Former Park Christian standout earns his starting lineup spot

Talent has never been a question with Austin Pennick. He's been a shutdown defender since he arrived at NDSU and has always had the quickness to get to the basket, but this year he's finishing and his jump shot has come along for the ride.

“I've known I can score, I've known I can shoot, and it's just having confidence in myself and sticking it. Once I feel like I hit a jumper or two, I feel like I can take more.”

The mask he wears to protect a broken nose has been something of a symbol. Nothing has come easy, but there’s' a smile under that mask. He's scored 46 points in the last five games, including a 10 point effort at Iowa State. He's had his share of doubters along the way, but it's hard to find them now.

“It also gives me a little fire, something to prove. I use that as motivation every time I go on the court. The confidence that I can do it and prove them wrong.”

“To see all the hours that he's put in shooting the ball and all the hours he's put in trying to make himself that offensive player finally come to fruition, it's a big reason why you coach.”

It's not easy to be a local high school star and have to wait for your turn to shine at the local college, but the Park Christian product is hitting his stride, and he hopes making his old school proud.

“I go back to watch an old Park game and people come up and congratulate me and it's a good feeling and more motivation for success. To make those people proud of you and look up to you so I know I’ve got lots of followers so that's definitely in the back of my mind.”

Tags: steve hallstrom, sports, basketball, bison, fargo, austin, pennick