North Dakota Preview: Richland
Kindred may be the defending state champions. But the Vikings will have to earn another trip to state this year. Richland lost to Kindred in the Region 1 final last year and returns its entire team including all-state guard Megan…
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Continue ReadingKindred may be the defending state champions. But the Vikings will have to earn another trip to state this year. Richland lost to Kindred in the Region 1 final last year and returns its entire team including all-state guard Megan Roob. After going 16-6 last year, the Colts should have high expectations for 2019-20.
GO-TO PLAYER: Megan Roob
An all-state pick as a freshman, Roob averaged 24 points, 3.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 3.5 steals per game. She’s one of the best all-around players in the state and undoubtedly one of the toughest players to defend. She’s a good outside shooter with deep range and has the quickness and explosiveness to get to the paint and finish at will. She’s a capable rebounder and facilitator, and does a good job putting pressure on opposing ball-handlers defensively. She’ll be among the leaders in Class B scoring this winter.
KEY RETURNERS: Kaitlyn Wagner, Mckenzie Johnson, Rylee Hendrickson, Paige Hasbargen, Katlyn Erickson, Tessa Smith,
Richland has a solid collection of role players back in the fold this winter though Roob was the only double-figure scorer on the team.
Kaitlyn Wagner and McKenzie Johnson started and were the second and third leading scorers last year, each having their share of standout performances. Johnson gives the team good length up front and is a solid finisher in the paint.
Erickson started and gives the Colts a capable ball-handler on the wing and someone who can handle the ball and create in moments where Roob is off the ball.
Rylee Hendrickson and Tessa Smith are capable interior players who give the Colts solid depth at the forward spots. Hasbargen was a solid rotation piece a year ago and will have an opportunity to earn even more playing time this season.
QUESTION: Can the Colts find offense after Roob?
Richland wasn’t a bad offensive team last year but almost half of the team’s points came from Roob. That’s an awful big burden for one player to carry and against good teams, if she wasn’t amazing, the Colts had a hard time generating points. Teams will load up to slow her down and even if she’s capable of putting up bulk scoring numbers, the Colts will need players like Johnson, Wagner and Erickson to produce consistent offense.
OUTLOOK
Richland won 16 games and reached the Region 1 final last year; and the Colts have the talent to enjoy just as much or more success this year. Roob is a star and only a sophomore, so she’ll be even better as she gets stronger and continues to see more. Everyone else is a year older and hopefully a little stronger, smarter or more skilled. The Colts won’t be the favorite to come out of Region 1 obviously with Kindred around, but they are good enough to give the Vikings a run.