Osseo-Fairchild in midseason form

November isn't over just yet, but there is at least one girls basketball team that appears ready for March.

The Osseo-Fairchild girls were beyond impressive in a 60-36 victory over Altoona on Thursday night. Although the Chieftains have a first-year coach in Matt Korger, they don't seem to have any trouble getting adjusted.

"Coach (Tony) Calo and I seem to agree on defensive philosophies," Korger said of his predecessor. "We both preach aggressive man-to-man defense."

And while the defense was tight, the offense was even better. Osseo-Fairchild was flawless in transition — something that usually eludes teams at this point of the season.

Other observations from the game:
*I can see where opposing coaches grow tired of coaching against the Gregoriches of Altoona. Both Brittany and Tiffany are tough as nails and treat every rebound or loose ball as a fast-break opportunity. Altoona is going to be a fun team to watch as the season develops.

*UW-Eau Claire women's basketball coach Tonja Englund was in the house, but I didn't see her speak to any players after the game. Could Tiffany Gregorich be a possible recruit?

*We have an early leader in the "Casper's Favorite Band" category. Altoona's band can bring it. I especially liked the "Bang on the Drum All Day" rendition after the Packers kicked a field goal in the first quarter of their 37-27 loss to the Cowboys. Of course, the song is only played after touchdowns at Lambeau Field, but it was a nice touch nonetheless.

- John Casper Jr.