Shane Stevensen is a Class A All State Caliber Player

<p>The Nicollet Raiders went 21-6 a season ago led by a top senior.  Six-foot-7 forward Shane Stevensen moves into that role as top senior and is likely to keep Nicollet a top ten caliber team in Class A basketball. </p> <p>Stevensen averaged 18 points and eight boards a game last year hitting 51 percent of his attempts and 34-35 percent of his threes.  He was playing alongside [player_tooltip player_id="846185" first="Riley" last="Hulke"] who scored 24 a game and is now playing basketball at UW-River Falls. </p> <p>Who is Shane Stevensen?  We asked Shane himself!</p> <p>"(A) great pick and pop three (point shooter), has a smooth jumper with nice finishing ability around the rim," Shane said. And he’s working to become even better. </p> <p>"Basketball training wise I’ve been doing AAU over the whole summer with the Minnesota River, I’ve been in the gym 24/7 and go every chance I get," Shane explained.  "I’ve also been in the gym working with NBA player Troy Hudson on my game and shot. And lastly I’ve been doing workouts/weightlifting with my football team and by myself."</p> <p>Ncollet has high expectations.  They enter the season ranked 4th in the state as they return six of their top nine guys.  Yes there are multiple starters that need to be replaced but the team is experienced, and ready. </p> <p>"I think we have a lot of playmakers and guys who can really show out this year," Shane said.  "We have great length all around and have multiple 3&amp;D guards who can hit shots comfortably with range. I believe we have all the right pieces to make it far this season."</p> <p>Between the Nicollet coaches and players, they have all helped Shane become the player he is today. </p> <p class="js-tweet-text tweet-text with-linebreaks full-width">"Coaches and players (from Nicollet have helped)," Shane said.   "Just the fact of everyone believing in me and my game. My coaches always push and my teammates hard because of the potential they see in us. I also want to say players as well because they’re constantly keeping my head up."</p> <p>Shane is now a wanted college prospect hearing from a nice group of players from different areas and levels. </p> <p>"Lawrence University, NDSCS, Augsburg, Hamline, St. Olaf, Bethany, Gustavus, UW-River Falls, and more are in contact," Shane said.  "My next steps for recruitment are showing out and showing people what I can do on the court this year. Just keeping my head up and taking the chances I get."</p> <p>The goals for Stevensen are high, and they should be. </p> <p>"My goals for myself is to do whatever it takes to win each and every game," Stevensen said.  "I want to make a name for me and my team because i think we have something special this year. I also want to make a deep run in playoffs."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/I8g4iDNS-GI" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p>