North Central Conference: Top Players In Class Of 2021
With the final whistle having sounded on the 2019-20 season, it is time to start looking ahead to next year – especially as we all await the return of sports and a sense of normalcy. In the North Central Conference,…
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Continue ReadingWith the final whistle having sounded on the 2019-20 season, it is time to start looking ahead to next year – especially as we all await the return of sports and a sense of normalcy.
In the North Central Conference, the current class of juniors are looking to take that next and final step with their senior seasons on the horizon.
The group includes a strong list of candidates to continue on to the next level as college basketball players.
Here’s a look at those top players in the class of 2021:
Karson Sharar Karson Sharar 6'2" | SG Iowa Falls-Alden | 2021 State IA , Iowa Falls-Alden (2021)
A healthy Karson Sharar Karson Sharar 6'2" | SG Iowa Falls-Alden | 2021 State IA made Iowa Falls-Alden must-see each time on the court. Sharar led the NCC at 23.6 points per game, shooting 40 percent from the floor and 72 made 3-pointers. He also was extremely active outside of just scoring, adding 161 rebounds, 65 assists, 55 steals and even 12 blocks.
Analysis: The preseason favorite to win player of the year honors in the conference, Sharar has continued to improve his game with each season.
Andrew Formanek Andrew Formanek 6'6" | PF Clear Lake | 2021 State IA , Clear Lake (2021)
While many programs in the league will need to replace quite a few pieces, Clear Lake was youth-dominated. That starts with Andrew Formanek Andrew Formanek 6'6" | PF Clear Lake | 2021 State IA , the leading scorer at almost 16 points per game. Formanek knocked down 67 percent of his shots and also had 222 rebounds with 51 blocks, 36 assists and 31 steals.
Analysis: The loss of Jaylen DeVries Jaylen DeVries 6'3" | SF Clear Lake | 2020 State IA will be tough to replace, but with Formanek and sophomore Carson Toebe Carson Toebe 6'3" | PG Clear Lake | 2022 State IA in toe, the Lions should be a preseason NCC favorite once again.
Sam Fischer, Humboldt (2021)
Coming off a team-leading 13 points per game with 213 rebounds, Sam Fischer is sure to be getting more and more looks over the summer. Fischer shot 54 percent from the field and also knocked down 62 of 79 free throws, keeping him on the court in crunch time.
Analysis: Fischer has a nice cast of returning players to work with this coming year, and he should be able to build off a phenomenal junior campaign.
Tyler Olson, Webster City (2021)
Another returning scorer as an underclassmen, Tyler Olson averaged 12.6 points per game for Webster City this past year. He also led the team with 117 rebounds, 40 steals and 12 blocks.
Analysis: The Lynx hit 132 three-pointers as a team last year, with Olson accounting for 12. Expect that number to climb as he continues to develop his shot.
James Wartick, Algona (2021)
There will be a big opportunity for James Wartick to make that “senior jump” for Algona next year, as the Bulldogs lose a vast array of players including leading scorer Wyatt Wegener Wyatt Wegener 6'2" | PG Algona | 2020 State IA . Wartick averaged just four points a game, but shot 41 percent from the field and also had 113 rebounds a team-leading 32 blocked shots.
Analysis: For Algona to stay in contention in the NCC, Wartick will need to shoulder more of a scoring role.
Gabe Gidel, Humboldt (2021)
Alongside Sam Fischer, Gabe Gidel will help Humboldt replace the loss of Jacob Thurm and Jamison Heinz Jamison Heinz 6'0" | PG Humboldt | 2020 State IA from this past season. Gidel posted almost 10 points a game, knocking down 34 three-pointers. He also had 106 rebounds, 50 assists and 30 steals.
Analysis: The progression made by both Fischer and Gidel from last year to this was a key to the improvement for the Wildcats. Expect both to make another leap forward this coming winter.
Drew Schaeffer, St. Edmond (2021)
As the season progressed for the Gaels this past winter, Drew Schaeffer was starting to come into his own. Schaeffer averaged just under nine points per game, knocking down 36 percent of his 3-point attempts and adding 60 rebounds, 48 assists and 27 steals.
Analysis: Injuries limited Schaeffer’s time on the court for St. Edmond, but a healthy senior season should lead to a successful year for the team and Schaeffer.