ECI 17U Selects: Preview
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We are talking ECI hoops in this article! ECI 17U Selects is the hot topic and Mason Peterson coaches this squad. This group has played in two tournaments so far this season and ECI hosts their Spring Showcase this weekend.…
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Continue ReadingWe are talking ECI hoops in this article!
ECI 17U Selects is the hot topic and Mason Peterson coaches this squad.
This group has played in two tournaments so far this season and ECI hosts their Spring Showcase this weekend. Local basketball fans should get out this weekend and watch ECI hoop!
I like the looks of this squad, they have all the pieces to put together a nice run in the club season.
See below for the ECI 17U roster, schedule, player comments, and a Q&A session with coach Peterson.
ECI 17U Selects Roster
ECI 17U Selects Schedule
Player Comments from Mason Peterson
Oliver Wirth Oliver Wirth 6'6" | PF Devils Lake | 2025 State ND – “Oliver battles down low and has great footwork in the post. He’s a reliable option for us to score and rebound the ball every possession. He’s got crazy bounce and has already put some people on posters this summer!“
Eric DeBoer Eric DeBoer 6'5" | SG Fargo North | 2025 State ND – “Eric is really smooth with the ball for his size. He plays with great pace that allows him to never really get sped up. He can finish inside and when you leave him open from deep you can expect the ball to go in.“
Carter Baasch Carter Baasch 5'7" | SG Maple River | 2025 State ND – “Carter is a scrappy guard who does all the little things a coach loves. He can handle the rock, attack the paint, and defend on-ball really well. He gives us an energy that other players feed off of.“
Nolan Weidner Nolan Weidner 6'2" | SG Dickinson | 2025 State ND – “Nolan is a great spot-up shooter and when he sees one go in, there’s usually a couple more to follow. He also has a smooth mid-range game that allows him to be a threat off the bounce.“
Fischer Johnson Fischer Johnson 5'11" | CG Minot | 2025 State ND – “Fischer is a flat-out hard worker. He doesn’t take possessions off and he causes problems for the other team’s ball handler. When he’s open he can hit from deep and he’s great in transition at getting to the rim.“
Horatio Willie Horatio Willie 5'11" | PG West Fargo | 2025 State ND – “Horatio brings the energy for us and plays hard. He creates turnovers for us on defense and gives us an extra boost by getting to the rim in transition and finishing.“
Mark Dahlman Mark Dahlman 6'3" | SG Fargo South | 2025 ND – “Mark is a versatile player who can hit shots from downtown. He rebounds the ball well for us and can get to the rim and finish over defenders with his length.“
Carsten Hoff – “Carsten is an athletic guard who can hit shots from deep and is starting to finish through contact around the rim. He’s a smart player that defends well both on and off the ball.“
Landon Bedell Landon Bedell 6'7" | C Minot | 2025 State ND – “Landon is a big and physical post. He moves bodies in the paint and rebounds extremely well. He uses his size to his advantage and plays tough inside. When opposing players drive inside, they might want to think twice about it.“
Q&A with Coach Peterson
PHD: Can you tell me a little about your coaching/basketball background?
“Mason Peterson: I am currently a varsity assistant coach at Horace High School, this is my 4th year coaching ECI , I played ECI from my 15U-17U years, played high school ball at Bismarck Century from ’15-’19.“
PHD: Why are you excited to coach this group?
“This group has a lot of talented players and hard workers. They have the potential to be a really good team! We’ve got players from all over the state so it is always fun to see these kids come together and play ball after being opponents throughout the high school season.“
PHD: What will be the strengths of your team?
“We play unselfish basketball. The ball doesn’t stick in one player’s hands too long. We’ve got guys that play fundamentally sound, and can play through contact inside the paint.“
PHD: What style of basketball will you play?
“Team basketball will be our motto. We look to score in transition but if we don’t get a look right away we want the ball to reverse to the second or third side of the floor so we can get everyone involved. Then playing through the post is how we like to end our possessions.“
PHD: What will your team “hang your hat on”?
“Playing physical and playing together.“
PHD: Who do you predict will be your top defender?
“ Fischer Johnson Fischer Johnson 5'11" | CG Minot | 2025 State ND defends the ball really well. He plays disciplined and makes it tough on ball handlers.“
PHD: What event/tournament are you looking forward to the most?
“Our Prep Hoops tournament in Chicago will be a nice change in scenery and will be a lot of fun to see how we stack up against the competition out there.“
PHD: Do you see your team play man, zone, or a mix of both?
“We want to play man and take pride in keeping our guy in front of us. Our man defense stresses not giving up the middle and having great help-side rotations on dribble penetration.“
PHD: Will your team get together and practice?
“With having guys from all around the state there’s not much of an opportunity to practice. We will get a couple in the night before some tournaments but other than that the players are challenged to use their basketball IQ and skill to hammer home the basic principles on offense and defense.“
PHD: What are your goals for this AAU/grassroots season?
“The main goal is to see these kids improve their game so that when they go back to their high school squads they have a noticeable improvement in their game and IQ.“
PHD: Who are some of the top shooters/scorers?
“ Eric DeBoer Eric DeBoer 6'5" | SG Fargo North | 2025 State ND can shoot with the best of them. He’s got a smooth release and the height to get his shot off over almost any defender.”
“ Oliver Wirth Oliver Wirth 6'6" | PF Devils Lake | 2025 State ND battles for us down low and has great footwork in the paint to go finish in the post. He’s someone we can rely on to get us a bucket at any given time.“
Best of luck to ECI ; we will see you on the PH Circuit in the near future!