Way-Too-Early Team Preview: West Fargo
Last winter was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the Packers but after a slowish start, West Fargo emerged as one of the three or four best teams in the state. The Packers went 3-1 in the regular season…
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Continue ReadingLast winter was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the Packers but after a slowish start, West Fargo emerged as one of the three or four best teams in the state. The Packers went 3-1 in the regular season against Fargo Davies and West Fargo Sheyenne, reached the EDC Tournament title game (before losing to Davies) and made another trip to state. With three starters and four of their top six guys set to return, the Packers will head into the 2019-20 season with contending aspirations.
GO-TO GUY: Hunter Lyman
Lyman was the third-leading scorer for the Packers last year, averaging 11.6 points per game. He also chipped in with 8.6 rebounds per game including nearly three per game on the offensive end. Given his size, strength and mobility, I’d expect that number to rise in his senior year. At 6-foot-8, he’s got solid footwork in the low post and can finish through contact. He’s not dynamic creating his own shot, but he’s got good hands, a solid motor and the finishing ability to produce without a lot of isolation low-box touches.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Carson Hegerle
By the middle of the year, Hegerle could be this team’s go-to guy. Just a sophomore, the 6-foot-3 swingman is one of the best underclass prospects in the state. He averaged seven points per game and averaged better than 10 in the postseason. He’s athletic and smooth and if he can improve as a perimeter shooter, he’s going to double his scoring average.
QUESTION: Can the Packers manufacture offense?
It’s hard to overstate how important Luke Lennon was to West Fargo last season. The senior big man averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds per game. The Packers only averaged 4.2 made 3-pointers per game and were very much a ground-and-pound team. Having a big man who can create his own shot and produce as efficiently as Lennon did is a rarity. Replacing a guy like that isn’t easy. Braxton Bruer didn’t get as much attention, but he led the team in assists and was the only consistent 3-point shooter. The lack of shooting didn’t hurt West Fargo much last year, but they had Lennon beasting inside. They’ll have good balance with Lyman, Hegerle, Matt Miller (who averaged 11.9 points per game a year ago) and Carter Birrenkott who are all capable of averaging 10-plus points per game. But will they be effective enough in the halfcourt and can they knock down shots against the good teams who pack the paint?
OUTLOOK
The Packers return four guys who could be All-EDC players and while there might not be one that puts up 20-plus points like Lennon did a year ago, they’ve got a ton of talent and experience. Class A looks pretty balanced at this point, but the Packers look like a top five team and a contender.