Way-Too-Early Team Preview: Fargo North
The Fargo North Spartans were up and down last year, posting several really nice wins but ultimately struggling to play consistent, winning basketball. They went 9-15 on the year and bowed out early in the EDC Tournament. With three starters…
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Continue ReadingThe Fargo North Spartans were up and down last year, posting several really nice wins but ultimately struggling to play consistent, winning basketball. They went 9-15 on the year and bowed out early in the EDC Tournament. With three starters slated to be back including two guards who could push for all-league honors, the Spartans could be much improved.
GO-TO GUY: Cayden Rickard
One of the most explosive scorers in the EDC, Rickard averaged 16.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists as a junior. He had a number of monster scoring efforts last season, illustrating the capability to singlehandedly make games interesting against even solid competition. He was excellent over the summer playing with Inspired Athletics as well. He’s a legitimate Player-of-the-Year candidate if the Spartans are competitive.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Alijah Armstrong
Another talented ball guard, Armstrong has the speed, quickness, finishing ability and smarts to be an impact player for the Spartans. There might be some fit issues with him, Rickard and Carson Critchley because all three do well with the ball in their hands, but they also can all push the tempo and break down defenses. Armstrong looked good playing with Inspired Athletics over the summer and will have an opportunity to make a name for himself.
QUESTION: Who is going to rebound?
The strength of the Spartans is clearly on the perimeter. But similar to last year, size isn’t something this team has in spades on paper. With that in mind, getting stops in the halfcourt and rebounding at a passable rate could be a big challenge. Rickard, Carson Critchley, Carter Peratt and Blayne Anderson are the leading returning rebounders but none averaged more than five per game last year. West Fargo, Fargo Davies, Grand Forks Red River and West Fargo Sheyenne all figure to contend in the EDC and all four have big, athletic wings or active big men that can wreak havoc on the glass. Can the Spartans contend with that kind of size?
OUTLOOK
The top-four teams in the EDC look fairly set in some particular order at this time. But Fargo North could be one of the most improved teams in the league given the Spartans can run out with arguably the best backcourt in the EDC. They’ll have to work around a lack of size, defend effectively in push the pace but they’ve got enough talent to make games interesting.