Bluejays’ basketball program signs three top South Dakota recruits

WORTHINGTON — The Minnesota West Community and Technical College men’s basketball team announced the signing of Logan Korkow, Jordan Buddenhagen and Cory Lesnar to national letters of intent May 2.

Korkow, a 6’-1” guard from Huron, S.D. was a 3-year letter winner at Huron High School. He is the son of Kelly and Todd Korkow. Korkow plans on being a business major.

Korkow averaged 10.3 points 4.8 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game his senior year. He was a member of the 2008 State AA all-tournament team, and he help his team to a fourth place finish at the 2008 State AA tournament. He was also an Honorable Mention All-Eastern South Dakota basketball performer.

Korkow earned first team Eastern South Dakota All-Conference football honors and will also be a member of the Bluejay Football team this fall.

“Korkow is a hard-nosed player and great defender that can really lock down the other teams’ best perimeter player,” Minnesota West head basketball coach Justin Heckenlaible said. “Korkow’s high school coach, Tim Buddgenhagen, emphasized defense and fundamentals which will make his transition to college game much easier. He is a great kid and a hard worker, and we look forward to having him join our program.”

Jordan Buddenhagen, a 5’-11” guard from Huron, S.D. was a 3-year letterwinner at Huron High School. He is the son of Shelly and Tim Buddenhagen. Buddenhagen plans on pursuing a Liberal Arts major.

In his senior year, Buddenhagen averaged 14.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 2.0 steals and shot 47 percent from 3-point line. He was a member of the State AA all tournament team. He was a First Team All-State AA selection, First Team All-conference for the Eastern South Dakota Conference, and is currently a South Dakota Mr. Basketball finalist.

“Buddenhagen is a point guard that has the ability to not only set up teammates, but can also score when needed,” Heckenlaible said. “He is a coach’s son and brings a high basketball IQ to the game, which is going to make everyone on our team better. We look forward to Jordan being a big part of our program for the next two years.”

Lesnar, a 6’-5” center from Milbank, S.D. was a 2-year letter winner at Milbank High School. He is the son of Connie and Dennis Lesnar. While attending Minnesota West, Lesnar plans on pursuing a computer science degree.

During his senior year, Lesnar averaged 18 points and seven rebounds per game. He was a first team all North East Conference selection. Lesnar helped lead Milbank to a 17-4 record, which included a perfect 9-0 record in the Northeast Conference and District 3A Championships.

“Cory likes to be physical and uses his size effectively on both ends of the court,” Heckenlaible said. “He shot 62 percent from the field his senior year, so we are looking for him to boost our scoring from inside the paint.”

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