Way-Too-Early Team Preview: Devils Lake
The Devils Lake Firebirds were one of the teams in the fat second tier of the EDC that looked capable of contending for a spot in the Class A State Tournament. They struggled down the stretch, losing six of their…
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Continue ReadingThe Devils Lake Firebirds were one of the teams in the fat second tier of the EDC that looked capable of contending for a spot in the Class A State Tournament. They struggled down the stretch, losing six of their final eight games. But with arguably the best player in the EDC back along with a cast of complementary guys, Devils Lake has a chance to compete for a top-four finish in 2019-20.
GO-TO GUY: Grant Nelson
Nelson is probably the preseason Player-of-the-Year in the EDC after averaging 16.4 points and 11.8 rebounds per game as a junior. The NDSU commit is a two-way force (five blocks per game in 2018-19) and could be even better offensively as a senior given he only shot 25 percent from 3-point range and 56 percent from the free throw line. Expect both those numbers to go up.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Ben Heilman
Heilman saw bit minutes as a freshman and should be poised to take on a starting role as a sophomore. He’s a good athlete with solid size on the wing and the Firebirds need shooting. And with Nelson sucking up a lot of attention inside plus with the strength of the returning guys being tilted toward the paint, he’ll have a chance to make an impact in a complementary role.
QUESTION: Who scores after Nelson
Nelson is one of the top returning players in the EDC but nobody else averaged better than six points per game a year ago. Michael Widmer and Joey Frelich both saw extensive playing time and would be logical picks to step into second and third scoring roles but both struggled to score efficiently at times last year. Beyond those two, there are a number of guys who could see plenty of opportunity. Nelson will certainly draw a lot of the attention of opposing defenses, so there should be extra space on the floor to work.
OUTLOOK
Devils Lake was, at times, one of the dangerous teams in the EDC because of its size and defense. The Firebirds will likely have to rely on those to win games next winter. If newcomers can show progress, and Nelson delivers another All-EDC caliber season, this team can push for a top-half finish in the EDC.