Recruiting Report: Sam Nissen (2019)
What will we remember from the Fury 17u year when it comes to Sam Nissen? 1) a top Minnesota 2019 shooter, 2) the game winner vs Houston Hoops EYBL, 3) success playing both guard spots.
Sam is going to give a college program a trusted shooting hand that can also handle the ball. And this year at Prior Lake we expect him to dagger opponents considering the space he should get playing with Dawson Garcia and Robert Jones.
“We are bringing back most of our starters and 75-80 percent of our scoring from last year’s 22-win team,” Sam said. “Joining me as captain’s this year are Robert Jones, Jackyse Jacox, and Dawson Garcia.
“Senior Carson Schoeller will also have a key role in our offense this year. We’ve amped up the schedule difficulty but should still win many of our games. We’ll need those wins for positioning in a tough section which includes Eden Prairie, Edina, Chaska and more. Our goal is a state championship and to be the first team from Prior Lake to go to state since 1978.”
Already mentioned have been the big moments that we recall from Sam’s season with the Minnesota Fury. What did Sam take away from the year?
“I’ll take away some great memories of this year – playing D1 Minnesota down to the final seconds. Beating the OSA Adidas Crusaders. Final Fours at Pitt Jam and in Wichita. Winning the Sanford Pentagon League and Championship game. Winning game #40. Winning game #45.
“But without a doubt the moment I’ll always remember is beating Houston Hoops EYBL in Las Vegas with a game-winning shot in the final seconds of triple OT. Taking the ball down the court and driving to the basket in a do-or-die moment. That was crazy!”
It was crazy, it was exciting, and it was an example of a talented player getting the better of other talented players in a big environment.
The experiences gained for Nissen were everything he was hoping for as a Minnesota Fury player.
“This 17u season I learned to value every single possession, because at this level and at higher levels going forward the games are often going to be close ones,” Sam said.
“I also picked up from Coach Wilde that my value to the team comes as much from being tough on defense and shutting down my opponent as it does from leading the offense and shooting well.
“Finally, I learned to be deeply grateful for what we have been given. Our team was a special one with bonds and friendships that will continue well beyond this year. The way we played together – furious team defense combined with unselfish play on offense were big reasons for our success.”
The last thing on the mind of many is where will Sam play in college. Nissen has the talent to play at a lot of different schools in a number of different situations.
“St. John’s has been in contact the most,” Sam explained. “I have visited their campus. Recently, Jamestown contacted me about visiting. It was thrilling to get a scholarship offer from them during the visit.
“In June I visited American University and they watched some of my games in Wichita where we made the Final Four. Finally, I had a second visit with Minnesota-State Mankato last week. I am looking to schedule more visits with NSIC schools as well as some MIAC schools.”