Matt Hentges and Jameson Parsons can breathe a sigh of relief. Eagan's two senior standout athletes finally ended their college search a couple of weeks ago. Both have accepted scholarships, along with teammate Bob Rada, to play football at St. Cloud State next year.
"Good to have it over with. Takes a lot of stress off everything," said Hentges, a 6-4 senior forward and wide receiver. "Even when you don't think it's there, it's always in the back of your head. It's nice to get it done with -- definitely clears your head up a lot."
Hentges and Parsons, a 6-1 guard and Wildcats quarterback, had many of the same schools contact them. The teammates and childhood friends visited most of them together but never planned on forcing the decision to attend the same college.
"It's good to know the quarterback beforehand," Hentges said with a laugh.
But for now, the multisport athletes have one goal on their minds.
"Keep our heads on track for basketball and nothing else," Hentges said.
And that basketball team is pretty darn good. Eagan went into the week ranked sixth in the Star Tribune metro poll and tied for first place in the South Suburban Conference with Eastview. A 73-70 win over Lakeville South Tuesday night kept the Wildcats moving along.
Head coach Kurt Virgin watched Parsons fill out his game as a senior. Parsons is averaging nearly 16 points per game, but more important, he has stepped up his play on the defensive end of the floor. Virgin calls him an All-State-caliber player, the conference's best perimeter shooter and a team leader in steals.
His unselfish play has opened up the floor for teammates such as junior guard Nick Sabatke, who is averaging nearly 10 points per game off the bench.
"If we can get him and Jameson cooking at the same time, that's a pretty good outside attack," Virgin said.
Depth gives Eagan an advantage over opponents. Virgin has been comfortably rotating nine guys throughout the lineup and it allows Eagan to maintain heavy pressure on teams without worrying about conserving energy.
Ryan Patterson, a 6-5 senior forward, gives Eagan versatility all over the court. Senior Eric Wittenberg and junior Shane Mandli control the boards. Junior guard Drew Bauer has stepped in nicely for point guard Ben Secoli, who's been battling a dislocated shoulder all season. Senior Sean Endersbe is another big spark coming off the bench.
Various players have been carrying the Wildcats at different times, but Hentges remains the team's top defensive stalwart. The three-year starter has honed his defensive game through experience and hard work. Now, he's given the game's toughest assignments.
"I know what I'm going up against," Hentges said. "It gives me a challenge on defense, and that always gives me an extra drive on offense."
Eagan's overall defensive play has intensified this year, highlighted by allowing only 35 points in a win over conference rival Eastview last month. The Wildcats have split their season series against Eastview, Lakeville South and Apple Valley -- who they will battle again in their quest to reach the state tournament.
"When you get to the section tournament, it's usually defense that's going to carry you," Virgin said.
