Creighton Kodiaks basketball star Leland Feuerstein will soon head south for a provincial all-star game - and in doing so, will make history for his school.
Feuerstein was one of several players from 3A schools named to the upcoming Basketball Saskatchewan Senior All-Star Classic, meant to honour the best graduating high school basketball players across the province. The Grade 12 player was a top talent for the Kodiaks this season, getting them through conference play and into the boys’ regional tournament.
Kodiaks coach Ian Clark said Feuerstein was an offensive threat and a leadership presence for Creighton. Players are nominated to play in the provincial all-star game by their coaches - Clark nominated Feuerstein to this year’s event.
“Leland is a great one-on-one player with offensive skills that make most players look foolish. He brings intensity to all areas of the game and makes sure to challenge himself by guarding the other team's best player,” said Clark.
“He can create his own shot against most of the elite defenders in the province. He can finish at all three levels, at the rim, mid-range and from beyond the arc, but excels when attacking the rim.”
Two players from Creighton have been named to the year-end all-star team in recent years - Naomi Dickens and Talissa Alexander took part in the game in 2022 and 2023 respectively. No Kodiaks boys’ players have ever made the cut in the past - when Feuerstein steps on the court this weekend, he will be the first.
“The biggest part of Leland that has stuck out to me over the years is that he loves basketball. In the spring he plays, in the summer he plays, in the fall he plays and during the basketball season, he plays. That is how he has gotten so good. He put in the time,” said Clark.
The coach said this season, which saw several impact players from last year’s team graduate, saw Feuerstein take on a much larger role with the team - one in which he flourished. Feuerstein was seen as a big part of the team’s offence even as a sophomore and junior - this year, he was front and centre.
“This year was a big year for Leland becoming a senior, as we lost some big pieces from the year previous. He stepped up and helped the team in any way he could - effort was never a question,” he said.
“When the game was in the balance or if the shot clock was winding down, the team looked for Leland and more often than not, he was able to answer.”
The all-star game will take place at 7 p.m. April 7 in Saskatoon, along with a three-point shooting competition and player awards.
