Grand Forks Central – Knight Preview
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Head Coach: Dan Carlson 2021-2022 Record: 9-16 Finish: Lost in EDC Tourney (1 game from State) The Knights bring back a boatload of experience compared to most teams in the EDC. They also bring back Erick Paye Erick Paye 6'5"…
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Continue ReadingHead Coach: Dan Carlson 2021-2022 Record: 9-16 Finish: Lost in EDC Tourney (1 game from State)
The Knights bring back a boatload of experience compared to most teams in the EDC. They also bring back Erick Paye Erick Paye 6'5" | PF Grand Forks Central | 2024 ND , an All-Conference player. PHD believes that Paye will be an All-State performer and that the Knights will be a tough out in the playoffs. If things go well, GFC will have a fighter’s chance to get to State. The Knights have potential, they will be a fun team to watch this season. Be on the lookout for GFC!
The Knights first game of the season is on Friday, December 2, at home vs. East Grand Forks. They open up EDC play on Tuesday, December 6, at home vs. Fargo Davies.
Q&A with coach Dan Carlson
PHD: How would you sum up last season?
Coach Carlson: “We felt we made some progress last year as a program. We were able to secure a home play-in game and qualified for the EDC Tournament for the 2nd year in a row. We were able to knock off Red River in the EDC Tournament before losing to West Fargo to end our season. We would like to build off that this year and take another step forward.“
PHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?
Coach Carlson: “We felt we had a good offseason. Our group played together in a number of spring and summer tournaments. We also had good attendance in the weight room and had a good skills camp in June and July.“
PHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for and why?
Coach Carlson: “ Erick Paye Erick Paye 6'5" | PF Grand Forks Central | 2024 ND established himself last season as a top EDC player. He is looking to improve his all-around game this year and will be counted on consistently. I feel Jack Simmers Jack Simmers 6'0" | SG Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND , Leo Strandell Leo Strandell 6'4" | SF Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND , Ross Wilber Ross Wilber 5'10" | CG Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND & Cole Wilber Cole Wilber 5'10" | CG Grand Forks Central | 2025 State ND all gained valuable varsity experience and should be confident coming into the season.“
PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for in the near future?
Coach Carlson: “ Kendall Kjonaas Kendall Kjonaas 5'11" | SG Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND , Noah Lund and Ethan Thomas Ethan Thomas 6'5" | PF Grand Forks Central | 2024 ND all have a chance to contribute at the varsity level. Trey Wyman will also have opportunities to get playing time.“
PHD: What style of basketball will your team play?
“We will have a nice mix of inside and outside play. We will try and get the ball up and down the court when the opportunities are there. I feel we have a chance to be an excellent defensive team if we put in the work.“
PHD: Who are your biggest rival schools and why?
Coach Carlson: “Red River has always been our biggest rival due to them being across town. We have had some good games with them in the past few years to help renew the rivalry.”
PHD: In your opinion, who are some of the top teams in Class A and why?
Coach Carlson: “Davies, North & South are all going to be tough this year. WF & Sheyenne will be different but will still be top teams along with Shanley and RR in the East. Minot, Century, Mandan, and Bismarck High will be tough out West.“
Top Returners | Year | Point/Game | Rebounds/Game |
Erick Paye Erick Paye 6'5" | PF Grand Forks Central | 2024 ND | Junior | 15.5 | 9.6 |
Ross Wilber Ross Wilber 5'10" | CG Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND | Junior | 9.1 | 3.0 |
Jack Simmers Jack Simmers 6'0" | SG Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND | Junior | 8.9 | 3.4 |
Cole Wilber Cole Wilber 5'10" | CG Grand Forks Central | 2025 State ND | Sophomore | 7.8 | 3.6 |
Leo Strandell Leo Strandell 6'4" | SF Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND | Junior | 5.2 | 3.2 |
Knight Schedule
Dec 2 – home vs. EGF
Dec 6 – home vs. Davies
Dec 9 – @ South
Dec 13 – home vs. RR
Dec 15 – @ DL
Dec 20 – home vs. Wahp
Jan 3 – @ WF
Jan 6 – @ North
Jan 9 – @ Sheyenne
Jan 14 – @ Shanley
Jan 17 – home VC
Jan 20 – home Horace
Jan 24 – home Grafton
Jan 27 – @ Davies
Jan 31 – home South
Feb 3 – @ RR
Feb 7 – home DL
Feb 10 – @ Wahp
Feb 14 -home WF
Feb 18 – home North
Feb 21 – home Sheyenne
Feb 25-March 4 – EDC Tourney
March 9-March 11 – State Tourney
Good Luck GFC!