PREP HOOPS 2010-11
Friday, November 26, 2010
www.sheboyganpress.com
B Section
HIGH RISER
1
PRESEASON FORMIDABLE FIVE Boys
Fresh off early commitment to Wisconsin, Sheboygan Lutheran junior standout Sam Dekker is marked man BY ADAM THOMPSON Sheboygan Press staff
It was nothing more than a simple statement made at a basketball camp, perhaps through a wry smile, by University of Wisconsin coach Bo Ryan. But it got the attention of those around the state and put the spotlight directly on a relatively unknown junior-to-be at Sheboygan Lutheran. In June, Ryan told Sam Dekker, “I’m telling you the truth when I say I have been waiting for a player with your ability for the past 30 years, and now I have one,” said Sam's father and high school coach at Lutheran, Todd Dekker. Ryan offered Dekker a full scholarship on a Monday in June after watching Dekker play at the Badgers’ camp. Dekker accepted the following day. Todd Dekker says the statement was taken a little out of context, and said he and Sam don’t much too much of it. But Sam immediately shot up national recruiting rankings, and people took more interest in the Wisconsin recruit. As much fun as the summer was, playing AAU basketball around the nation and committing to his home-state school, the Dekkers say this winter, his college future must go to the backburner. “It’s real nice to get it out of the way,” said Sam of his early verbal commitment to Wisconsin. “If I wouldn’t have committed, I would have a bunch of scholarship of fers, more decisions, more stress. It’s a big relief. I’m happy it’s out of the way, and I can focus on my high school team.” Those around the Lutheran program and the Central Lakeshore Conference knew Sam would be a standout long before he stepped onto the court wearing the Crusaders’ colors. As a freshman, he averaged a respectable 14.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 1.8 steals per game. Dekker continued to play high-level AAU ball with the highly regarded Wisconsin Playg round Warriors. But it wasn’t until after a growth spurt
while shooting 48.7 percent from the field. Now as a junior, he stands 6-foot-7 with a wingspan of someone who is 6-foot-11. But he has retained his guard skills, which made him coveted by college programs and will make him a real mismatch nightmare for high school opponents. “Sam is so driven and likes the game so much, he’s going to try and get better in every aspect of the game,” said Todd. “We foresee a lot of boxand-1 and triangle-and-2. It started the end of last year already,” said Todd. “We’re hoping some other kids can knock down some shots and take some pressure off Sam.” But Sam stresses that the Crusaders are not a one-man show, and won’t become one. There are other nice players around him, like Dane Poth, Jacob Wheeler and Karl Nimmer, who will get some looks. “Really, it’s just about what’s going to help us win,” said Sam. Through the attention and accolades, Sam remains grounded. He expects catcalls from opposing fans, but says he won’t let it get to him, just as he doesn’t allow those who tell him how great he is to get to him, either. “I’m ready for the ‘overrated’ stuff, (the) ‘he’s not that good.’ It comes with the territory,” said Sam. “I know that’s going to come; I can’t let it affect me.” “I’m real excited,” he continued. “I’m loving what’s going on, and I think we can have a big year.” Now, and for the next two seasons, the Crusaders become the top focus for Sam Dekker. “We have to put in back this Madison thing and Badgers thing, because that can take the spotlight from what our team is doing,” said Todd. “It’s been a thrill of a lifetime for us and Sam this summer, but now we’re focusSheboygan Lutheran junior Sam Dekker led the area in scoring last year, and this summer ver- ing on what Lutheran High can do. bally committed to play at the University of Wisconsin starting in 2012-13. Photo by Gary C. “Everybody’s going to Klein/The Sheboygan Press expect big things from that “the floodgates Todd. 6-foot-6 sophomore, him, and we are too,” he opened,” both in terms of He grew four inches be- Dekker averaged 26.5 added. “But he likes the colle ge interest and in tween his freshman and points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.2 pressure and is up for the basketball success, said sophomore seasons. As a assists and 3.0 steals challenge.”
“I
’m ready for the ‘overrated’ stuff, (the) ‘he’s not that good.’ It comes with the territory. I know that’s going to come. I can’t let it affect me. I’m real excited. I’m loving what’s going on, and I think we can have a big year.”
Cedar Grove’s Abi von Heimburg.
Sheboygan South’s Riley Tutas. Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press 1. Sheboygan South (1511 last season) — Two returning All-FRCC players in Ethan Berlin and Riley Tutas and added depth give Redwings the edge. 2. Sheboygan North (1113) — Strong three-headed guard lineup of Derek Van Calligan, Ethan Guske and Devin Yurk points to a promising season for the Golden Raiders. 3. Oostburg (21-4) — Mike and Mark Keller and Alex Stecker poised to lead Dutchmen to another CLC championship. 4. Howards Grove (17-7) — New coach Mark Christenson has experience and size to work with, led by four-year varsity player Josh Horness. 5. Kiel (19-7) — Athletic guard Joey Burris returns to lead Raiders, who seek a second straight top-two EWC finish and trip to the state tournament.
Girls 1. Howards Grove (19-5 last season) — Tigers should be loaded, led by guard Alexis Lindstrom, and are poised to make another run at a CLC title. 2. Sheboygan North (1510) — Experience will be big strength for Golden Raiders, with seven returnees and most of their offensive production back, led mostly by a deep junior class. 3. Plymouth (14-10) — Panthers have size, athleticism and talent to compete for another high EWC finish, with Amanda Gumm and Kaitlyn Hoffmann again leading the charge. 4. Oostburg (24-5) — Flying Dutchmen lost a lot from last year’s state-qualifying squad, but return key performers, including Maddy Kaat and Morgan Mullikin. 5. Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah (15-9) — Bulk of team returns for coach Don Kulow, including all-conference inside-out tandem Stephanie Knepfel and Anna Vollrath.
Sheboygan Lutheran junior Sam Dekker
2009-10 LEADING SCORERS Girls
Boys Over 12 ppg Returning players in bold Name, School Kaitlyn Thill, Oz Julie Raeder, Oo Lauren Carman, SF Alexis Lindstrom, HG Ali Benning, HG Abi von Heimburg, CG A. Huibregtse, Oo Chelsi Cash, NH
PPG 19.2 18.9 13.8 13.8 12.9 12.8 12.8 12.5
Over 12 ppg Returning players in bold Name, School Sam Dekker, SL Brandon Gries, Ki Dane Blake, EL Marcus Buehler, Oo Nick Roelse, SF Mike Keller, Oo Joey Burris, Ki Riley Tutas, SS
PPG 26.5 24.5 20.2 15.8 15.3 14.8 14.6 14.3
Lee Veldkamp, SC Travis Kosnicki, EL Tyler Zipperer, NH Devin Yurk, SN Greg Rhude, Pl Jesse Anderson, CG Weston Meinen, CG Josh Horness, HG Eric Bruesewitz, HG Charlie Cash, NH Frank Marzano, Ko Alex Janke, Oz
14.2 14.1 14.0 13.7 13.2 12.6 12.5 12.5 12.4 12.3 12.2 12.1
Howards Grove’s Alexis Lindstrom. Photo by Gary C. Klein/The Sheboygan Press