Jack Primus led the Upsala Cardinals boys basketball team in different ways. During one week, he’d lead the team in scoring and the next he'd lead it in rebounds. Jack was a key aspect which helped the Cardinals make it to the subsection finals in the 2023-24 season.
For his hard work and contributions to the team, he’s been selected as the Morrison County Record’s 2024 All Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year. Head Coach Tom Riitters said Jack has grown well in his role on the team the last three years he’s coached him.
“As a freshman, we brought him along slowly. Last year, as a sophomore he kind of grew and had to step up when Noah (Boekermann, a junior at the time) got hurt in football and then this year he just kind of blossomed,” said Riitters. “He’s just a natural leader.”
Jack showed he can do a little bit of everything this season, but his domain is playing guard. He played more of a point guard as a sophomore, but this year he also took on the role of a post guard. He says he likes having the ball in his hands and creating plays for his teammates
Growing up, I’ve always been more of a guard,” said Jack. You know, coming from a small town we didn’t have all the talent, so I’ve always brought up the ball.”
Jack led the team in all statistical categories. He had 17.8 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, and averaged 4.89 assists. He also scored his 1,000th career point, ending the season with 1,078 points. Riitters said he fits his position well.
“I’d say as a coach his versatility is a big thing. He’s six (foot) three…getting close to six (foot) four. He’s our natural post guard.”
Between the regular and postseason the Cardinals had a 22-7 record, which according to mnbasketballhub.com, the program hasn’t done since the 2013-14 season. This includes a seven-game winning streak. What was also new to the Cardinals was making it as far as the subsection championship in the postseason. Jack said the team felt the pressure was on.
“It was something new we haven’t experienced, which made it really tough. That’s why next year I think we can go back with some redemption and we can go and beat some of these teams.
The Cardinals had a fairly even game in the championship round against the East Central Eagles, leading them 28-27 in the first half. Despite their opponent catching up midway through the second half Riitters shared how he witnessed Jack staying calm and encouraging his teammates when the game wasn’t going their way.
“We were up 10 points with eighty minutes left to go. Our shots stopped falling and we took a time out,” said Riitters” And Jack in that timeout said ‘we just have to score with them. We don’t necessarily have to do anything special.”
The Cardinals fell to the Eagles 64-56. However, they had a higher field goal percentage of 39.3% against the Eagles’ 38.9%. The Cardinals also beat the Eagles 28-26 in points scored in the paint and 15-10 in assists. Jack led the team with 11 total rebounds.
The junior said the season was definitely one of his favorites of his career. However, besides the personal achievements, he credits his teammates for coming together and making it as successful as it was.
“Just having the whole team around me and being there for each other is nice,” Jack said. “One thing about this team is we are always together and hung around. It was a really fun time. This group of guys was definitely really fun. It made the season so much better.”
Next year, Jack says his goals are to break the Upsala High School’s rebound record and help the team win the section championship as well as making it to the state tournament. He also wants to help younger players become more effective on the court. Jack was recognized as Student Mentor of the Month in February.
Local News
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