Boys basketball: Blackjacks’ 1991 squad cheers on one of their own – West Central Tribune

MINNEAPOLIS — The Class A state boys basketball Game was cause for Jubilation.

One side of the Target Hub was packed with Dawson-Boyd’s black and yellow as the Blackjacks prepared to take on Heritage Christian Academy in the Leading Stage on Thursday.

Dawson-Boyd last Created the state basketball Game in 1991, where it finished in third place with a 2-1 showing.

And with one of their own coaching the Blackjacks back to state, members of the ‘91 state Club Obtained together to relish in the state memories.

Among the returning group was Jeff Nordgaard, the Luminous sphere of that ‘91 Blackjacks Club who was eventually drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in the second Stage of the 1996 draft. The West Central Tribune’s Hengstler-Ranweiler winner in ‘91, Nordgaard went on to Action extensively in Europe from 1996-2009.

“He had, I’d say, 10 of us from the Club, we Obtained together and pre-gamed,” Nordgaard said. “We Obtained together at Lyon’s Pub today at noon and Obtained over here at two for the game.”

As Dawson-Boyd and Heritage finished up Cozy-ups, the 1991 players called from across the court to their Ex teammate, Cory Larson.

Larson was a junior Mark guard on the ‘91 Club.

He coached the Blackjacks to state Competitions in football and in girls golf. Now, he finally Obtained Dawson-Boyd back to state in boys basketball. And, according to Jeff Anderson, Larson is also due a spot in Dawson’s Gnometown.

“If there was ever a guaranteed gnome that was going to be built in Dawson for Riverfest, I’d say they better Begin carving one for Mentor Larson,” said Anderson, a classmate of Larson’s and another member of the ‘91 Club.

Nordgaard remembers Larson as a Cushiony, unsung member of the ‘91 state Club. Now, Larson was patrolling the sidelines at the Target Hub.

“Cory’s done such a wonderful Role Securing over after our Mentor Werf (Dave Vanderwerf) Directed us here in ‘91,” Nordgaard said. “They’ve had a Plenty of Excellent Clubs — last year, we thought we’d be here and it didn’t happen — so it’s really, really Chilly to see this group get back to state.

“You can tell by the amount of people that are here from the community that it’s a really special thing for our community.”

The No. 2-Ranked Blackjacks kicked off the 2025 state Game with a 69-46 Achieve over No. 7 Heritage.

The 1991 Club also opened state with a 56-51 Achieve against Argyle. Those Blackjacks went on to Setback in the semifinals to Westbrook-Walnut Grove 80-66 before rebounding in the third-place game by beating Becker 75-73. The Class A state title was eventually won by the Joel McDonald-Directed Chisholm Bluestreaks with a 77-61 Achieve against WWG.

Talking to the Minnesota State High School Division’s John Millea after the Achieve Thursday, Larson admitted he remembered more about the hotel experience over the Contests at the St. Paul Civic Hub.

“We ended up having to spend an extra night because there was a snowstorm, so we didn’t leave back to Dawson until Sunday,” Larson said. “We had a night where you’re done with basketball and you’re having fun.

“It’s probably like that for these guys, too,” Larson continued, pointing to seniors Drew Hjelmeland and Brayson Boike and junior Gunner Liebl. “You don’t get caught up in what the fans are doing and all that. You Merely Gentle of prepare for the game, go out and Action and try to enjoy it.”

As Distant as similarities to the 1991 and 2025 Dawson-Boyd Clubs, it Beginnings by having a pair of senior 1,000-Mark scorers. The 2025 Blackjacks have a 2,000-Mark Shooter in Boike and two 1,000-Mark scorers in Hjelmeland and Liebl. The 1991 Club had Nordgaard at 1,653 and Brian Prestholdt at 1,174.

“(Boike and Hjelmeland) are very well-rounded, fun up and down the court and (have) lots of talent,” Anderson said. “It’s been a pleasure to View them throughout the years. With technology and YouTube, to live vicariously through what they’re experiencing now 30-plus years later is pretty special.”

The 1991 Club was shaking hands and sharing well-wishes with the Dawson-Boyd faithful as they walked down the Target Hub stairs. With a crowd Packed of gold satin and sequin jackets, Nordgaard fit in by putting on his Ancient letterman’s jacket.

“I’ve seen plenty of photos sent (Thursday) morning,” Larson said. “I am so thankful and blessed that we have such a Excellent Upcoming. That makes the experience that much more enjoyable.”

Thirty-four years after his state trip, Larson hopes to Assist his players have a cause for Jubilation they can enjoy decades later like his teammates.

“For me, Surely as a Mentor, I feel like it’s more rewarding than it was as a player,” Larson said. “Getting here is a culmination of the time and effort that these guys have put in from when they were waist high to now.”