North Dakota Preview: Class B Top Frontcourts
It’s never too early for too-early-season. With fall sports and school underway, it’s only a matter of time before the winter sports season is upon us. With that in mind, here’s a look at the top frontcourts in Class B…
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Continue ReadingIt’s never too early for too-early-season. With fall sports and school underway, it’s only a matter of time before the winter sports season is upon us.
With that in mind, here’s a look at the top frontcourts in Class B
Joe Hurlburt Joe Hurlburt 6'10" | PF Enderlin | 2022 State #147 Nation MN , Gus Hurlburt Gus Hurlburt 6'9" | PF Enderlin | 2022 State ND and Carson Bartholomay, Enderlin
Enderlin has the most talented team in the state, with an abundance of it in the frontcourt. The Hurlburt brothers are well-known at this point and will be looking to push Enderlin over the top after enjoying a lot of regular season success last year. Bartholomay saw extended playing time as a freshman last year and showed he’s got the potential to be a force on both ends of the floor too.
Alex Huber Alex Huber 6'6" | SF Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier | 2021 State ND , Jorgen Paulson and Chayse Entzi, Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier
EKM won the Region 3 championship last year and if the Rebels are going to win a second one in a row, it’ll be in large part because of a dominant frontcourt group. Huber emerged as a legitimate all-state caliber player last year, averaging 20 points and seven rebounds, providing consistent scoring all year long. He’s an athletic, active big who is a nightmare for teams to defend because of his strength, skill and mobility. Paulson was a key component piece last year for the Rebels, showing a knack for producing points in big spots. Expect a breakout year from him. And Entzi is a big, athletic defensive-minded center who should key what should be one of the better defenses in the region.
Isaiah Bundy-Smith Isaiah Bundy-Smith 6'4" | PF Rugby | 2021 State ND and Cole Slaubaugh, Rugby
Rugby lost an incredible senior class but don’t count the Panthers out heading into the 2020-21 season. They’ll return three of their top six players including a duo in the frontcourt in Bundy-Smith and Slaubaugh that should be among the best in Class B. Bundy-Smith is heading into his third year as a starter and showed – in small doses – that he’s capable of big things. He’s an athletic, skilled forward who can defend and rebound at a high level, pass, and score in a variety of ways. Slaubaugh was very good last year in a complementary role, averaging nine points and five rebounds in his first year with the Panthers. Don’t be surprised if both guys are supplying double-double type production.
Gavin Keller Gavin Keller 6'9" | PF Kindred | 2021 State ND and Paul Olson, Kindred
Kindred has been one of the top teams in the region each of the last two years with Keller providing the foundation in the middle. The 6-foot-9 center averaged 16 points and eight rebounds per game last year, and is one of the best defensive bigs in the state. He’ll have more on his plate from an offensive standpoint this year as the Vikings are turning over a good chunk of its perimeter. Olson figures to see a lot more playing time this upcoming season and he has the potential to be an all-region player as he’s got an excellent blend of athleticism, size and skill.
Kaden Chadwick and Adam Schepp, Velva
Velva should be one of the better teams in Class B next year and the frontcourt pairing of Schepp and Chadwick is going to cause a lot of problems for people. Chadwick is one of the most physically imposing bigs in the region and emerged as a nightly double-double threat. Schepp is capable of double-double production too, and gives the Aggies a terrific inside-outside scoring threat. He’s a matchup nightmare because he’s athletic and skilled enough to abuse bigger defenders but also strong and active to beat down smaller guys.