AREA GAMES TO WATCH: Larimore has all five starters scoring in double figures

Jim Howson has had several big scorers in his 50 years as a high school basketball coach.

But how often has he had a team that's shown the balance of his current Larimore boys basketball team? "Probably never," Howson said. "It's pretty unusual."

The Polar Bears are 6-1 with a team that has all five starters averaging double figures in scoring. They travel to 4-2 Hatton-Northwood, led by high-scoring Jace Pederson, in a matchup of strong North Dakota District 3 teams Tuesday.

Larimore doesn't have a go-to scorer. The Polar Bears have five. Aaron Sletten paces the team with a 14.4 scoring average, followed by Brayden Hofer (12.9 ppg, as well as 11.6 rpg), Trevor Verkuehlen (11.6 ppg), Jake Peterson (10.7 ppg) and Blake Yahna (10.7 ppg).

Each of the five has had game-high point totals in at least one game this season. All five have had three or more double-figure scoring games. All five have scored 17 or more points in a game.

"There always seems to be two or three kids on a team who can score," Howson said. "But you just don't see five kids scoring consistently like this. We don't have anybody who knocks down threes all night or gets 20 points every game. It's balance."

Treys aren't a big part of the offense. Larimore has made only seven three-point shots all season. The balance comes from a lineup that passes well (Yahna, Hofer and Peterson all average at least three assists). The five starters range in height from 6 feet to 6-3.

"It's the first time I've ever had to look up to all five starters," Howson said. "Usually there's at least one shorter guy in a lineup.

"We don't have great shooters. We play an inside-out game; the closer you are to the basket, the better your chances of making a shot. And our fast break has been pretty decent."

There are times when having that one big scorer would be nice, Howson said. "With a few seconds left in a close game, you'd like to know you have that scorer who wants the ball.

"But I like the balance. Defenses don't know who to concentrate on. I think it makes it hard to defend us."

Larimore's style contrasts the Hatton-Northwood offense.

Hatton-Northwood has one of the dominant scorers in Region 2 in Pederson. The junior averages 20.7 points and has three games with 23 or more points, with a high of 39. Also averaging in double figures are Tyler Holden (10.5 ppg) and Jacob Pladson (10.2 ppg).

"Jace scores most by getting into the paint, but he can score from pretty much anywhere,'' H-N coach Keenan Konschak said. "We do have other guys who can hit shots. But we can't count on it from game to game. You would rather have that balance.''

The Larimore game is the first of two key district matchups this week for the Thunder. They play at Hillsboro-Central Valley on Friday; Hatton-Northwood edged the Burros 64-63 on Dec. 19 behind Pederson's 26 points.

Other area games to watch this week include:

Boys basketball

• Crookston at Roseau, Thursday: The game features two of this season's top players in Section 8AA, guard Jacob Eaton for the Rams and post player Emmanuel McCullough for Crookston. The Pirates beat Roseau 68-53 earlier this season.

• Grafton at Cavalier, Saturday: This is the first meeting between the perennial Region 2 powers since the Tornadoes beat Grafton 57-50 in last season's region championship game. Cavalier is off to a 7-1 start while the Spoilers are 6-2.

Boys hockey

• Warroad at Roseau, Thursday: One of the top rivalries in the area resumes with both teams on a roll. Roseau (9-3-0) has won eight straight. Goalie Ryan Anderson (1.58 goals-against average, .930 save percentage) faces a challenge as Warroad (11-2-1, five straight wins) has the state's top three scorers in Jared Bethune (53), Kobe Roth (52) and Kyle Sylvester (48). Roseau has its own big three in Cole Bjugson (34 points), Zach Yon (33) and Alex Strand (32).

Wrestling

• Mahnomen-Waubun dual tournament, Friday: The annual tournament usually draws top teams from around Minnesota Section 8A and is a preview of the section dual tournament.

DeVillers reports on sports. Call him at (701) 780-1128, (800) 477-6572 ext. 1128 or send e-mail to gdevillers@gfherald.com .