Recruiting Report: Steven Fernholz (2018)
Steven Fernholz put up 23.6 points per game with six boards for a 13-9 Miller High School Team last winter as a junior. “Slept on” is an overused term but it fits for Fernholz.
The 6-foot-4 Fernholz played with the Pentagon Regional team for six events this off-season and it was an important experience for Fernholz.
“I grew a lot playing AAU,” Fernholz said. “The main things I brought out of playing this summer was being more physical and finding new ways to get score by reading the defense.
“I also learned to play under two new coaches who are great to play for! They were both able to pick out the little things that would make me a better player.
“One of the biggest experiences I will bring out of this summer is learning how to be a leader by being vocal and making plays. That was a major emphasis from our coaches. They taught us how to be a leader and guide the younger kids to be vocal and active on the court.”
The numbers last year were impressive but Steve wants to play like a veteran using his experience to make everyone all around him better.
“I want to be able to be a consistent scorer and be able to read the court and make smart decisions,” Steven told PHD. “I also want to help my teammates by opening more opportunities to make them comfortable scorers.”
Fernholz faced a different level of player at events in Kansas City, Minneapolis, and in Omaha among other places. Bigger, faster, stronger was a good way to describe it. And it make Fernholz better.
“It challenged me in multiple ways,” Steven said. “I had to adjust to be a more physical player and expand my game. Players are more athletic and the style of basketball is much faster. I’ve learned how to play smarter offense and tougher defense.”
DWU is a constant when it comes to top South Dakota players mentioning college options. The same can be said for Fernholz.
“I want to play college basketball,” Fernholz said. “I have a couple options but the main one is Dakota Wesleyan University. Depending how my senior season goes I’m hoping to bring more interest from other schools.”
College is a year away. Steven wants to finish his senior year in a memorable way and that’s as a memorable student athlete.
“I want to be able to improve my game and be an athlete the youth can look up to, as well as be a team leader.”