Hard Work Region Preview: Minnesota Fury
We may be in the middle of high school basketball season but it’s not too early to look ahead to what’s coming up on the AAU circuit. Over the next few months we will be taking a look at the teams that will be participating in the PrepHoops Circuit Hard Work Region and here’s a look at the Minnesota Fury.
The Fury will compete in the 15U, 16U and 17U age divisions of the Hard Work Region and will be at Hard Work Season Kickoff, Hard Work Live, Battle at the Lakes and the Hard Work Region Finals.
I recently caught up with Fury Director Ben Wilde to learn more about the program and what to expect from the Fury this season:
Why did you start your program? How long have you been around?
Minnesota Fury was established in 2005. We will be going in to our 15th year as a program.
What is the goal of your program for 2019?
Our program really just wants to continue to build on the success of previous years. We have two teams at each grade level, and both have consistently been ranked in the top 10 in MN in previous years, we want to continue that trend. Our 16U group did not lose to a team in the state of MN, I know they would like to keep that streak in tact. We will have 18-20 student athletes at the 17U level, our goal is to help provide each and every one of those kids the opportunity to play in college if they desire to.
What is your program’s mission each year?
Each year our mission is the same – provide a platform in which our student athletes can find an opportunity and fit to play at the next level. A number of coaches in our program are teachers as well so I know that education is valued.. We believe we have built great relationships with college coaches over the last decade so it is our hope each and every one of our kids has the opportunity to play at the next level while having their education paid for.
Do you know of any players that will be back in your program this year? Who should we have our eye on?
Our 17U teams will be comprised of a number of players getting Division 1 and Division 2 interest.
Jacob Hutson – 6’10 F, currently holding division 2 offers with division 1 interest from Northern Iowa, Drake, NDSU, South Dakota
Cameron Steele 6’8 F, currently holding division 2 offers with division 1 interest.
Brady Williams 6’6 F, currently holding division 2 offers with division 1 interest.
Charlie Katona 6’6 G/F, Talking to D1 schools – William and Mary, Davidson, Northern Iowa, Colorado St., South Dakota.
Zach Lea 6’4 G, currently holding division 2 offers with division 1 interest from NDSU as well as Ivy and Patriot League schools.
Nate Heise 6’4 G, Currently has a number of NSIC schools inquiring including D1 Drake.
John Henry 6’6 G, Currently has a number of NSIC schools inquiring.
Luke Gitzen
Lincoln Meister
Colin Meade
Kurt Ohlheus
Why did you choose the Prep Hoops Circuit?
Each year we strive to put our groups into tournaments that provide them with the best possible competition. We are confident PrepHoops will do just that, while also providing our student-athletes the opportunity to get in front of college coaches on a consistent basis. We have played in PrepHoops events in the past; always well ran, and well attended. We are confident this platform will continue to build on those principles ultimately putting players on a great spot to have success moving towards their post secondary goals.