North Dakota Preview: West Fargo

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The West Fargo Packers were believed to be one of the contenders in the EDC at this time a year ago. That never manifested as the Packers struggled to establish any sort of consistency, ultimately falling a game short of a state tournament berth. Despite losing two multi-year starters, expectations should be high this winter, as West Fargo returns one of the best duos in the EDC. </span></p> <p><strong>Key Returners: [player_tooltip player_id="812219" first="Carson" last="Hegerle"], [player_tooltip player_id="731900" first="Carter" last="Birrenkott"], [player_tooltip player_id="812231" first="Brett" last="Limke"]</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hegerle and Birrenkott have been key rotation guys for the Packers each of the last two years and head into this year as arguably the top duo in the EDC. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Hegerle averaged better than 10 points and nearly four assists per game as a sophomore. He’s shown he can impact the game defensively, as his length and athleticism allow him to harass opposing ball-handlers and create transition opportunities. He’s a solid slasher and finisher at the rim. He’s got to take the next step as a perimeter shooter. If he does, he’s got Player-of-the-Year potential. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Birrenkott averaged 11 points and nearly six rebounds as a junior and he’ll have more space to operate in the mid and low posts as a senior. He’s an athletic big who can beat bigger guys with his quickness but also utilize his strength and motor around the rim. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Limke started as a sophomore for the Packers and had some good moments as a floor-spacer and defender. He’s a capable secondary ballhandler who doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make an impact. If he can make that typical sophomore-to-junior jump, he’d give the Packers another perimeter weapon.</span></p> <p><strong>Stepping Into New Roles: [player_tooltip player_id="1046355" first="Parker" last="Nelson"], [player_tooltip player_id="1050253" first="Noah" last="Daniel"], Joel Pease, Prince Byiza</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">While the Packers do return three starters, they’ll also be relying on some newcomers to take big jumpers at the varsity level. The young talent is certainly cause for optimism. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Pease was a bench guy last year and showed potential as a shooter and defender. He gives the Packers some length up front.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nelson gives the Packers another ballhandler who can make plays for his teammates, space the floor and defend. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Daniel saw mop up minutes last year as a freshman and could see a big uptick in opportunity as a sophomore. He’s a big, athletic wing who can slash to the rim, play in transition and defend. And Byiza fits the mold of an athletic wing who can shoot off the catch and guard multiple positions. </span></p> <p><strong>Season Outlook</strong></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In an EDC that is turning over an awful lot, West Fargo is positioned to be competitive thanks to its returning talent. The Packers didn’t have an elite level talent last year and the team’s overall lack of shooting caused offensive problems. If the team isn’t any better in that department, it could be another middling season. But they’ve got the athletes and the potential to contend if some of their top guys have developed. </span></p>