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PREP BOYS BASKETBALL: Bloemker adjusting wherever he goes

MARSHALL – Zach Bloemker is no stranger to new beginnings. Following his freshman year at Warrensburg High School in Warrensburg, MO., his family moved to Marshall. It was an adjustment on and off the basketball court for Bloemker.

“I’m not going to lie, it was tough,” Bloemker said. “I went from kind of being the best player on the team in Missouri. I had the green light from everywhere. Then I went to a school where no one knows me. I was eight hours away from a place I called home. I had to start over and build relationships with the coaches and players. It was a tough transition, but I’m glad I went through it. I think going to college will be easier. Having to start over won’t be such a challenge. It was different coming into a situation where I was a pass first point guard. It’s been a blessing being here and playing with great players and playing for great coaches.”

Following his graduation from Marshall High School this spring, Bloemker will be starting the next chapter of his life at Gustavus Adolphus College, where he’ll be a member of the basketball team.

“It’s great and something I’ve always wanted to do,” Bloemker said. “I remember talking to coaches about it when I was a freshman back in Missouri. I got started with the recruiting process at a young age and that had always been my mindset.”

During his time as a Gustie, Bloemker will be studying exercise science. Following his schooling he plans on becoming a physical therapist.

Bloemker said the coaches at Gustavus played a major role in his decision to become a Gustie.

“The coaches played a major role in my decision,” he said. “They’ve been hounding me since day one. They’d text me almost everyday. I just felt really close to the team. I had offers from other colleges, but I didn’t really see myself going to school there if it wasn’t for basketball. Gustavus was one of the schools where I could see myself going, even if I wasn’t playing basketball.”

This season the Tigers are 22-2 and Bloemker is one of three Tigers averaging in double figures. The senior point guard is currently averaging 13.5 points per contest.

Marshall coach Travis Carroll said Bloemker has transitioned well from his days in Missouri to his current life in Marshall.

“Zach moved in his 10th grade year and had to adapt to a new school and a new offensive and defensive system from the one he came from and he has adapted well,” Carroll said. “Zach puts in a lot of time in the gym working to improve. Zach has the ability to defend the other team’s top scorer. Offensively, he is one of our better passers and has the ability to knock down shots.”

Bloemker’s time in Marshall may have been brief, but he noted that it will be hard to walk off the court during his final game as a Tiger.

“I’ll miss the parents, the students, my teammates and coaches,” he said. “It will be hard to leave all of them, but I know when I come back to Marshall we’ll still be able to meet up.”

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