ACHIEV ACHIEVING ALL-TIME LEVEL AT AN Austin, Hondl surge to top of Albany’s scoring list
BY EVAN MICHEALSON STAFF WRITER
Rare is it that a basketball team’s top two scorers in team history arrive at the same time.
So, the Albany Huskies boys basketball squad is enjoying what it has in seniors Zeke Austin and Sam Hondl and hoping their combined greatness can help lead the program to its second state championship.
“Sam and I have been teammates pretty much our whole life, and he’s always wanted to be a winner and really competitive,” Austin said. “He and I both have the competitive mindset that pushes both of us in practice, which makes us go way harder and gets us ready for the game.”
Austin and Hondl seized varsity opportunities as under-
classmen, with Hondl getting time on the court as a freshman and Austin entering the starting lineup at the beginning of his sophomore season. They were immediately instrumental for the Huskies, who won the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Boys Basketball State Tournament in 2023.
Since then, the duo has spearheaded a run of success never before seen in Albany. The Huskies reached state again in 2024, becoming the first team in school history to build a state-qualifying streak. They built on that record by winning the Section 6AA championship March 14.
“It’s really cool,” Hondl said. “It’s something that hasn’t been done here in Albany, so it’s good to be a part of history.”
A huge component of these accomplished Huskies teams is
the cohesion and chemistry of its leading scorers. Austin is a traditional point guard who brings the ball up the floor and can knock down shots from long range, while Hondl is a dynamic forward who can attack driving lanes and score close to the basket. With those skill sets occupying the court at the same time, teams have struggled to find an answer to slowing down Albany.
“We help each other a lot,” Austin said. “They have to take away one of us, and, if they take away me, then we can feed the ball to Sam in the post, and he can go to work. If they double off him, he has great vision as a post player and can kick it out.”
Austin/Hondl page 3
PHOTO BY TOM FENTON
Albany senior
Sam Hondl drives the lane for a shot attempt in the Section 6AA championship against Spectrum March 14 at St. Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud. Hondl is one of Albany’s all-time leading scorers alongside teammate Zeke Austin.
MODE LOCKDOWN
BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
It is not entirely unusual for basketball players and coaches to appreciate and take pride in their team’s effort on the defensive end. When fans notice, however, that is a good indication they are doing things right.
Anyone who has watched the Albany boys basketball team can see the Huskies can score, but it also does not take a keen eye to see how dominant Albany can be defensively.
A prime example came a few possessions into Albany’s 82-42 victory over Spectrum in the Section 6AA championship March 14 at St. Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall.
When offense struggles, defense comes to rescue
“We were down 4-2, and one of the Spectrum guys traveled, and our student section erupted,” said Elliott Burnett, Albany senior. “Ethan (Meyer) and I were standing underneath the hoop, and I tried to say something to him, and he tried to say something to me. We were right next to each other, and we were both yelling and couldn’t hear each other. That energy and atmosphere, it’s definitely something that can change the game when people don’t realize it.”
Opposing offenses have no doubt felt the wrath of Albany’s constant defensive heat, and it is a major reason the Huskies take a 29-0 record and No. 1 seed into the Minnesota State High School League Class AA Boys Basketball State Tournament.
Defense page 5
Albany junior Brady Rueter applies defensive pressure on a Spectrum player in the Section 6AA championship March 14 at St. Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud. Rueter has played a key role in the Huskies’ defensive success this season.
PHOTO BY TOM FENTON
Easy baskets are a rarity for Albany’s opponents, who have averaged 43 points per game this season, the lowest in Class AA by two full points. The Huskies have held the opposition to a .338 shooting percentage — a number that dips to .241 from the 3-point line.
“Our defense goes back to drill work and making sure our positioning is proper, and (we) let the results speak for themselves,” said Cory Schlagel, Albany head coach. “All five guys on the floor have to know how we’re going to cover stuff and then how to properly position yourself. As soon as one guy screws something up, typically, you get scored on. This crew doesn’t screw up very often.”
In basketball, there are games when shots are not falling at a high frequency. It happens to everyone. Defensive effort, however, is a constant for Albany. And when things are really clicking, easy baskets on the other end are
“Once our defense gets stops, that allows us to go in transition and get points from there, and, usually, when that happens, Sam (Hondl) is throwing down a crazy dunk or Zeke (Austin) is hitting an open 3-pointer,” said Ethan Meyer, senior forward.
Maybe most important, the defensive success extends beyond the starting lineup from players such as Jake Buttweiler and Brady Rueter. Their efforts are not lost on their head coach.
“We’ve used Brady not really for his offensive skills but because of how much juice and energy he has when he comes out there and guards,” Schlagel said. “(Against Spectrum), we put him out there for a shift just to keep wearing their kids out. With Jake, there are times we can only play him for two to three minutes because he goes so hard. He flat-out plays so hard. … That’s the luxury we have. I can’t get in a kid’s face and do that. He’s just
PHOTO BY TOM FENTON
STATE QUALIFYING
Parents Jason and Sara Burnett
ZEKE AUSTIN AUSTIN
When the last seconds ticked off the clock and you realized you were going to state, who — besides teammates — did you want to celebrate with first? My family because they have been pushing me throughout this whole journey.
What do you feel has been the biggest reason for the Huskies’ undefeated season so far?
This team’s determination and will to work hard.
Favorite pair of shoes? My purple G.T. Cuts because they are very comfortable and make me a little bit taller.
Pregame superstition or ritual? I always listen to music to help calm me down, and then I pray during the national anthem.
Go-to shot? don’t really have a go-to shot in game, but, during practice, always shoot Dirk (Nowitzki) fadeaways or step-back midranges during drills.
If you could replay any basketball game in your career, which would it be? The state championship game we won. I would pick this game to have that feeling of winning the championship again and to relive the experience.
Parents: Jeff and Karleen Goebel
When the last seconds ticked off the clock and you realized you were going to state, who — besides teammates — did you want to celebrate with first? My mom and dad. They have been by my side since I started playing basketball, and to celebrate winning the section and going to state means a lot.
What do you feel has been the biggest reason for the Huskies’ undefeated season so far? How hard everyone works in and out of practice.
Favorite pair of shoes? My Kobe 9s I only wear for games. I like them because they have good ankle support and good grip.
Pregame superstition or ritual? don’t necessarily have a pregame ritual. just try to stretch and get ready for the game.
Go-to shot? A layup. It doesn’t get much easier than that.
If you could replay any basketball game in your career, which would it be? Our away game at Pequot last year. I was having a bad game and ended up getting a technical foul.
Parents: Jim and Lisa Meyer
SENIORS
comfortable. Pregame superstition or ritual? Pregame nap. Go-to shot? Layup.
When the last seconds ticked off the clock and you realized you were going to state, who — besides teammates — did you want to celebrate with first? My parents because they have been suppor ting me ever since started playing.
What do you feel has been the biggest reason for the Huskies’ undefeated season so far? Our determination to get better every single day, whether that’s at practice or in the weight room.
Favorite pair of shoes? The Kyrie 7s because they are really comfortable.
Pregame superstition or ritual? I always drink a Celsius or Alani before the game.
Go-to shot? Three from the top of the arc.
If you could replay any basketball game in your career, which would it be?
Our state game last year against Jackson County Central because it was such a fun atmosphere and my first time playing at Target Center.
If you could replay any basketball game in your career, which would it be? The section championship my freshman year because we were winning at half and lost.
Parents: Nate and Meg Hylla
When the last seconds ticked off the clock and you realized you were going to state, who — besides teammates — did you want to celebrate with first? My family because they’re the ones who have supported me the most through my sports career.
What do you feel has been the biggest reason for the Huskies’ undefeated season so far? Coach Schlagel. He works day in and day out, making sure we are prepared the best we can be for the next game. Our chemis try plays a big part in our success as well.
Pregame superstition or ritual? My pregame handshake with Jaxson Austin.
Go-to shot? Three from the top of the key.
Favorite pair of shoes? My Kobe 8 Protro Court Purples. like the way they look and feel.
If you could replay any basketball game in your career, which would it be? The Albany versus Albany game back in the fifth grade to see who is actually better between the two teams.
#0 | GUARD
AA TOURNAMENT FIELD
Defending champion Breck returns
BY TOM FENTON STAFF WRITER
The field is set.
Unlike the NCAA Division I Tournaments, there is no selection committee and no at-large selections. Teams either win their section championship or their
Section 1
Caledonia Warriors
Head coach: Brad King, eighth season Career record: 196-36 Record: 28-2
Defeated Lake City 62-42 in Section 1 championship
State tournament appearances: 11 (1997 Class AA champion, 2015 AA champion, 2018 AA champion and 2021 AA runner-up)
Record vs. 2025 state tournament teams: 0-0
respective seasons are over.
Thirty-two teams in four classes will make their way to Minneapolis this week for the annual extravaganza that is the Minnesota State High School League Boys Basketball Tournament. The Albany boys earned their third straight state trip with
Section 2
Waseca Bluejays
Head coach: Seth Anderson, 11th season Career record: 225-88 Record: 30-0
Defeated Belle Plaine 76-66 in Section 2 championship
State tournament appearances: 13 (1918 champion, 1997 A champion, 2019 AAA runner-up and 2021 AA champion). Record vs. 2025 state tournament teams: 0-0
an 82-42 victory over Spectrum — a private school in Elk River — March 14 at St. Cloud State University’s Halenbeck Hall in St. Cloud.
The Huskies (29-0) are the Class AA tournament’s top seed and will face No. 8 Pelican Rapids (24-6) at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at Williams Arena on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis. Albany, which is 92-4 in the past
Section 3
Montevideo Thunder Hawks
Head coach: Derek Webb, eighth season Career record: 79-118 Record: 25-4
Defeated Jackson County Central 62-21 in Section 3 championship
State tournament appearances: 7 Record vs. 2025 state tournament teams: 0-0
three seasons, is seeking its second title since 2023 after placing third a year ago.
This year’s tournament features a couple new twists.
Teams are seeded first through eighth in each class instead of No. 1-No. 5 with the last three teams being placed in the bracket via random draw. Championship Saturday, as it is often dubbed during KSTC television broadcasts, also has a different look.
Instead of playing title games in order starting with Class A, the Class AA and AAA games have been switched, meaning the AA championship is at 6 p.m., Saturday, March 22, rather than its previous tip-off time of 2 p.m.
The field page 9
teams: 2-2 (lost 77-58
Totino-Grace, lost 87-54 to Wayzata 87-54, defeated Minnehaha Academy 63-58 and 102-88.
The field
from page 8
That gives Class AA entrants, who play the late session the night before the championship, a bit more rest before vying for the coveted title trophy.
Albany faced three state tournament teams in a two-week span after Christmas, defeating Class A’s Dawson-Boyd, along with AA entrants Minnehaha Academy and Pequot Lakes.
The Class AA field, as usual, is talent-laden, featuring programs who are no stranger to playing on the big stage. Defending champion Breck returns, and second-seeded Waseca brings a 30-0 record into the tournament.
Section 6
Albany Huskies
Head coach: Cory Schlagel, 14th season Career record: 287-109 Record: 29-0
Defeated Spectrum 82-42 in Section 6 championship
State tournament appearances: 7 (2023 AA champion)
Record vs. 2025 state tournament teams: 4-0 (defeated DawsonBoyd 74-53, defeated Minnehaha Academy 62-44, defeated Pequot Lakes 63-58 and 74-38)
Montevideo, which is making its first trip to state in 16 years, defeated Jackson County Central 62-61 in the Section 3AA championship at Southwest State University in Marshall. Albany needed a big second-half rally to defeat JCC in the state quarterfinals a year ago at Target Center in Minneapolis.
Five-time champion Minnehaha Academy, which lost to Albany in the 2023 title game, returns for its ninth straight and 13th overall appearance.
Section 7 Pequot Lakes Patriots
Head coach: Rich Spiczka, 19th season Career record: 324-199
Record: 23-7
Defeated Esko 59-50 in Section 7 championship
State tournament appearances: 6 (2011 AA champion)
Record vs. 2025 state tournament teams: 0-2 (lost to Albany 63-58 and 74-38)
Section 8 Pelican Rapids Vikings
Head coach: John Gullingsrud Career record: (Not provided.) Record: 24-6
Defeated Barnesville 59-56 in Section 8 championship
State tournament appearances: 8 (1977 runner-up, 1984 Class A champion, 2009 Class AA champion)
Record vs. 2025 state tournament teams: 0-1 (lost to Montevideo 82-59)
HUSKIES
STAT LEADERS
