Four Winds/Minnewaukan: Program and Player Analysis

Michael Herrick May 5, 2021 @ 10:53 AM

The Indians have one of the best programs in all of North Dakota. They consistently make appearances at the State B Tournament. Every year those lose studs to graduation. The thing about Four Winds/Minnewaukan is that they do not rebuild, they reload every single year! They are led by one of the best basketball minds in ND, Rick Smith. He is a great ambassador for the game of basketball. Coach Smith has made a mind-boggling 9 trips to the State Tournament since he has been at Four Winds/Minnewaukan! Four Winds/Minnewaukan “Indians” 2021 – 2022 Comments from coach Rick Smith: The Indians lost a lot of senior talent and leadership, but have some very young and talented players returning. I feel we will be more athletic than the teams in the past two years. We finished with a 23 & 4 record and finished 4th in State and lost in the semi-finals to eventual state champion Kindred. We lose 4 starters and our two top bench players. [player_tooltip player_id="750159" first="Bronson" last="Walter"] – 1st team All-State, [player_tooltip player_id="750170" first="Jaeshaun" last="Shaw"] – All-Region 4, will be our two biggest losses. The Indians have plenty of young talent to fill a lot of shoes, but those will be the two toughest. The Indians bring back their leading scorer (16.0) and All-Region player, [player_tooltip player_id="1046356" first="Jayden" last="Yankton"]. Yankton will be counted on heavily for not only scoring but leadership skills also. The Indians will be very athletic, with a lot of length and speed. They will be a faster team than last year’s team and will be able to play multiple defenses to keep teams off balance. With another top-ranked schedule for 21-22, it will help the young Indians to grow up faster. District 8 will be the top of Region 4, with Dunseith, North Star, and St. John battling, but don’t leave the Indians out as they will be able to compete with any of the states’ top teams. Top Players [player_tooltip player_id="1046356" first="Jayden" last="Yankton"] (2022) |6-1 G| – Jayden led the team in scoring. A 4-year starter, Jayden was an All-Region 4 player and has been an All-District 7 selection since his freshmen year. Jayden also went over the 1,000 point mark last year. Jayden has the capability of being one of the best players in the state, with his basketball capabilities. Jayden could lead us in many offensive categories. He is an All-State caliber player. [player_tooltip player_id="1185116" first="Jacolby" last="Pearson"] (2022) |6-3 G| – Jacolby has all the tools to be a top player in the region. A slick left-handed player, he can score inside and out. Toughness and focused on the defensive end is where he will have to be most consistent. Jacolby has all the tools, it will be exciting to watch him as it will be his turn to shine at the varsity level. [player_tooltip player_id="1144580" first="Deng" last="Deng"] (2024) |6-4 G| – Deng showed he wasn’t afraid of the big stage, with his play at the state tournament last year. The sky is the limit for this young talented player. His offensive game goes inside and outside. He can score from anywhere on the floor. Deng is a decent defensive player and with more focus on the defensive end, he will be a very good defensive player. Look for this kid to take huge steps and will be a well-known player by the end of the year. [player_tooltip player_id="1138899" first="Kelson" last="Keja"] (2023) |5-5 G| – Kelson will step into the role of his brother as the point guard. A very tough-minded player, Kelson shoots the ball very well from the outside and for his height is not afraid to get to the rim. Kelson has no fear in his game. Being able to be a consistent floor general will be Kelson’s biggest hurdle. [player_tooltip player_id="1144581" first="Dalen" last="Leftbear"] (2024) |6-1 G| – Dalen is another top freshman, with unlimited capabilities. Another lanky player who plays the defensive end very well. A very streaky outside shooter, Dalen runs the floor very well and finishes at the rim with either hand. Dalen will have to get stronger but is another player of the future. [player_tooltip player_id="1185123" first="Sheldon" last="Jones"] (2022) |6-0 G| – Sheldon had to play at the JV level last year because of the transfer rule. A very physical player that is a non-stop hustler. He will be the strength that the Indians will need. A very unselfish player and underrated passer, Sheldon fits in very well with the crew. [player_tooltip player_id="1185124" first="Wade" last="Nestell"] (2024) |5’10 G| – Wade is a very talented freshman, that plays very well defensively. Wade plays the point guard position and attacks the rim very well. He has the capabilities to take over for Shaw on the defensive end. Wade will need to get more consistent on his outside shooting but definitely will be playing a lot of minutes for the Indians.