The Rotation: Minot
Minot finished in the Final Four of Class A last winter suffering two one-score losses. It was an 18-6 season, a good year and the Magicians return two double figure scorers and a lot of talent.
Must Be Replaced: Chandler Albertson, Lofton Klabunde, Peyton Lamoureux
The Magicians had six seniors last season with five playing daily roles and the three above (Albertson, Klabunde, Lamoureux) scoring in double figures each night. Albertson was the team’s leading scorer at 16 points a game while Lamoureux the top three point weapon, and Klabunde a dozen a game scorer and second best rebounder on the team.
Returning Starters: Jaxon Gunville, Alex Schimke, Devin Mikell
The three point stroke of Jaxon Gunville is something that more and more basketball people are becoming aware of. It started as a WDA threat last year that became an offer from the U of Mary after a strong camp. Gunville had a big year with the North Dakota Attack resulting in college coaches from around the upper Midwest being aware and scouts from the same areas also seeing his rare shooting talent. Gunville made 47 percent of his threes scoring 10.5 points per game as a sophomore. Alex Schimke scored 10.4 a contes plus led the team in assists and steals and Devin Mikell (another junior, he’s 6-foot-4) was a rebounding monster as an underclassmen leading the team in boards.
Stepping into a Bigger Role: Easton Larson, Hunter Danelson
A third junior that played last year was Easton Larson. Easton came off the bench and played in every game making over half of his field goals scoring 2-3 times a game. Larson is a 6-foot-5 center, a player ready to step into the frontcourt without much, or any drop off. Danelson played in 14 games last season and will be a valuable guard for the winter.
The Future: Derry Lentz, Brody Swartz, Michael Ross
Brody Swartz is a now a sophomore who could be able to add ball handling depth while fellow sophomore Michael Ross is a 6-foot-0 forward that should also add depth. Derry Lentz is a junior that stands 6-foot-2 and will play on the wing.