Northern Star: Charlie Katona

Through the team's first ten games of the season, Katona leads the team with 13.9 points per game.

DULUTH, Minn.- UMD fifth-year forward Charlie Katona has always been known for his defense, especially after being named the NSIC Defensive Player of the Year last season.

But this season, it’s his offensive play that’s standing out.

“Just having some guys leave from last year’s team I think I needed to make a step in that direction. While also being that leader on the defensive team. So just trying to do what I can on both ends and lead everybody in the right direction,” said Katona.

Through the team’s first ten games of the season, Katona leads the team with 13.9 points per game.

“Charlie’s a guy whose obviously been here five years now so he’s continued to get better and better. But he’s impacted our winning, game by game now for whatever 130-140 games. The balls getting to him more, he’s able to take guys inside, he’s able to attack from the perimeter,” said head coach Justin Wieck.

There hasn’t just been one Katona on the roster making a difference as Charlie is joined by his brother Nick.

“Since high school we played two years together so we kind know where each other is at. Just being brothers, you kind of know where everybody is going to be on the court. That makes it a lot better but yeah it’s been fun playing with him this year. I’m enjoying my last ride playing alongside him,” said Katona.

As for who the better Katona is?

“21 to 12, we’ll go there. Me,” added Katona.

UMD will close out 2024 on Saturday at Concordia-St. Paul.