City Rankings: Grand Forks Top Forwards
With the grassroots season on hold, there haven’t been any games to examine. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about though. Who are the best players in the Grand Forks area? For the sake of this exercise, the Grand…
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Continue ReadingWith the grassroots season on hold, there haven’t been any games to examine. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about though.
Who are the best players in the Grand Forks area?
For the sake of this exercise, the Grand Forks area includes the Grand Forks schools, Grafton, Thompson, Hillsoro/Central Valley and Larimore.
1.Will Obioha, Grand Forks Red River
Obioha is arguably the best prospect in North Dakota’s 2021 class. The 6-foot-6 swingman missed a big chunk of his junior year with an injury, but averaged 13.6 points and 5.9 rebounds in 11 games. Those numbers probably look even better if he’s healthy all season. He’s really talented. He’s big, athletic, smart and impacts the game on both ends of the floor. He knocked down a good percentage of his 3-pointers on limited attempts when he came back. If that part of his game continues to develop, he’s got huge potential.
2.Mason Gravseth, Grand Forks Central
Gravseth’s one of the best big guys in the EDC and plays bigger than his listed size because of his motor and quickness. He averaged 12 points and nine rebounds as a junior, earning all-league honors. He’s an excellent rebounder on both ends of the floor, finishes at a high level and has solid footwork in the post. He’s a tough guy to match up with because he’s quicker than most true bigs but he’s also tough and strong enough to beat up smaller defenders.
3.Kelby Azure, Hatton/Northwood
Azure’s been a key interior piece for the Thunder each of the last two years, and averaged nearly 10 points and eight rebounds per game last year. At 6-foot-4, Azure is a hoss inside, using his strength to his advantage. He’s got good hands, finishes at a solid rate inside and rebounds his area effectively.
4.William Jiskra, Grafton
Jiskra is more of a wing but has to guard bigger guys and produces on the interior for a perimeter-oriented Grafton team. The 6-foot-2 junior-to-be averaged nine points and eight rebounds as a sophomore and will run it back with a Spoilers team that should contend in Region 2.
5.Khamani Steckler, Grand Forks Red River
Steckler was a rotation player for the Roughriders last year and should step into a starting role as a senior. At 6-foot-7, Steckler has the size and strength to produce on both ends of the floor. He rebounds well, can finish at the rim and can be effective playing a simple role with his screening, rim-running and interior defense.
6.Jackson Anderson, Hillsboro/Central Valley
Consider this one a bet on Anderson taking a big step as he steps into a featured role next season for the Burros. The 6-foot-5 sophomore-to-be was productive in a bit role last year and has the requisite skills, size and athletic tools to be an impactful player over the next few years. Look for him to take a big step up.
7.Alex Barbot, Grand Forks Central
Barbot raised his game to another level as a junior, averaging nearly 11 points per game while shooting 36 percent from the 3-point line. He’s shown strong skills as a playmaker and rebounder in the past too. If he can improve his efficiency as a finisher, he’ll be one of the best wing players in the EDC as a senior.