Recruiting Report – Caleb Druvenga
Shakopee is ranked 5th in the state and they have a balanced attack that includes wing Caleb Druvenga, a scoring threat that takes pressure off the talent around him. “Caleb unique in his scoring ability,” Shakopee coach Jacob Damman said. …
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingShakopee is ranked 5th in the state and they have a balanced attack that includes wing Caleb Druvenga, a scoring threat that takes pressure off the talent around him.
“Caleb unique in his scoring ability,” Shakopee coach Jacob Damman said. “As a sophomore Caleb set a school record for threes in a season. Since then, he has worked to evolve his game and is one of the best guards on our team in scoring and creating by attacking the rim. He can finish going to the rim or by pulling up over guys – his body control is outstanding.
“He has vastly improved his decision making when driving this season to create for teammates when that is the correct play. Part of the reason for his change in the way he scores is that teams have taken away the three point line from him and that he is going through working on changing his form – trying to make his shot quicker and more consistent. He also is one of our best free throw shooters with an 80 percent average.
“Beyond that, Caleb is a captain for us and has shown a tremendous amount of growth in his approach to the team and his role. Last year, his scoring totals consumed his thoughts and this year he is focusing on playing with great effort on the defensive end, making team first plays and creating for his teammates.
“Because of this change in approach, he has improved every one of his statistical categories as a result – he is learning/learned that if he focuses on the team and the HOW of what we do, that the results takes care of themselves and improve accordingly.”
The Sabers have earned wins over Edina, Wayzata, Hopkins, Prior Lake, and Lakevilel South, all teams that have been ranked this year.
“I would say our team has played very well so far this season,” Druvenga said. “We just had a rough patch during Christmas break. However, we bounced back with a good conference and section win against Prior Lake this past Tuesday.
“So far this year I’ve played fairly well. I have had some big games and some average ones. With the style, we play anyone could have a big game any night. Whether it’s anyone from our starting five or our 6th man.”
As a top five team in the state with a load of seniors the Sabers obviously have big goals. Caleb talked about those goals, both as a team as an individual.
“Our team goal this year is to win the South Suburban Conference and make it to state and as a team, we feel like we have a really good shot healthy at both this year,” Caleb said. “I would say an individual goal for me would be this year would be all-conference averaging 14 to 20 points per game, and become a great leader on and off the floor.”
Druvenga has one of the biggest passions for basketball that you will find anyplace.
“Caleb’s passion for basketball is visible in his interactions with the community and peers – much of their conversations with him revolve around basketball,” Coach Damman said. “He often is getting teammates to go to the gym to work on their game with him. In school, Caleb is a very good student and his teacher’s describe him as respectful, polite, calm and a high work ethic.”
And with a big passion for basketball Caleb is of course looking at playing basketball at the college level.
“I’m looking for the best opportunity for myself at the next level and I have been talking to a couple of UMAC, MIAC, and NAIA schools, and have visited a couple. I have interest from some NSIC schools and I am waiting it out to see if I can get an offer from one of them.”
Before the college level comes though, a big senior year is still in front of Caleb and his teammates.
“Our senior class is like a family,” Caleb stated. “We all have each other’s backs and are there for each other through adversity. I would say it started for us ninth grade year when we were all still in junior high and we were still adapting to varsity basketball.”
The Sabers are now 10-2 on the year and they are playing one of the toughest schedules in the state.