2007-08 Preview

The 2007-2008 Presentation Men’s Basketball Team is heading into the season with a new head coach and a group of young local talent.  The Saints do have three seniors returning from last year’s team that had a record of (9-14 Overall) and (6-8 Conference).

Coach Sevareid will depend on the three seniors for leadership and maintaining a great team attitude.  Coach Sevareid is excited about the opportunity to work with the seniors.  “I like the fact that Jason, Abe, and Michael have been in the program for a couple of years and I really enjoy what type of people they are.  They love the game of basketball and play with passion and it will be contagious for the younger players who do not have as much college experience.”  Jason Heien is a 5’10” point guard from Gettysburg, SD.  Jason will lead this team by example with his toughness and intensity.  Jason averaged 19 minutes, 5 points, 1.5 assists, and 2 rebounds per game last year.  Michael Heim from Chelsea, SD started 9 games last year and averaged 20 minutes, 10 points, 3 rebounds, and was third on the team with 20 three point field goals made.  Michael will be leaned on for his experience.  The final senior is Abe Albee from Rochester, MN.  Abe averaged 16 minutes, 4 points, 3 rebounds per game.  Abe will lead with his passion for the game and his ability to relate to all 14 other players.          

The remaining returning players for the Saints consist of Jarred Koopman, Sam Holden, and Aberdeen Central’s Danny Kurtz and Richie Ward.  Along with the seniors the returnees will be leaned on for leadership and consistency in practice.  The returnees are led by Richie Ward a 6’5” sophomore forward who was the Newcomer of the Year in the conference.  Richie started 22 games, averaged 26 minutes, 9 points, and 7 rebounds per game. Danny Kurtz is a 6’3” sophomore guard from Aberdeen, SD.  Danny started 18 games last year and averaged 24 minutes, 7 points, 4 rebounds, and shot 34% from three point range.  Danny was second on the team with 40 assists and also second on the team with 19 steals.  Jarred Koopman is a 5’7” junior guard from Omaha, NE and Sam Holden is a 5’9” sophomore guard from Pierre, SD.  Jarred averaged 16 minutes, 6 points, and shot 38% from three point line.  Sam came off the bench and averaged 11 minutes, 2.5 points per game. 

Along with the seven returning players the Saints also added some depth by adding 8 newcomers to the roster.  The newcomers are led by Ryan Dix a 6’4” forward transfer from Northern State University.  Ryan is from Aberdeen, SD and attended Roncalli High School.  Tyler Harrell is a transfer from Mount Marty College.  Tyler Harrell is a 5’10” point guard from Aberdeen, SD and he played at Aberdeen Central with Ward, Kurtz, and Chris Grey.  Tyler will bring college basketball experience from a great NAIA II program and will help be a coach on the floor. Chris Grey is the last transfer added to the team and he is a 6’0” wing from Aberdeen, SD who will add defensive intensity and athleticism to the line-up. 

Jordan Kline is also from Roncalli High School in Aberdeen, SD.  Jordan is a 6’3” junior guard who had a great high school career and earned All-State honors as a senior.  He is a member of the Presentation College baseball team.  The freshman who will make an immediate impact are Michael Babcock a 5’10” guard from Aberdeen, SD, Jered Wambach a 6’2” guard/forward from Ipswich, SD, Blake Spindler a 5’9” guard from Webster, SD, and Jeremy Simon a 5’10” guard from Gettysburg, SD.

“I am so excited to be the head men’s basketball coach of this team and this college.  The guys will bring everything they have when they step on the basketball floor.  Every guy is eager to learn and they all care about each other.  They are fun to be around and it will be an exciting learning experience for all of us.”  Coach Sevareid