Under The Radar Players: EDC Edition

<p>In this article I discuss some players in the EDC that I've felt have went "under the radar" so far this season. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1133064" first="Kaleb" last="Larson"]</p> <p>So far this season we have seen senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="1133064" first="Kaleb" last="Larson"] play an important role for the Sheyenne Mustangs. As of today Larson is averaging 13.4 points and 6 rebounds per game, with around two of those rebounds coming on the offensive end every contest. Some things that have impressed me while watching Kaleb include his commitment to the defensive end, his range from the three point line, and his passion for the game. If he continues this type of play, don’t be surprised to see the Mustangs atop of the EDC standings come March. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1135484" first="Sam" last="Strandell"]</p> <p>In the games played so far this year for Grand Forks Central, senior [player_tooltip player_id="1135484" first="Sam" last="Strandell"] has been quietly having a great season. With averages of 14 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, Sam is not a player to be taken lightly. Although his team is not having the start they wanted, Strandell is a guy who can put the ball in the hoop, hustle on the defensive end, and is a tough nosed competitor. As the games continue and the year moves forward, I will be interested to see if the Knights can get on the right path and string together some much needed wins. </p> <p>Erick Paye</p> <p>Coming in as another under the radar player on Grand Forks Central is sophomore Erick Paye. This season the Knight is putting up 17.1 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block per game. From what I’ve seen of Erick he has good hands on defense, is not afraid to slam one home on a fast break, can send a shot out of bounds, and plays with energy. As just a sophmore, this kid has a lot of promise and potential, and I can’t wait to see his evolution unfold. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1159546" first="Adam" last="Bitz"]</p> <p>Although it has been a rough start for the Valley City Hi-Liners, there is a bright spot in senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="1159546" first="Adam" last="Bitz"]. Up until now Adam has been averaging 13.8 points and two shots from beyond the arc per game. After watching some of his tape I noticed that he is not bothered by a defender contesting his shot, he can shoot the three off of a screen or stationary, and Adam has solid hands on defense. For the Hi-Liners to get in the win column, I believe that Bitz will need to keep up his play as the season moves on, or even raise it. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1138811" first="Reis" last="Rowekamp"]</p> <p>For a team that has its share of great guards, junior [player_tooltip player_id="1138811" first="Reis" last="Rowekamp"] has had no problem finding success on this Red River squad. So far this season the RoughRider is putting up 13.2 points and 2.2 assists per game, all while shooting 50% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. From what I’ve seen Reis has a smooth stroke from the outside, can take it to the hoop, and plays with confidence. For this talented team to climb its way toward the top of the standings, they could use production like this from Rowekamp the rest of the way. </p> <p>All of these stats we taken from the EDC Boys' Basketball website the morning of January 10th*</p>