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There will be a familiar face in the media guide for the Dickinson State University Men’s Basketball team for the 2008-09 season. Hometown product Tate Kick, who led Dickinson High School to the 2007 Class A State Championship, has committed to play for the Blue Hawks after deciding to transfer from Division II University of Mary.
Last year as a Marauder, Kick played in 27 games logging 18.4 minutes per contest as a true freshman. He averaged 5.5 points per game, shooting 52.3% from the field and 50% from behind the 3 point line, and also pulled down 3.9 rebounds per game in one of the nation’s premier D II conferences.
As a prep, Kick is remembered as one of the finest overall players the region has ever seen. In his senior season, he averaged 23 points per game, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists per game. Kick’s performance was a big part in the Midgets state title run. The accolades he earned along the way are, to say the least, impressive. Tate was one of four finalists for North Dakota’s Mr. Basketball, which is awarded annually to the state’s top player. He was also Gatorade Player of the Year and was twice a 1st Team Class A All-State selection. Kick ended his career as the 2nd All-time leading scorer in DHS history, scoring over 1300 points. None of these accomplishments were as important to him as the teams’ success, as is evident by his unselfish demeanor and play.
The final addition to the 2008 Blue Hawk recruiting class has the coaching staff very excited about the future of the program. Head Coach Ty Orton says of Kick’s signing “Tate is an outstanding compliment to our returning players and the rest of our recruiting class. He has an extremely diverse game and will bring many attributes to our team. He has outstanding athleticism that allows him to get to the basket and finish, the ability to shoot from the outside, and is also a phenomenal passer and rebounder.” What really impresses Orton about Kick is his knowledge of the game. His signing, combined with the other additions to the returning players, has Coach Orton enthusiastic for the new school year and basketball season to begin. Tate said of the idea of returning home to Dickinson “I am extremely excited about the direction of the DSU program and value the opportunity to play in my hometown and be close to my family.” Blue Hawks Ink Several Stars for 2008-09 Campaign
Dickinson State University is pleased to announce the signing of the following players: Andrew Rickett, of Plentywood, Mont.; Branden Thomas, from Atlanta, Ga., and Josh Walker, of New Orleans, La., who both played the last two seasons at Dawson Community College in Glendive, Mont.; Tomaul Hawkins, of Otero Junior College and the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs; and Destry Sterkel, of Bridgeport, Neb.
Rickett was a standout guard for Plentywood High School and averaged 19.0 points and 4.0 assists per game. He was All-State and a 1st Team All-Conference selection his senior year. He was also the MVP of the Montana State Tournament his junior year and was named to the Montana-Wyoming All-Star Game for 2008. He added 4.5 rebounds per game and could be counted on for 2.0 steals. His 3-point accuracy was .450 in helping PHS to a 19-5 overall record in 2008.
Wildcat Head Coach Rob Pederson commented that Rickett is, "one of the best competitors that I have ever coached." And DSU’s Ty Orton sees much potential, stating that “Andrew is a very strong person and player who is able to score and will be a strong player at the next level. We are very excited to have a young player like him in our program; he will help us to continue to grow and reach new heights.”
Thomas was a standout forward for DCC and collected 13.4 points, 10.3 rebounds and 2.0 assists per game. He was a 1st Team All Mon-Dak selection in 2008 and was named to the Honorable Mention squad his freshman campaign.
Coach Orton stated, “He is a beast on the boards and is extremely gifted as a defender. He averaged a double all year while still shutting down opposing post threats on a regular basis. Branden will strengthen the Blue Hawk team with his great team attitude and his strong work ethic on and off the floor.”
Walker was a standout small forward for DCC, averaging 14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.3 steals per game. In his two-year career for the Buccaneers he scored 701 points. He was twice selected as a 2nd Team All Mon-Dak Conference player.
Orton commented, “Josh is very athletic; he can get to the basket extremely well and finishes great. Defensively, he can guard bigger guards as well as quick smaller guards. We are excited to have him as a Blue Hawk.”
Hawkins was a standout player for UCCS where he scored 12.2 points, had 3.9 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. At OJC, he became the school’s 34th leading scorer in history, averaging 12.1 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.0 steals per game.
Coach Orton remarked that, “Tomaul is a very strong player who brings athletic ability and a great sense of the game. He will help us with his strong defense and his great ability to score off of the dribble. He is also a solid person and a great addition to DSU basketball team.”
Sterkel was a dominating center for Bridgeport High School and he will look to fill a similar role for Dickinson State. He is 6’ 9” and 300 pounds and averaged 14 points and 10 rebounds per game for the Bulldogs. He was an All-Conference choice in 2008.
Coach Orton is also excited to have Sterkel join the Blue Hawk program. “Destry is a mountain of a man who has wonderful touch from the outside.” Dickinson State Upended at Valley City State in DAC Quarterfinals, 85-67
Dickinson State’s season ended today in the first round of the DAC Tournament at the hands of Valley City State, 85-67. The Vikings took an early lead and the margin swelled to 40-25 at the half that the Blue Hawks were unable to overcome. The quarterfinal defeat brought the curtain down on a 10-19 season.
Saajid Yazeed led DSU scorers with 13 points. Sean Burnham (12) and Jeremy Mallard (11) also hit for double digits, while senior Nigel Sims finished with nine points.
VCSU committed only 15 turnovers to DSU’s 22, and also out-rebounded the Hawks 23-22.
Both teams shot 85% from the free throw line, though the Vikings shot 23 of 27 while the Blue Hawks attempted far fewer, but shot just as well (11 of 13). From the field, DSU was a solid 24 of 49 (49%) including 16 of 29 (55%) in the second half when the Hawks poured in 42 points.
VCSU now travels to play Minot State, while in the other semi-final bracket, Jamestown College hosts Black Hills State. Both games will tip-off at 7:00 pm on Wednesday. Click here for More Articles >> For more information call (701)-483-2100 |
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