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Wednesday, November 18, 2009

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Riewer to head west

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

By JEREMY MILLSOP

Sports Writer

Jordan Riewer will have one less thing to worry about when the prep boys' basketball season begins Monday.

The five-year varsity player, and four-year starter for the Staples-Motley Cardinals, can concentrate more on opposing teams rather than what college scouts think of his talents because the point guard has verbally committed to Jamestown College.

The Division II program offered Riewer a full scholarship for his services starting next year.

"I didn't think it would make a big difference, but it's one less thing I have to worry about," said the senior. "I can concentrate on my last year."

Jordan Riewer

It will be a year filled with high expectations as the Cardinals return four starters and two more key players off the bench. Along with Riewer, Derek Wolhowe also returns for his fifth varsity season. Jon Bristow and Jason Johnson return to man the post while Trevor Wentworth, Gunner Johnson and Jordan Peterson return to provide perimeter pressure.

Add junior Alex Jansson to the mix and the Cardinals have to be considered a favorite to repeat as champions in an extremely tough Mid-State Conference and hopeful of knocking off New London-Spicer for the Section 6-2A championship.

"We should have high expectations every year," said Riewer. "We have four returning starters and a lot of other kids back. We want to get to state. Staples hasn't gotten there since 2001. Hopefully, we can change that this year."

Last season, Riewer totaled 569 points (19.6 per game), 200 rebounds (6.9), 173 assists (6.0), 105 steals and eight blocked shots while shooting 49.8 percent from the field, 91 percent from the line and 40.4 percent from 3-point.

"Obviously, I need to work on getting quicker and stronger and faster," said Riewer. "They like my length for a guard and I pass the ball well and I can shoot.

"Having made a decision it feels good. I watched two of their games last weekend. It's always been my dream to go play college basketball. Now I can go there and make a career out of it."

Jamestown College sports a few names that should be familiar to local basketball fans, such as former Central Lakes College and Crosby-Ironton graduate C.J. Peeters. Eric Shulstad of Pelican Rapids, Justin Kangas of Mesabi East and Steven Hendrickson of Litchfield.

Jamestown, an NAIA Division II program, plays in the Dakota Athletic Conference, in which it won the title in 2002, 03, 04 and 08.

"I think it's a real good fit because Jamestown is an up-and-coming place in terms of basketball players from this area," said Cardinals head coach Lynn Peterson. "They've been making a hard push attacking players from this area and that provides a real comfort zone.

"Jordan is going to have an impact in that league without a doubt. He has the potential that can take him very far in that league."

Riewer also excels at baseball and will consider playing both sports later in his career. For now it will be strictly basketball for the son of John and Kim Riewer of Staples.

"I talked to (Jamestown) about it they said it was hard to (play both), but if I wanted to try it to just let them know," said Riewer, who hopes to study physical education or law enforcement. "That's still up in the air. They have a good basketball program and a lot of good guys that I already knew.

"I'm excited."

JEREMY MILLSOP may be reached at jeremy.millsop@brainerddispatch.com or 855-5856.

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