(Neola, IA) — A.J. Harder of Tri Center was named first team all-state in basketball yesterday by the Iowa Sports Writers Association. The junior led the talented Western Iowa Conference in scoring at 20.5 ppg plus also led the WIC in assists with 6.6 and steals with 3.4 per game. Harder was also third in the conference in 60 three pointers made. Harder says it is more of a team award than anything and he credits his teammates but he also admits that he thought about it
Harder says it was disappointing that the Trojans did not go to state this year — they ran into a big Hull Western Christian team in the substate finals. He says there were some memorable games including scoring 42 points to win the district title against Cherokee
Harder’s teammate Senior Tyler Baatz had some strong credentials for being at least third team all state but was not selected. Harder has enjoyed playing with him the last three years
Tri Center loses 4 starters and 8 total seniors of this year’s 21-3 team but don’t tell Harder that next year will be a rebuilding season
Harder will be dual sporting in the spring with track and field and golf and will be playing baseball in the summer for Tri Center.
Complete Interview with First Team All State Basketball Player AJ Harder
