Aberdeen Christian: Season Preview
In this article:
The Knights from Aberdeen Christian are one of the more intriguing teams in Class B as we head into the start of the season. De Smet will still be the favorite and they are the reigning State Champions. When you…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe Knights from Aberdeen Christian are one of the more intriguing teams in Class B as we head into the start of the season. De Smet will still be the favorite and they are the reigning State Champions. When you look at the Knight roster, they will have plenty of the firepower to make a deep run in the playoffs. It would be fun if the stars aligned and De Smet and Aberdeen Christian met in the big dance at the Barnett Center in Aberdeen again.
Take a look at the Knight’s schedule below, the early highlight will be the matchup with White River at the Hoops City Classic on December 28th. Obviously, Aberdeen Christian will not look past their first 4 games. However, the White River game at the Corn Palace will be a doozy.
A month ago today we came out with our Preseason Power Rankings for Class B and Aberdeen Christian came in at #2. When our next Power Rankings come out I do not see the Knights moving from that position. Now, all we can do is wait for the season to start! Can not wait…
Read below for comments from the coach’s comments, top players, and team schedule.
Coach David Rohrbach comments on the Knights:
“We return 3 starters from last year’s team: Malek Wieker Malek Wieker 6'0" | CG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD , Jackson Isakson Jackson Isakson 6'3" | SG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD , and Ethan Russell Ethan Russell 6'6" | SF Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD . They provide a lot of offense for us as they are fantastic shooters and bring a wide skill set to the table. Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 5'11" | PG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD and Kaden Clark should fill in the other starting roles for us – they saw a lot of action last season, and bring a lot of experience and skillsets as well. Other contributors will be Junior Abe Holscher, Sophomores Blake Rich Blake Rich 6'5" | SF Ipswich | 2024 State SD , and Joey Johnson.”
TOP PLAYERS
Ethan Russell Ethan Russell 6'6" | SF Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-5 F|
- Long forward that can hit from deep
- Mismatch problem
- Scores at all 3 levels
- Rim protector
Malek Wieker Malek Wieker 6'0" | CG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-0 G|
- Elite lefty shooter and scorer
- Great ball skills
- Controls the tempo
- Creates for others/precision passer
Jackson Isakson Jackson Isakson 6'3" | SG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-3 G|
- Sniper from 3
- Slasher/playmaker
- Gifted athlete
- Tight handles
Andrew Brennan Andrew Brennan 5'11" | PG Aberdeen Christian | 2023 State SD (2023) |5-11 G|
- Quick & lively
- Scores from all 3-levels
- Competitor & determined
- All-around player
Coach Rohrbach comments on team goals and expectations:
“Our expectations are obviously high coming off of last season and bringing back so many guys and the talent from last season. We are excited about the potential of this team and hope to make a deep run similar to last season. We know in order to do that, it’s going to take hard work, a commitment to defense, and getting better consistently as the season progresses.”
Coach Rohrbach talks about the excitement heading into the season:
“Some of the most exciting things for me as a coach about this group is yes, they’re talented which makes them fun to coach, but they’re also incredibly smart basketball players and now experienced. They have a lot of playing time under them and now that they are upperclassman (Juniors) I am excited to see them grow and continue to take steps as players. My favorite part of this group however is their love for the game. That’s the biggest takeaway is their love for the game. When you don’t have to demand they get in the gym but they are in the gym themselves and working on their own game to get better, that’s what makes this group so special and so fun to coach.”
SCHEDULE
December 11 @ JVC
December 14 vs. Warner
December 16 @ Leola/Frederick
December 17 vs. Britton/Hecla
December 28 HOOP CITY CLASSIC @ Mitchell Corn Palace vs. White River
December 30 HOOP CITY CLASSIC @ Sandford Pentagon vs. First Assembly Christian (TN)
January 8 @ Oakes
January 14 vs. Potter County
January 18 vs. Faulkton
January 20 vs. Waubay/Summit
January 22 @ Mitchell Corn Palace (Hanson Classic) vs. TBA
January 25 @ Herreid/Selby
January 28 @ Wilmot
February 1 @ North Central
February 3 vs. Northwestern
February 8 @ Ipswich
February 12 DWU CLASSIC @ McCook Central High School
February 15 @ Langford
February 17 vs. Aberdeen Roncalli
February 25 vs. Groton