Recruiting Report: Mark Possis (2019)
It takes a certain type of personality and drive to take the reins of a team that loses a majority of its rotation one year to the next. At Apple Valley—a school whose success we need not explain time and time again—the task is all the more difficult.
Mark Possis believes the transition into a new wave of talent will be a smooth one.
“As far as the upcoming season goes, I really do think we’ll surprise some people,” Mark said. “While we may have lost a senior class consisting of 10 truly great players, we have some young talent that, with a little more development, will become good players. I’m the only returning varsity player, but there are some guys who played JV that I grew up playing with, so there’s definitely some chemistry there.”
The Eagles have been a power for the better part of a decade, securing three state titles over that span. The tradition has been in place; for Mark and the returning talent, it’s an honor to take charge. “All in all, I’m just looking forward to the opportunity to continuing the Apple Valley legacy with this group and reaching our goal of making it back to state,” Possis said.
An athletic swingman with a reliable jumper, Possis got to see extended roles with MN Select Leafblad, one of the better 17U teams that competed in various circuits over the summer. His final round of grassroots was a memorable one. “Some of my favorite moments from this past season with Select came in Omaha and Sioux Falls. Omaha was a pleasure because we learned a lot and played well, and Sioux Falls was just a fun trip to be on despite my injury.
“With that being said, I’d say my favorite moment came at the Pulley tournament. A team dropped out so me and a bunch of guys i grew up playing AAU with for MN Heat (Jack Thompson, Noah Chamberlain, Tony Wright etc.) got a team together and nearly beat Pulley. It was fun just to play together and to see all of my former teammates and coaches and to be in that cool facility.”
As the lone Eagle with any kind of varsity experience, Possis will have a bit of load on his shoulders to lead his squad. Skill-wise, he’s up to the challenge. “Personally as a player I’ve I feel that I have improved my slashing ability and decision-making tremendously,” he explained. “I’ve been spending more time in the weight room than I ever have and it has been paying off (shoutout to ETS south metro). The athleticism aspect is what I need to improve upon most, and if I can add that to my ability to make plays and knock down shots I think I’ll have a great season.”
Playing tons of games around the midwest against top competition is putting Mark on the radar of several local college programs as well.
”Recruiting-wise, I’ve heard from a few schools such as Concordia-Moorhead, Hamline, St. Mary’s, and University of Chicago.”