Season Update: Central Cass

Casselton, ND - The Squirrels from Central Cass are undefeated on the year with a perfect 7-0 record. CC plays in Region-1. It is a stacked region with Kindred and Enderlin sitting at the top and both are highly ranked in ND. Central Cass has been receiving votes in the State Polls, and I would guess that they break into the Top 10 this week. Look out for the PHD Power Rankings, the Squirrels will be in that article. CC likes to play an up and down game that is fast-paced. They thrive on turnovers and deflections with a full-court press and pressure in the halfcourt. Read below for the Central Cass schedule, scores, quotes from coach Norman, and info on the players. <h4>Insight from Coach Matteson Norman</h4> "We’re really proud of how hard this team works defensively. They have done a nice job of forcing our opponents into turning the ball over and giving us extra possessions offensively." "We have a pretty young team this year, but they are ’basketball guys’ who have bought into our culture and do a great job of lifting each other up and holding ourselves accountable." "Going forward, our season only gets more challenging with some great region and non-region matchups. If we can continue to play solid team defense and attack the rim offensively without settling for poor shots, we can put together a successful season. We will need our leaders to guide us through the months to come; especially as we get closer to tournament time. I couldn’t be prouder of this group of guys and how hard they work! They love the process of getting better each day and celebrating everyone’s successes." <h4>Top Squirrels</h4> [player_tooltip player_id="1111886" first="Sam" last="Kobbervig"] (2023) |6-1 G| 11.9 ppg, 3.3 rpg. He is a gym rat and a pure hooper. Sam is a stud in all aspects of the game. Look for his 3-pt shooting % to go up as the season goes on. When shooting inside the arc, Kobbervig is crushing it. Sam is efficient at the rim. He leads CC in steals and he is a tough defender. Sam also rebounds well for a guard. Look for Kobbervig to be an All-Region player this season. [player_tooltip player_id="1123709" first="Jake" last="Deutsch"] (2022) |6-1 G| 11.3 ppg, 3.4 rpg. He is running the PG for the red and white. Jake is the motor and NRG for CC. He is a downhill player and a gifted athlete. Deutsch finishes and attacks with both hands. He has done a nice job of taking care of the ball. Jake is a gamer and a rock on D. [player_tooltip player_id="1144577" first="Carter" last="Vrchota"] (2024) |6-1 G| 12.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg. He has been showing out so far this season. On defense, Carter is a pesky problem. He is clever on both sides of the ball and an opportunistic scorer. When CC needs a big bucket, look for Vrchota. [player_tooltip player_id="1176197" first="Mason" last="Bosse"] (2023) |5-11 G| 3.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg. He had an ankle sprain early in the year, but Bosse is back and ready to roll. Mason is a crafty player and finisher. His mid-range jumper is spot on. Mason is a spark plug and a smart player off the bench for CC. Alex Everson (2022) |5-11 G| 1.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg. He really stepped up this season when Holzer was out. Alex has bought into the culture at CC and he is a super hard worker. On defense, Alex makes the offensive player earn it. On offense, Alex is unselfish and efficient. [player_tooltip player_id="1144578" first="Cole" last="Holzer"] (2024) |6-6 F| 14 ppg, 7.3 rpg. He is a stud, but Cole has missed the last 3 games because of an ankle sprain. The big and long lefty can score from all 3 levels. Cole scores on the block, off the bounce, in the pick-n-roll game, and from in-rhythm shooting. Holzer is a tough rebounder, especially on the O-glass. Owen Wiersma (2023) |6-1 F| 1 ppg, 1.7 rpg. He stands out because of his effort. Owen is a grinder, role player, defender, and a vital piece to the CC success. [player_tooltip player_id="1273709" first="Carter" last="Maasjo"] (2024) |6-3 F| 2 ppg, 1.7 rpg. He is a bull! Carter is a spark plug off the bench. Maasjo is scrappy and he has a nose for the ball. Carter is a physical player that never misses a box out. [player_tooltip player_id="1176208" first="Eli" last="Buhr"] (2024) |6-1 G| 9 ppg, 1.9 rpg. He is a serious 3-point shooter. When it leaves Eli’s hands it is pure and true to the mark. When teams zone CC, Buhr will be the zone buster. He knows how to get open and Eli steps up when CC needs a score. [player_tooltip player_id="1176203" first="Tyler" last="Cruchet"] (2024) |6-0 G/F| 1.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg. He is the glue guy and the man that keeps the Squirrels together. His heart is big enough for the entire team. Tyler is not afraid to sacrifice his body for the team, he is willing to take a charge. Cruchet is an athletic and physical player that is tough defensively. Tyler will dive on the floor and run through a wall for his team. Squirrel Schedule May-Port-C-G W 50-42 Maple River W 72-36 Midway/Minto W 72-54 Thompson W 47-45 New Rockford-Sheyenne W 82-22 Lisbon W 59-56 Wyndmere/Lidgerwood W 70-42 Jan 13 @ Carrington Jan 18 @ Jamestown Civic vs. Linton Jan 20 home vs. Hankinson Jan 24 home vs. Enderlin Jan 27 @ Oak Grove Jan 29 home vs. Hillsboro/Central Valley Jan 31 @ Northern Cass Feb 8 home vs. Kindred Feb 12 @ Ellendale Feb 14 home vs. Richland Feb 19 @ NDSCS vs. Tri-State Feb 25 @ Sargent County