The Rotation: Hillsboro/Central Valley
Three-Peat? It’s on the mind. Hillsboro/Central Valley doesn’t have the vast experience back that they did a year ago but they do have one of the elite players in North Dakota in guard Carson Henningsgard.
Must Be Replaced: Guy Suchor, Cade Baesler, Ryan Troftgruben, Tyler Bergstrom, Jack Camrud
The state champs used a seven man rotation last year and five of those players have graduated including Cade Baelser and Jack Camrud who combined to average 30 points a game as seniors. Four of the five starters graduated and a lot of inexperienced players are gone, HCV must be in trouble right? Wrong. At this time last year HCV had to replace four starters starters, 75 percent of it’s scoring and two 1000 point scorers, and still managed to return to state and bring home gold. Jack Camrud is the key player that must be replaced as he has been the leader of the group for several years.
Returning Starters: Carson Henningsgard
As we said many didn’t feel HCV could repeat but as a sophomore Carson stepped up and gave his team 20 points, eight assists, and three steals a contest. That production took HCV to wins in 26 of 27 games. Carson took the ball pretty much from his brother Kyle 15 months ago and not only was there no let down, Carson did even more for his team. Carson is 6-foot-2 and because of his size and playmaking he can play whatever role the team needs as spots are filled around him.
Stepping into Bigger Roles: Landen Reed
Henningsgard wasn’t the only sophomore to earn time on the state title team, 6-foot-1 wing Landen Reed also played a big role and was often the third or fourth scoring option on the floor. Now Reed will move into position as the second option and the experience he has has groomed him well for the position. With some tough (but small) frontcourt guys ready for bigger roles Reed will likely stay in his natural position.
Future. Connor Aanderud, Oscar Benson, Jacob Heinitz, Travis Doeden, Joseph Camrud
Many feel comfortable with Joseph Camrud and Oscar Benson handling frontcourt roles the next two years after solid production at the younger levels. Both are in that 6-foot-1 area but both can handle frontcourt spots against most Class B teams. Camrud and Benson should join Reed and Henningsgard and make a very strong 2020 group with two more years to win a title. The depth needs to come from the senior group. Reed and Henningsgard can handle most guard/wing tasks but the team needs another and Connor Aanderud could be that guy. Jacob Heinitz is – along with Hennginsgard – the biggest returning player at 6-foot-2.