (and) she can put people in place.”

“She brings high energy,” comments fellow senior Emily Montgomery. “(Kiley)’s always a positive role model for the girls and she’s just an overall great teammate.”

Mueller and Montgomery are two of five seniors on the team, and in a class of just 14 students, they’ve all formed tight-knit bonds on the hardwood. “We’ve really had the same crew since we were in second grade…it’s really helped a lot.” confirmed Mueller.

“we’re pretty goofy, honestly,” smiled Montgomery. “We like to have a lot of fun, but when it’s gametime, we’re focused and driven.”

At 11-1, the Cardinals will have a chance at getting back to the State Tournament. Aside from the wins and losses, these girls will remember something even more valuable from their time at South Shore. “Probably just the constant support from the community and the coaches,” nodded Montgomery. “They always wanted us to do our best.”

Mueller agrees. “Being at such a small school, the community is really involved, and the support is amazing.”

South Shore will seek win number 12 on Monday when they take on Bayfield at 5:45 p.m.