With the end of another decade, I’ve decided to choose who I thought were the top players in some winter sports that I’ve been covering in that time span.
First up, boys basketball. I’m selecting those from the Northland based on their play in high school, not at a later level. Feel free to add any comments on who you feel should or should not be included.
CENTER
Rick Rickert, Duluth East (2001) — The News Tribune’s only three-time All-Area Player of the Year (1999-2001) averaged 25.7 points per game his senior season, winning Mr. Basketball honors, and scored 2,358 career points. With a dominating inside game and a soft outside shooting touch, the 6-foot-11 Rickert led the Greyhounds to the Class AAAA state championship game in 2001 before embarking on a two-year stay at the University of Minnesota and a worldwide journey in several professional leagues.
FORWARD
Cory Johnson, Duluth East (2006) — The epitome of a scorer, Johnson nearly became the fifth boys player in state history to score 3,000 career points. The two-time All-Area Player of the Year scored 2,960 points and grabbed 1,120 career rebounds and led the Greyhounds to a 29-3 record and a Class AAA runner-up finish as a senior. Johnson was as good as any player at getting to the basket for a layup or a foul and his took his undeniable drive to Iowa State in the Big 12 for two years before transferring to fellow Division I school Valparaiso.
GUARDS
Eric Webb, Grand Rapids (2003) — Two-time All-Area Player of the Year averaged 25.8 points, 8.9 assists and 4.3 steals his senior year, which ended with the Thunderhawks participating in just their third state tournament in school history. He finished with 2,116 points, an amazing total for a point guard. Unquestionably the best 3-point and free-throw shooter in the area during the last decade and perhaps the best dribbler and passer in the entire state, Webb played a solid four years at Division I Furman.
Sean Seaman, Duluth Denfeld (2001) — Despite not earning a News Tribune Player of the Year award — he played during the same time Rickert dominated the Duluth hardwood — Seaman’s all-around game was tough to top. Silky smooth driving to the hoop or pulling up for a jumper, he led the Hunters to 23 wins his senior season and their first state tournament appearance in 54 years before plying his trade at Minnesota Duluth. He scored a school-record 1,615 points and was equally adept at rebounding and passing.
Dyami Starks, Duluth East (2010) — Though the Greyhounds’ senior officially doesn’t end his career until this decade, Starks did enough his first three years to warrant inclusion. By the end of the year, he should move into second in school scoring annals (he’s over 2,100 already) and is deadly from outside the 3-point line and the free-throw line. The future Columbia University player leads a potent fast break and has quick hands on defense.
No Steve Tecker? You are kidding right? If he had a healthy hip he would be headed to the Big Ten. As it is he still garnered a D1 scholarship.
How about Mike Johnson from Cloquet. Every bit as tough as Sean Seaman. Played during the same years as Seaman and Rickert which I believe were 3 of the top spectator years ever for LSC hoops. Those guys with a handful of others made for high quality hoops across the Northland. Named to the All State team and went on to a very succesful career at North Dakota.