North Dakota Preview: Central Cass
The Central Cass Squirrels were one of the top teams in Region 1 last year, going 15-8 while losing to Kindred and Oak Grove in the playoffs. The Squirrels only seemed to lose to elite teams last year and were…
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Continue ReadingThe Central Cass Squirrels were one of the top teams in Region 1 last year, going 15-8 while losing to Kindred and Oak Grove in the playoffs. The Squirrels only seemed to lose to elite teams last year and were consistently strong on the defensive end of the floor. With a big group of returning players back in the fold, Central Cass should be among the top teams in Class B this winter.
KEY RETURNERS: Josh Dixon, Max Kobbervig, Christian Lietz, Zach Koetz
Dixon and Kobbervig were leaders on last year’s team and form one of the best junior duos in North Dakota. Dixon emerged as a legitimate go-to scorer, capable of getting to the rim and finishing against smaller guys while beating bigger, slower defenders with his athleticism. Kobbervig is the point man who sets the tone on both ends and does a great job getting his shot while executing the offense. He’s a guy to watch this year as potentially one of the elite guards in Class B.
Lietz started last year and was a solid role player on the wing. He’s a solid complementary scorer who has good length and athleticism. He’s a solid multi-position defensive piece who can rebound and run the floor.
Zach Koetz played big minutes last year and showed dynamic scoring ability at times. He’s probably the team’s best perimeter shooter and heads into his third year as a key rotation guy.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Brady Robinson, Wes Koetz, Owen Warry
Koetz, Warry and Robinson all earned solid playing time last year and will step into even bigger roles this winter with several role-playing seniors gone to graduation. All three guys had moments of stellar play last year.
Koetz is a solid perimeter shooter and capable defender. He’s capable of getting hot and lighting up the scoreboard for a quarter at a time and could be a very valuable complementary scorer. Robinson is an athletic wing player who can defend and serve as a solid perimeter depth piece at all three spots.
Warry had some very good moments last year for the Squirrels, showing a knack for scoring at a high rate. He had a really nice summer and could be a guy who gives this Squirrels group a big boost as a ball-handler and shot-creator.
QUESTION: Can the Squirrels score consistently against good teams?
Central Cass averaged 60 points per game a year ago. Not a terrible figure but certainly not high-powered either. The Squirrels failed to reach 50 in five of their eight losses and really struggled to generate consistent offense against quality teams. With all the returning talent back, that issue should be less problematic this winter.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Central Cass plays in one of the toughest regions in the state, so the Squirrels may be a bit overlooked going into the year. But this team has a chance to be one of the best in Class B. It has a good mix of shooting, size, defense, ball-handling and experience. The Squirrels won 15 games last year, and it wouldn’t be surprising if they won even more this year.