Prospect Spotlight: Blake Wallevand (2020)
Through 19 games this season, the Henning Hornets find themselves with a record of 12-7 overall, and a 6-3 conference record that puts them in third place, just behind Pillager and Wadena-Deer Creek in the Park Region Conference standings.
Henning has a young roster this year, with only one senior, and in a Prospect Spotlight feature two weeks ago we took a look at one of the Hornets’ junior leaders, Sam Fisher. Today we’ll take a look at one of the top sophomores in the Park Region Conference, Henning guard Blake Wallevand.
This season, the 5’10” guard is second on the team in scoring, averaging 9.7 PPG. In addition, he is averaging 4.1 REB, 3.8 AST, and 3 STL a game while shooting 41% from the field and 84% from the free throw line.
The statistics this season show that Wallevand has been a key piece of their puzzle, with head coach Randy Misegades saying “Blake always brings a consistent effort on the defensive end, leading our team in steals and blocks. Blake is also second on our team in scoring, assists, and rebounds.”
When asked what has allowed him to make an impact in his sophomore season, Wallevand says that “I believe my strengths as a player are my defensive toughness, hustle, and midrange shooting.” Wallevand knows that there is still room for improvement early in his career, but he is committed to putting in the necessary work. He says “I think that my biggest weakness is shooting the ball and converting on offense consistently and I’ve shot a lot over the past year trying to improve.”
Coach Misegades said the following things when asked to describe Wallevand’s game, “Blake is a very good all-around player, bringing energy on the defensive end, combined with an emerging offensive game.” He added that “He is a versatile defender who can guard all five positions. He is a solid offensive player and a good free throw shooter. Blake’s perimeter shooting is good, but will continue to get even better.”
In a game that I watched earlier this season, Wallevand held his own against a tough Wadena-Deer Creek backcourt, displaying the ability to get into the lane off the dribble and get to the line, as well as continuously harassing the opposition on the defensive end. He finished that game with 15 points in an 84-76 loss.
This early on in his high school career, Wallevand has not been in contact with college programs, and is keeping his sights set on the current season. However, he does hope to play basketball collegiately and said that “I am looking for a college that is very competitive with their sports programs, and one that is well known for education.” Education is definitely something that Wallevand takes seriously, as the sophomore currently holds a 3.9 GPA.
While many may look at this roster and think that next year will be their time to shine, the Hornets players do not see it that way, Wallevand says “I see our season ending with us being conference champs and we will have a run at winning the section.”
Regardless of where this season takes the team, one player to watch going forward for the next two seasons will be their sophomore guard, Blake Wallevand.