Four Winds/Minnewaukan: Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For this Season Preview, we are taking a look at one of the top programs in North Dakota. Four Winds/Minnewaukan has made it a habit to be one of the best B teams across the state in recent years. What is new this year? North Dakota has 3-Classes and the Indains are moving up to Class A. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Four Winds/Minnewaukan is still expected to be one of the top teams in North Dakota. They bring back two stars and they have a nice cast of role players. 4WM is a well coached team and they live/breath basketball in that community. It is going to be another fun year of basketball and the Indians will be one of the most entertaining teams out there to watch. Get this team on your watchlist, you will not be disappointed!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team: </strong>Four Winds/Minnewaukan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mascot: </strong>Indian</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> <em>Rick Smith</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong> A</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region:</strong> 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2284466,"width":"200px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/4winds.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/4winds.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2284466" style="width:200px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2022-2023 Team Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>GP:</strong> 24 <strong>Record: </strong>22-2 <strong>PPG:</strong> 69.4 <strong>RPG:</strong> 31.1 <strong>APG:</strong> 14.6 <strong>SPG:</strong> 14.1 <strong>BPG:</strong> 2.6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FG%:</strong> 46 <strong>2FGM:</strong> 560 <strong>2FG%:</strong> 56 <strong>3FGM:</strong> 124 <strong>3FG%:</strong> 25 <strong>FTM:</strong> 174 <strong>FT%:</strong> 60</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Returning Statistical Leaders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1144580' first='Deng' last='Deng'] - 24 GP, 22.8 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 55 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1144581' first='Dalen' last='Leftbear'] - 22 GP, 16 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 55 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1185124' first='Wade' last='Nestell'] - 24 GP, 7.8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 2.9 apg, 46 FG% </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1563465' first='Keyshawn' last='St. Pierre'] - 24 GP, 5.3 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 1.8 apg, 49 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634111,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1634111" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Q&amp;A with coach <em>Rick Smith</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How would you sum up last season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>What could have been. Injuries. We were following up another great year last year, winning 46 straight games until losing to Shiloh late in the year. In the first game of the Regional Tournament, we lost a player that we really couldn't afford to lose. When [player_tooltip player_id='1144581' first='Dalen' last='Leftbear'] went down with an injury in the opening game of the Regional Tournament, we didn't have time to adjust, and it cost us our 2nd loss of the season to North Star. Even though we were in the game until the end, we couldn't overcome the loss of Leftbear. Even though we all know injuries are part of the game, losing Leftbear, took away our best defender and 2nd overall best offensive player. Even though it was a great year for us it was a disappointing ending.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did the off-season go for your team?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>The offseason was very busy again as it usually is for our program. We attended several team camps in Bismarck, Devils Lake, Minneapolis, NDSU, and our own annual camp. The boys stayed busy in the weight room and fitness centers working on their programs.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are your top players to watch this season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>On our team, [player_tooltip player_id='1144580' first='Deng' last='Deng'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1144581' first='Dalen' last='Leftbear'] are two of the better seniors in the state. They are in their third year in the starting line-up. They have continued to work on their game in and out of the gym year-round. [player_tooltip player_id='1185124' first='Wade' last='Nestell'], will be at the point guard spot again this year. He is very quick and a pest on the defensive side of the floor. Wade is also a very underrated shooter. Kylon Keja started every game for us last year. Kylon is by far our strongest player on the floor. He can play multiple positions. [player_tooltip player_id='1563465' first='Keyshawn' last='St. Pierre'] was our 6th man last year and is a very scrappy guard on the defensive side of the ball, he will be battling for a starting spot on this team. [player_tooltip player_id='1894874' first='Keilan' last='Longie'], [player_tooltip player_id='1894932' first='Jonte' last='Delorme'], [player_tooltip player_id='1894947' first='Ron' last='McKay'] Jr. could also be battling for a starting spot on this team. They all bring a unique and different quality to this team. Other players to watch for are Clayton Dubois, Richard Cavanaugh, Kashton Keja, Greyson Delorme, and [player_tooltip player_id='2344136' first='Dorvan' last='McKay'] are all players looking for varsity playing time.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some of your young up-n-coming guys to watch?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We have a very talented sophomore and freshmen class of players. [player_tooltip player_id='1894932' first='Jonte' last='Delorme'], Clayton Dubois, Richard Cavanaugh, Tyler Black, and [player_tooltip player_id='1363917' first='Marial' last='Deng'] (back in January from knee injury) lead a very nice group of sophomores. [player_tooltip player_id='1894872' first='Joran' last='Lohnes'], [player_tooltip player_id='2284888' first='Dayson' last='Dubois'], [player_tooltip player_id='2284889' first='Lander' last='Guy'], [player_tooltip player_id='2284890' first='Wambli' last='Yankton'] are very talented freshmen.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What style of basketball will you play?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>As always we like the up-tempo type of game on the offensive end, with limited turnovers. We have guys that can run the floor. On the defensive end, constant pressure on opposing teams. Besides Deng and Leftbear we are not very big, but have very quick guards.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Do you have any team goals for the season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Entering a new division of basketball, our goals are to always improve at every practice every game, every tournament and hope the end result will be positive. We want to try and outwork every opponent that we play to give ourselves a chance to win.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who do you see as the top teams in the Region?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Devils Lake: Very talented senior and junior class, that have played in big games in the top division of basketball last year. They will be a big challenge to every team year in and year out.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Grafton: Bring back talented guards that have a lot of experience.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Hillsboro: Bring back talented big men, that pose a problem for the smaller teams.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Thompson: Losing one of their best players this year will hurt, but bringing back some talented players with State experience.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Indians Schedule</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">OPPONENT</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LOCATION</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td>12/9</td><td>Oak Grove</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>12/14</td><td>Grafton</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>12/16</td><td>Wahpeton</td><td>Wahpeton</td></tr><tr><td>12/21</td><td>Devils Lake</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>12/23</td><td>Central Cass</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>12/29</td><td>Dickinson Trinity</td><td>Minot</td></tr><tr><td>12/30</td><td>Beulah</td><td>Minot</td></tr><tr><td>1/4</td><td>Rugby</td><td>Rugby</td></tr><tr><td>1/6</td><td>Standing Rock</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>1/11</td><td>Carrington</td><td>Minnewaukan</td></tr><tr><td>1/15</td><td>Dunseith</td><td>Dunseith</td></tr><tr><td>1/19</td><td>Turtle Mountain</td><td>Devils Lake</td></tr><tr><td>1/20</td><td>Kindred</td><td>Devils Lake</td></tr><tr><td>1/26</td><td>Thompson</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>2/1</td><td>Grafton</td><td>Grafton</td></tr><tr><td>2/3</td><td>Hillsboro/CV</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>2/6</td><td>Devils Lake</td><td>Devils Lake</td></tr><tr><td>2/13</td><td>Carrington</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>2/17 </td><td>Shiloh Christian</td><td>Four Winds</td></tr><tr><td>2/23</td><td>Hillsboro/CV</td><td>Hillsboro</td></tr><tr><td>2/27</td><td>Thompson</td><td>Thompson</td></tr><tr><td>3/4-3/7</td><td>Class A Regionals</td><td>Mayville</td></tr><tr><td>3/9</td><td>State Qualifier</td><td>Fargo/SHAC</td></tr><tr><td>3/14-3/16</td><td>State A Tournament</td><td>FargoDome</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800","fontSize":"20px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:20px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800">Best of luck to the Indians!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2284466,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/4winds.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/11/4winds.jpg?w=700" alt="" class="wp-image-2284466" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->