Prospect Spotlight: Michael Landquist (2019)
Last season, the Nevis Tigers finished with a 28-3 overall record, and both a Northland Conference and Section 5A championship. Their star from last season, Griffin Chase, a 2,000+ point scorer, is now at Bemidji State University.
It would be reasonable to expect a step back from their State Tournament trip, but Nevis head coach Scott Kramer doesn’t see it that way. “We have 6 of our top 8 players back from last year, and we are looking to make another run at the State Tournament.”
One of those six players is 6’2” junior, Michael Landquist. He is a do-it-all guard/forward who averaged 13.3 points, 5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2 steals as a sophomore last season.
“Mike is very physical and can play inside and out, he can guard multiple positions on defense” says Kramer. Landquist’s physicality and aggressiveness is an asset for the Tigers, however, as Landquist says, it is also something that he needs to reign in at times. “I sometimes play too aggressive and get in foul trouble. I need to stay focused and not make stupid mistakes.”
With Chase and another key contributor to last year’s team, Andrew Dudley, off to college, Kramer is looking to Landquist for leadership this season. Asked for his expectations for Landquist this season, Kramer says he is looking for Michael to “become a leader and to make his teammates better.”
The expectation for Landquist is clear. Regarding the upcoming season, he says “I am very excited for this season. Personally, I want to be a positive leader and role model. I think I could have a good season. With Griffin gone, someone needs to fill his spot and I think I could do that. We are an experienced team that has played together for years. We have a shot to go far. I believe that if we play consistent and together, nobody can beat us.”
Landquist spent the summer playing for the Minnesota Comets, and believes that the experience will make him a much-improved player this season. “I think it improved my game a lot. I have developed a better jump shot and become a stronger ball handler. I played multiple positions and roles.”
Michael has gone to a few college camps, but has not made any decisions for his future in basketball. Asked what he is looking for in a college, Landquist says “I am looking for an education and a good facility to grow.”
An improved jump shot and ball-handling skills, paired with his already strong court-vision and passing will make Landquist a handful for teams in the Northland Conference this season.
Led by Michael Landquist, along with returning contributors Jack Landquist, Tom Wormley, and Zach Henry, Nevis once again looks to be a contender for a return trip to the State Tournament in Class A.