Recruiting Report: Lucas Walford (2016)

<p>Quietly <strong>Lucas Walford</strong> led New Prague to the state tournament a season ago winning 20 games and scoring about 14 points a night.  The Trojans had a much better season than anybody expected and Walford became a known name.</p> <p>Walford next joined the Minnesota Heat Northwest team that won any more games this spring and summer than any other 17 and Under Grassroots squad.  Walford improved with every game, impressed every night in just about every way a player can.</p> <p>“I played a lot more above the rim on offense and defense,” said Walford of his Grassroots season.  “I also got better at defending guards and I think I can defend all positions now. </p> <p>We played against excellent competition and went 42-15 against them. I also really liked the guys I played with</p> <p>“Lastly, playing for Ernest and Jasper Duberry was awesome.”</p> <p>With new Coach Bryce Tesdahl the Trojans move on into a new era with Walford as the main player representing on the floor.  He’s excited for what lies ahead.</p> <p>“I feel really good about it,” Lucas said of the upcoming season.  “I think we can repeat as conference and section champs if we put in the work. The jump to AAAA will be tough with Rochester JM and the Lakeville schools but if we get our offense down and find our roles we&#39;ll be very good and competitive with anyone.”</p> <p>Walford has offers from Minnesota-Duluth, Sioux Falls, Minot State, Concordia-St. Paul, MN State-Mankato, MN State-Moorhead, and University of Mary.  Recruiting is going well and Walford will look at all interested parties.</p> <p>“I&#39;ve got 11 visits in August and I&#39;m about halfway through them now. I&#39;ve already visited Minnesota State-Mankato, Minnesota-Duluth, Concordia St Paul, St Olaf, St. John&#39;s, Carleton, Bethel, and St. Scholastica.</p> <p>“I&#39;m going to visit Minnesota State-Moorhead, Minot State, University of Mary, Southwest Minnesota State, Augustana, Sioux Falls, and Upper Iowa. I may also take officials to UMass Lowell and Western Illinois. I haven&#39;t completed my official visit list yet.”</p>