Recruiting Report: Domenik Block (2019)
Park of Cottage Grove is hoping to take a big step forward this year and compete in its conference. It’s got one of the best duos in the conference in seniors Charlie Gorres and Domenik Block.
Block, a 6-foot-2 combo guard, averaged better than 17 points a season ago and spent the summer playing with Comets under coach Steve De Los Reyes. The opportunity to play against top-flight competition every weekend in the NY2LA circuit was a welcome challenge for Block.
“Summer was a lot of fun,” said Block. “I got a lot of great opportunities playing on the AAU circuit. I got some good minutes and great experience playing with a lot of good guys. The competition around you is great. Every practice even, we’re scrimmaging really good players. There’s always great competition. It definitely brings the best out of you and you see where you’re at as a competitor.”
An aggressive offensive player, Block’s a strong spot-up 3-point shooter who can abuse irresponsible closeouts with his explosiveness to the rim. He’s a solid ball handler and shot creator and uses his athleticism to impact the game on the defensive end as well.
“I’m a combo guard in that I can bring the ball up and attack and can play off the ball,” Block said. “I’m a good catch and shoot guy and I’m always trying to attack. I want to get better with my passing vision. DeLo had me guarding some of the best guys and I tried to make an impact by being an energy guy. My goal is to improve with creating off the dribble.”
With his multidimensional skillset and grinder style of play, a number of college coaches have taken notice and shown interest.
“I’ve been talking to Jamestown, Augsburg, St. Mary’s, Hamline, Bemidji and St. Cloud Tech,” said Block. “I’m planning on visiting Jamestown, Augsburg and St. Mary’s. I went to Jamestown’s camp over the summer. I went to Augsburg and St. Mary’s for visits already and want to see them again. Also planning on visiting St. Cloud Tech. I’ve got a few more things going on this fall to see if I can draw some more interest as well. I’m not in a big rush.”
Block said he’s in no hurry to make a commitment as he’s got a number of visits still to pursue. He’ll be participating in a number of recruitable events in the fall and if his high school team is as successful as he’s hoping, more doors could open still. The Wolfpack won six games a year ago but they return all but two members of their rotation. So they are expecting a good season.
“The team looks good,” said Block. “We’re going to have a good eight or nine guys with experience. We’re trying to get a good shot and make a run at being one of the best teams in the conference.”