Way-Too-Early Season Preview: Central Cass
The Central Cass Squirrels made an improbable run to the Region 1 championship last spring, knocking off top-seeded Kindred before losing to Richland and finishing their season 16-8. They graduate three starters but return what might be the best inside-outside…
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Continue ReadingThe Central Cass Squirrels made an improbable run to the Region 1 championship last spring, knocking off top-seeded Kindred before losing to Richland and finishing their season 16-8. They graduate three starters but return what might be the best inside-outside duo in the region. The Squirrels should go into next year with high expectations.
Go-To Guy: Josh Dixon
In a region loaded with high-end big guys, Dixon flies under the radar a little bit, but he’s absolutely terrific. He more than held his own against many of those top big guys and while he doesn’t have the kind of size that screams ‘great college prospect’, he’s strong, mobile, and highly skilled. He’s a consistent 15-20 point-per-game guy who has good touch in the mid-range and outstanding footwork and quickness in the low post. Expect him to post huge numbers as a senior.
Breakout Candidate: Kade McKinnon
McKinnon saw spot time as a sophomore as the Squirrels relied heavily on juniors and seniors, but when he did get opportunities, he showed he could impact the game on both ends of the floor. He’s got solid size to play on the wing, and he’s athletic enough to produce at a high level. With opposing defenses likely gearing up to slow down Dixon and Max Kobbervig Max Kobbervig 5'10" | PG Central Cass | 2021 State ND , McKinnon is a guy who will have a lot of room to work.
Question: Can The Squirrels Contend in Region 1?
At this way-too-early point in time, Enderlin will be the favorite in Region 1 going into next year. The Eagles will likely be a top-three team in the Class B rankings. After that though, could Central Cass be the challenger? Kindred figures to be strong, though the Vikings graduated some key seniors. Northern Cass should be strong too. But Central Cass may be the team most equipped to challenge Enderlin in Region 1.
Season Outlook
Central Cass won 16 games a year ago and while the Squirrels are losing a solid senior core, they return a terrific point guard in Max Kobbervig Max Kobbervig 5'10" | PG Central Cass | 2021 State ND and one of the best individual players in the region in Josh Dixon. That should give them a high floor. How high their ceiling goes probably depends on how guys like McKinnon, Brendan Maasjo and Jacob Deutsch integrate into the lineup.