Recruiting Report: Ian Schafer (2018)
It was to be a step back this season for the Bismarck Demons but a trio of talent made sure that didn’t happen including point guard Ian Schafer.
The Demons finished a couple games above .500 and had some memorable March games including their time in the state tournament. Led by graduated Solomon Garter, one of the state’s best 2019s Joe Jahner, and of course Ian Schafer (let’s also remember the name Tanner Davis who will be a senior), Bismarck had a nice year.
“I learned this year that being a small guard you have to be a very good free throw shooter, you can’t waste chances at the line,” Ian said.
“Along with that is have a solid mid range game because they’re many players that can stand and shoot threes so when they run me off the three and have shot blockers in the middle I had a pull up to fall back on.”
The Demons nearly pulled a first round upset and they have key pieces back from that team to build on.
“I thought playing an undefeated Davies team in first round of state and taking them right down to the wire was the biggest thing I will take from the season,” Schafer said.
“I want to really improve at finishing with both hands at the rim, and being more consistent on my threes when I get tired.”
Ian Schafer of ECI/Bismarck should be one of the states best ball pressure guys the next 2 years. Also just took a charge from a 200 pounder
— Prep Hoops Dakotas (@PrepHoopsDakota) April 10, 2016
Ian is quite the shooter though. He took more than half of his shots this year at the arc and made nearly 39 percent of them for 12 points a game plus led the team in assists (4.5 a game) and steals.
“I want to get stronger, cut down on turnovers, becoming more consistent on my shot, improve my finishing ability,” Ian continued. “I want to make the all-state team and of course win a state championship.”
Ian is playing with ECI once again this season to further his ability and to prepare him for college basketball. Playing at the college level is a goal and a couple times are calling regularly.
“I plan on playing college basketball, right now I have Concordia-Moorhead and Southwest Minnesota State seriously talking to me at this time,” Ian said.
Ian will be in St. Cloud tomorrow and through the end of June playing with ECI. What has the experience been like so far?
“I learned at the 17u level every team in the SPTS is a good team and we had to bring it every game. I enjoy the challenge of playing against/guarding some of the best guards in the Midwest, most are very good defenders so it brings out the best in me.”