Minnesota First Look: Ada-Borup
Ada-Borup was one of the elite teams in Class A last season, losing just three times all year and finishing in fourth-place at the state tournament. Behind a stalwart defense and excellent depth, the Cougars dominated the opposition by grinding…
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Continue ReadingAda-Borup was one of the elite teams in Class A last season, losing just three times all year and finishing in fourth-place at the state tournament. Behind a stalwart defense and excellent depth, the Cougars dominated the opposition by grinding out possessions on both ends. With two starters and a key reserve back from last year, the Cougars should once again, be among the top teams in Class A.
KEY RETURNERS: Mason Miller, Preston Gwin, Verdis Barber
In Miller, the Cougars have one of the best big men in the state, regardless of class. The 6-foot-8 NDSU football recruit averaged better than 13 points and eight rebounds. Those numbers would likely be higher if the Cougars played faster, but he’s incredibly important to what the team does on both ends of the floor. He’s a force defensively, protecting the rim and controlling the glass, and he’s excellent with and without the ball on the offensive end.
Gwin was one of the team’s best perimeter scorers last year, averaging about eight points per game while providing solid playmaking and shooting. He picked it up in the postseason, scoring 14 in the section final before averaging 14 in the state tournament.
Barber was a key reserve for the Cougars last year, averaging six points per game while providing excellent defense on the wing. He’s an athletic kid who does a great job defending multiple players, slashing and creating offense in transition. He could be a big breakout guy for the Cougars this winter.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Avery Okroi, Chase Bucholz, Austin Carlson
Okroi, Bucholz and Carlson were on the team last year but saw only bit minutes as the Cougars kept to its typical seven-man rotation of juniors and seniors. With three starters gone to graduation, there will be a lot of minutes available for guys to eat up.
QUESTION: Will balance be the strength again?
The Cougars were one of the most balanced teams in Class A last year, with only Miller averaging more than 10 points per game. Six other guys averaged at least five points per game. Will that balance be a strength again with guys who haven’t played many varsity minutes before? If it isn’t, are the returning guys capable of taking their offensive games to another level to offset for a lack of balance?
SEASON OUTLOOK
Ada-Borup is consistently one of the very good teams in Class A Minnesota. Don’t expect the Cougars to drop off this winter. They’ve got terrific coaching, toughness, athleticism and one of the best big men in the state at the foundation. The Cougars are good enough to not only get back to state, but win a couple games there.