Post by Admin on Nov 21, 2014 8:28:25 GMT -6
via Guy Limbeck Rochester Post Bulletin
www.postbulletin.com/sports/localsports/boys-basketball-sec-season-preview-with-b-p-red-wing/article_eb07d752-506d-51eb-ad0b-df2f712329bc.html
Spring Grove (25-4, 18-0 SEC): The Lions were the class of the division a year ago and appeared to be again this year. But football injuries have derailed two key players. Senior guard Dustin Vickerman (10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists) might miss the entire season while 6-2 sophomore guard Chase Grinde (19.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.4 apg) will be out until the first of the year. Spring Grove has plenty of other talented players back from last year's high-scoring squad. Starters Alex Engelhardt (14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.8 apg) and Brady Schuttemeier (12.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg), a pair of 6-3 juniors, will head the team until the injured players return. Other key players back include 5-11 senior guard Elliott Cross (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 6-1 senior center Tanner Sanness (2.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 5-9 junior guard Dylan Kampschroer (4.4 ppg) and 6-0 junior guard/forward Gabe Solum (1.0 ppg). Even with the injuries the Lions figure to be the team to beat in the East Division. "If and when senior Dustin Vickerman and sophomore Chase Grinde return to the lineup, we look to be a strong competitor in the section," said coach Wade Grinde, who is 335-148 at Spring Grove.
Lanesboro (17-10 overall, 14-4 SEC): The Burros have a pair of starters back from last year's 17-win team but they graduated all of their top scorers. Starters back include 6-0 senior forward Liam Dorn (6.0 points, 8.0 rebounds per game) and 5-10 senior guard Zach Voletz (5.0 ppg). Other key returning players include 5-9 senior guards Tylar Miller (3.0 ppg) and Matthew Luck (3.0 ppg), 6-4 senior forward Eric Holst (2.0 ppg) and 5-10 sophomore guard Cole Schwichtenberg (4.0 ppg). Markus Mulvihill, a 6-3 junior forward, will also provide some size. "I will have some returning size to hopefully utilize," coach John Smith said. "I have a group of returning letterwinners that will work hard and compete." The coach said the Burros will need to develop some scoring ability from the inexperienced players. "We will look to be competitive in the conference and hope to be a factor at the end of the season," Smith said.
Mabel-Canton (15-12 overall, 12-6 SEC): The Cougars have a pair of starters and six letterwinners back from last year's 15-win squad. The top three scorers from a year ago have graduated but 6-1 senior center Donnie Lind is coming off a strong season. Lind averaged 8.6 points and 7.4 rebounds a year ago while 5-10 senior guard Keyser Wenthold averaged 5.0 points and 3.5 assists. A pair of top reserves back are 5-10 senior guard Wesley Richert (2.5 ppg) and 5-9 sophomore guard Wayne Ross (2.8 ppg). The other letterwinners back are seniors Dustin Kerns (6-0 forward) and Jon Selness (6-0 center). "Our guard play should be a strength," said coach Doug Wyffels, who's squad does not feature a lot of height. "We hope to be competitive in the conference race," the coach added.
Hope Lutheran (9-14 overall, 7-10 SEC): Coach Dan Messmann features a very young squad with just one senior and three juniors on the roster. Andrew Fratzke, a 6-4 senior forward, was one of the team's top scorers a year ago. Also returning to the starting lineup is 5-8 junior guard Kyle Meyer while 6-0 freshman Josiah Sandcork was a key reserve a year ago. Fratzke and Meyer are the only players taller than 6-foot on the squad. Other juniors back are 5-8 guards Brendan Losinski and Hayden Meinke.
Houston (6-17 overall, 6-11 SEC): The Hurricanes return four of their top six scorers from a year ago. Austin Peplinski, a 5-9 junior guard, was second on the team in scoring last season. Senior 6-foot guard Hunter Laschenski and 5-9 junior guard Micah Schutte also return to the starting lineup. Key reserves back from coach Jason Carrier are 6-1 junior forward Trevor Lundberg, 5-11 senior forward Daren Chapel and 5-10 junior forward Garrett Thornton-Paulson.
WEST DIVISION
Schaeffer Academy (13-13 overall, 10-8 SEC): The Lions shared the West Division conference title a year ago and have a pair of starters back. Zach Sanger and Roman Lahr are both 6-1 senior guards. Sanger led the team in scoring last year at 17.5 a game and added 4.2 rebouds. Lahr averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Other players back include 6-1 senior guard Toby Lowe, 6-0 sophomore guard Josiah Nelson (1.5 ppg), 5-10 sophomore guard Micah Hunskor and 5-7 freshman guard Christian Lahr. The Lions not not have an abundance of size but are a strong 3-point shooting team. Schaeffer will be trying to finish .500 or better for the third straight season. "(And) hopefully try to win the West Conference title for the second year in a row," coach T.J. Burget said.
Grand Meadow (11-14 overall, 10-8 SEC): The Superlarks have three starters back from last years team that tied for first place in the West Division of the SEC. The Superlarks will get off to a bit of a late start in basketball as the football team is playing for the Nine-Man state championship, but the squad figures to be athletic. Returning starters include 5-11 senior guard Landon Jacobson, 6-2 senior forward Cody Ojulu and 6-0 junior guard Michael Stejskal. All three are key members of the football team. "We should be athletic and have a deep bench than last year," coach Bob Burmester said. "We only have three seniors so we'll rely on underclassmen to step up."
Lyle/Pacelli (9-17 overall, 7-11 SEC): The Athletics appeared prime to make a run for the division title with three players back who averaged in double figures a year ago. Overall coach Dean DeBoer has five key players back and some solid overall size. "I think we will be in contention for the Western Division title," DeBoer said. Jordan Hart, a 6-1 senior forward, averaged 14 points a game last season while Noah Jiskra (6-3, junior guard) and Braden Kocer (6-3, junior forward) both averaged 10 points. Brennan Ruis, a 6-5 center center, averaged 3.0 points last season and 6-1 junior guard Jordan Cotter averaged 5.0. Junior Lee Bauer (6-2, forward) and freshman Trinity Anderson (5-4, guard) are expected to be key contributors. "We return an experienced group and hope to compete every night and give ourselves a chance to win."
Glenville-Emmons (7-20 overall, 4-14 SEC): The Wolverines have a pair of starters back, including a solid all-around player in 6-4 sophomore forward Derek Van Ryswyk. Van Ryswyk averaged 11.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks last yea and made 74 3-pointers. Marshall Hall, a 6-2 senior forward, averaged 4.9 points and 4.6 rebounds a year ago. Other key players back include 5-10 sophomore guard Seth Chapek (3.1 ppg), 5-6 sophomore guard Carter Dahlum (2.0 ppg) and 5-9 junior forwards Sean Chapek and Danny Charron. "Many of our players have been in our program for three years now so they are starting to grasp our concepts very well," coach Jared Matson said. "We feel we have some key pieces in place now that we've lacked in the past."
LeRoy-Ostrander (2-22 overall, 1-17 SEC): The Cardinals have three returning starters but did lose their top two scorers from a year ago. L-O will have some inside size in 6-5 senior forwards Josh Royston and Craig Wheeler. Royston averaged 8.1 points and 6.8 rebounds a year ago while Wheeler averaged 1.7 and 1.4 as a reserve. Senior guard Taylor Meyer (4.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and senior forward Jacob Souhrada (2.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg) are both returning starters. The team suffered a blow when Ryan Kasel was lost for the season with a knee injury in football. Aside from the returning players, a number of the other players will be young with four freshmen and an eighth-grader. "They work well together and that will help with with our progression with each game," coach Jim Hubka said. "We are looking to take the close games we had last season and turn them into victories." If the Cardinals can do that, Hubka believes his squad can compete for the division title.
Randolph (9-18, 2-12 Gopher Conference): Randolph joins the SEC this year after playing in the Gopher Conference for a number of years. The Rockets should be a force in the division with four starters back, including seniors Kyle Volkert (5-11, guard) and Drew Weidner (5-10, guard) and junior Eric Otte (6-2, forward), all who have been on the varsity since their freshman year. Volkert led the team in scoring at 11.3 points a game last year while Otte topped the squad with 6.2 rebounds per contest. Senior Luke Dubbels (5-11, forward) is the other starter back. Other players expected to play key roles include 5-11 junior twin guards David and Drake Speight, 6-1 junior forward Jackson Neil and 5-10 sophomore guard Grant Otte. "Overall I feel our team has good athletes," first-year coach Kent Otte said. "If we play as we are capable, we should be able to compete in the Southeast Conference."
BIG NINE CONFERENCE
Red Wing (19-9 overall, 6-7 Missota Conference): The Wingers are back in the Big Nine Conference this season after an extended stay in the Missota Conference. Red Wing could have a big impact on the conference race. The Wingers have four of their top five players back from last year's team that lost in the Section 1AAA finals to Austin. Ty Buck and Ben Miller are a pair of 6-3 senior forwards. Buck enters the season with just under 900 career points. He was injured part of last year but averaged 15 points and 4.0 rebounds and was All-Conference in the Missota as a junior. Miller is another third-year starter who averaged 9.6 points and 4.0 rebounds year ago. Joe Sevlie is a 6-6 junior center who played quality minutes and could take a big step this year. Travis Toivonen, a 6-3 junior forward, started 10 games as a sophomore when Buck was injured and averaged 6.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Other players who could play key roles include senior point guard Peter Davig, senior forwards Ryan Jonas and Brogan Earney and juniors guards Ben Munson Tait Kelly and Carson Bryan. "Everyone's role will be larger so kids will have to step up to the challenge," coach Doug Toivonen said. "We are looking for some depth right now so it is great to have kids fighting for spots."
GOPHER CONFERENCE
Blooming Prairie (15-10 overall, 8-6 Gopher Conference): The Blossoms not only have four starters back but they return their top five scorers and their all-time leading scorer and rebounder. John Rumpza, a 6-6 senior, has more than 1,500 career points and 1,000 rebounds. Last year he led the team in points (20.5 per game), rebounds (12.6) and assists (3.6) to earn all-conference honors for the third straight year. Anthony Nelson, a 6-1 junior, was also all-conference a year ago when he averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals while 6-0 senior Jacob Decker (8.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 spg) was honorable mention. Six-foot senior Scott Romeo averaged 6.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals last year while 6-2 junior Mitchell Jones averaged 5.9 points in 23 games. Senior Scott Romeo is the only other letterwinner back. Coach John Bruns believes the Awesome Blossoms should be among the conference contenders. "We will not be as deep as we have been in the past, so we will have to stay healthy," Bruns said.
www.postbulletin.com/sports/localsports/boys-basketball-sec-season-preview-with-b-p-red-wing/article_eb07d752-506d-51eb-ad0b-df2f712329bc.html
Spring Grove (25-4, 18-0 SEC): The Lions were the class of the division a year ago and appeared to be again this year. But football injuries have derailed two key players. Senior guard Dustin Vickerman (10.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.8 assists) might miss the entire season while 6-2 sophomore guard Chase Grinde (19.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.4 apg) will be out until the first of the year. Spring Grove has plenty of other talented players back from last year's high-scoring squad. Starters Alex Engelhardt (14.1 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 3.8 apg) and Brady Schuttemeier (12.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg), a pair of 6-3 juniors, will head the team until the injured players return. Other key players back include 5-11 senior guard Elliott Cross (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg), 6-1 senior center Tanner Sanness (2.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg), 5-9 junior guard Dylan Kampschroer (4.4 ppg) and 6-0 junior guard/forward Gabe Solum (1.0 ppg). Even with the injuries the Lions figure to be the team to beat in the East Division. "If and when senior Dustin Vickerman and sophomore Chase Grinde return to the lineup, we look to be a strong competitor in the section," said coach Wade Grinde, who is 335-148 at Spring Grove.
Lanesboro (17-10 overall, 14-4 SEC): The Burros have a pair of starters back from last year's 17-win team but they graduated all of their top scorers. Starters back include 6-0 senior forward Liam Dorn (6.0 points, 8.0 rebounds per game) and 5-10 senior guard Zach Voletz (5.0 ppg). Other key returning players include 5-9 senior guards Tylar Miller (3.0 ppg) and Matthew Luck (3.0 ppg), 6-4 senior forward Eric Holst (2.0 ppg) and 5-10 sophomore guard Cole Schwichtenberg (4.0 ppg). Markus Mulvihill, a 6-3 junior forward, will also provide some size. "I will have some returning size to hopefully utilize," coach John Smith said. "I have a group of returning letterwinners that will work hard and compete." The coach said the Burros will need to develop some scoring ability from the inexperienced players. "We will look to be competitive in the conference and hope to be a factor at the end of the season," Smith said.
Mabel-Canton (15-12 overall, 12-6 SEC): The Cougars have a pair of starters and six letterwinners back from last year's 15-win squad. The top three scorers from a year ago have graduated but 6-1 senior center Donnie Lind is coming off a strong season. Lind averaged 8.6 points and 7.4 rebounds a year ago while 5-10 senior guard Keyser Wenthold averaged 5.0 points and 3.5 assists. A pair of top reserves back are 5-10 senior guard Wesley Richert (2.5 ppg) and 5-9 sophomore guard Wayne Ross (2.8 ppg). The other letterwinners back are seniors Dustin Kerns (6-0 forward) and Jon Selness (6-0 center). "Our guard play should be a strength," said coach Doug Wyffels, who's squad does not feature a lot of height. "We hope to be competitive in the conference race," the coach added.
Hope Lutheran (9-14 overall, 7-10 SEC): Coach Dan Messmann features a very young squad with just one senior and three juniors on the roster. Andrew Fratzke, a 6-4 senior forward, was one of the team's top scorers a year ago. Also returning to the starting lineup is 5-8 junior guard Kyle Meyer while 6-0 freshman Josiah Sandcork was a key reserve a year ago. Fratzke and Meyer are the only players taller than 6-foot on the squad. Other juniors back are 5-8 guards Brendan Losinski and Hayden Meinke.
Houston (6-17 overall, 6-11 SEC): The Hurricanes return four of their top six scorers from a year ago. Austin Peplinski, a 5-9 junior guard, was second on the team in scoring last season. Senior 6-foot guard Hunter Laschenski and 5-9 junior guard Micah Schutte also return to the starting lineup. Key reserves back from coach Jason Carrier are 6-1 junior forward Trevor Lundberg, 5-11 senior forward Daren Chapel and 5-10 junior forward Garrett Thornton-Paulson.
WEST DIVISION
Schaeffer Academy (13-13 overall, 10-8 SEC): The Lions shared the West Division conference title a year ago and have a pair of starters back. Zach Sanger and Roman Lahr are both 6-1 senior guards. Sanger led the team in scoring last year at 17.5 a game and added 4.2 rebouds. Lahr averaged 11.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Other players back include 6-1 senior guard Toby Lowe, 6-0 sophomore guard Josiah Nelson (1.5 ppg), 5-10 sophomore guard Micah Hunskor and 5-7 freshman guard Christian Lahr. The Lions not not have an abundance of size but are a strong 3-point shooting team. Schaeffer will be trying to finish .500 or better for the third straight season. "(And) hopefully try to win the West Conference title for the second year in a row," coach T.J. Burget said.
Grand Meadow (11-14 overall, 10-8 SEC): The Superlarks have three starters back from last years team that tied for first place in the West Division of the SEC. The Superlarks will get off to a bit of a late start in basketball as the football team is playing for the Nine-Man state championship, but the squad figures to be athletic. Returning starters include 5-11 senior guard Landon Jacobson, 6-2 senior forward Cody Ojulu and 6-0 junior guard Michael Stejskal. All three are key members of the football team. "We should be athletic and have a deep bench than last year," coach Bob Burmester said. "We only have three seniors so we'll rely on underclassmen to step up."
Lyle/Pacelli (9-17 overall, 7-11 SEC): The Athletics appeared prime to make a run for the division title with three players back who averaged in double figures a year ago. Overall coach Dean DeBoer has five key players back and some solid overall size. "I think we will be in contention for the Western Division title," DeBoer said. Jordan Hart, a 6-1 senior forward, averaged 14 points a game last season while Noah Jiskra (6-3, junior guard) and Braden Kocer (6-3, junior forward) both averaged 10 points. Brennan Ruis, a 6-5 center center, averaged 3.0 points last season and 6-1 junior guard Jordan Cotter averaged 5.0. Junior Lee Bauer (6-2, forward) and freshman Trinity Anderson (5-4, guard) are expected to be key contributors. "We return an experienced group and hope to compete every night and give ourselves a chance to win."
Glenville-Emmons (7-20 overall, 4-14 SEC): The Wolverines have a pair of starters back, including a solid all-around player in 6-4 sophomore forward Derek Van Ryswyk. Van Ryswyk averaged 11.6 points, 8.3 rebounds and 2.3 blocks last yea and made 74 3-pointers. Marshall Hall, a 6-2 senior forward, averaged 4.9 points and 4.6 rebounds a year ago. Other key players back include 5-10 sophomore guard Seth Chapek (3.1 ppg), 5-6 sophomore guard Carter Dahlum (2.0 ppg) and 5-9 junior forwards Sean Chapek and Danny Charron. "Many of our players have been in our program for three years now so they are starting to grasp our concepts very well," coach Jared Matson said. "We feel we have some key pieces in place now that we've lacked in the past."
LeRoy-Ostrander (2-22 overall, 1-17 SEC): The Cardinals have three returning starters but did lose their top two scorers from a year ago. L-O will have some inside size in 6-5 senior forwards Josh Royston and Craig Wheeler. Royston averaged 8.1 points and 6.8 rebounds a year ago while Wheeler averaged 1.7 and 1.4 as a reserve. Senior guard Taylor Meyer (4.6 ppg, 3.3 rpg) and senior forward Jacob Souhrada (2.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg) are both returning starters. The team suffered a blow when Ryan Kasel was lost for the season with a knee injury in football. Aside from the returning players, a number of the other players will be young with four freshmen and an eighth-grader. "They work well together and that will help with with our progression with each game," coach Jim Hubka said. "We are looking to take the close games we had last season and turn them into victories." If the Cardinals can do that, Hubka believes his squad can compete for the division title.
Randolph (9-18, 2-12 Gopher Conference): Randolph joins the SEC this year after playing in the Gopher Conference for a number of years. The Rockets should be a force in the division with four starters back, including seniors Kyle Volkert (5-11, guard) and Drew Weidner (5-10, guard) and junior Eric Otte (6-2, forward), all who have been on the varsity since their freshman year. Volkert led the team in scoring at 11.3 points a game last year while Otte topped the squad with 6.2 rebounds per contest. Senior Luke Dubbels (5-11, forward) is the other starter back. Other players expected to play key roles include 5-11 junior twin guards David and Drake Speight, 6-1 junior forward Jackson Neil and 5-10 sophomore guard Grant Otte. "Overall I feel our team has good athletes," first-year coach Kent Otte said. "If we play as we are capable, we should be able to compete in the Southeast Conference."
BIG NINE CONFERENCE
Red Wing (19-9 overall, 6-7 Missota Conference): The Wingers are back in the Big Nine Conference this season after an extended stay in the Missota Conference. Red Wing could have a big impact on the conference race. The Wingers have four of their top five players back from last year's team that lost in the Section 1AAA finals to Austin. Ty Buck and Ben Miller are a pair of 6-3 senior forwards. Buck enters the season with just under 900 career points. He was injured part of last year but averaged 15 points and 4.0 rebounds and was All-Conference in the Missota as a junior. Miller is another third-year starter who averaged 9.6 points and 4.0 rebounds year ago. Joe Sevlie is a 6-6 junior center who played quality minutes and could take a big step this year. Travis Toivonen, a 6-3 junior forward, started 10 games as a sophomore when Buck was injured and averaged 6.0 points and 5.0 rebounds. Other players who could play key roles include senior point guard Peter Davig, senior forwards Ryan Jonas and Brogan Earney and juniors guards Ben Munson Tait Kelly and Carson Bryan. "Everyone's role will be larger so kids will have to step up to the challenge," coach Doug Toivonen said. "We are looking for some depth right now so it is great to have kids fighting for spots."
GOPHER CONFERENCE
Blooming Prairie (15-10 overall, 8-6 Gopher Conference): The Blossoms not only have four starters back but they return their top five scorers and their all-time leading scorer and rebounder. John Rumpza, a 6-6 senior, has more than 1,500 career points and 1,000 rebounds. Last year he led the team in points (20.5 per game), rebounds (12.6) and assists (3.6) to earn all-conference honors for the third straight year. Anthony Nelson, a 6-1 junior, was also all-conference a year ago when he averaged 9.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.0 steals while 6-0 senior Jacob Decker (8.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.1 spg) was honorable mention. Six-foot senior Scott Romeo averaged 6.1 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.2 steals last year while 6-2 junior Mitchell Jones averaged 5.9 points in 23 games. Senior Scott Romeo is the only other letterwinner back. Coach John Bruns believes the Awesome Blossoms should be among the conference contenders. "We will not be as deep as we have been in the past, so we will have to stay healthy," Bruns said.