Recruiting Report: Michael Ziermann
Lester Prairie/Holy Trinity went 12-16 last season but enters the 2018-19 season with a lot of optimism. One more year of Michael Ziermann is solid cause for such hope.
Ziermann, a 6-foot-2 guard, averaged 16 points, 6.4 rebounds and 4.9 assists as a junior for the Bulldogs and spent the spring and summer playing AAU with Minnesota Comets. That experience was beneficial for Ziermann as he got an opportunity to test himself against top-flight competition.
“It was really fun,” said Ziermann. “A great group of guys. It’s a lot of fun to be able to play together and we played well together. It helps me a lot to play in an AAU setting. I can come back to high school where it’s a whole different game. I can handle a lot more because of that. My role is to do whatever my team needs me to be.”
Ziermann can do a lot of things well on the floor. He’s at his best when he’s getting downhill, into gaps and into the paint where he can either finish effectively or create openings for his teammates. He’s been a strong outside shooter though his percentages paint some inconsistencies there. That’s an area Ziermann wants to continue improving at.
“Right now I attack well and finish at the rim,” said Ziermann. “Defensively I think I’m good at helping and playing in a team setting. My court vision is something I pride myself on. I want to get back to shooting the ball from deep better.”
Ziermann is a multi-sport stud for the Bulldogs and will have opportunities to pursue multiple sports at the college level. He’s a terrific football and basketball player.
“I haven’t decided if I’m going to play football or basketball,” said Ziermann. “I’ve visited quite a few about playing both so it’ll be a fun journey the next few months to figure out where I’ll land. Gustavus, Concordia, Bethel and Augsburg have been the ones I’ve heard from for football. Jamestown, Gustavus, St. Johns, Concordia, Augsburg and a few others have been in contact a lot for basketball. I don’t want to rush the process. I’m not in a super big hurry but I’d like to have an idea by basketball season.”