SW Minnesota Stars Basketball

The SW Minnesota Stars program was back in action this past weekend (May 3–4), with the 4 teams competing in the Scheels League College Prospect Series in Minneapolis, Minnesota. All teams showed continued growth, resilience, and effort as they took on some of the top programs in the region. One of the biggest highlights came from the 14U Blue team, who went undefeated and captured the tournament championship.

14U Blue Team Recap

The weekend started slow for the 14U Blue team as they quickly fell behind 9-0 to Fury Komplien. However, after the deficit reached 12, the Stars picked up their defensive intensity, forcing turnovers and going on a 30-9 run to take control. The team secured a 69-56 win behind a balanced scoring effort led by Caden Brent, with strong contributions from Caleb Koenen, Landon Taatjes, and Graem Bly.

In Game 2, a rematch against Fury Wanzek, the Stars jumped to an early lead but found themselves down by 9 in the second half due to second-chance points. Caleb Koenen sparked a comeback with three straight three-pointers, leading the team to a 65-61 victory. Koenen and Landon Taatjes led the team in scoring and energy down the stretch.

Game 3 against Minnesota Select saw the Stars dominate from start to finish. Their defensive pressure led to transition opportunities, and they controlled the boards on both ends. Koenen and Taatjes once again led the offensive charge in a convincing 57-34 win that sent them to the championship.

In the final, the Stars faced a lengthy and athletic Sanford Sports Academy Black squad. The game was a back-and-forth battle early, but the Stars’ defensive intensity turned the tide. Carver Schwegel led the charge with strong on-ball defense, while Landon Taatjes anchored the paint and tallied multiple blocks. Holding SSA Black scoreless for a seven-minute stretch in the second half, the Stars pulled away for a 64-51 win and claimed the tournament championship with their best all-around performance of the season.

The 14U Blue team were crowned tournament champions, capping a 4-0 weekend and claiming their first championship of the season.

17U Team Recap

The 17U team, coached by Justin Van Kooten, finished the weekend with a 2-2 record, earning victories over Sanford Sports Academy White and Minnesota Heat Dunlap. In their wins, the Stars leaned heavily on their consistent defensive pressure, something Coach Van Kooten sees as the key to unlocking their best offense. While the offense has been inconsistent at times, he commended the team's effort and the way they push each other to compete at a high level.

A weekend highlight came during their win over Sanford Sports Academy White, when Griffin Epema and Brayden Guetter each delivered impressive dunks that energized the squad. The team also showed grit by battling through three games within a tight five-hour window. Coach Van Kooten emphasized the need for continued improvement in rebounding, but was encouraged by the direction the team is heading defensively.

16U Team Recap

The Stars kicked off the weekend with a strong start, edging out Heiser Skills Academy 56-52 behind key performances from Elliot Serreyn and Jayden Meister. The win secured a spot in the championship bracket, where they continued their momentum with a balanced team effort to defeat Minnesota Heat 67-57. In their third game of the day, the Stars overcame fatigue and physical play to beat 204 Elite 71-57, with strong contributions from Jaxton Hastad and Kaydon Firchau.

On Sunday, the Stars faced Comet Elite in the semifinals. Despite a promising start and quality shot opportunities, the team struggled to convert and fell 34-59. In the third-place matchup against MN Fury, both teams were worn down from the weekend’s grind. After a competitive first half, the Stars couldn't keep pace in the second, ultimately falling 56-66.

Overall, the Stars finished 4th in a competitive field, showing grit, teamwork, and resilience throughout the tournament. Other notable players from the tournament were Carson Stratmoen and Asher Wieberdink.

15U Team Recap

The 15U squad went 2-2 on the weekend, splitting games on both Saturday and Sunday. While inconsistent play impacted their overall performance, the team showed strong character by bouncing back in the second game each day. Sunday's final game featured one of the more complete efforts of their young season, highlighting their potential moving forward.

The team will focus on improving discipline on the offensive end, specifically enhancing ball movement and player movement to find rhythm and flow.

Standout performances came from Karson Metzger, Henry Stavnes, and Drew Kemp. It was also a boost to have Cale Tufto back in the lineup after missing time.

14U Orange Team Recap

While the rest of the program competed in Minneapolis, the 14U Orange team participated in the Dakota Niners May Day Tournament in Watertown, South Dakota. Placed in a challenging A bracket, the Orange group went 1-3 on the weekend.

Despite the record, the team showed flashes of potential and battled against quality competition, including losses to Eagles Elite, the top ND Attack team, and Team Warwick. Playing from behind in several games, the Stars struggled with rebounding and maintaining consistent effort. The weekend served as a valuable learning experience as the team looks to bounce back in upcoming tournaments.

Looking Ahead

The 17Us will turn their focus to the Battle at the Lakes tournament in Minneapolis, MN this upcoming weekend (May 10-11).

Tournament Schedule:

Saturday, May 10: 8:00AM vs 7070 Athletics 17U Elite-Mitchell and 10:10AM vs Minnesota Heat Conyers, both at Wayzata HS Ct 6 

Sunday, May 11: 8:00AM vs Minnesota Suns-Garnett at Wayzata HS Ct 7 and 12:20PM - opponent and location TBD

The rest of the program will be off this upcoming weekend as they get their legs underneath them before they head to Sioux Falls to participate in the PrepHoops Stomping Grounds at the Pentagon, May 17-18.