Big Number Plitzuweit is a team guy, will fit right in at Augustana
Six-foot-2 Augustana signed guard AJ Plitzuweit has put up some explosive numbers so far this year which should fit right in with his future team.
“In watching Augustana, it’s always fun to watch the grit and energy they play with,” AJ said. “They just look like they are a tight-knit group and I can’t wait to be a part of that.”
His future team is 8-4 while AJ’s team is 2-2 on the season thus far. Last night the Vermillion Tanagers picked up a needed win over Tri-Valley 77-60.
“I have learned that although we may be inexperienced and possibly not the most skilled, we will never give up and play our guts out for each other,” AJ said.
Plitzuweit had 37 points on 12 of 22 shooting last night with eight boards and seven assists. AJ also had 30 and 10 for a double-double over the weekend, plus another 37 points and 13 boards with six assists in the Flandreau Indian win. All of this since the opener loss to Bon Homme when Plitzuweit had 13.
“It’s very apparent that we play in the best conference in the state (Dak XII) so we will have to be mentally prepared day-in and day-out to go to battle with some of the best teams in the state,” AJ said.
The best example of that will be the holiday break game against Tea Area. AJ is putting up just under 30 points a game but this isn’t about him. It’s about fighting with his team.
“Our goal as a team is to play for each other and make it to the state tournament. We know that it will be tough but we just take it day-by-day to improve for the rest of the season.
“Individually, my goal is to set an example for the rest of my teammates and to be a leader for my guys.”
And those responses are the reason that Vermillion High School loves having Plitziweit as a student leader and why Augustana was so excited to land him over division one schools.