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With their senior season now behind them, Danny Reed and Aaron James might be facing their most difficult, yet rewarding test of the season this weekend. Away from their high school fields, teammates, and coaches, both Reed and James will take their talents center stage, competing with the best the state has to offer.

For Reed, although it was surprising to be named a 2004 Lions All-Star, deep down, it was expected. Reed’s stock has been rising ever since he strapped on his varsity cleats, including being labeled one of the top 100 Minnesota baseball seniors before the 2004 spring season started. Now, his status as one of the best will finally be justified when he takes part in the 30th Annual Lions All-State Baseball Tournament starting Friday. Reed is a member of the North squad.

“It really hasn’t hit me that I got picked for it,” said Reed, a shortstop. “I really don’t feel any pressure. I just want to have fun and do my best.”Still, when looking at some of the past players who have played in the tournament, it’s hard not to feel a little anxious. Past performers include 18 Major Leaguers, including Joe Mauer, the number one overall pick in the 2001 Major League draft by the Minnesota Twins. Twin greats Kent Hrbek, Terry Steinbach, and Tim Laudner have also played in the tournament, names that will now share the company of Danny Reed.

“I kind of thought it would all happen,” mentioned Reed, who will be attending NIAC (Iowa) Junior College next fall. “I know that sounds a little weird, but everything has gone according to plan so far. I’ve accomplished what I thought I would. All I want to do is go out there and play hard and I think everything will take care of itself.”

The North squad will take the field for the first time on Friday night at 7:30 p.m., facing off with the Metro West in a nine inning game. Reed will play two more games on Saturday as well, at 12:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. All games will be played at Chaska Athletic Park in Chaska Minnesota.

About the time that Reed will be taking the field in Chaska on Saturday, Aaron James will be taking the field at Macalester College, taking part in the annual In-State vs. Out-State All-Star football game. Game time is officially set for 2 p.m.

Like Reed, James had a blockbuster senior season, running for 943 yards and 13 touchdowns as the ‘Cats premier running back. His performance led to a Rum River Offensive Player of the Year Award and a selection on the Minnesota Out-state All-Star football team. James is the first Wildcat to be selected to the team in 20 years (1984).

“I think it’s important for Aaron, to be rewarded for his accomplishments,” said Bill Weiss, Chisago Lakes head football coach. “Plus, it’s an all-star game that graduating seniors are going to be apart of. Really, it’s going to be the last high school football game of his career.”

Last high school game, but definitely not his last football game. James will be attending Rochester Community College this fall, hoping to begin his journey towards making his mark at the college level. Still, right now, it’s going to be all about enjoying the opportunity. College talk can come later.

“This could be a great launch for him regardless of what he’s going to do in the game,” replied Weiss. “What he does at Rochester is going to say more about his career than anything, it’s more than just one game. Because of that, I hope he relaxes and just has fun and enjoys it.”

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