Commitment Report: Steele Senske (2018)
The young Park Christian Falcons have an excellent senior to learn from in Steele Senske. Steele talked basketball with NHR today.
“We are a young team consisting of three seniors, one junior, and ten sophomores,” Senske. “We’ve had a few injuries this year that have set us back. We’d lost a few games in early December due to injuries, but we’ve had our moments of very good basketball.
“We defeated a tough NCE/U-H team on their court a couple of weeks ago. At the time, they were undefeated and ranked 9th. Additionally, we’ve played well against other tough area teams.
“On the flipside, our youth catches us a few times. So, we often need to refocus and remember what gets us the wins. As it looks, we’re going to have a good close to this year.”
Park Christian is 9-13 with only four upperclassmen on the roster. Steele is averaging 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game while shooting 40 percent behind the arc.
“With such a young team, I’ve taken on the role of court leader,” Senske said. “So, I take it personally when we lose a close game and I expect everyone to be ready to play when we hit the floor.
“I know I must score a bunch every night and find my open players as I absorb the defense. I try to get my teammates the ball in positions to be successful. My biggest change has been spending more time to mentally prepare for each game.”
PC recently lost four of five but bounces back with a couple wins and now has four more games to play before sections. This is a school of about 115-120 kids in grades 9-12. So basically there are 55-60 boys total and PC puts a basketball team together with those that want to play.
“Park Christian School is a very small school,” Steele said. “My class is about thirty students and when we lose a person it is felt. Last year we lost a very good guard, which really hurt our team.
“On the flipside, we’ve added a great sophomore shooter named Tanner Brunsberg, which has helped us. I should also mention a sophomore named Ethan Jorgensen. He has some unbelievable athletic ability. The guy can put down a two-handed reverse off two feet. That’s good considering he is only about 6’1”.
“Unfortunately, it has taken our team a little time to figure it all out, and our record doesn’t indicate how well we truly can play. I anticipate, with me creating on offense, Tanner’s shooting, Darian Bogenreif’s tough defensive post play, and other team members, we are a dangerous year-end team in Section 6 A.
“Furthermore, coming down the line, my brother Sam Senske is a 7th grader rising in the Park Christian ranks and he is a “baller”. He is supposed to be taller than me and is already better than I was in 7th grade. The Park Christian junior high group should be a good group for the program. Overall, Park Christian is small and always needs a few more players but its future is bright from my perspective.”
The future looks bright and again, they have a strong player to learn from in Steele. He hopes to continuing leading into March.
“Looking to the end of this year, I share one goal. It’s our team goal and it is to make it to the MSHSL Tournament. Usually, I go watch the games, but this year I want a chance at Williams Arena and the Target Center.”
Senske is a talented wing who does so much handling that he is more of a combo guard. His athletic ability, skills, and history of production has several schools interested. Senske will play in the NSIC.
“I’ve had many contacts with many coaches over the last twelve months,” Senske. “I’ve had calls or visits at all levels. Most of those calls came because of playing AAU for the Comets. I did wait, until recent, to make my decision.
“Like many ball players, I’ve always wanted a chance to play in “March Madness”. Unfortunately, I know that an opportunity like that is very slim. Furthermore, it gets slimmer coming out of the Fargo/Moorhead area.
“Considering all options, the NSIC is one of the toughest D2 leagues in the country and I look forward to the challenge of playing in the NSIC. I’ll be playing for Bemidji State University (BSU).
“I look forward to playing for Coach Boschee. He comes from a successful basketball family and had great success playing at the guard spot. Additionally, BSU has a BSN degree, and lastly, my family will have the opportunity to attend many of my NSIC games.
“As a follow-up, I’d like to thank all the coaches for spending their time visiting with me. I’ve met some great people during this process.”
There you have it, Steele Senske is headed to Bemidji State!