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Last summer, North Branch’s Matt Fletcher played on the team. This summer, David Olson will get his shot at glory, playing for the Glory Elite, an elite Minnesota AAU team. The Chisago Lakes junior made the 17-year-old squad last week, one of 11 players to make the cut. A total of 38 players from around the state tried out.

“I think playing better competition will make me a much better player,” said Olson, a 2003-04 Rum River All-Conference Selection. “With the Glory, I’ll meet other players from around Minnesota, and I’ll learn how to play with different players. Plus, I’ll learn different and better basketball skills.”

The Glory season will take Olson around the country. From Indianapolis to Louisville, the Glory Elite will participate in 10 tournaments this summer, five in Minnesota and five out of state. Their season kicks off on April 16.

“I think David likes what it has to offer beyond basketball,” said Chuck Olson, David’s father. “Not only will he be playing against some of the best players in the state, but from my perspective, it offers discipline and I think that’s what he was looking for. I think he has the talent to move to that next level, but he’s not going to make it on just talent. He needs something else and I think this will give it to him.”

All you have to do is listen to Charles Paxson, Glory Elite’s head coach to understand where the Olson’s are coming from.

“Each coach will teach individual basketball skills, but most emphasis will be given to principles of team play and encouraging each boy to develop a selfless attitude and a spirit of encouragement for his teammates,” said Paxson. “The role of each player will be to enhance his individual skills while developing a team-first attitude.”

And of course, it gives the junior a ticket to center stage. His audience? College coaches from around the country looking for potential recruits. Olson hopes this summer will set events in motion that will directly impact next season and beyond.

“Every time I play a game, the coach will have college scouts looking at us,” remarked David Olson. “I think it will make me a better player. Hopefully, I will go into my senior year as a more complete player than last year. I want to help my team win a Rum River Conference championship, or perhaps, help them to a state tournament berth.”

Glory All-Stars who received DI, or other College Basketball Scholarships:

Brian Rowan, Andy Skoglund, Brian Wiersma, Andy Wiersma, Eric Holmstadt, Dan Determan, Mike Stohl, David Zellman, David Holler, Mike Kinsella, Sam Bachman, David McAlpine, Gilby Sanchez, David Sorensen, Nick Meyers, Jim Bertelsen, Adam Angell, Jay Stein, Matt Lillyblad, Andy Schmitz. Jason Fogt, Tyler Ganz, Lee Isaacson, Nick Burns, Matt Fletcher, David Dreas.

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