Way-Too-Early Preview: West Fargo Sheyenne
The West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs were one of the final four teams standing in the Class A State Tournament a year ago, after winning 23 games including the EDC Tournament Championship. They are graduating their top three scorers and all…
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Continue ReadingThe West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs were one of the final four teams standing in the Class A State Tournament a year ago, after winning 23 games including the EDC Tournament Championship. They are graduating their top three scorers and all three perimeter starters, but in what looks like a collectively young EDC, the Mustangs may go into next year as the favorite.
Go-To Guy: Jacksen Moni
Moni was a predictable breakout candidate last year for the Mustangs and the 6-foot-9 forward enjoyed a solid junior year, averaging 10.9 points and 6.7 rebounds. He converted on better than 60 percent of his 2-point field goal attempts and while he struggled shooting the ball from deep, the potential is there for him to be a dangerous 3-point shooter in pick-and-pop situations as well. He’s a smart passer who is unselfish and as he gained more experience, his effectiveness on the offensive glass went up. He’ll be one of the best big guys in the EDC next year.
Breakout Candidate: Michael Nhial
Nhial saw sparing varsity minutes last year, earning time when the Mustangs won via blowout last year and when he played, he flashed potential as a dynamic big wing. At 6-foot-6, Nhial has the size and length advantage on just about every perimeter player he’s going to be matched up with and he’s athletic and skilled enough to score from all over the floor. With the Mustangs graduating such a big core of their perimeter, there will be ample opportunity for Nhial to step into a big role right away as a junior.
Question: How Good Can the Mustangs be Defensively?
West Fargo Sheyenne was as good a bet as any team to win the state title last year not because of an explosive offense, but because the defense had become a major strength. While the Mustangs are losing a good group of defenders from the perimeter in Tyler Terhark and Blake Berg, defense should be a calling card for next year’s outfit. Moni is a well-schooled defensive big who does a great job in a team concept and Jah’Heem Leake has the potential to be an impact presence in the paint. Barika Kpeenu is a bulldog at the point of attack. The collective size and athleticism with guys like Nhial, Dominic Dosmann and others gives them the ability to overwhelm opponents. It might take some time for everybody to get fully up to speed, but if things click, the potential is there for an elite defense.
Outlook
West Fargo Sheyenne has been one of the best teams in Class A over the last five years and with the talent throughout the pipeline, don’t expect the Mustangs to go anywhere for a while. There might be some growing pains early after graduating their top three scorers – all perimeter players – but the frontcourt should be the best in the EDC. The potential is there for a team that can win the league and contend at the state tournament.