Class AAA Title Contender: Austin

<p>The Austin Packers won seven of the ten section titles the previous decade.  They are coming off a 17-3 season in 2020-21.  With Kris Fadness leading the way the Packers are always a contender. </p> <p><strong>Key Wins in 20-21 (17-3)</strong><strong>: </strong>  Mankato West, Rochester Century, Owatonna, Rochester Mayo</p> <p><strong>Oops</strong>: Byron, Northfield, Mankato East</p> <p><strong>Moving On: </strong>The Packers lost their top three players from a season ago:  leading scorer [player_tooltip player_id="958771" first="Emmanuel" last="Manyuon"] transferred to a prep school in Arizona, best all around player [player_tooltip player_id="774763" first="Teyghan" last="Hovland"] is now at St. Cloud State on the baseball team, all league player [player_tooltip player_id="957155" first="Okey" last="Okey"] graduated as well.  The Packers are known for their quick reloads but this quick reload might be a bit tougher than some others, but Austin has pieces to make the transition easier.  Part time starter Dieth Duop, reserve forward Jordan Ransom, and reserve guard Casey Berg both graduated as well. </p> <p><strong>Returning Starters (1):</strong>  The lone returning starter for Austin is Gage Manahan, a 5’10 senior point guard that handled the ball for the team last year and was a key defender.  Gage was an all around producer averaging 7.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 2.4 steals a game.  Handles pressure well and is a good passer. </p> <p><strong>Reserves Playing a Bigger Role: </strong>Sixth man [player_tooltip player_id="958655" first="Victor" last="Idris"] is a starting caliber talent that has the physical abilities at 6’4 to be a big time impact player.  Idris, a senior, is a versatile defender that was the team’s top rebounder a season ago.  Idris was a starter for part of last year but he missed a lot of time to injury.  This is a returning starter caliber player with a lot of potential.  </p> <p><strong>Potentials from the JV:   </strong>Junior 6’3 guard [player_tooltip player_id="1221144" first="Cham" last="Okey"] is next to step into the spotlight.  Okey has the abilities to work with Idris and Manahan to be a trio of players that can be very productive.  Okey is coming off an excellent summer and looks to have the potential to attack and be a double figure finisher.  </p> <p>The group of Packer reserves include four seniors ready to step into roles:  Junior Ledji (6’3 F), Daniel Browne (6’0 F), Kaden Murley (6’2 F), and Jared Lilemon (5’10 G).  Coach Fadness can pick from this group for the other two starters and reserves or he can go to juniors [player_tooltip player_id="1288836" first="Buai" last="Duop"] (6’3 F) and/or Jack Lang (5’10 G) to fill those spots as well.  Each of these players were on the JV a season ago and are likely to step into varsity roles. </p> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong>: Austin will still be a top Big Nine contender, even in a season where Mankato East, Mankato West, and Owatonna are expected to be state tournament teams.  The Packers have three key players that they can lean on and the reserves always seem to step in ready to play their role and make a big impact.  </p>