Like his father before him, Amir Coffey is a Gopher.
The four-star guard and state’s top senior made his commitment to the University of Minnesota official Monday afternoon at a news conference at Hopkins High School.
Coffey’s father, Richard, was a starting forward for the Gophers under Clem Haskins from 1986-90, playing on teams that went to the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.
“It just all makes sense,” Richard Coffey said. “They really did a great job with Amir.”
Coffey’s commitment could be a turning point for Gophers basketball coach Richard Pitino as he works to keep many of the state’s top players from leaving Minnesota.
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Coffey, who had scholarship offers from Big Ten schools such as Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana and Wisconsin, is ranked as the 33rd best player in the 2016 class by ESPN.com.
“It means a lot,” Coffey said. “It’s a big deal to go to the same school my dad did.”
The 6-foot-7 senior is the highest-ranked player to commit to Minnesota since former Hopkins star Royce White in 2009. He said he will wear No. 13 and expects to be a combo guard in Pitino’s system.
Pitino and his staff were told of Coffey’s commitment before Monday’s announcement.
- Pioneer Press
Spots for Cardinal Pride HOF banquet still available
The Willmar Cardinal Pride Hall of Fame committee is still accepting reservations for its 2015 induction ceremony banquet on Friday.
Weather permitting, the banquet and a reception will be held outdoors at Kennedy Elementary starting at 3:30 p.m. The cost for the catered meal is $10 and a spot can be reserved by calling Doreen Keith at 320-444-2450. The committee is taking reservation calls through Wednesday.
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Beth Zimmer, a 2004 graduate, and Shanlee Bahl Isch, Class of 1984, will be inducted into the Hall of Fame during halftime of Willmar’s Homecoming football game against Moorhead. The game starts at 7 p.m.
- Tribune Sports
Warriors’ Leiding, Sterner, Skoglund honored again
Ridgewater College sophomore setter Kaitlyn Sterner was named MCAC Southern Division Setter of the Week for the third time this season on Monday.
Warriors freshmen Hailey Leiding, a hitter, and Lexie Skoglund, a defensive specialist, were also honored for the second time this season by the MCAC for their respective positions.
Ridgewater went 4-1 last week with Sterner collecting 167 assists, Leiding 42 kills and Skoglund 64 digs.
The Warriors are 4-2 in the division and 10-4 overall. Their next match is Wednesday at home starting at 6:30 p.m. against last-place Anoka-Ramsey (1-5, 2-12).
- Tribune Sports
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Central Lakes Conference honors 4 Cardinals
Willmar Cardinal student-athletes Brady Reigstad, Fernando Zavala, Cayle Hovland and Jessa Hanson were honored Monday by the Central Lakes Conference for their achievements last week.
Reigstad, football defense: A member of the line that gave up only eight rushing yards in a 40-14 win over St. Cloud Apollo.
Zavala, boys soccer offense: Scored five goals and assisted on three others.
Hovland, girls tennis singles: No. 1 player had two straight-set wins.
Hanson, girls cross country: Placed fourth to help team finish third in team standings at Hutchinson Invite.
- Tribune Sports
Eagle Creek’s One-Man Scramble Saturday
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The Willmar golf club’s tournament is for A, B and D division handicaps and has a 1:30 p.m. shotgun start.
Cost is $35 for members and $60 for non-members, and a Skins Game is available.
Wick’s Meat Shoppe bratwurst, hot dogs and other food will be available.
Contact the Eagle Creek pro shop at 320-235-1166 for more information.
- Tribune Sports
