North Dakota Preview: Fargo Davies
Fargo Davies went into last year as the No. 1 team in Class A and didn’t disappoint. The Eagles won the EDC, won the EDC Tournament and reached the state championship where they lost to undefeated Jamestown. While they graduate…
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Continue ReadingFargo Davies went into last year as the No. 1 team in Class A and didn’t disappoint. The Eagles won the EDC, won the EDC Tournament and reached the state championship where they lost to undefeated Jamestown. While they graduate an excellent senior class that included Braeton Motschenbacher and Jaden Klabo, there’s plenty of talent and experience left over. Expectations should be high again heading into the season.
KEY RETURNERS: Cole Hage, Cam Van Dam, Ty Satter
Hage averaged better than 13 points and seven rebounds per game as a junior, showing the ability to pile up points at a high rate when featured. His numbers might be even higher had the Eagles not had the kind of depth they did. At 6-foot-3, Hage is one of the toughest guys to defend in the EDC as he’s got the strength and interior quickness to abuse smaller defenders inside and the skill to beat bigger guys on the perimeter.
Van Dam is one of the best two-way seniors in the state and enjoyed a breakout junior season. The 6-foot-7 forward averaged 10.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 3.0 blocks per game. He’s one of the best defenders in the EDC, possessing the length and explosiveness to protect the paint to go along with the athleticism and range to both smaller guys on the perimeter. His playmaking and scoring abilities will be put further to use this winter.
Satter was one of the first guys off the bench last year for the Eagles, playing a lot of minutes at either backcourt spot. He’s a strong, athletic guard who can knock down 3-pointers and get to the rim. He’s another guy whose greatest strength may be what he brings on the defensive end of the floor, where he can lock up people on the perimeter.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Grayson Haman, Nate Hensel, Owen Hektner, Justice Noel
Haman was a key reserve for the Eagles last year but his production was suppressed by the overall depth and talent of the rest of the roster. He had a very good summer playing with ECI and showed he’s more than capable of taking on a big role this winter with the Eagles. At 6-foot-3, he’s a skilled wing who can score from all three levels. If he brings consistent energy on the defensive end of the floor, he’s an all-league guy this winter.
Hensel was a rotation guy last year too, and could step into a starting role this winter. If he’s not starting, he’ll still be playing a lot more minutes. At 6-foot-8, Hensel can be a force as a defender, screener and rim-runner.
Noel is another combo-forward for the Eagles who saw spot minutes last year and has the kind of motor and athleticism that will allow him to produce in a low-maintenance role. He’s not the tallest guy, but he’s quick and can finish at the rim as well as anybody.
Hektner could be another breakout guy this winter for the Eagles as he saw bit minutes as a sophomore. At 6-foot-5, he’s got the kind of skill and versatility to be a weapon on both ends of the floor. He’s a solid 3-point shooter, has good passing instincts and the ability to defend up or down a lineup.
SEASON OUTLOOK
The Eagles were one of the most talented teams in the state a year ago and despite graduating some foundational players from last season, they’ll once again be among the state’s best. With two returning starters, readymade replacements in the lineup and a pipeline full of young talent, Davies has the component pieces to contend in the EDC and compete for a state title.