SW Minnesota Stars Basketball

The SW Minnesota Stars 14U Blue, 14U Orange, 15U, and 16U teams competed in the PrepHoops Stomping Grounds Tournament held in Sioux Falls, SD, on May 17–18. The weekend featured competitive matchups and strong performances from each age group, while the 17U team had the weekend off in preparation for next week’s PrepHoops Hardwork Region Finals. The Stars went a combined 11-5 on the weekend.

16U Team Recap

The 16U Stars finished the weekend with a 3-1 record and continued to show growth and effort in each game.

In Game 1, the Stars opened the tournament with a dominant 64-36 win over Rise Above, setting the tone early. Game 2 saw the team battle Sanford Sports ND Black, where they secured a tough 50-43 victory through defensive grit. Game 3 was a setback, as the team fell 62-46 to Heiser Skills Academy after struggling with turnovers and ball control. The group responded in Game 4 with a statement 74-55 win over West Central United, showcasing strong execution and teamwork.

Elliot Serreyn was a standout performer. The 6’6 power forward was a force inside all weekend, showing great patience in the post, getting to the free-throw line frequently, and anchoring the defense with his presence in the paint. The team showed resilience through adversity and continued to grow their identity.

15U Team Recap

The 15U crew played in a competitive pool and finished the weekend with a 3-1 record. While the group didn’t play their best overall, they found ways to win close games.

Game 1 was a strong start with a 69-48 win over EA Immeasurable. Game 2 was a loss to a tough JVT 15U Weber team. Game 3 was a late-night matchup where the Stars pulled out a 73-63 win against Real Phenom RG. In Game 4, they edged out a thrilling overtime victory against Rise Above, showing great defensive effort and resilience.

Standout performances came from Karson Metzger, Tre Ramirez, and Brady Reinertson. Looking ahead, the team will focus on improving their free throw shooting and cleaning up defensive rotation mistakes.

14U Blue Team Recap

The 14U Blue squad put together another strong weekend, finishing with a 3-1 record.

In Game 1 against Team Impact, the Stars delivered a total team effort from start to finish. Their defensive intensity and rebounding fueled a dominant transition game, leading to a 50-27 win.

Game 2 was a rematch against Shoot 360 Fargo. It was a physical battle marked by fast-paced play and battles in the paint. Carver Schwegel and Brooks Baune provided excellent defense, locking down Shoot 360’s top guard. Landon Taatjes, Caleb Koenen, and Caden Brent dominated the boards, limiting the opponent’s big man. The Stars came away with a hard-fought 57-52 win.

In Game 3, the Stars faced Team Warwick Ulvested, a tall and sharpshooting team. Turnovers in the first half allowed Warwick to build a 10-point lead. A second-half surge brought the Stars within 5 points, but hot shooting from Warwick and a tough offensive day for the Stars resulted in a 61-51 loss.

The Stars bounced back in Game 4 with a strong performance against Sanford Sports ND West. The team built an early lead and never looked back, thanks to excellent ball movement and unselfish play. Aiden Jerzak facilitated well, consistently finding teammates for easy layups. The Stars closed the weekend with a 57-29 win.

14U Orange Team Recap

The 14U Orange squad faced tough competition in the A bracket, finishing 2-2.

In the first game, they played against the top Team Warwick team and kept it close through halftime. Credit to Warwick, who hit tough shots and forced the Stars into a one-dimensional offense.

Game 2 was a thriller against Black Hills Express. After a slow start, the Stars battled throughout and tied the game late when Mauer Leysen hit a clutch three-pointer with under a minute remaining. The defense forced a turnover, and a drawn-up play led to Brady Baune being fouled. He calmly sank both free throws to seal the win.

Game 3 was another competitive battle versus West Central United. Despite falling behind by 15, the Stars mounted a comeback and had a chance to win it, but ultimately fell in heartbreaking fashion by 2 points.

In the final game against the top MN Rise 14U team, the Stars showed improved pace and aggressiveness. Briggs Baumgarn stood out with his interior dominance, using his 6’2, 270-pound frame to control the boards and finish strong around the rim.

The team continues to grow through challenging competition and is trending in the right direction.