On a night that was loaded with big storylines, big moments & stat lines to match, North hosted West Fargo for an early evening taste of what future months may hold. It was the second of three-straight games against state tournament contenders for the Green & White. With it came a palpable buzz all around the court and some of the early sloppiness that can come from being hyped up, on the court.
Some of the mistakes made by early adrenaline didn't prevent Jeremiah Sem from quickly showing why he's one of the best players in the state as he skied for an emphatic dunk. His Spartans held the lead for most of the first half but in championship fashion, West Fargo closed it with a 17 - 4 scoring run to take a 41-35 advantage into the locker room.
They pushed it to 12 after halftime but that advantage proved brief. Carter Zeller got it back down to a five point game but just as quickly Carson Hegerle helped engineer a four-point spurt. Moments later it was at seven and North made their big move. Nathaniel Kallod & Luke Loberg combined for five points and then Isaac Cody went off with the next seven Spartan points to retake the lead.
West Fargo's senior guard Brett Limke went into his bag to keep West Fargo in it, first from deep then a with a couple of shots that are more common when playing HORSE. As the teams traded the lead Loberg showed why free throw practice should not be neglected and Foday Sheriff came through in the clutch from beyond the arc for West Fargo to make it 80-79 with 42 seconds left. Isaac Cody came through again with a fast break layup that could have sealed the win but for Limke's theatrics, hitting the game winner with a shot normally seen in March.
Jeremiah Sem finished with a game-high 26. He was joined in double-figures by Carter Zeller (16), Isaac Cody (15) & Luke Loberg (10).
West Fargo was lead by Brett Limke's 23 while Carson Hegerle had 17 and Nick Carlson & Foday Sheriff each had 14.
Click the pic to see the game gallery
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