North Dakota Preview: West Fargo
The West Fargo Packers were supposed to be rebuilding last season after graduating a significant chunk of the core that led them to the state tournament the year prior. Instead, they won 21 games, including two in the state tournament.…
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Continue ReadingThe West Fargo Packers were supposed to be rebuilding last season after graduating a significant chunk of the core that led them to the state tournament the year prior. Instead, they won 21 games, including two in the state tournament. With three starters and four of the team’s top six guys back, West Fargo has the talent to contend in the EDC and in Class A again this winter.
KEY RETURNERS: Hunter Lyman, Matt Miller, Carson Hegerle, Carter Birrenkott
Lyman averaged 12 points and eight rebounds as a junior, playing second-fiddle inside to Luke Lennon. Another year removed from a knee injury that took away his sophomore season, Lyman now has the paint to himself and will be relied upon to produce more consistently. He’s got the physical skills to dominate and a solid skillset on the block. If he can show the kind of activity level away from the ball and on the glass that he did during the summer AAU circuit, he could be a double-double machine.
Miller is arguably the best returning point guard in the EDC after averaging 12 points and four assists as a junior. He’s the definition of solid, possessing a solid outside shot, good defensive instincts and a quality overall floor game. He’s going to be in charge of running the offense and while there are quality scoring options around him, he’ll also have opportunities to pick up some of the slack left behind in the scoring column.
Birrenkott returns after averaging better than nine points and five rebounds as a sophomore. He’s a big, athletic forward who should be capable of filling in some of the gaps inside left from Lennon. He’s a solid finisher and a decent shooter from the mid-range. He could benefit from playing more of a traditional four-man role this winter as the Packers will likely trade some size for spacing conceptually.
Hegerle is a breakout candidate heading into his sophomore year. The 6-foot-2 guard was the team’s sixth man last year and finished the year on a high note, averaging 10 points per game in the postseason. He’s another big, athletic kid who can fill it up in a hurry. He’s improved as a perimeter shooter and he’s got an aggressive scoring mentality.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Hamza Hamza, Parker Nelson, Dawson Walter, Byiza Ntozo
The Packers have no shortage of young talent in the program, but it’s also something of a wait-your-turn program in that there’s old talent that just hasn’t had an opportunity to play yet. So don’t be surprised if seniors like Hamza Hamza and Dawson Walter both step into complementary roles this winter. Both guys saw sparing minutes last year and give the Packers some shooting and athleticism on the wing.
Parker Nelson is a young point guard prospect who could have a good chance to earn some playing time behind or in conjunction with Miller before taking on a much bigger role in his upperclass years. And Ntozo is an athletic sophomore wing who can shoot and defend. He may not play a ton right away, but he’s got the potential to earn minutes as the Packers develop their depth.
SEASON OUTLOOK
This has the potential to be a special season for the Packers. With four key returners, there’s no lack of experience that should hold them back. Nor is there a lack of skill. They’ve got the point guard and center spots squared away with two of the best at their respective positions in the state. Hegerle and Birrenkott are both breakout candidates after a year in which they played big minutes.
Developing depth will be a key this year as the Packers may be a bit thin to start the season, but the high-end talent, along with the coaching is in place for this team to contend not only in the EDC, but all of Class A.