City Rankings: Grand Forks Top Guards
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.Colton Konschak, Hatton/Northwood
Konschak is one of the top North Dakota prospects in the 2021 class and has been a key cog in the Thunder attack each of the last two years. At 6-foot-5, Konschak is a rare player because of his combination of length and skill. He’s smooth and does a good job creating offense for himself and his teammates while possessing the ability to defend multiple positions. Expect a huge senior year from him with a bigger role.
2.Stevan Garza, Grafton
Garza was a breakout star in his junior year for the Spoilers, averaging 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists for a team that reached the region semifinals in what was supposed to be a rebuilding campaign. Garza is a handful with the ball in his hands, as he’s a proficient shooter from distance, gets to the rim at the high rate and can make plays for his teammates.
3.Mason Love, Grand Forks Central
Love’s been a key piece for the Knights each of the last two years and was solid in helping the team improve its win total in 2019-20. The 5-foot-11 point guard averaged better than nine points and nearly six assists per game. He’ll have more opportunity to score more as a senior as well with several key guys gone to graduation. If he can get his 3-point shooting up (28 percent as a junior), he’ll be an all-league guy.
4.Paine Parks, Grand Forks Red River
Consider this one a bet on upside as Parks hasn’t yet produced at a high level, but heading into his junior season, there’s a lot to be excited about. The 6-foot-2 swingman saw rotation minutes off the bench as a sophomore and showed he can impact the game on both ends of the floor. He’s athletic getting to the rim, rebounds well and can make plays. He averaged nearly seven points per game over the second half of his sophomore year. Don’t be surprised if that number doubles next winter.
5.Justin Garza, Grafton
Garza stuffed the stat sheet for the Spoilers in his junior year, averaging 12 points, six rebounds, four assists and three steals. He’s a terrific 3-point shooter and a heady playmaker with the ball in his hands. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s smart and tough.
6.Ryan Sletten, Larimore
Sletten’s been productive each of the last two years for Larimore and could be one of the best players in the region as a senior. He’s got good size for a guard, can score from all over the floor and he’s an adept playmaker. As he continues to get bigger and stronger, he’s got the potential to be a mismatch and multi-positional defender.
7.Sam Roller, Thompson
Roller was a key cog for Thompson last season, averaging eight points per game while supplying top-notch defense on the wing. He’s a solid long-range shooter (34 percent from 3-point line) and has solid playmaking skills.
8.Brandon Albrecht, Grafton
Albrecht was a key piece for the Spoilers as a junior, averaging 12 points and five rebounds. He’s a knockdown 3-point shooter who plays bigger than his listed size. His defense is solid on and off the ball and he’s a smart offensive player who understands how to play with and without the ball.