Rivalry Reaction: Packers v. Mustangs
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When it comes to sports, there is very little that beats a good rivalry game. From packed crowds, to the heightened stakes, and the bragging rights, not much comes close to the feeling. As someone who has gotten to experience…
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Continue ReadingWhen it comes to sports, there is very little that beats a good rivalry game. From packed crowds, to the heightened stakes, and the bragging rights, not much comes close to the feeling. As someone who has gotten to experience the Mustang and Packer rivalry first hand I can tell you that losing this game stings more than most. With Tuesday night being another chapter in this West Fargo showdown, the city got to see some of the most talented players in North Dakota go head to head. This time it was the defending champion Packers who took home the dub, winning the game 77-62.
Packers
This was my first time watching the West Fargo Packers this season, and it did not disappoint. After winning the state championship last spring the talent filled team returned two All-conference players, and a tandem of other key guys. In their game on Tuesday night against the inner-city rival Mustangs, they did not mess around. Some things that impressed me most about this Packer squad is the unselfishness they have on the offensive end, their commitment to hustling on defense, and the experience that they posses which is used to their advantage. Experience shown in players such as Carson Hegerle Carson Hegerle 6'3" | SG West Fargo | 2022 State ND and Brett Limke Brett Limke 6'1" | PG West Fargo | 2022 State ND . Carson showed a complete game against his rivals by hitting deep shots, attacking the basket strong, making plays for teammates, and not backing down when tasked with guarding the other teams best player. Brett Limke Brett Limke 6'1" | PG West Fargo | 2022 State ND on the other hand set the pace for his team, drove into the lane strong, and was a playmaker the entire game setting guys up for great looks. Other guys in green that I have to mention include Nick Carlson Nick Carlson 6'4" | SF West Fargo | 2022 State ND who was a beast in the paint hustling the entire game, Parker Nelson Parker Nelson 5'11" | SG West Fargo | 2022 State ND because of his production on both ends, and Foday Sheriff who acts as somewhat of a spark off the bench for this West Fargo team. Overall, I was very impressed with how the Packers showed up in this game, and think they have a legit chance to repeat this coming March.
Mustangs
The game on Tuesday against the rival Packers may not have went the way that Sheyenne wanted, but they showed some real promise in certain aspects of the game. Not only do the Mustangs hustle on the defensive end, but they are a tough team who doesn’t back down from anyone. When I watched the two rivals clash earlier this week, it was clear to me that the orange and blue were out skilled in the match-up. But what they lacked in that department, they made up for in working hard, battling on the boards, and playing with good energy. At the forefront of the Sheyenne squad is senior superstar Michael Nhial Michael Nhial 6'7" | SF West Fargo Sheyenne | 2022 State ND , a guy who will be one of the top scorers in all of class A this year. Against the Packers Nhial was in peak form showing off a lethal jab step that lead to a monster slam, solid shooting from the outside, and toughness in the paint both finishing the ball and battling for rebounds. He also showed off this playmaking side by making multiple passes that lead to scores for his teammates. Other guys that impressed me were Dominic Dosmann Dominic Dosmann 6'8" | PF WF Sheyenne | 2022 State ND because of his ability to score on the inside and run the floor, Caleb Duerr Caleb Duerr 6'4" | SG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2024 ND with his smooth looking stroke, and James Hagen James Hagen 5'9" | SG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2022 State ND who is a gritty on-ball defender. Overall, I think that the Mustangs will grow and evolve as the season moves along, and whose to tell where they can be when its time for the postseason to begin.