Five Takeaways: Fargo Davies dominates West Fargo Sheyenne in 1 vs 2 Matchup
In the first meeting between Fargo Davies and West Fargo Sheyenne – the top-two teams in the Class A polls – the result was a completely one-sided contest, with the Eagles getting 22 points off the bench from Ty Satter…
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Continue ReadingIn the first meeting between Fargo Davies and West Fargo Sheyenne – the top-two teams in the Class A polls – the result was a completely one-sided contest, with the Eagles getting 22 points off the bench from Ty Satter en route to a 74-47 shellacking.
Here are the takeaways:
Davies was the bigger, stronger and more aggressive group
For all the talk in the preseason about the size at the disposal of West Fargo Sheyenne, the Mustangs were completely dominated from a physical standpoint Friday night. Davies has a cupboard full of guys with length and athleticism, and kids who are clearly no strangers to the weight room. Nate Hensel and Justice Noel were dominant inside. Grayson Haman, Cole Hage and Ty Satter all got involved on the glass as well. Davies outrebounded Sheyenne 43-33 and had 17 offensive rebounds, which helped make up for a lack of success shooting the ball from the perimeter.
West Fargo Sheyenne’s Zone Offense was Ineffective
A big turning point in the game came about halfway through the first half when Cam Van Dam picked up his third personal foul. It felt like there might be an opportunity for the Mustangs to get back into the game. Then the Eagles went into their zone defense and completely dominated the game.
The length and collective athleticism on the floor is undoubtedly difficult to deal with, but the Mustangs were plenty culpable for their offensive issues. For one, they shot the ball as poorly as they’ll shoot, going 4-for-33 from 3-point range. A healthy chunk of that was against the zone. A lot of those looks weren’t high quality though either, because there was no movement. Guys did a lot of standing. There wasn’t much screening, there wasn’t much cutting and very few players looked comfortable handling the ball and making decisions in contested areas.
The Eagles’ depth was on full display
Figure this: Cam Van Dam and Cole Hage combined for 11 points and 10 fouls, and the Eagles won by 27 points. Owen Hektner, another double-figure scorer, finished with five points. Ty Satter and Justice Noel came off the bench to combine for 35 points. Nate Hensel scored seven. Grayson Haman was excellent all-around. Mason Bitz gave good minutes off the bench. They can realistically play eight guys and trust all eight. Everybody that played showed they can provide something – and overcome a couple of down performances.
EDC Implications?
Going into Friday, these two teams had proven to be head-and-shoulders above the rest of the EDC. A blowout win, while impressive, is still just one win and these two teams will play one more time in the regular season. Both teams have beaten Grand Forks Red River – the third best team in the league – in Grand Forks. When engaged and locked in, Fargo Davies showed what it is capable of. Do the Mustangs have that kind of gear? They’ll get another shot at the Eagles in the regular season to show it if they do.
Prospect Notes
Grayson Haman (NDSU commit)
Haman was the best player on the floor Friday night, scoring 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds, dishing out four assists and recording three steals and a block. His defense at the point of attack set the tone, especially in the first half, as he put great pressure on the ball and used his length to harass ball-handlers. He was in the passing lanes, forcing the Mustangs to start their offense further out than they wanted and he was active on the glass. He controlled the tempo offensively, using his strength to bully defenders on his way to the rim. He’s a solid finisher and while he missed a few makeable 3-pointers, he showed all the tools in his toolshed.
Blake Berg
Berg’s a big, strong, springy wing who can really create and really defend. He plays spring-loaded and when given space, can really explode and finish at the rim at a high level. It’s easy to see those things when watching Berg play. What he doesn’t get as much credit for is his motor and how smart he is. When he turns it on, he is a two-way terror because. He presses passing lanes, he gets into people on defense and he is relentless getting downhill and drawing contact. He’s an excellent cutter off the ball and does a great job playing with spacing and changing speeds. The one hole in his game is his outside shot, which hasn’t held him back this winter. He’s got to make improvements there long-term, but right now, he’s clearly a step above a lot of players because of the things he’s good at.
Cam Van Dam
Van Dam was saddled with foul trouble throughout the game Friday and struggled early on in the game trying to do too much as a shot-creator. His value is derived from his versatility, which isn’t as obvious when he’s a primary ball-handler. He’s clearly skilled for a 6-foot-7 kid and has a smoothness that few players possess. He seems to glide all over the floor. He can drive, he can pass, he’s good off the ball as a screener and cutter, and he’s a terrific multi-dimensional defender.
Owen Hektner
Usually a sniper, Hektner was uncharacteristically off from the field on Friday night. But the 6-foot-6 junior forward found ways to impact the game in other ways, recording eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. His jumper looks clean and effortless, he’s smart off the ball as a cutter and can finish in the paint thanks to his length and touch. He looks like a really nice faceup four man prospect at the next level.
Jacksen Moni
Moni is smart and unselfish. He’s a streaky outside shooter, but is enough of a threat from deep that defenders have to respect it. He seems to see the floor well and has a creativity as a passer that a lot of players don’t. He’s not the strongest or most explosive, but he’s a solid defender because of his length and ability to be in the right position. He drew two charges on Friday night – another skill that few possess – and his length can be an asset defending in the paint.
Zion Dettman
Dettman was the only starter shorter than 6-foot-3 but he was impactful especially early in the game. He was aggressive driving and trying to get downhill, knocked down a 3-pointer and got his teammates a couple of easy looks. He was pesky on the defensive end too, getting several deflections and keeping his counterparts out of the paint despite giving up a lot of size.