Class AAA: New Coaches, What They are Stepping Into
The Class AAA basketball level has six new coaches and a few of them are starting their careers at new schools with very talented teams. NHR takes a look at the new head men.
Kyle Martin – Winona. Martin is a Winona guy and 2008 grad who was coaching in the girls program and is now the new head coach. Winona slipped to almost 20 losses last year but they have the talent to put together a fantastic 18-19 season. Big man Bradley Winter had a fantastic summer and is surely about to improve on his 12 point per game season. Winter is a top 50 player in the senior class and shooter Jake Reeck scored 16 points per game as a junior.
Matt Hauge – New Ulm. Hauge played at New Ulm and has been coaching in the program for 17 years. Hauge – who is a local golf pro in Waseca – will have the full winter to put into this team. New Ulm was a couple games under .500 last year and brings back two of their top players Braden Zimmerman (a senior) and Reece Melby (a junior) who scored 15 plus points per game as a sophomore.
Hill-Murray – TBD. We are not aware of a new coach hired as of yet but whomever it is, the coach will have his work cut out for him. This program won two games last year and lost two of their three best players from the 17-18 season. Guard Kenny Larmie is the top returning player for the new staff to work with.
Trevor Schneeberger – Rocori. Coach Schneeberger has coached in so many places and has had so many stops let’s just say he is experienced and leave it at that (has coached both boys and girls as a head coach). Rocori only won six games last season and now they have to replace most of their size and talent. Corbyn Alexander and Mason Roos return and Alexander has the potential to have a strong senior season.
Michael Walker – Minneapolis Roosevelt. Robert Mestas did a great job at Roosevelt and playing at the school he won Mr Basketball at, it felt like the perfect fit. Mestas has moved on but another perfect fit has moved into his place and that is Mike Walker, another Roosevelt guy that has deep roots set in the school. Walker also has one of the most talented seniors in the state to lead the way for his team (Deszi Sims who scored 26 points per game last year) plus Luke Barnes and Muja Burton are also back.
Josh Flug – Chisago Lakes. Coach Flug comes to Chisago Lakes from Burnsville where he spent several season coaching a number of sports for the Blaze. Flug was the sophomore coach at Burnsville last year and now he is teaching and coaching at Chisago Lakes. Chisago Lakes only won four games last year but does bring back Will Tinjum and his 15 points per game back along with Seth Thompson who is another solid player.