North Dakota First Look: Langdon/Edmore/Munich
LEM went 23-3 last season, winning 20 straight games while reaching the state tournament and finishing hte season with two straight wins to claim the consolation finish in Class B. The Cardinals did that without any seniors and an underclassman…
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Continue ReadingLEM went 23-3 last season, winning 20 straight games while reaching the state tournament and finishing hte season with two straight wins to claim the consolation finish in Class B. The Cardinals did that without any seniors and an underclassman heavy roster. With that entire core back, the expectations are high for this team heading into 2019-20.
GO-TO PLAYER: Callie Ronningen
A first-team all-state guard, Ronningen stuffed the stat sheet last year to the tune of 19 points, seven rebounds and four assists per game. She doesn’t have a hole in her game, as she’s smart, long, athletic and highly skilled. She’s a strong defender and keys a team that can claim elite status on that end of the floor and she’s the one the Cardinals count on when in need of a bucket.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Morgan Freije
Freije started as a freshman last season and averaged nearly 10 points and seven rebounds as the team’s third-fiddle offensively. Her role likely won’t change much with Ronningen and Kaitlynn Scherr remain as the team’s top two scorers, but her impact on the game and level of consistency should only increase as she grows older. She’s a skilled finisher and has the length and athleticism to be a menace in the paint and her defense on the back line helps key LEM’s high-pressure defense.
QUESTION: Can the Cardinals get to state for the third year in a row?
There aren’t a lot of holes on this LEM team. The Cardinals are big, athletic, experienced and skilled. They’ll be one of the favorites in Class B and the favorite again in Region 4. Region 4 is one of the best in the state though as they’ll likely have to go through Four Winds/Minnewaukan again.
OUTLOOK
LEM was one of the elite teams in Class B last year and there’s no reason to think the Cardinals won’t be one again this year. With all five starters back including all-state guard Callie Ronningen, this team is the ideal combination of talented and experienced. They are extremely tough on defense and