North Dakota Preview: Kindred
Kindred won’t go into the year as the favorite in Region 1, but the Vikings have the talent to not only win the region, but beat anybody in the state. Kindred won 20 games a year ago, losing only to…
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Continue ReadingKindred won’t go into the year as the favorite in Region 1, but the Vikings have the talent to not only win the region, but beat anybody in the state. Kindred won 20 games a year ago, losing only to Richland (twice) and Hillsboro/Central Valley. With three starters back, the Vikings will go into the year as a fringe top-five team.
KEY RETURNERS: Gavin Keller, Andrew Freier, Dawson Schaffer
The Vikings have a terrific trio back in the fold in Keller, Freier and Schaffer.
Keller, a 6-foot-8 center, is one of the best prospects in North Dakota’s 2021 class. He’s an exceptionally skilled big man, possessing a solid shooting touch to the 3-point line, along with a toughness and finishing ability to produce in the paint. He’s one of the best two-way players in Class B and a true fulcrum for the Vikings on both ends.
Frier was arguably the team’s most consistent perimeter scorer a year ago, showing he can create his own offense while also creating for his teammates in secondary fashion. He’s the definition of solid on the perimeter and will step into an even more prominent role as a featured offensive piece.
Schaffer emerged as a really solid third scorer for the Vikings and finished the year on a high note, averaging 14.7 points per game in the postseason. He’s an athletic wing who does a great job getting to the paint and making plays. He’s also a capable defender.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Kadin Olson, Gunnar Braaten
Olson and Braaten were role players a year ago and will return with opportunities to earn heavy minutes this year. Olson should slide right into an open spot on the wing, providing defense and complementary scoring.
Braaten is a combo guard who can play on or off the ball and while he’s undersized, Kindred’s length at the other four positions should allow him to focus a lot of his energy into hounding opposing ball-handlers.
The Vikings will need to develop some depth going into the year. Their core is solid and will likely eat up a good chunk of the minutes at least in the early going and in critical junctures, but finding young guys who can fill roles off the bench or emerge into surprise roles could be a key for this team unlocking its potential.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Kindred was one of the best teams in Class B a year ago and could be even better this year. A lot of it depends on Keller and the steps he can take. If he takes that typical sophomore-to-junior jump and becomes consistently dominant, the Vikings have the component pieces to win multiple games in the state tournament. They’ll have to contend with Richland a number of other challengers in what should be a very strong Region 1, but they are every bit a legitimate contender.