Osseo's Hebert chooses Northern Iowa

DJ Hebert found myriad ways to help the Osseo football team, first and foremost as a quarterback.

Hebert, who recently made a verbal commitment to Northern Iowa, will get his chance to continue his career under center.

"They asked him to come in as a quarterback," Orioles coach Derrin Lamker said. "But neither coaches there nor DJ have ruled out a position switch."

Hebert helped Osseo to a 10-2 record this fall and its first Northwest Suburban Conference championship since 2007. He threw for 796 yards and 10 touchdowns while rushing for 564 yards and eight touchdowns. He also made plays as a defensive back. He made the Star Tribune All-Metro third team in the athlete category.

"He's a gamer," Lamker said. "He'd make a great safety or cornerback."

Hebert chose Northern Iowa over South Dakota State and North Dakota. The Gophers, Lamker said, never offered Hebert a scholarship.

Entering this week, Hebert has started all 11 games for the Orioles' undefeated and third-ranked basketball team. He averages 10.3 points per game.

Mustangs keep rollingSince inheriting a Mounds View girls' hockey team with a solid 5-2 record in early December, new coach Pete Aus has directed the Mustangs to eight victories with just one loss.

Highlighting the run were three victories over Class 2A teams ranked in the top 10. Mounds View outscored the ranked trio of Stillwater, White Bear Lake and Elk River/Zimmerman 9-2.

Aus coached men's hockey at Bethel University for 13 seasons and retired in 2007 as the program's career leader in victories.

Before taking over at Mounds View, he was in his fourth season as an assistant coach for the Blaine boys' hockey team, coached by his son, Dave.

Former Mounds View coach Tom Foley resigned after seven games.

David La Vaque • 612-673-7574