Boys basketball: CMCS Bluejays look for a breakthrough

Dec. 9—PRINSBURG — Fresh off of reaching the Section 3A-North championship, the Central Minnesota Christian boys basketball team hopes for a breakthrough this winter.

The Bluejays went 23-6 in 2024-25, including a 13-3 Camden Conference record. Head coach Ted Taatjes is back for his 17th season. He's joined by assistant coaches Travis VanderWoude and Austin TeBrake.

Four starters return for CMCS, including two All-Camden Conference picks.

Asher Wieberdink, a 6-foot-7 forward, is back for his junior year. He was an All-Camden pick after averaging 17.8 points, 9.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks per game.

"Asher's shooting range and post play make him a difficult matchup for opposing teams," Taatjes said. "His improved shot blocking and rebounding makes him a difference-maker on both ends of the court."

The other All-Camden returnee is Logan Roelofs. The 6-3 senior forward averaged 7.6 points, 8.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists.

"Logan sets the tone on both ends of the floor for us," Taatjes said. "His ability to guard multiple positions paired with his playmaking allows him to impact the game on every possession."

The backcourt has a pair of veterans in 6-1 senior guard Micah Asake and 6-2 junior Eli Gerdes. Asake was an All-Camden honorable mention after tallying 10.6 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. Gerdes averaged 8.1 points per game.

"Micah's shooting ability will help space the floor on offense and his leadership on and off the court will play a large role on our team," Taatjes said. "Eli's hustle and tenacity on both ends of the floor is contagious. He can score at three levels and is a great on-ball defender."

The Bluejays have to replace Drew Duininck's production after he put up 13.2 points and 4.2 assists per game last season.

Two backcourt players to look out for are 6-3 junior Carter Taatjes and 6-0 sophomore Caleb Asake.

"Carter's shooting range and passing will help our ball movement, spacing and efficiency," Ted Taatjes said. "Caleb's shooting, paired with his ability to attack the rim will be a tough matchup for opposing defenders."