North Dakota Team Preview: Fargo Davies

<em>***Photo Credit: Dickinson Press***</em> <span style="font-weight: 400">Fargo Davies won 23 games a year ago, winning the Eastern Dakota Conference Title, the EDC Tournament title and earning a trip to the state tournament. There, the Eagles picked up two more wins but lost to Bismarck Legacy by 30 in the opening game. There’s a lot of talent back in the fold for Davies this winter.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Must Be Replaced:</strong> Reagan Linster, Carly Kottsick, Grace Geffre,  </span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Davies loses three valuable players in Geffre, Linster and Kottsick. Not only was that trio talented and productive, but their ability to impact the game extended beyond the box score. The Eagles allowed just 52 points per game a year ago and their defensive prowess was a big key in that effort. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Key Returners:</strong> Alyssa Paper, Lauren Fyhrie, Julia Schock</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">In Paper, the Eagles have one of the best guards in the state. An all-league player a year ago, Paper will assume an even bigger role in the offense this year as she’s not only the team’s top scorer, but likely its best facilitator and shot-creator. Fyhrie will take on a bigger responsibility with Lexi Similie-Askew out with an injury. Schock is one of the team’s top returners on the wing and will be asked to provide more offensive production this winter. </span> <span style="font-weight: 400"><strong>Players to Watch:</strong> Brooklyn Koenig, Ryleigh Wacha, Taylor Fey, Ellen Donat</span> <span style="font-weight: 400">Fey, Wacha and Koenig earned minutes last year as freshmen and will assume larger roles this winter. With the Eagles graduating three key seniors, there will be a lot of minutes available all over the floor and the logical people in line to fill up those positions are those three. Ellen Donat is a player to watch as well. </span> <strong>Season Outlook</strong> <span style="font-weight: 400">Fargo Davies won 23 games a year ago which included a pair of wins in the state tournament. The Eagles return a number of talented players and while they’ll lean on some young players, they’ve got enough experience and talent to contend for another EDC title. It’s clear that the Eagles are a tier below some of the elite teams out west, but Fargo Davies certainly has a chance to grow into a state title contender with time. </span>