Way-Too-Early Team Preview: West Fargo Sheyenne
West Fargo Sheyenne looked like a title contender throughout the first two months of last season but fizzled a bit down the stretch before ultimately losing to Grand Forks Red River before the state tournament. The Mustangs will head into…
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Continue ReadingWest Fargo Sheyenne looked like a title contender throughout the first two months of last season but fizzled a bit down the stretch before ultimately losing to Grand Forks Red River before the state tournament. The Mustangs will head into the 2019-20 season with expectations to contend in the EDC and among the five or so best teams in Class A with three returning starters and several key role players back.
GO-TO GUY: Tyler Terhark/Blake Berg
The two all-league caliber returners, Terhark and Berg put up similar numbers a year ago and played together on the AAU circuit this summer with ECI. Terhark’s a matchup nightmare given his ball handling and shooting skills combined with his strength and explosiveness. He’ll likely play more on the perimeter this winter with the Mustangs having more size up front. Berg struggled to shoot the ball last winter (27 percent 3-point shooter) but looked much better over the summer in that area. He’s big and athletic and if he can shoot it a little better, this duo could be as good as any in Class A.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Jacksen Moni
The Mustangs played small a lot last year. That could change a lot this year with Moni stepping into a more prominent role. At 6-foot-6, Moni has the skills to make a big impact on both ends of the floor. He’s a decent outside shooter and a solid passer, but his finishing ability around the rim and his rebounding also give the Mustangs another dimension.
QUESTION: How’s the depth?
On paper, the starting five would appear fairly set in stone. Terhark and Berg bring back a combined 25 or so points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game. Zion Dettman was a nice sixth man, averaging 9.5 points while hitting 43 percent of his 3-pointers. He looked really good over the summer playing with Inspired Athletics and could see an uptick in production. Moni looked good with the ECI 16U team and Chuck Dubois is a solid complementary guy. The depth took a hit when Nathan Goldade tore his ACL over the summer as he was a key rotation guard. Can the Mustangs develop depth behind that group of five? That could be a big key.
OUTLOOK
The Mustangs will have to replace a few key guys including all-league guard Christian Kuntz, but there’s more than enough talent for them to contend in the EDC and ultimately get to state. With three returning starters, the returning sixth man and some young talent in house seemingly ready to take on bigger roles, West Fargo Sheyenne should be among the elites again in Class A.