The story of the Sevastopol girls' basketball season is still being written, but the pen was first put to paper much earlier than its season-opening win against Suring.

The first-place Pioneers are 11-1 entering their key matchup at Oconto on Saturday, with the Blue Devils breathing down their neck in second place. They are ranked seventh in the state at Division 5, entering the rankings earlier this season for the first time in decades.

At the helm is Ben Rikkola, who, along with his wife Beth, are former college basketball players on their way to coaching their second straight season with at least 15 victories. The defense is as impressive as their offense, led by their daughters Bailey and Naomi. Both girls are 1-2 when it comes to points and rebounds per game. Speaking to the NEW Radio Sports Network before the holiday break, Ben Rikkola credits the work that began nine years ago for their success now.

You can listen to the full interview with Rikkola, where he also discusses Bailey's 1000th point earlier this year, here. The Pioneers will battle the Blue Devils in Oconto on Saturday at 7:30 p.m.