Recruiting Report: Baden Noennig (2019)
Expectations are Mayer Lutheran are extremely high this winter and guys like Baden Noennig are a big reason why.
The 6-foot-5 Noennig is a wing with guard skills and forward size that averaged nearly 16 a game as a sophomore. Baden also had an excellent four months playing with the top Comets squad.
“I felt the 2017 season playing for the MN Comets went really well,” Baden said. “We finished 32-13 on the season and I enjoyed playing with this team as we were competitive in every game and each tournament we played in.
“My biggest take away from the AAU season was developing a level of confidence playing at a higher level of competition. I felt the season provided me an opportunity to test my skills against top level players from all over the country and play with a group of guys who really love the game of basketball.
“My coach, Kurt Stumpf, also really helped me improve my defensive skills and on help defense. I’m really excited for the high school season to get underway to use some of the skills I learned during the AAU season.”
The year with the Comets gave Noennig a fantastic indication of what he needs to do better as an upperclassmen at Mayer Lutheran.
“Before the high school season I would like to continue to improve on my outside shooting,” Baden told NHR. “Another area I would like to grow in would be finishing through contact. These skills improved over the AAU season, but I would like to continue to become better.”
The four most talented Crusaders a year ago were Baden, Cole Hagen, Kobey Woolhouse, and Garrett Tjernagel. The bad news for the rest of Class A is that all four of these players return after scoring an average of 55 of the team’s 68 points per game. When you add the other returning players the Crusaders get nearly 87 percent of the team’s production back.
“The outlook for this coming season looks really good,” explained Noennig. “We had a couple of opportunities to play in some Breakdown and Pacesetter tournaments this summer and they went very well and were a lot of fun to play in!
“We also have a new head coach this season, coach Buchanan, and he seems to really create a lot of energy for our team. We have many of our core players returning and our new coach has added some high level teams and tournaments to our schedule.
“Many of the team’s we play may have one or two players that lead their teams, but I think we have several players that can make an impact on any game. Our goal is to win our tough section, and to make it to state.”
If Baden wants to play college basketball in the future he will have that opportunity. To what level is best for Baden is a long ways in being decided but several schools have called on the junior.
“During this past summer season I’ve had the opportunity to be in contact with a number of D2, D3, and NAIA programs, even attending a couple of individual camps. I am hoping to continue to make similar connections over the next year through my high school and AAU seasons with the goal of continuing my basketball career into college.”
How did Baden’s game become so mature so fast? By competing against family at home.
“I would say playing against my older brothers growing up improved my game and taught me how to be tougher both mentally and physically on the court,” Baden explained.
“And my favorite player of all time, who is also the greatest player ever would have to be Kobe Bryant. I have always looked up to him as my basketball role model and I loved to watch him play.”