North Dakota Preview: Cavalier
The Cavalier Tornadoes went 14-8 last season, losing to Grafton/St. Thomas in the Region 2 quarterfinals. Strong defense was a calling card for the Tornadoes last season as they allowed just 50 points per game. With three starters back including…
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Continue ReadingThe Cavalier Tornadoes went 14-8 last season, losing to Grafton/St. Thomas in the Region 2 quarterfinals. Strong defense was a calling card for the Tornadoes last season as they allowed just 50 points per game. With three starters back including a potential all-state forward in Andre Carrier, the Tornadoes could be a dark horse contender in Region 2.
KEY RETURNERS: Andre Carrier, Colton Ratchenski
Carrier is the go-to guy for Cavalier. He’s been a double-double guy each of the last two seasons for the Tornadoes and could be in for an All-State type season. At 6-foot-4, he’s one of the toughest guys to defend in the state because of his athleticism, explosiveness, finishing ability and perimeter skills. He’s a solid outside shooter but can destroy bigger guys off the dribble on his way to the hoops or abuse smaller guys in the paint.
Ratchenski started last year and averaged double-figures in a complementary role. He’s one of the better defenders in Class B and had a really productive summer playing AAU, showing the strength and skill to get his own shot against strong competition. He’ll be counted on even more to be a go-to scorer this winter.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Colby Thorlakson, Brysen Cleem, Brodie Cluchie, Brannin Cleem, Daniel Hinkle
Thorlakson and Cleem were key pieces last year for the Tornadoes though neither was a featured offensive player. Thorlakson is an athletic wing who can really defend. He’s going to have to take on more scoring responsibility this winter with Conley Carrier gone to graduation.
Cleem had a lot of good moments as a sophomore, showing he’s got the chops to be a solid scorer. He’ll have more on his plate as an upperclassmen and will be relied upon to space the floor and produce as a secondary ball-handler.
Cluchie, Cleem and Hinkle all saw bit/rotation minutes last year and will be in line for bigger minutes this year either in starting or first and second bench roles. Either way, those guys will be important as the Tornadoes build depth and while they won’t be counted on produce big point totals, they’ll be in a position to excel because opposing teams will likely focus a lot on slowing down Carrier.
QUESTION: Can the Tornadoes win close games
The Tornadoes were 14-8 on the season but struggled mightily in nip-and-tuck affairs. Cavalier was just 2-7 in games decided by fewer than 10 points. Is that a trend that will continue or can the Tornadoes find a way to make that number closer to .500 this upcoming season? With a number of talented returners back, experience shouldn’t be an issue. It’ll just be about execution and with the way this team is built, it has the horses to be in games late against good teams.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Cavalier has the individual talent and overall experience to enjoy another very good season. Guys who are juniors and seniors have been integral parts of 13 and 14-win teams and appear ready to take the next step. Region 2 figures to be one of the best in the state again this winter and while Cavalier won’t be favored to beat teams like Hillsboro/Central Valley or Thompson, don’t be shocked if it wins 15-20 games and makes an extended run in the postseason.