Jon Masson, wiscnews.com, April 2, 2017
Estella Moschkau traveled distinctly a different route to arrive at this point.
Moschkau, a 6-2 senior at Madison Edgewood, progressed from a ball-handling Tri-County youth player in Mount Horeb … to AAU whiz … to an all-around high-school standout who’s adept maneuvering for inside baskets, connecting from deep or snaring a rebound and racing, with her long strides, up the court – an eye always on an assist.
She a talent for the game and a hope that her best is yet to come. Diligent worker who were focal points in their teams’ successful season. Unselfishly their teams played was most important to them.
Moschkau led the Crusaders to a share of the Badger South Conference title with Monroe and Stoughton, then to the big prize: the WIAA Division 3 state girls basketball championship at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon. Edgewood’s year-long goal was realized with a 21-point victory over Greendale Martin Luther in the title game.
Will go from high school to outstanding academic institution on opposite coast, Moschkau at the Pac-12’s Stanford University in California.
With all this in mind, it’s clear to see why Moschkau was selected as the Wisconsin State Journal/WisconsinPrepZone.comAll-Area Girls Basketball Player of the Year.
Drive, discipline and defense fuel Moschkau.
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In her 24 seasons, Edgewood coach Lora Staveness hasn’t seen a player with the skill set possessed by Moschkau, the Gatorade girls player of the year, co-Miss Basketball winner and a first-team all-state choice.
“She is one of the special ones,” Staveness said, adding: “Her ball-handling is really good for 6-2. It will have to go up for Stanford and the Pac-12, but she really has the ability to see the floor. You go to the next level and you will have better talent surrounding you. Stanford does a good job putting people in positions to be successful. … Her work ethic will really help her out.”
Moschkau religiously got up for 5:30 a.m. sessions to work on her basketball fundamentals, fitness and strength.
“I’m a very disciplined person,” said Moschkau, whose father and grandparents also went to Edgewood. “Hard work is all mental. If you put your mind to it, good things will happen.”
Moschkau and her teammates had a single-minded drive to win the state title after watching their opportunity disappear a year ago, and all the off-season work and extra hours each individual put in paid off.
“It is an amazing feeling, just knowing we took home the gold ball for the school, the community and coach Lora Staveness,” Moschkau said. “She deserves it more than anyone. I’m still kind of in shock that we won. It is a settling feeling. We are very content with it.”
Moschkau is humbled by the recognition she has received.
“I’m so grateful people would consider me for these honors,” she said. “I wouldn’t be here without coach Staveness, my teammates, my family and everyone who has helped me along the way. It’s a lot about others who have helped me.”
Moschkau’s journey will take her in June to Stanford. Moschkau, who plans to study business or philosophy, is eager to become part of Stanford’s basketball legacy.
“Their player development is so good,” she said. “Just being at Stanford, everyone has so much to offer. It’s such an uplifting experience. Being surrounded by excellence is something I’m glad to be around.”
