North Dakota Preview: Minot
Minot never lacks talent and the 2019-20 version of the Magicians will be no different as they return four starters including three double-figure scorers who could be all-league players. The Magicians went 15-9 a season ago, struggling through bouts of…
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Continue ReadingMinot never lacks talent and the 2019-20 version of the Magicians will be no different as they return four starters including three double-figure scorers who could be all-league players. The Magicians went 15-9 a season ago, struggling through bouts of inconsistency while simultaneously showing the upside of a team that could win at the highest of levels. That potential wasn’t fully realized as they were knocked out in the WDA Tournament. The expectations for this team will be high, as its got the talent and experience to contend in the WDA and compete for a state title.
KEY RETURNERS: Jaxon Gunville, Deonte Martinez, Easton Larson
In Gunville and Martinez, the Magicians may have the best backcourt in the state. Gunville averaged better than 17 points per game as a junior while knocking down 40 percent of his 3-pointers. He’s one of the best scorers in the state and can kill defenses on or off the ball.
Martinez averaged 11 points and four assists as a sophomore and while he’s a little undersized, he’s got speed, quickness and skill to lead the state in assists. He’s a decent outside shooter but he’s at his best when he’s getting to the paint and either scoring with a variety of floaters and runners or feeding teammates for easy shots.
Larson averaged 10 points and nearly seven rebounds as a junior, at times looking like one of the elite forwards in the state while at others, struggling to find his way on a team full of capable scorers. He was terrific at points this past summer playing on the AAU circuit, showing a hot motor and a lot of skill facing the basket. If he’s consistent, he’s a 15-10 type guy and one of the best forwards in the WDA.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Caden Johnson, Tucker Olson, Derry Lentz, Michael Ross
Johnson, Olson and Lentz all played regular minutes last year and won’t be stepping into completely new roles, but there will be more on each guy’s plate with Alex Schimke gone to graduation.
Johnson has the potential to be a real force inside at 6-foot-9 with athleticism to boot. He can be a devastating presence as a screener and rim-runner if he wants to be and with all the space he’ll have to work in the paint, he could be a terror on the offensive glass. His length and range on the defensive end of the floor give Minot a huge ceiling on the defensive end of the floor as well. He looked really good at times last summer and if he puts it together, he pairs with Larson to make a monster frontcourt duo.
Olson and Lentz fill out roles on the wings, as the two combined to knock down 35 percent of their 3-pointers while making 51 triples on the year. Both guys will have opportunities this winter to increase those numbers with teams likely gearing up to slow down Gunville, Martinez and Larson.
SEASON OUTLOOK
After a season in which the Magicians were stuck in the fate middle of the WDA, Minot has arguably the most returning talent in Class A this winter. With two all-league guards and an excellent cast of role players back in the fold, the Magicians have the talent and experience to contend for a top-three finish in the WDA.
Consistency and ball-security will be big keys as those were issues that plagued them a year ago. But this is a senior-heavy group that has an opportunity for a special season.