Players to Watch in the Shiloh Christian Invitational
***Photo Credit: Bismarck Tribune*** Four of the best teams in Class B will be in Bismarck this weekend for the Shiloh Christian Invitational. One of the best get-togethers of the winter season, the four-team invite features ranked teams in Shiloh…
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Continue Reading***Photo Credit: Bismarck Tribune***
Four of the best teams in Class B will be in Bismarck this weekend for the Shiloh Christian Invitational. One of the best get-togethers of the winter season, the four-team invite features ranked teams in Shiloh Christian and Dickinson Trinity as well as state tournament teams from a year ago in Oak Grove and Stanley.
Here are some of the top players in the event:
Jaden Mitzel, Jr., Shiloh Christian
Mitzel’s been a force for the Skyhawks early in the season, consistently putting up better than 20 points per night. The 6-foot-2 combo forward can score from inside and out and is one of the toughest covers in Class B. He’s been good in all of Shiloh’s big games and just went off for 37 points in the team’s tournament-title clinching victory over New Salem-Almont.
Matthew Stafford, Jr., Dickinson Trinity
Stafford was terrific in Trinity’s season-opening win over Shiloh, dropping 27 points in that contest. He’s hit a bit of a skid in recent games, scoring just four combined points in the back-to-back losses to Four Winds/Minnewaukan and Thompson last weekend in Minot. The junior guard still leads the team in scoring at 12 points per game and when he’s good, the Titans are among the best in the state.
Macauley Young, Sr., Shiloh Christian
One of the best true centers in North Dakota, the 6-foot-9 center is a consistent double-double threat for Shiloh. He’s had a few games where he’s dealt with foul trouble so that is one area of his game to clean up. But when he’s on the floor, he produces in a big way. He’s one of the most skilled low-post players in the state.
Noah Swenson, Soph., Oak Grove
Swenson’s been impressive to start the year for the Grovers, averaging 13.7 points and five rebounds. Just a sophomore, Swenson is aggressive and physical in the paint and does a good job finishing in traffic. He’s got good touch and is extremely active on both ends of the floor. He’s going to be a player.
Rhett Hanson, Jr., Stanley
One of the state’s more predictable breakout candidates, Hanson’s gotten off to a strong start for the Blue Jays. The 6-foot-5 junior has it all as he’s big, strong, athletic and skilled. He’s got good touch from the 3-point line, can finish in traffic and defends the paint effectively.
Mayson Bolme, Jr., Oak Grove
One of the best all-around players in Class B, Bolme is still coming into his own as a player but he impacts the game in a lot of ways. The 6-foot-4 junior leads the team in rebounding (6.2 per game) and assists (3.7 per game) while averaging 12.7 points. He’s a decent outside shooter but is at his best when he’s attacking and getting to the paint.
Seth Hetzel, Sr., Stanley
One of the best perimeter scorers in Class B, Hetzel has a little more on his plate this year compared to last year when he was a third or fourth option scorer. At 6-foot-3, he’s got great size for a perimeter player and can equal parts shoot the ball from the perimeter and get to the paint and make plays for others.
Matthew Reep, Sr., Shiloh Christian
A key guy for the Skyhawks not for his ability to score but as a facilitator and ball-handler. Reep plays with good energy on the defensive end as well. He’ll need to provide some shot-making when opportunities present themselves.
Tyrell Rodriguez, Sr., Oak Grove
One of Oak Grove’s top returning players after flirting with double-double averages last year, Rodriguez has gotten off to a slow start this year. If he can get back into form from last year, he’d give the Grovers a potentially dominant frontcourt.
Elijah Bennett-Baril, Sr., Stanley
A knockdown perimeter shooter, Bennett-Baril’s had success this season playing off Hanson and Hetzel and scoring organically in the flow of the offense as a outlet valve for drivers.
Aric Knopik, Sr., Dickinson Trinity
Trinity’s second leading scorer and leading rebound, Knopik’s been a key cog in the team’s strong start. On a team that struggles to consistently score, Knopik’s ability to produce inside is critical to the Titans’ success. He’s also a very good defender despite less than prototype size.