I realize that we are not yet halfway through the football season and this is very premature but I was recently having a basketball discussion and thought that I would put this out here to see if anyone had any early thoughts. I have provided some of mine below:
Lamoure - LM - 2 time defending District champs enter this season as the favorite. This year's edition, however, will have a much different look and approach offensively than the last couple of years. While their calling card will continue to be defense, look for the Loboes to get out and run much more than they have previously. They will be lead by junior Brady Thielges and senior Jared Meikljohn, both very talented guards who can score and defend. Kenny Hodem, a senior, is a smaller guard but is very hard nosed and can stroke it if given room, a very heady player as well. Anthony Olson, a sophomore, was pressed into action late last year with some injuries, and did very well. Defends much bigger than he is and is as quick and athletic as any player you will find in the district. Another sophomore to watch for is Parker Stemen, who played extensively ths summer and continues to get better and better. He will push for a starting role and is going to be very very good. The Alber kid coming over in the LM co-op will help with size and toughness. Lamoure also will have a very promising freshman class with Drew Thielges likely to play major minutes and Quinn Alo also providing size off the bench I could see LLM dropping some games early but will be cranking come playoff time.
Edgeley-Kulm-Marion - The Rebels lost a bunch to graduation but return Logan Hanson and Tallen Berg, two of the better players in the District and Region. Hanson is a left hander who has as pretty as a 13 foot jumper as you will see, very tough to defend. Berg is a hard nosed, athletic defender who can slash and score. Nitscke (cant remember his first name) is another solid player who can shoot. They also have a Johnson kid who is 6-9 and continues to get better. Like Lamoure, a very talented freshman class with Connor Entzi, a likely starter, leading the way. They also get 2 very solid players from Marion who will help with guard play. Once they start playing together, they will be very formidable.
Pingree Buchanan Kensal - The Rebels return everyone from a year ago and will challenge for the District title. Lead by junior Nic Blaiskowki and sophomore Cole Diede, the only potential weakness is depth if they get into foul trouble.
Barnes County North - Lead by twin posts, Brad Clemens and Anderson (first name?), and Jacoby Kramlich, BCN returns some good talent from last years team. Very well coached, the Bison are going to be in the mix for the Dsitrict title.
Ellendale - Coming off a tough season last year, Ellendale is hoping to rebound. They return 3 starters in senior forward James Johnston, junior guard Chase Durheim and sophomore post Adam White. Senior Shawn Hofer is a very quick and athletic guard who can score, Junior Zac Dathe will add some scoring and length, Junior TJ Belmore is a long and athletic defender and rebounder and junior guard Joe Cegla is a tough defender on the dribble. Junior Logan Wang is a strong post player as well and Kellemon Hinton will provide some quickness and athleticism. If they get some solid leadership, and these players can learn to play together and maximise each others strengths, they will significantly improve from their win-loss numbers of last year.
Projected Senior Player of the Year: Logan Hanson, EKM