North Dakota Preview: Region 2 Top Forwards
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 some of the top forwards in…
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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 some of the top forwards in Region 2
Gage Pollestad Gage Pollestad 6'5" | PF Drayton/Valley Edinburg | 2021 State ND , Drayton/Valley-Edinburg
Pollestad was a double-double threat last year, averaging better than 15 points and eight rebounds for a Drayton/Valley-Edinburg team that reached the Region 2 quarterfinals. If the Titans are going to improve on their eight-win campaign from a season ago, it’ll be incumbent on Pollestad to be one of the best players in the region and control the paint on a nightly basis.
Kelby Azure, Hatton/Northwood
Azure averaged nine points and eight rebounds per game last year, serving as the fourth scoring option for a Thunder team that had a three-headed perimeter attack. With three starters gone to graduation, he’ll step into a more featured role on the block and he’s got the talent to be a double-double guy if he can be consistent.
William Jiskra, Grafton
Jiskra is more of a wing than a true forward but he’s incredibly active and gives Grafton a toughness that is going to be critical if the Spoilers are going to contend for a region title. He averaged about nine points and eight rebounds and excels at getting into gaps, finishing a the rim and defending all over the floor.
Brodie Cluchie Brodie Cluchie 6'3" | SF Cavalier | 2021 State ND , Cavalier
Cluchie is a do-it-all forward who impacts the game in a plethora of ways. The 6-foot-3 senior averaged 15 points, five rebounds and three assists per game while giving Cavalier a legitimate shot-maker from the perimeter and a guy who could get to the paint. The Tornadoes lost three double-figure scorers, so Cluchie will have to do even more as a senior if they want to stay competitive.
Sam Hagen, Park River/Fordville-Lankin
Hagen is a multi-sport star for the Aggies and will play collegiate football at UND. Before he gets to that point, he’s got one more basketball season to go and he’s a load for opponents in the paint. The Aggies only won six games last year but Hagen has been a bright spot throughout. If they are going to improve on that mark this season, he’ll be a big reason why.
Gannon Limke, Hillsboro/Central Valley
H/CV is losing an awful lot from a team that won a region championship last season. Limke is a player with a huge opportunity to step into a featured role in the frontcourt. He’s 6-foot-5, athletic, skilled and brings great energy. He had good moments in a complementary role last year off the bench and if the Burros are going to continue contending in Region 2, guys like Limke are going to have to emerge into all-region caliber.