Recruiting Report: Sam Urness (2018)
With his senior season just one month away, Clarion-Goldfield-Dows guard Sam Urness is ready to take the momentum from his 17U season into what could be a special winter for the Cowboys.
The 5-foot 8 guard was sensational this summer with Kingdom Hoops Elite, and will be bumped in the forthcoming 2018 rankings as a result.
Another perk of playing well this offseason: there’s been a slew of D3 and NAIA programs that have been taking notice of the well-built and ultra quick combo guard.
“Lately I’ve been in contact with Cornell up in Mount Vernon a lot. I’ve been on a visit there and I really like the coaching staff there,” said Urness.
Other schools interested are Dordt, Grand View, Doane and Graceland, and he already has, or has plans to take visits to all of those programs.
“Those are the main schools I’m looking at, and the schools I’ve been talking to the most,” said Urness. “And where I see myself maybe going and playing.”
Urness was showstoppingly good at times this spring while playing 17U ball, and explained his skill-set and what it is that makes him such a dynamic player.
“My strengths are that I’m very quick on defense, and can make an impact by getting a lot of steals. And I’m physical, I’m 5’8 but I weigh 160 pounds, and I use my body more than anything to be physical with other guards,” said Urness.
“I’m quicker than some people so I like to drive and get to the basket, where I can finish well or get fouled and get to the free-throw line.”
He says playing with Kingdom Hoops was a huge help in the evolution of his skill-set.
“I’ve loved Kingdom Hoops ever since I joined them. All the drill and practices helped me a lot this spring and summer, my shooting and ball-handling got a lot better,” said Urness.
“I worked a lot on my pull-up, just because I’m undersized, I can either get to the hoop, or now I utilize a pull-up a lot.”
And now, with his senior season just ahead of him, Urness and his Cowboys have very high expectations for the season.
“I feel like we have a really good team. Last year we made it to the district finals, and this year I think we can make it down to Wells Fargo with this group,” he said.
“I have high expectations for us.”