GRAFTON-- “You know that saying don’t blink? I just don’t know where the time has gone,” said Grafton Head Coach Laurie Sieben.
Nearly 15 years ago, basketball didn’t come naturally for Sieben’s twin daughters, Carlee and Cassie.
“Carlee I think hid behind me the very first little Spoiler camp that we did and followed me around and what not, so we have come a long way,” said Laurie.
“I remember when I was three, my mom was coaching the elementary camps, and I did not want to play. So I kind of followed her around the whole time and I think that was the last time that I didn't want to play basketball,” added Carlee.
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Fast forward to today and the longtime Grafton Head Coach has brought the Spoilers back to the Class-B State Girls Basketball Tournament for the second straight year. Her daughters, who are now seniors, are helping pave the way for the Spoilers.
“I mean we really don’t know any different because my mom has been coaching us since third grade. It’s been pretty special because we have all been with each other the whole time. Just having the support is the big thing and having that extra person to go play one-on-one with or get extra advice, they’re just right in your home and with you as your mom and my sister,” said Cassie.
“I wouldn’t say it’s pressure, I would say it’s a lot more fun. I guess not a lot of people get to play with their sister and their mom as their coach, so it’s really fun,” said Calee.
Laurie has led the Spoilers for two decades, which included winning the state title in 2012. Serving as coach and mom throughout her daughter’s careers though, means more than any win or any game.
“It makes it special in itself, because I have kind of been a front of seat in this journey as their coach and as their mom. They have never taken anything for granted, they know everything is earned and nothing is given and I think their teammates know that very, very well,” said Laurie.
The passion for basketball in the Sieben family doesn't stop with Laurie and her daughters either.
“All of my cousins play basketball, my uncle coaches the boy’s, my aunt Steph does book at the games, I mean our whole family does basketball,” said Carlee.
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For a family that lives and breathes basketball, the Sieben’s are just happy they can all go out together, sharing this moment of once again playing in the state tournament.
“I’m so excited for them, I don’t put myself there just yet. Maybe after the season I will, maybe I am just trying to coach myself up for that,” said Laurie.
Grafton enters the state tournament as the second overall seed and will face Glenburn in the first round on Thursday at the Minot State Dome.
