Minnesota First Look: Melrose
Melrose has been one of the best Class AA programs in the state for years now and had another terrific season in 2018-19, finishing with two wins at the state tournament. The Dutchmen graduate another strong senior class, but return…
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Continue ReadingMelrose has been one of the best Class AA programs in the state for years now and had another terrific season in 2018-19, finishing with two wins at the state tournament. The Dutchmen graduate another strong senior class, but return two double-figure scorers and several key rotation players – and there’s always talent in the program waiting its turn.
KEY RETURNERS: Rowan Nelson, Grant Moscho
Nelson and Moscho were super-sophs last year for the 28-win Dutchmen, both averaging double-figures in scoring in elevated roles. Preston Kevaney busted out in a big way in his senior year but with Reegan Nelson missing time with an injury, it was Moscho and Rowan Nelson who emerged as second and third scoring options.
Moscho is one of the best shooters in the state and knocked down better than 40 percent of his 3-point shot attempts last year on his way to averaging better than 11 points per game. He’ll take on more ball-handling responsibility as an upperclassman, but expect his shooting to continue to be featured in the Dutchman offense.
Nelson averaged 11.5 points and six rebounds as a sophomore, showing a strong ability to finish inside and create his own offense from the low and mid-post areas on the floor. He’s an athletic, tough defender who could be a double-double guy as an upperclassman.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Mason Heidgerken, Trevor Braegelmann, Christian Orozco, Jordan Martinez
The Dutchmen graduated a big senior class and face quite a bit of roster turnover, and a lot of new faces will be taking on higher-leverage roles.
Heidgerken saw spot time last year in his sophomore year and looks like a breakout candidate this year with a bigger role. He’ll join Moscho in the backcourt and be relied upon as a ball-handler.
Braegelmann was a fringe-rotation guy last year as well, earning spot minutes off the bench and having his share of solid performances in a low-wattage role. With most of his varsity time coming in mop-up duty, he’ll be thrust into a much larger spot this winter, likely playing starter minutes on the wing.
QUESTION: Can the Dutchmen develop their depth?
With Melrose graduating so many seniors, the Dutchmen go into this year with a lot of new faces taking on big roles. Moscho and Nelson are high-enders, but a big key to the team having its typical success will be how quickly some of the newcomers who haven’t stepped forward yet adapt to the varsity level.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Melrose is one of those programs where you can almost pencil the Dutchmen in for 20 wins a year no matter who they’ve lost and who they’ve got coming back. Their coaches are that good. They’ve got good athletes and always play a smart and disciplined brand of basketball. Moscho and Nelson soften the blow of a big senior class moving on, as both guys should take steps forward as upperclassmen. They may not be the favorites in the West Central Conference or Section 6AA, but counting them out would be a mistake.