Way-Too-Early Season Preview: EDC Breakout Candidates
The Grassroots season came to an end at the end of July and while basketball season is still three-plus months away, it’s never too early for way-too-early season. Here are some guys who figure to take on bigger roles for…
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Continue ReadingThe Grassroots season came to an end at the end of July and while basketball season is still three-plus months away, it’s never too early for way-too-early season.
Here are some guys who figure to take on bigger roles for their respective teams next winter:
Grayson Haman, Fargo Davies
Haman was a bit guy last year for the Eagles, averaging about six points per game in a reserve role. He spent the grassroots season with ECI and on a team stocked full of all-EDC guys, looked like he belonged. The 6-foot-3 swingman can score from all three levels on the floor, defend the ball and make plays in complementary fashion. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles his scoring average from a year ago and while there are three or four guys on that team that could reasonably average 10-plus points per game, he could lead them in scoring.
Jacksen Moni, West Fargo Sheyenne
Moni saw minimal varsity minutes last year for the Mustangs but after a summer playing with the top 16U ECI team, he’s going to need to fill a big role. At 6-foot-6, Moni gives West Fargo Sheyenne something it didn’t have a year ago which is a presence inside. It should allow guys like Tyler Terhark and Chuck Dubois to slide into more optimal roles. Moni’s not a bruiser type big despite his size, but he’s got a lot of skill as a passer, he’s a decent outside shooter and he can finish inside.
Carson Hegerle, West Fargo
Hegerle was a rotation guy last year as a freshman for the Packers and finished the year playing really well. By all accounts, he’s been really good this summer playing with ECI and on the team camp circuit. Given his combination of skill, fluidity, athleticism and scoring mentality, I wouldn’t be surprised if he leads the Packers in scoring despite that team having three other guys who could score 10-plus points per game.
Owen Hektner, Fargo Davies
Hektner was stuck behind some talented upperclassmen at Davies last year but showed flashes of talent in spot minutes. Over the summer, he played with the Pentagon Schoolers and continued playing well in a variety of roles. He’s 6-foot-5, he does a lot of things well on both ends of the floor and his multifaceted skillset is going to be valuable for a team that figures to be one of the best in Class A.
Roman Srejma, Fargo Shanley
Srejma was a backup last year for a retooled Fargo Shanley team and he’ll have a chance to step into a big role as a senior. Srejma probably won’t put up huge scoring numbers but he’s an active player on the interior. He’s athletic for a big man, he rebounds in and out of his area and defends the paint well. If he dedicates himself to playing that junkyard dog kind of role, I could see him averaging 8-12 points and 8-10 rebounds.
Ben Heilman, Devils Lake
Heilman didn’t see much varsity time a year ago but with the Firebirds graduating a bulk of its perimeter core, he’ll have a big opportunity to fill a role and play a lot of minutes this winter. Just a sophomore, Heilman can shoot it from distance and he’s got the size and athleticism to hold his own on the wing. The team will certainly be built around Grant Nelson offensively, but Heilman will have a chance to put up solid scoring numbers as a second or third option.