skip navigation

Fury Alum Reach NCAA Tourney

By Fury Staff, 03/19/15, 2:30PM CDT

Share

Most young basketball players can only dream of one day being part of the 'March Madness' that takes place during the NCAA Division 1 basketball tournament. For two members of the 2013 Minnesota Fury 17U team (Wheeler Baker & Brian Ishola) that dream has become a reality!

Brian and Wheeler are currently in their freshman seasons playing basketball at the Division 1 level and both of their teams have qualified for the NCAA Tournament. Wheeler accepted a scholarship to play basketball at Albany over 8 other Division 1 scholarship offers, while NDSU was Brian Ishola's only opportunity to play Division 1 basketball and he jumped at the opportunity.

Brian was originally planning on red-shirting this season at NDSU but was given a spot on the roster in Mid-December and has been receiving playing time on & off for the Bison ever since.

Wheeler has been one of the top freshman in the American East Conference scoring close 6 ppg. Both NDSU & Albany will try to help their teams pull upsets Friday night as Albany takes on #3 seed Oklahoma and NDSU takes on #2 seed Gonzaga... Good luck guys!!!

Wheeler Baker - Albany - A 2014 graduate of Osseo High School, Baker played 3 seasons with the MN Fury program (15U, 16U, & 17U). Led the Orioles to a record of 46-10 in his final two seasons while averging 26 PPG, 4 APG and 4 RPG. Wheeler was a senior captain and 19 PPG for his career at Osseo. Baker was also an All-Northwestern Suburban and AP First Team All-State selection. The Albany Great Danes will open up the tournament tomorrow at 6:30 PM vs Oklahoma.

Brian Ishola - NDSU -  Brian played his 16U & 17U seasons with MN Fury. Ishola averaged 15 PPG as a senior in 2013-14 for East Ridge HS. Helping them to a 23-5 record and a conference title during his senior season. Brian scored 12.4 points per game for his junior season, earning first-team all-conference honors. He also went on to become East Ridge HS career leader in rebounds. The NDSU Bison will open up the tournament tomorrow at 8:50 PM vs Gonzaga.