By Dave Pedersen
Deember 6, 2006

Basketball tradition continues at Armstrong

The tradition continues at Armstrong where the boys basketball team will once again figure to be among the elite in the state.

The Falcons last played at state three years ago, then lost in the section semifinals two years ago and in the section final last season to Cooper.

"Expectations are high every year," said coach Greg Miller. "And with four returning players from last year's section final team, we look to compete for a spot at the state tournament again."

Miller adds his team has a good shot at winning a fourth consecutive academic section title.

It won't be easy for the Falcons to earn honors with defending state champ Hopkins looking strong again in the Classic Lake Conference.

The section is loaded with talented squads like state runner-up Cooper and Osseo, a team ranked No. 3 in the metro.

A key leader returning is three-year starter Alex Rubin, a 6-foot-1 point guard who led the Falcons in points, steals and assists last season.

"Alex may be a top-five player in the state," Miller said. "He has great quickness, strength and court sense. He has a great mid-range shot and can get to the hoop."

The two-time All-Conference selection averaged 15 points and five assists a year ago.

Senior Carter Biewen is a 6-foot-4 forward who earned All-Conference honors, averaging 11 points and seven rebounds per game.

"Carter is an excellent 3-point shooter and all-around player," said Miller about Biewen, who shot 42 percent from long range. "He is a smart player who doesn't make many mistakes."

Senior guard Ben Vathing was a top reserve last year. Miller said Vathing "is a tenacious defender with good offensive skills. He will make a big impact with his toughness and competitiveness."

Senior guard Scott Kaitz missed much of last season with a broken ankle.

"Scott is a basketball junkie who knows the game and can shoot," adds Miller.

The coach said senior Tom Knorr, a 6-foot-9 center, has gone from the "project stage" to being a key player for the Falcons.

Others battling for playing time are 6-foot-3 senior forward Ben Bratland, 6-foot-5 senior center Antonio Johnson, 6-foot junior guard Wes Hoefer, 6-foot senior forward Andrew Bate and 6-doot-5 junior center JD Robinson.

The Falcons will play in the Catholic Spirit holiday tournament at the University of St. Thomas. The field is strong with Woodbury, Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul Johnson and Holy Angels.

Breck boys basketball

Games start at 7:15 p.m. unless noted.

Dec. 7: at Blaine, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12: Stillwater

Dec. 15: St. Paul Harding

Dec. 21: at Lakeville South, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 22: St. Paul Central

Dec. 27-29: at Catholic Spirit Tournament, University of St. Thomas.

Jan. 4: Shakopee

Jan. 5: at Cooper

Jan. 9: at Minnespolis Roosevelt, 7 p.m.

Jan. 11: Patrick Henry

Jan. 16: Forest Lake

Jan. 20: at Moorhead

Jan. 23: at Minneapolis North, 7 p.m.

Jan. 26: at Hopkins

Feb. 2: Wayzata

Feb. 6: at St. Thomas Academy, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9: Minnetonka

Feb. 13: Edina

Feb. 16: Hopkins

Feb. 20: at Wayzata

Feb. 23: Mounds View

Feb. 27: at Minnetonka

March 2: at Edina