Alexandria's MaCee Linow commits to Bemidji State

MaCee Linow-DSC_9882.JPG — Alexandria junior MaCee Linow (white jersey) puts up a floater during a game against Mankato East at the Granite City Classic on Dec. 30, 2023, at St. John's University. Linow recently committed to play college basketball at Bemidji State.

By Sam Stuve

January 29, 2024 at 4:25 PM

ALEXANDRIA 鈥� For Alexandria guard MaCee Linow, connections mean everything.

Linow, a junior, has been a consistent starter for the Alexandria girls basketball team over the last couple of seasons. She has built a strong connection with the women's basketball coaching staff at Bemidji State in recent months, and it has led to her committing to play for the program following her high school career.

"I love the coaches," Linow said. "I have a lot of good connections with the coaches, and they know what they're doing. They're calm and intelligent. That means a lot to me."

Linow announced her commitment to Bemidji State on Jan. 21.

"It feels like a big weight has been taken off my shoulders," Linow said about making a college commitment. "I've been planning this for a while."

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— MaCee Linow (@LinowMacee)

Linow, who plays AAU basketball for North Tartan AAU, has been one of the key players in Alexandria's recent success.

In a 2022-23 season where Alexandria won the Central Lakes Conference title, the Section 8-3A title and finished fourth at the 2023 state tournament in Class 3A, Linow led Alexandria in three-pointers made with 58 while shooting 50.2% from the field and making 72.1% of her attempts from the free throw line. Linow finished third on the team in scoring in the 2022-23 season, averaging around 10 points per game as a sophomore.

"I think some of my strengths are staying composed and drilling shots," Linow said. "Finishing at the basket has been something I've been working on."

Linow made the 2022-23 All-CLC team and was an honorable mention in the 2021-22 season. She's consistently been one of Alexandria's go-to players offensively and has scored over 500 points in the last two seasons combined.

"She totally deserves this," Alexandria junior Hadley Thul said. "She puts in so much work outside of practice, and I think she's going to enjoy it."

Linow's recruiting process began after the 2022-23 school year. Soon after her sophomore year, Linow heard from Bemidji State and has been on a couple of visits since.

Bemidji State is currently led by Chelsea Stoltenberg, who is in her ninth season as head coach.

"I think it's a great fit for MaCee," Alexandria head coach Wendy Kohler said. "The NSIC is probably the best Division II league in the country. She's going to do well there. I like the Bemidji State coach; she does a really good job. She's a real transformational coach. I'm excited to watch MaCee at the next level."

The Alexandria Cardinals are currently one of the top programs in the state. The Cardinals sit at 16-2 on the season and are ranked No. 4 in the Class 3A Minnesota Basketball News poll.

The Cardinals are undefeated in CLC play (9-0) and in Section 8-3A games (6-0) so far this season and have aspirations of making another deep postseason run.

"I want us to keep pushing the ball and continue working well as a team," Linow said. "We're so quick. I want us to continue finishing shots, focus in practice, and put that into our games."

1/4: Alexandria's MaCee Linow facilitates the offense during a game against Sauk Rapids-Rice on Jan. 25, 2024. Alexandria won the game 91-27. Sam Stuve / Alexandria Echo Press

2/4: Alexandria's MaCee Linow passes the ball to a teammate during a 72-39 win over Willmar on Dec. 8, 2023. Sam Stuve / Alexandria Echo Press

3/4: Alexandria's MaCee Linow (21) goes up around a Mankato East defender to put up a shot at the Granite City Classic on Dec. 30, 2023. Sam Stuve / Alexandria Echo Press