EDC Tournament First Round Preview

<p>The playoffs are finally here and that means its time to preview the first round of the Eastern Dakota Conference tournament. With a great crop of teams, and tons of talented players stepping onto the hardwood this March, I think we are in for a real treat. </p> <p>#8 Grand Forks Central @ #1 Fargo Davies 7pm</p> <p>Its never easy being the team that has to face the top seed in the first round, but thats exactly what the Knights will have to do. Central is challenged with an uphill battle of trying to upset the highest scoring group in the East. The Davies Eagles have in my opinion the best backcourt in the conference, along with size down low and a couple of reliable players off the bench. I must also mention that the Maroon and Gold are near the top of every defensive category meaning that they are the most all around dangerous team in this tournament. With guys like [player_tooltip player_id="1169136" first="Mason" last="Klabo"], [player_tooltip player_id="812229" first="Ian" last="Motschenbacher"], [player_tooltip player_id="1050247" first="Raymond" last="Brown"], [player_tooltip player_id="1167651" first="Max" last="Froslie"], and more, this team is a must watch during the next few weeks. On Centrals side we will see talented players like Erick Paye, [player_tooltip player_id="1135484" first="Sam" last="Strandell"], Ross Wilber, and Jack Simmers try to execute the most important win of their season. </p> <p>#5 Fargo Shanley @ #4 Grand Forks Red River 7pm</p> <p>With the Deacons traveling to Grand Forks to play the RoughRiders, I believe that this will be the most competitive game of the first round. On Red Rivers side we have a squad that bests Shanley in scoring, free throw percentage, three point percentage and makes per game, rebound margin, and turnover margin. They’ve also got stud players like [player_tooltip player_id="812222" first="Paine" last="Parks"], [player_tooltip player_id="1115649" first="Zach" last="Kraft"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1138811" first="Reis" last="Rowekamp"] to help lead their way. The Deacons on the other hand top RR in points against per game, opponent field goal percentage, and opponent three point percentage. Their key guys consist of [player_tooltip player_id="1128188" first="Conner" last="Kraft"], [player_tooltip player_id="1123122" first="Tyler" last="Kraft"], and Jack Pollert.</p> <p>#7 Fargo South @ #2 West Fargo Sheyenne 7:30pm</p> <p>In this inner city game the Fargo South Bruins will have to face the top defense in the Eastern Dakota Conference. Sheyenne has used their size and length to disrupt opponents all year long, and I have a feeling they will try to continue that this postseason. The Mustangs lead the East in scoring defense, opponents field goal percentage, and opponents three point percentage. They also have exciting talent in [player_tooltip player_id="1046354" first="Michael" last="Nhial"], [player_tooltip player_id="1133064" first="Kaleb" last="Larson"], [player_tooltip player_id="812221" first="Dominic" last="Dosmann"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1133224" first="Zander" last="Newton"]. Fargo South on the other hand have the top three point percentage in the conference. Their players to watch include [player_tooltip player_id="1317710" first="James" last="Hamilton"], [player_tooltip player_id="1135490" first="Zunekia" last="McGill"], [player_tooltip player_id="1359828" first="Cole" last="Kegbeh"], and Dean Grant.  </p> <p>#6 Fargo North @ #3 West Fargo High 7pm</p> <p>Lastly we’ve got the defending State champion Packers facing off with the talented young crop from Fargo North. West Fargo has been an all around good team this season landing top five in scoring, points against per game, three throw percentage, field goal percentage, steals per game, etc. Some players who are crucial to their success are [player_tooltip player_id="812219" first="Carson" last="Hegerle"], [player_tooltip player_id="812231" first="Brett" last="Limke"], [player_tooltip player_id="1161460" first="Nick" last="Carlson"], [player_tooltip player_id="1385223" first="Foday" last="Sheriff"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1046355" first="Parker" last="Nelson"]. These guys are a talented group, and will fight tooth and nail to repeat as champions. On the other end the Spartans are near the top in scoring offense, number one when shooting from the stripe, and they make the most three pointers per game. Players who I think will be key if they are to beat West Fargo include [player_tooltip player_id="1144475" first="Jeremiah" last="Sem"], [player_tooltip player_id="1144600" first="Carter" last="Zeller"], [player_tooltip player_id="812228" first="Luke" last="Loberg"], and [player_tooltip player_id="1135520" first="Isaac" last="Cody"].  </p>