North Dakota Preview: Powers Lake
The Powers Lake Ranchers looked like they were headed towards just an average season eight games into last year. They were 3-5 with losses to teams that were considered among the best in the area. Then something clicked, and they…
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Continue ReadingThe Powers Lake Ranchers looked like they were headed towards just an average season eight games into last year. They were 3-5 with losses to teams that were considered among the best in the area. Then something clicked, and they won 17 straight, including six in the District and Region Tournaments to reach the Class B State Tournament. With a handful of key guys back in the mix, the Ranchers should be considered one of the favorites to come out of Region 8 again this winter.
KEY RETURNERS: Noah Fredrickson, Isaac Nordloef, Carter Rystedt,
Noah Fredrickson was one of Powers Lake’s primary scorers last year, averaging better than 13 points per game as a sophomore. He was effective as a complementary shot-creator for his teammates, a terrific perimeter shooter and solid at getting to the rim. He’ll take on an even bigger scoring role this winter with Kyle VanBerkom gone to graduation.
Nordloef emerged as a capable scorer last year, showing a solid shooting touch from the perimeter while also having the strength and toughness to produce efficiently in the paint. He had an excellent state tournament showing last year and will step into a more significant offensive role with Aiden Nordloef (who led the team in scoring and rebounding) gone.
Rystedt started last year and showed he can do a lot of damage inside, using his size and strength to control the paint. He notched several double-doubles last year in a complementary position and will now be the man who has to anchor the defense. He could see a significant boost in production with a more featured role.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Jerome Edwards, Cainbridge Dosch, Wyatt Puckett
With the Ranchers graduating six seniors, there will be quite a bit of playing time available for newcomers. Edwards, Dosch and Puckett were on the varsity team last year and saw little action a year ago but figure to be guys that get cracks at much bigger roles this winter. And they’ll be counted on to make an impact on both ends of the floor with the team graduating a big chuck on its production.
QUESTION: Who takes over as a primary playmaker?
The Ranchers lose two really good playmakers from last year’s team with Nordloef and VanBerkom both graduating. Those two guys combined to average better than 25 points per game and were integral parts in driving offense for the Ranchers. Opposing teams had to focus so much attention on them that it made life a lot easier for the complementary pieces.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Region 8 looks like one of the most wide-open in Class B this winter. Powers Lake should be considered one of the favorites along with White Shield, Mandaree and Stanley. The Ranchers have three rock-solid guys back in Fredrickson, Nordloef and Rystedt plus a host of young pieces who were around last year’s run.