EDC Match-up of the Year: Davies v. Sheyenne

<p>Wow, in all of the EDC games I’ve watched so far this season, none of them have quite lived up to the Sheyenne and Davies meeting I witnessed on Saturday. The match-up of these two top teams brought everything you love to see in a basketball game. A desire to win, emotion, trash talk, hustle, and confidence, all things that were displayed this past weekend. With the Mustangs and Eagles still being tied for first in the conference sitting at a 13-2 record, this game was a statement to who was truly the superior team in the East. As a basketball writer and fan I expected noting short of memorable as the top offensive team and top defensive team juked it out on the court, and I did not leave disappointed. In the end Bart Manson and his squad were just too much to handle and took Sheyenne out 70-64. With that being said let’s dive into how some of the best players in the area contributed to last Saturday’s spectacle. </p> <p>Davies Eagles</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1169136" first="Mason" last="Klabo"] - As just a freshman and already one of the best players in the state, [player_tooltip player_id="1169136" first="Mason" last="Klabo"] did not disappoint against the Sheyenne Mustangs. The Eagle’s guard scored the ball with confidence, was a vocal leader on the court for his team, and had his hands all over the place getting a multitude of steals. Mason also helped set the pace for his team on offense and directed traffic not being shy to call out what he saw. At such a young age with the confidence, IQ, and swagger that this kid plays with, I can only image where he will go from here. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="812229" first="Ian" last="Motschenbacher"] - Completing the best backcourt in the EDC is senior guard [player_tooltip player_id="812229" first="Ian" last="Motschenbacher"]. The Northern State commit sliced Sheyenne up in the mid-range, drove to the rim with confidence, and played with passion. This kid knows how to get things done on both ends of the court, and his experience shined through in the clutch moments against the Mustangs. As we approach March I have no doubt that Ian will play an enormous part in getting the Davies Eagles deep into the postseason. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1050247" first="Raymond" last="Brown"] - Making his presence felt in this game was junior guard [player_tooltip player_id="1050247" first="Raymond" last="Brown"]. Against Sheyenne Brown had a couple fast break scores, hit a shot from beyond the arc, and he was impactful on defense per usual. This season the Davies workhorse has been the most efficient shooter from the three point line in the EDC, something that this team will benefit greatly from as the playoffs grow closer. </p> <p>Other notable contributors - [player_tooltip player_id="1167651" first="Max" last="Froslie"], [player_tooltip player_id="1273987" first="Evan" last="Van Dam"], [player_tooltip player_id="1161486" first="Alex" last="Proctor"]</p> <p>Sheyenne Mustangs</p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1133064" first="Kaleb" last="Larson"] - In the game against Davies this past Saturday, nobody stepped up more than senior [player_tooltip player_id="1133064" first="Kaleb" last="Larson"]. The Mustangs guard hit a whopping seven three pointers, played hard on the defensive end, and didn’t back down in the clutch. In the second half Kaleb caught absolute fire from beyond the arc and single-handedly kept Sheyenne in the game. From what I saw, Larson should be proud of the effort and performance he put on display. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="812221" first="Dominic" last="Dosmann"] - Senior big man [player_tooltip player_id="812221" first="Dominic" last="Dosmann"] played hard during Saturday’s action against Davies. The college prospect displayed skill down low, finished tough around the rim, and showed that he can move well for his size. With the height and skills that he possess, Dominic will be a key factor for the Mustangs at they enter postseason play. </p> <p>[player_tooltip player_id="1133224" first="Zander" last="Newton"] - Another senior that played well against Davies was [player_tooltip player_id="1133224" first="Zander" last="Newton"]. This Sheyenne forward does it all for the Mustangs whether it’s put back layups, rebounding on the defensive end, or using his wingspan to disrupt opposing players shots. Against the Eagles Newton did well at finding open teammates against the zone which kept the offensive flow going. It’s guys like this that help glue a great team together, and it seems like Zander has accepted his role with open arms. </p> <p>Other notable contributors - [player_tooltip player_id="1046354" first="Michael" last="Nhial"], [player_tooltip player_id="1133065" first="James" last="Hagen"], [player_tooltip player_id="812234" first="Trent" last="Freih"]</p>