North Dakota Preview: Hillsboro/Central Valley
Hillsboro/Central Valley can make a strong case as the second best team in the state a year ago despite not even making the state tournament. The Burros lost three times to Thompson, the Class B state champs, but defeated numerous…
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Continue ReadingHillsboro/Central Valley can make a strong case as the second best team in the state a year ago despite not even making the state tournament. The Burros lost three times to Thompson, the Class B state champs, but defeated numerous other top-notch teams throughout the season. With a senior-heavy group back that includes all five starters, H/CV will enter the 2019-20 season as the No. 1 team in Class B.
GO-TO Guy: Carson Henningsgard
A top-three candidate for Mr. Basketball in the state, Henningsgard is one of the most decorated players in North Dakota in recent years. He helped the Burros win state titles as a freshman and sophomore before earning all-state honors last year while averaging 21 points and seven assists.
The 6-foot-2 point guard is one of the best in the state when it comes to controlling the game and he showed this past summer playing on the AAU circuit that he’s capable of effectively running a team and piling up points against enhanced competition.
FILLING KEY ROLES: Landen Reed, Patrick Limke, Joseph Camrud, Oscar Benson
The Burros have an excellent roster with guys who fill in perfectly around Henningsgard. They have guys who can shoot, attack gaps, rebound, set screens and defend. All the boxes are checked with the exception of pure height.
Reed played AAU over the summer and returns as the team’s No. 2 scorer. He’s a strong shooter on the wing, can get to the rim and make plays in complementary fashion. And he’s a terrific defensive piece who can lock up opposing top scorers.
Limke averaged nearly 11 points per game a year ago and is arguably the team’s top shooter. He’s excellent off the ball and is a nightmare for teams to account for when they are also trying to key in on Henningsgard and Reed.
Camrud and Benson man the frontcourt spots and while neither is a particularly featured offensive player, they are extremely important to Hillsboro’s hopes this winter. Camrud is one of the better area rebounders in Class B and can cause problems as a screener and diver at the rim. Benson provides a physical presence and can defend up or down an opposing lineup, checking the guys who are typically mismatches against other teams.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Hillsboro/Central Valley has been one of the best programs in North Dakota for a while now and this team has a chance to be the best one its had. There’s no shortage of experience or talent and these guys have been through a lot together – and won a lot already. The Burros are a legitimate state title favorite and while there are a number of strong teams returning this winter, they’ve got the best collection of high-end talent and experience.