Senior guard Brynn Flakus, 18, and senior center Samantha Knecht, 17, decided to attend the University of Sioux Falls and play basketball for the Cougars. Knecht transferred to Aberdeen Central from Faulkton before her junior season so this is the second year the two have played together in high school. In addition to the last two seasons at Aberdeen Central, Flakus and Knecht played on the same Dakota Schoolers team before their junior and senior high school seasons.
Both athletes, who were also considering Augustana College, were impressed after visiting the USF campus. USF, an NCAA II school, recently joined the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
"I didn't start looking at USF until this summer," said Knecht. "I didn't even think it was an option but I went on a visit there and realized how good an option it was. It (college choice) was pretty much up to me. My mom and dad went with me on a visit and helped me with everything but they wanted me to make that decision. I have to be happy with my decision."
One of USF's needs is at center and head women's basketball coach Travis Traphagen believes that Knecht will be a good fit with her height and athleticism.
"With Sami being 6-foot-2 and having the athletic ability that she has, I really think she will be a dynamic player in the NSIC," said Traphagen, a Columbia native and Groton graduate. "We knew we needed a post player in that recruiting class. We kind of put all our eggs in that basket hoping to get her, and we sure are glad that we did."
Flakus was impressed when Traphagen showed up at a summer tournament in Minnesota.
"He was one of a few coaches that showed up at that tournament," said Flakus. "Coach Traphagen called and said that he liked how I played in that tournament and invited me to have a visit. My parents really just let me make my own decision. They were really supportive the whole time. They knew that I was kind of torn between USF and Augie and maybe USD (University of South Dakota). I want to play basketball in college and they let me do my own thing."
The Cougar coaching staff liked the intensity and the football-like approach Flakus takes to basketball.
"I can tell her dad is a football coach," said Traphagen. "Brynn reminds us of one of our players (Holli Aggen). Brynn will run through a wall for you if you ask her to. That toughness gets brought onto the court and can be very contagious. We are very excited that she chose USF. Both young ladies are character kids and will have a major impact on our program in the future."
USF will lose three players to graduation next season; two guards and a center. Flakus is projected as a guard in college and said that she has to work on her outside shot and ball handling. She is not sure if she will red shirt her freshman season.
Knecht will play center and has not decided whether or not to red shirt the first season but thinks the USF coaches would like her to play right away.
Flakus, a gritty player, and Knecht, the smiling player, are also friends off the court.
"Everybody loves playing with Sami because she never stops smiling," said Flakus. "She's one of those people who are so nice on and off the court. Coaches can get on your case about doing things wrong but Sami is the one to tell you, 'Good job,' when you do something right."
Knecht appreciates the intensity Flakus brings to the game.
"I've enjoyed playing with Brynn," she said. "She's a great player and works so hard. She gets you open and gets herself open. I'm excited for the next four years."
The two players will feel more comfortable knowing at least one of their teammates when basketball drills begin in college next fall.
"It will be comforting to know there is someone there going through the exact same thing," said Knecht. "At practice it will be good knowing that if I don't understand something, Brynn probably won't either because we're coming from the same place. We can help each other out with the transition."
Flakus is excited about the challenge of college basketball, but knows she might have an uphill battle with her blue-and-gold and maroon-and-gold family.
"I'll try to talk my family into buying purple (USF colors) stuff," she said.
Samantha Knecht, Basketball, Aberdeen Central
Family: Parents Rick and Jennifer Knecht; sister Kaytlin (18), freshman at South Dakota State; brother Ricky (13), freshman at Faulkton; grandparents Carol and Harlin Knecht of Aberdeen.
Favorite athletes: Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Miami Heat forward LeBron James.
Other sports: Volleyball, track and field.
Best sports advice received:"Work hard at everything you do and do your best at everything."
Future plans: Play basketball at the University of Sioux Falls and major in business.
Best athletic memory:"Getting second in the high jump at the State B tournament as a sophomore and State AA volleyball last year."
Trivia: Flakus and Knecht's parents all attended Northern State and the dads both played football for the Wolves.
Brynn Flakus, Basketball, Aberdeen Central
Family: Parents Karen and Mike (Central head football coach) Flakus; brothers Spencer (21) and Mason (13).
Favorite athletes: Boston Celtics guard Rajon Rondo and Miami Heat forward LeBron James.
Favorite team: Boston Celtics.
Other sports: Cross country, track and field.
Best advice:"Keep shooting. Coach (Dawn) Seiler and coach (Brent) Norberg always told me, 'You can't hang your head after a bad possession. Go back down on offense and play your hardest.' "
Future plans: Play basketball at the University of Sioux Falls and major in nursing or biology.
Best athletic memory:"Last spring the 4-by-8 relay team won the conference meet in a tough race against Watertown. We ended up breaking the conference record and we shattered the school record."
Trivia: Former Aberdeen Central and Aberdeen Roncalli coach Derek Robey coached Flakus and Knecht on the Dakota Schoolers. Robey currently coaches the Sioux Falls O'Gorman boys.