Perham's Anderson Sets Records, Yellowjackets Fall to Pelican Rapids
Perham senior Kaia Anderson became the Yellowjackets program leader in games played and 3 pointers made, but the team lost 67 to 59 at Pelican Rapids on Dec. 5 in Heart O' Lakes Conference play. The milestone underscores both individual achievement and broader community stakes in local girls sports, as Perham sits 3 and 1 early in the season.
Kaia Anderson reached two program milestones in Perham High School history during the Heart O' Lakes Conference game at Pelican Rapids on Dec. 5. Anderson, a senior, now leads the Yellowjackets in games played with 140 appearances, and in 3 pointers made with 237. Despite her achievements, Perham fell 67 to 59, dropping the team to 3 and 1 on the young season.
The final line score showed Pelican Rapids 67, Perham 59. Perham’s leading scorers were Lauren Gjerde with 14 points, Quinn Hanson with 14, and Anderson with 11. The matchup was a conference test that highlighted Perham’s offensive depth and areas for defensive adjustment as the season progresses.
Coaching staff acknowledged Anderson’s leadership and the significance of her milestones while also focusing on the work ahead. The school now turns its attention to the remainder of conference play, where each game will affect seeding and postseason prospects.
Beyond the box score, the game has local implications for Otter Tail County. High school athletics are a primary source of community engagement and young people’s access to regular physical activity. Anderson’s record underscores opportunities that sustained participation provides for youth development, while the team’s loss is a reminder of how fragile competitive momentum can be in small communities that depend on school sports for social cohesion.
The result also raises questions about equitable support for girls athletics in rural districts. Consistent travel, facility access, athletic training, and medical resources determine whether student athletes can compete safely and long term. Strengthening school and community investment in sports medicine coverage, mental health supports, and safe training environments can protect athletes and broaden the benefits that come from participation.
As Perham navigates the rest of conference play, the community will watch both for wins and for how local leaders sustain programs that promote health, opportunity, and community pride. Anderson’s personal milestones are a point of celebration, and they also serve as a prompt to assess how Otter Tail County supports the next generation of student athletes.
