City Rankings: Top Guards in the Fargo Area
With the grassroots season on hold, there haven’t been any games to examine. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about though. Who are the best players in the Fargo area? For the sake of this exercise, the Fargo area…
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Continue ReadingWith the grassroots season on hold, there haven’t been any games to examine. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing to talk about though.
Who are the best players in the Fargo area?
For the sake of this exercise, the Fargo area includes the Fargo and West Fargo schools, the Casselton schools (Northern and Central Cass), Kindred and Richland.
Here’s a look at the top guards in the area:
Carson Hegerle, West Fargo
Hegerle is one of the top players in the state, let alone the Fargo area heading into his upperclass seasons. He’s a big, athletic guard who does his best work in transition and on the defensive end of the floor. He’s not a great shooter at this point, but when he’s able to get downhill and into the paint, he’s got the ability to finish over length and make plays for his teammates. If the Packers are going to get back into the mix for contending in the EDC and for state tournament appearances, Hegerle is going to be a big reason why.
Jase Crockett, Northern Cass
One of the best pure scorers in the state, Crockett has been a force for the Jaguars each of the last two years. He’s undersized, but he’s strong, extremely quick and plays with a relentless energy on both ends of the floor. He’s on the attack offensively at all times and a threat to score from all over the floor. And on the defensive end of the floor, he’s a pest on the ball, and aggressive in the passing lanes. Northern Cass is going to be one of the best teams in Region 1 next year and Crockett is the main reason.
Barika Kpeenu, West Fargo Sheyenne
Kpeenu was the sixth man for the Mustangs last year, averaging better than seven points per game and providing terrific defense as a change-of-pace guy. He’ll step into a starting role as a senior and while he’s going to play football at the next level, he’s a terrific high school basketball player. I wouldn’t be surprised if he doubles his scoring average and helps the Mustangs win 20ish games next season.
Braden DeKeyser, Fargo Shanley
DeKeyser was very good as a sophomore for the Deacons and while he didn’t take the big step forward in his junior season, he was a solid two-way player and was a key component for a team that reached the state tournament. He’s shown the ability to knock down perimeter shots, get to the rim and make plays for his teammates while also supplying solid defense all over the floor. He’ll take on a bigger role next year and could put up big numbers.
Max Kobbervig, Central Cass
Kobbervig was a key cog for a Central Cass team that reached the Region 1 final as a junior and with several key perimeter pieces graduating, the Squirrels will be relying on him to become an even more significant cog. He’s not the biggest guy, but he’s a steady ballhandler, sound decision-maker and excellent long-range shooter.
Kameron Archego, Fargo South
Archego was one of the more productive players for the Bruins last year in a complementary role and he’s got the size, athleticism and skill to put up bigger numbers next year in a featured position. He’s a solid perimeter shooter and plays with a lot of energy. He’s got a shot to be one of the best players in the league as a senior.
Alijah Armstrong, Fargo North
Armstrong was tracking towards a breakout season for the Spartans but missed most of the season. He’s got the quickness and handles to be one of the top point guards in the EDC next season. Last summer, he showed a lot of potential as a slasher and shot-creator while supplying solid on-ball defense. He’s raw, and the missed time in his junior year is unfortunate, but he’s got a shot to be one of the better players in the area next year.