North Dakota Preview: Region 2 Top Players

Matt Bigelow

September 15, 2020 @ 02:00 PM

It’s never too early for too-early-season. With fall sports and school underway, it’s only a matter of time before the winter sports season is upon us. With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the top players in Region 2 [player_tooltip player_id="98709" first="Carlee" last="Sieben"], Grafton Sieben was an all-state selection for the second year in a row, leading Grafton to the state title game while averaging nearly 20 points and six assists. She’s the orchestrator for perhaps the best offensive team in the state and is capable of controlling a game better than just about any player in the state. Kenzie Hughes, Thompson Hughes took her game to greater heights as a junior, averaging 21 points, six rebounds and four assists while earning all-state honors for the second year in a row. She’s an elite-level defensive player who spearheads one of the best defensive teams in the state. Now she’s got an incredible amount of offensive responsibility. Her influence on the game is vast and if Thompson is going to contend in Region 2, it’ll be in large part because Hughes is elite. [player_tooltip player_id="197561" first="Cassie" last="Sieben"], Grafton Sieben’s been a rock-solid player for years for the Spoilers and her ability to provide scoring, shooting, complementary playmaking and top-notch defense is a big reason why Grafton has been one of the best three or four teams in the state in recent years. She averaged 12 points per game a year ago and while her numbers may not look much better as a senior because the whole team is back, her impact on the game can’t be understated. [player_tooltip player_id="98647" first="Elizabeth" last="Schanilec"], Midway/Minto Schanilec stuffs the stat sheet for Midway/Minto and is one of the best guards in the state on both ends of the floor. She’s terrific defensively, applying pressure at the point of attack and triggering transition scoring opportunities. Her ability to generate quality shots for herself and her teammates is rare and she’s an effective multi-level scorer. April Schmitz, Midway/Minto Schmitz pairs with Schanilec to form one of the best tandems in the region and makes Midway/Minto a potential darkhorse to make some noise this year. She’s got the length and athleticism to challenge people on the defensive end of the floor, and she can guard multiple positions. And her ability to get out in transition, as well as create her own shot in the halfcourt makes her a nightmare to defend. [player_tooltip player_id="98713" first="Julia" last="Dusek"], Grafton Dusek is an all-region player on the wing and a matchup nightmare for people because of her combination of size and skill. At 6-feet tall, she’s longer and stronger than a lot of smaller guards but more athletic and skilled enough to abuse generally bigger defenders. She averaged 13 points and six rebounds for the Spoilers and is one of the key x-factors for a team that is expected to contend for a state championship. [player_tooltip player_id="100425" first="Walker" last="Demers"], Grafton Demers’ development could be a big key in just how high the ceiling is for this year’s Grafton team. She was very good as a freshman, averaging better than nine points and nine rebounds while anchoring the defense. She averaged a double-double in the state tournament, helping the Spoilers reach the state championship game. If she continues to ascend and blossom into an elite-level center, this Spoilers team will be the easy favorite to win a title. Kasey Stegman, Drayton/Valley-Edinburg Stegman was one of the most consistent scorers in the region as a junior and gets it done for a team that struggled mightily on the offensive end of the floor. She’s the length and athleticism to score in multiple ways, she can rebound and she’s a solid defender. If Drayton/Valley-Edinburg is going to make a move up the Region 2 ladder, Stegman will have to be a big part of the solution.