Recruiting Report: Kyle Birr (2016)
3/10/2016 Update Albany senior Kyle Birr put his team on his back in sections. Three straight wins made it look like they might be going back to state, until a heart-breaking 86-82 loss to Braham in the section championship dashed…
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Continue Reading3/10/2016 Update
Albany senior Kyle Birr put his team on his back in sections. Three straight wins made it look like they might be going back to state, until a heart-breaking 86-82 loss to Braham in the section championship dashed those hopes.
Birr sat in the stands at Target Center yesterday instead of playing on the floor, watching Braham face off against Maple River. To the delight of two local schools, he’s making his college choice very soon.
“St. Thomas is my top school,” Birr said. “I got some NAIA looks from Briar Cliff, and my final group was St. Thomas, Augsburg and River Falls, but I’ve narrowed it down even more this week to St. Thomas and Augsburg. I’ll be making my final decision on Sunday.”
When asked about the biggest factors in his decision, Birr said “money is a factor and just my family’s opinions.”
Birr will be remembered in Albany as a leader and as one of the program’s all-time greats. The state tournament run that last year’s team made will go down in Albany history.
1/8/2016 Update
A year ago the Albany Huskies were 26-3 and made the state tournament at the Class AAA level. This year playing a strong schedule Albany is 9-3 in Class AA and led by guard Kyle Birr who is putting up 21.4 points, five rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game.
“Our season has been going well,” Birr told NHR. “We’re still undefeated in our conference and currently 9-2 with losses to Melrose and Monticello (they lost to Rocori after Birr talked with NHR last night).
“Some of the most memorable moments would be the Melrose game when we had 2,000 plus fans at the game. We had to bring in extra bleachers. Also, scoring my 1,000th point on Tuesday was an extraordinary moment in my athletic career.”
Birr put up 19 points a game last year and in his three years of varsity basketball Albany has a combined record of 56-12.
Kyle is no longer in the backcourt with Nick Raeker (a three year Albany standout who graduated last year) nor does he have Ben Hartmann up front. With the seniors graduating Birr has taken his game to a new level.
“I’d say my ball handling is getting better every year. I’ve taken on the role of playing point this year instead of on the wing last year.
“My defense is continuing to improve also along with my mid range jump shot and my shot from three. I’d like to say I’m having a sold senior year. I believe my averages are 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists a game.”
Kyle was pretty much dead on with those averages. His career at Albany and with the Minnesota Comets has led to several programs showing interest and three schools are leading the way for his talent.
“I’ve narrowed it down to my top three which are St. Thomas, Augsburg, and River Falls! I’d like to go for sports journalism as well.”