Way-Too-Early Team Preview: Rugby
Rugby was one of the last undefeated teams in Class B North Dakota last season and was at one point, a top-three team in the rankings. The Panthers return four starters including three multi-year guys and gain help via transfer…
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Continue ReadingRugby was one of the last undefeated teams in Class B North Dakota last season and was at one point, a top-three team in the rankings. The Panthers return four starters including three multi-year guys and gain help via transfer ahead of what should be a terrific winter season.
GO-TO GUY: Trace Goven/Jaden Hamilton
Rugby has two guys that fit into that go-to guy mold. Trace Goven has averaged 17 points per game each of the last two seasons and is one of the best guards in Class B. His ability to get to the rim and finish in traffic is as good as any guard in the state. He combines that with solid perimeter shooting to make an efficient scoring machine.
Hamilton took a step forward in his junior year, going from 14 points per game as a sophomore to 17.2 as a junior. He’s one of the best shooters in Class B (2.5 made 3-pointers per game in 2018-19) and at 6-foot-5, he’s a matchup nightmare because he can get his shot off against just about anybody.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Isaiah Bundy-Smith
Bundy-Smith was a bit guy last year, averaging five points and better than three rebounds as a sophomore. He’s got a chance to fill a starting role next year and showed throughout the summer playing with the 17U ND Attack Black that he’s ready for more minutes. He’s gotten bigger and stronger and has the athleticism to hold his own in the paint and with his skill level and motor, he’s got a chance to put up fringe double-double numbers.
QUESTION: Is there another level?
Rugby won 20 games last year but got upset in the region tournament before getting a shot at Bishop Ryan. The Panthers return four starters and pretty much every key contributor from a year ago aside from Kevin Vetsch. How much better can it get? Can the Panthers get big improvements from guys like Bundy-Smith? Can Cole Slaubaugh make a big impact? Can the really good players like Devan Michels, Hamilton and Goven be even better? Those answers could ultimately decide how high this team goes.
OUTLOOK
Rugby looks the part of a top-five team and a legitimate title contender in Class B. The Panthers will have to prove they can beat top-shelf teams and generally see a handful of solid teams throughout the regular season. With the big three of Goven, Hamilton and Michels plus a solid core of complementary guys, Rugby should have high expectations for next winter.