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Hill-Murray not just for hockey

By Aaron Paitich, Special to the Star Tribune, 02/21/11, 3:26PM CST

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The boys are undefeated in Classic Suburban games


Hill-Murray guard Carter Ross brings the ball up against Tartan guard Xavier Hall Feb. 8. Richard Tsong-Taatari, Star Tribune

When it comes to winter sports at Hill-Murray, hockey has traditionally ruled. This year, though, basketball has managed to earn its share of the spotlight.

The hockey team recently had a game against North St. Paul on the same night the basketball team hosted Tartan.

“[Hockey coach Bill] Lechner had said that there weren’t too many people at the hockey game, and he was hoping they were at the basketball game,” basketball coach Dick Ghizoni said. “We had a really good crowd for that one.”

The peaking interest and rejuvenated fan base have in turn energized the team.

“Everyone had the best time. They said it was just as fun as the hockey game,” senior Jim Remke said of the rowdy victory over conference rival Tartan. “They’re asking questions and getting excited about basketball. It’s a great feeling.”

Pioneers hoops — both boys’ and girls’ — have muscled their way into Hill-Murray’s historically hockey heavy territory, and for good reason. The boys entered the week undefeated in Classic Suburban Conference play, while the girls were undefeated and ranked No. 1 in Class 3A.

“We had really good success last year, and some of those guys that are back are just taking it right now to a higher level,” Ghizoni said.

Remke and fellow senior Rob Daul  are leading a balanced squad. The returning all-conference forwards brought over a special bond from the football field. Daul was the Pioneers quarterback, and Remke was a receiver. The two started spending a lot of extra time together practicing and reviewing film while becoming close friends. That’s translated over to the basketball court.

Remke and Daul play very well off each other, as evidenced by their 21.1 and 17.7 points per game averages through Tuesday, respectively. Remke, at 6-5, is a worker. His rebounds and points come through speed and grit. The 6-4 Daul is a smart, solid inside player with three-point range.

“We have a pretty tough skill set to stop both of us if we’re playing off each other,” Daul said.

Along with 6-9 junior center Dave Simmet, the Pioneers have the size and confidence to rebound and play physically.

“Our size is something that’s real hard to deal with,” Daul said. “I think we’re pretty dangerous.”

Senior point guard Carter Cross returned after missing a good chunk of the season with a broken ankle, and Ghizoni said John Duxbury is one of the better sixth men in the conference. Duxbury tipped in the game-winning shot at the buzzer earlier this year for the team’s first of two wins over Tartan. Junior forward Jay Zoborowski helps round out the strong supporting cast on a hot winning streak.

Defending Class 3A state champion St. Paul Johnson will most likely earn the top seed in Section 4, but if Hill-Murray keeps playing well, the Pioneers have a good at grabbing the No. 2 seed. It would come as no surprise to the team leaders.

“Me and Rob [Daul] let the team know we’re here to win conference — no second place or third place, we’re here to win,” Remke said. “And then win our section.”

And Hill-Murray students should have plenty to watch in the next month.

Team leaders

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