Recruiting Report: Ryan Dirckx (2018)
**Photo by Joe Brown/Republican Eagle**
Ryan Dirckx summed it up nicely when talking about the value of playing AAU basketball: “Open gyms in Cannon Falls just aren’t the same.”
Dirckx, a 6-foot guard from Cannon Falls spent the grassroots season playing with Southeast Minnesota Lightning, honing his game against the best competition in the state.
“It was really good, I had a great time,” Dirckx said of the season. “I’ve played with a few of the Lake City guys before but this was my first time playing with a lot of the guys. It’s fun to be able to play with guys that I’m usually playing against. It makes you a lot better playing against better competition.”
Dirkx averaged 15 points and four assists per game a year ago with the Bombers and had a chance to play both on and off the ball this summer playing with SE Lightning. As a guy who has a lot of responsibility with the ball in his hands during the high school season, Dirckx said the opportunity to play a few different roles was good for his development as a player.
“It makes me a better player all around,” said Dirckx. “Being able to play different roles and in different spots. That’s important because the more you can do, the more valuable you are.”
Dirckx has drawn college interest from several local schools.
“St. Mary’s and Viterbo have been in contact with me,” said Dirckx. “I visited St. Mary’s, it’s a great area. I’m definitely still thinking about both schools.”