Previews: MVP & ORCS

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Happy first day of practice!!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Titans and Knights tipped off the basketball season today, this is a perfect time to look at two Team Previews.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD has 1 team from ND and 1 team from SD included in this article.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">See below for detailed info on Mt. Vernon-Plankinton and Our Redeemer's.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2388806,"width":"327px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Preview-crop-772x507-1711398103.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Preview-crop-772x507-1711398103.jpg?w=771" alt="" class="wp-image-2388806" style="width:327px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"50px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:50px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">MVP</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Program:&nbsp;</strong>Mt. Vernon-Plankinton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot:</strong>&nbsp;Titans</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong>&nbsp;Jason Helling (1st year)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong>&nbsp;5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong>&nbsp;6-15</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Potential Titan Roster</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isaiah Olson - Sr - 5'8 - G</strong> (Floor General)&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brady Fox - Sr - 5'8 - G</strong> (Scorer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Larsch - Sr - 6'0 - F/C</strong> (Hustle Guy)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hagan Tlam - Sr - 6'0 - F/C</strong> (Does the little things)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Luke Baker - Sr - 6'1 - F/C</strong> (Old school post player)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caden Barnes - Sr - 5'10 - G</strong> (Shooter)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Riley Mayer - Jr - 5'10 - G</strong> (ATHLETE)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tyce Fiestner - Jr - 5'9 - G </strong>(Shooter averaged 10 PPG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dylan Rihanek - Jr - 5'11- G/F (</strong>Great defender and athlete, averaged 8 PPG)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Tate Hegg - Sr - 5'11 - G</strong> (Pesky defender)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cole Sandland - Jr - 5'11 - G/F</strong> (Shooter/Defender)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Camden Stahl - Jr - 5'10 - F</strong> (Undersized post who has a good feel for the game)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Derrick Fletcher - Jr - 5'10 - G</strong> (Shifty guard with a lot of offensive potential)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mason Karst - Jr - 6'3 - F </strong>(Been injured but has tons of upside)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2676786,"width":"319px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_182c93.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_182c93.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2676786" style="width:319px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Jason Helling</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What can you tell us about last season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Last Season we didn't get to where we wanted both as a team and individually but put in the work this summer to set us up to have a successful season both on and off the basketball court.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What can you tell us about the 2024-25 team?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We will return a large number of kids this year who put a ton of work this offseason in the weight room, on the basketball court, and in the team chemistry department.&nbsp; The 2024-2025 Titans boys basketball team will have a lot of guys who are good at different things. Our team will be navigating some uncharted waters this year as it will be my 1st season as the Head Boys Basketball coach for MVP after having Coaching Denning for the last 29 years.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a few players to keep eyes on?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em><strong>Dylan Rihanek</strong> is an underside post player who can hold his own against much larger players and has a knack for the basketball.&nbsp;<strong>Brady Fox</strong> is a strong guard who does a really nice job of getting into the paint. <strong>Tyce Fiestner</strong> can really shoot the ball for us, and <strong>Riley Mayer</strong> really progressed as the season went on last year. We have about 13-15 players who share a lot of similar abilities and characteristics, so we will use the beginning of the year to form and navigate our roles on the team.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What will your team be known for?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We won't have the biggest team but hope that all of the opponents on our schedule think “man, they get after it”.&nbsp; MVP would like to be known for our ability to compete and work as one.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be the top teams in Region 5?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I believe Region 5A is going to be very competitive and will have a number of teams competing for the top spot come postseason play.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any team goals?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Being that we are beginning a new era of Titan basketball, our team's number 1 goal for this season is to create an identity that will last for years and become the foundation for MVP basketball to build on.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">GOOD LUCK TITANS!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2388806,"width":"341px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Preview-crop-772x507-1711398103.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/Preview-crop-772x507-1711398103.jpg?w=771" alt="" class="wp-image-2388806" style="width:341px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"50px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:50px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">ORCS</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Program:&nbsp;</strong>Our Redeemer's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot:</strong>&nbsp;Knights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> Brock Teets</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong>&nbsp;B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong>&nbsp;3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District:</strong> 6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-24 Record:</strong>&nbsp;19-10 (6th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively Avg Team: 59 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Defensively Avg Team: 49 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The Knights will be one of the best in B, why? They went to the State Tournament last season and they return 11 players, including all 5 starters!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Starters &amp; Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'5 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2248504' first='Jace' last='Weekley'] 12 pts/6 rebounds Sr.</strong> (Can play multiple positions, inside-outside player, smooth, sneaky athlete that shoots the 3 extremely well, also good shot blocker) “All-District and All-Region selection”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'2 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'] 12 pts/5 rebounds Soph.</strong> (Elite defender, one of best in the state, strong, can play inside and out, elite in transition, a much improved offensive game, “All-State Tourney Team selection last year as a freshman”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'2 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2237753' first='Wyatt' last='Weekley'] 10 pts/3 rbs/ 5 asts Soph.</strong> (Point guard, excellent instincts, elite shooter and scorer, had a great summer, underrated defender)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'0 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1632697' first='Payten' last='Lindbo'] 8 pts Jr.</strong> (Elite 3 point shooter, has also had a great summer, much stronger and getting to the rim)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'4 Center [player_tooltip player_id='2376728' first='Andrew' last='Eby'] 8 pts/8 rbs Sr.</strong> (Arguably best defender in the State, can guard 1-5, has really improved offensive game, but elite defender and rebounder)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Bench Contributors</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5'10 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='1632699' first='Collin' last='Swenson'] Jr.</strong> (Excellent shooter, High basketball IQ, tremendous team defender)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5'9 Guard Gus Engelhard Jr.</strong> (Good shooter, quick, brings energy, improved passer)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'0 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2426251' first='Bryce' last='Vibeto'] Sr. </strong>(Athletic, great shooter, can play multiple positions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>6'0 Guard Faron Overby Sr.</strong> (Athletic, great defender, can shoot it and get out in transition)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5'11 Guard [player_tooltip player_id='2405099' first='Jake' last='Altringer'] Fr. </strong>(Natural instincts, good shooter and passer, great defender for a freshman)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>5'11 Forward [player_tooltip player_id='2386769' first='Jayden' last='Marshall'] Fr.</strong> (Great defender, instincts, and finishes well at the rim)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2677259,"width":"342px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_4d7489.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_4d7489.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2677259" style="width:342px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Brock Teets</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What can you tell us about last season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Last season: We played a very difficult schedule which helped us come tourney time.&nbsp;I think we were one of the more “balanced” teams in the state as we usually had a different leading scorer each night.&nbsp;We had some early season growing pains but we made major strides on the defensive end which helped us reach the State tournament.&nbsp; Last year we just continued to improve on both ends throughout the year and really developed an excellent team culture.&nbsp;Playing in a District with Bishop Ryan, Westhope, Velva, MLS, TGU…etc…really presented a lot of different challenges but I was proud of our younger team staying together and playing great defense down the stretch.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any non-negotiables?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Non Negotiables: Be great teammates/have fun/defend….our culture is everything.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What is your primary defense?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Defensively: We are a man-to-man team…..we hang our hat on that. If you don't guard in our District, you will be going home early.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler? </span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Primary ball handler: [player_tooltip player_id='2237753' first='Wyatt' last='Weekley']….Big play Wyatt…Tremendous instincts, he sacrifices in the scoring department to handle our ball-handling duties at times…Wyatt is going to have a big year.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did the off-season go for the Knights?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Offseason: #1 thing I notice is just physical maturity, we got pushed around a lot since we were pretty young.&nbsp;We have put on weight, grew a bit, are more athletic, and we had some kids really put some time in.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a few top players to watch?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Top Players to look out for: [player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'], he has put on 15-20 lbs of muscle and really improved his offensive game.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2237753' first='Wyatt' last='Weekley'], grew probably 3 inches and is more physical and extended his range.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1632697' first='Payten' last='Lindbo'], is becoming more than just a shooter, more physical, and on the attack.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2248504' first='Jace' last='Weekley'], also has matured physically,&nbsp;and rounding out as a tough matchup as he can play multiple positions.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2376728' first='Andrew' last='Eby'], best defender in the State, does all the little things well.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some up-n-comers to keep eyes on?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2405099' first='Jake' last='Altringer']: Freshman that really can play both ends.&nbsp;He has a bright future ahead of him.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2386769' first='Jayden' last='Marshall']: Athletic wing, that can really guard the basketball, and great instincts.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be your best rebounders?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Best Rebounders: [player_tooltip player_id='2376728' first='Andrew' last='Eby'], [player_tooltip player_id='2248504' first='Jace' last='Weekley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'].</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>These guys flat out work.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any team goals?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Team Goals: Be the best defensive team in the State....State Champs.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who will be your hardest workers?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Hardest Worker: This is a tough question…..[player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'], [player_tooltip player_id='2376728' first='Andrew' last='Eby'], [player_tooltip player_id='1632699' first='Collin' last='Swenson']…..these kids bring it everyday!</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who do you see as the best teams and players in your Region?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Top Teams and Players in our Region: Oh boy, where do I begin...</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Westhope: State Champs, bring back everyone…[player_tooltip player_id='1169145' first='Walker' last='Braaten'] (he is just special, plain and simple), [player_tooltip player_id='1355223' first='Braden' last='Bailey'] (plays so hard and does it all)… and tremendous shooters all around them.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Bishop Ryan: Loaded with size, athletes everywhere…[player_tooltip player_id='1189452' first='Ramsey' last='Walz'], best big in Class B, [player_tooltip player_id='1376819' first='Jett' last='Lundeen'], elite guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1632649' first='Hayden' last='Seay'], elite guard…Bishop Ryan is a nightmare matchup like Westhope.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Velva: Athletes everywhere, Football Champs, physical, &nbsp;size and scorers everywhere…[player_tooltip player_id='2360582' first='Mason' last='McPeak'] excellent point guard, [player_tooltip player_id='1329685' first='Reggie' last='Bruner'] tremendous scorer and physical specimen, [player_tooltip player_id='1329684' first='Ben' last='Schepp'] so strong and athletic.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>MLS: Do not sleep on this talented squad, [player_tooltip player_id='2237681' first='Eli' last='Undlin'] is one of the best players around, and they have a great core of shooters and scorers.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Our District has some of best players in the state….Westhope and Bishop Ryan are going to be tough.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Finals thoughts on the coming season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Upcoming Season Comments: It really is going to be a fun and challenging year.&nbsp;Our District is going to be a gauntlet of difficult matchups.&nbsp;We have a great group of young men at ORCS and we just need to continue to improve and hopefully, by the end of the year we are playing our best basketball.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">GOOD LUCK KNIGHTS!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2677262,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_754706.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_754706.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2677262" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->