19-20 First Look: Marshall
In this article:
<p>At 22-6 the Tigers are coming off an excellent 2018-19 campaign that ended in the section finals. Does Marshall have what it takes to make state? As a top five team in Class AAA I would say, certainly. </p>
<p><strong>Moving On</strong>: Matt Onken may have been one of the best posts in the state that didn't earn the deserved credit and honors. Onken is now at Northwestern College in Iowa. Also gone is Bryce Paulsen, one of two double figure scorers that graduated. Also gone are key backcourt pieces Camryn Allex (scored 7 a game last season) and Spencer Ehlers. </p>
<p><strong>Returning Starters</strong>: Senior 6-foot-6 <strong>Noah Puetz</strong>, junior 6-foot-2 guard <strong>Bryce Lance</strong>, and 6-foot-1 guard <strong>Matthew Hmielewski</strong> all have starting experience for the Tigers. Puetz is a D2 level forward that is coming off a great 17u year with the Comets while Lance is in consideration for the top point guard in the junior class. Add in Hmielewski and you have an excellent returning trio. </p>
<p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role: </strong>Marshall always has a wing/forward that plays the tough guy role of boarding, defending tough, setting strong screens, and being vocal. In many ways 6-foot-4 <strong>Trey Steinbach</strong> is that player. He scored a couple times off the bench last season and will have a bigger role. Six foot junior guard <strong>Josh Baker</strong> played some time off the bench last year and this summer played as the starting guard next to Lance or the 6th man, depending on what Marshall had available. Then there is the ex-factor, Iowa committed football talent <strong>Yahya Black.</strong> Yahya is about 6-foot-7 at center and he spent much of last year injured. Black is now healthy and will give Marshall a key player at every position, plus help Puetz play as a true four man while Black plays exclusively in the paint doing what strong, agile centers do. </p>
<p><strong>Potentials from the JV: </strong>Six-foot-4 senior <strong>Bradyen Hilgeman</strong> will supply frontcourt depth as will 6-foot-6/6-foot-7 <strong>Charlie Jacobson</strong>, the future of Marshall basketball who spent most of his time on JV a season ago. Juniors <strong>Chase Douglas, Jack Bly, and Brevin Runia</strong> will also fight for time in those second and third spots off the bench. </p>
<p> </p>
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue Reading
Already a subscriber?
Log in
