North Dakota First Look: Rugby
Rugby was a top-10 team in Class B throughout last winter but the Panthers turned on the jets late in the season, beating multiple top-flight teams on their way through the Region 6 tournament and through the Class B state…
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Continue ReadingRugby was a top-10 team in Class B throughout last winter but the Panthers turned on the jets late in the season, beating multiple top-flight teams on their way through the Region 6 tournament and through the Class B state tournament before losing to Kindred in the state title game. With only one starter back, the Panthers will rely on internal growth in hopes of another strong year.
GO-TO PLAYER: Brooke Blessum
Blessum was one of Rugby’s top players last year, averaging 10 points and 4.6 rebounds as a sophomore. She scored in double figures 14 times a year ago and had some very good games against tough competition including 19 against Kindred, 19 against Velva and 18 against Shiloh Christian. She’ll need to be much more consistent as an upperclassman, but the offense will run through her.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Tesha Sobolik
Sobolik saw spot minutes last year for the Panthers and showed some flashes of being a player who could step into a bigger role when the time comes. The time is now and she’ll have a big chance to step into a starting role and contribute in a featured role.
QUESTION: Can the Panthers rebuild around the Blessums?
Rugby returns just one starter from last year in Brooke Blessum. Sarah Blessum looks like she’s got a chance to be a really good player as well after playing rotation minutes as a sophomore. She’ll be the go-to perimeter option on the floor. After them though, the Panthers have a lot of questions. Can players like Sobolik, Riley Grove and Isabella McCabe step up and provide meaningful production. That’ll be a big key.
OUTLOOK
Rugby won 22 games a year ago and grinded its way through a tough Region 6 before reaching the state title game. The Panthers lose several really good players from that team and while they don’t have a lot of experience, their class of juniors looks capable of continuing along that winning path. They’ll have to compete with top teams again in their region and there may be some growing pains, but the Panthers should be strong again in 2019-20.