Success on the grid-iron and the hardwood - Part II

With the boys' state basketball field set, it is time to highlight more multi-sport athletes who roam football fields around the state. Some of these guys will still be playing this week – trying to help their teams bring back some hardware on the hardwood.   Football rankings are from prepredzonemn.com, and the basketball rankings are from prephoops.com.    Football #15/Basketball #27   Oakland is a two-way player for the Raiders. He runs good routes as a receiver and uses his size well to position his body. On deep balls and underneath, he positions himself in ways the defender can't make plays. On defense, Oakland is a dangerous edge rusher. He is quick off the ball and is crafty with his footwork. The junior is able to get blockers to over-commit one way before cutting sharply to the inside to beat his man. He has the speed to get the corner but is athletic enough to adjust his rush route, drop into coverage, and make plays on the ball. On the basketball court, Oakland is a double-double waiting to happen. As a junior, his season high on the scoreboard was 31 points. His role has only expanded from there, where he averages 22 points and eight rebounds a game.       Football #18/Basketball #78   It is easy to see why Rowe excels in both sports. He has the strength and pad level to maul people when straight run blocking. However, that is not his most impressive trait on the football field. His quickness and his size separate him. As a tackle, he gets to the second level quickly, and also fast enough to get to the right corner and lead a sweep. As a center in basketball, Rowe is a physical presence down low, but he has great range. He is solid from the three point line and scored his 1000th career point earlier this season. He has good hands and footwork on defense.       Football #20/Basketball #32   Petzel is a big, agile offensive tackle. He makes solid contact off the snap. Then, uses his power to get his guy off balance, and often puts the defender on the ground. The junior also has the footwork to stay with quicker rushers. He had good hips and keeps his center of gravity low despite his 6'9 frame. This allows him to bury smaller defensive linemen and stay with them in the open field. Petzel's pass set is solid without any wasted movement. On the basketball court, he is a physical rebounder and rim protector. His solid all-around play is a big reason East is 27-1 and heading to the state tournament.       Football #27/Basketball #88   Harney has a strong arm and can easily push the ball downfield, making the long sideline throws look easy. He has ideal size for the position and the feet to match his arm. He moves well in the pocket and throws well on the move. Harney can tuck the ball away and run, too. His rushing yards don't just come on scrambles; he has designed runs called for him, too. He has the speed to make defenses pay. On the basketball court, the junior is a good spot-up shooter, helping the Crimson to a 21-8 record. He and the Crimson will attempt to add a state championship in basketball to their championship in football in the fall.       Football #27/Basketball #247   Dietel is a physical offensive tackle and part-time defensive lineman for the Dragons. As a tackle, his upper body strength and leg drive allow him to move defenders. He often moves them several yards off the line of scrimmage. Even with his strength, Dietel has the agility to pull and lead plays around the corner. He can also hang with smaller defenders at the second level. On the basketball court, the junior is a double-double waiting to happen with his physical play.