Submitted photo: Eric Wentz, a 2022 graduate from Minot High School, shoots during a game last season for Macalaster College in St. Paul, Minnesota, who was named to the Team USA Division III roster.
St. Paul, Minn. – USA Sports is pleased to announce that Eric Wentz has been selected to be a member of the U.S. Division III basketball team for the 2024 International Tour of Brazil, which will take place from July 9 to July 19.
Wentz graduated from Minot High School in 2022 and has played basketball at Macalester College in St. Paul, Minnesota for the past two seasons.
“It’s been really fun to continue my athletic career in college.” Wentz said. “Participating in college-level sports has allowed me to build relationships both in the classroom and with my teammates, which has given me a good balance on campus.”
Wentz was a member of the MHS boys basketball team that placed second in the 2021 North Dakota State Boys Class A Tournament and won the 2022 North Dakota State Boys Class A Championship with a win over the West Fargo Packers. Wentz led all players in points with 24 in the 2022 Class A Boys Championship win over West Fargo and was named to the 2022 Class A Boys Basketball All-State Team and the 2022 All-Tournament Team.
“The college game is definitely faster-paced and more physical than high school boys basketball. Maybe that’s why in high school, they’re called boys;Men’s“Wentz checked it out in college.”“Also, our players from No. 1 through No. 5 and on the bench have improved their basketball awareness and skills, which has allowed us more freedom on the court.”
The McAlaster Scots play in the NCAA Division III Minnesota Intercollegiate Conference (MIAC) in all sports.
“Eric worked hard to earn a starting spot on the team and improved in nearly every statistical category from his freshman to sophomore years.” “We’re thrilled to be a part of this amazing team,” said Abe Waldeslassy, Macalester University men’s basketball head coach. “Eric’s dedication and love of the game have made him one of the best guard players in the MIAC, and we’re excited he’ll have the opportunity to compete in Brazil this summer.” The Macalester College community is extremely proud of him and is confident he will represent Macalester, his hometown of Minot, and our great nation with distinction.”
Wentz remains committed to self-improvement and his love of the game.
“My friends and I would go to the YMCA multiple times a day to work out.” Wentz said. “We loved getting better, and even during high school basketball season we tried to put in more time in the gym.”
The U.S. Division III basketball team is made up of talented players from Division III universities across the U.S. The team will compete in its first international tournament in Brazil, playing a series of matches against a team made up of Brazilian players competing at a level comparable to the U.S. Division III men’s college teams.
The tour will begin with the team traveling to Brazil to compete against some of the top Brazilian teams in Division 3. In addition to competing, players will take part in cultural activities to gain greater exposure to the host country and serve as ambassadors for USA Basketball and to their communities and universities across the United States.
The USA Division III team is organized and sponsored by USA Sports Tours & Events, which has been serving the world through sports for the past nine years, sending more than 60 teams to international basketball and volleyball competitions.
