Recruiting Report: Owen Blascziek (2018)
Six-foot-1 guard Owen Blascziek is one of many Panthers ready to step into a bigger role this winter. Local MIAC programs are calling on Owen about the future.
“During the 17U season I heard from St. John’s, Concordia-Moorhead, Dordt, and Carleton,” Owen told NHR. “I’ve visited St. John’s and St. Thomas.”
The 17U year was played with WOTN and Owen was one of those working defenders that made lives miserable on the opposition.
“I played for WOTN and I loved it. It was like a family,” Owen said. “I couldn’t imagine a closer AAU team than us. Blake Nichols was an amazing coach and I learned a ton from him.”
The North Panthers starting backcourt moved on to the college level so Owen steps into a bigger role as a senior. He’s worked hard in many ways to get ready for this winter.
“This offseason I really hit the weight room hard, football helped me especially,” Owen said. “I’ve been working on my jumpshot a lot and trying to keep improving on my ball handling.
“My junior year had its ups and downs because I started the year off playing a lot then my minutes went down towards the end of the year, but I’ve been working hard to have a great senior year.
To make sure his senior year goes the way he wants it to Owen has spent time shooting, and lifting.
“Getting stronger has been my main focus. I wanted to come into my senior year stronger so I could have more confidence with the ball, which I do now. Also I’ve been working on getting a more consistent shot, especially from three.”
Blascziek’s work ethic has been rewarded by being named captain of this year’s team. The team is excited but knows that expectations are always high at North. They start the year ranked fifth in the state.
“I’m extremely excited to be a captain for the team this year,” Owen stated. “Almost all of us have grown up in Lakeville our whole life, so we’ve been playing with each other for years, which will help us.
“We’ll have six seniors this year (me, Spencer Fossey, Collin Denk, Cole Andersen, Tyler Lewko, and Chris Tomzak). We also have a great junior class with Tyler Wahl, Tommy Jensen, Tate Staloch, and Eli Mostaert. I expect us to be competing for a state title, because I have high expectations for our team.”
With expectations being high the goals for Owen and his team are high as well.
“My team goals for this year is to win a section championship, and to contend for a state title. Individually, I want to be the best leader I can be, and lead our team to state. I also want to be one of our teams leading scorers.”
Expectations are high but the Panthers are one of the best coached teams in state so come March they should be in the middle of the race once again.