Recruiting Report: Nicholas Schaefer (2019)
The St. Cloud Cathedral Crusaders had a magical 2017-2018 season, hitting a buzzer-beater to punch their ticket to the State Tourney, winning a three-overtime thriller over Esko in the quarterfinals, and finishing with a third-place finish at State.
They’ll have to find a way to replace the production they’ll lose from two college-bound players in Mitchell Plombon and Michael Schaefer. One place to start is with the guy who hit that Section Final buzzer-beater, Nicholas Schaefer.
Schaefer, a 6’3” shooting guard, has been playing for MN Comets Elite Kirchner this summer. They have had quite a bit of success this summer, playing their way to a 20-7 record to this point in June.
When we caught up with Schaefer, he mentioned that “I always look forward to the Prep Hoops State tournament as well as playing in Vegas in July.” At the NHR State Tourney, his squad went 4-1, including a victory over MN Comets DLR. Schaefer adds “So far, we’ve had a very successful start to our season. We’ve won a lot of close games and just know how to win.”
Schaefer takes pride in his basketball I.Q. and believes that it is one of his biggest strengths. “My major strength is my understanding of the game. I’m told I play the game the right way and usually make the correct basketball play. Although I’m considered a scorer, I do whatever it takes for my team to win” says Schaefer.
He has carved out the reputation as a shooter over the years but says that he is working hard this summer to round-out his game. “I’ve always been known as a shooter and a strong defender. I’ve really been expanding my game by putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket much more. I’ve seen improvements in [my] game throughout my three years on varsity and work at getting better every day. I’m focusing on my body by doing strength training as well.”
Schaefer has been in contact with coaches from University of Chicago, Bethany Lutheran, as well as a few MIAC and NSIC schools. Schaefer says “I’m looking for an excellent college, who has a great basketball program, and a coaching staff that really wants me.”