Fargo Warriors - 2013 Season Preview

2013 Northern Minnesota Lacrosse Season Preview

This week we will be previewing each of the MBSLA teams that make up the North Division.  Some big changes at a few schools while others try to continue their winning ways or make improvements over last season.  We start our previews today with the Fargo Warriors.

Fargo Warriors 2013 Season Preview

High School: Fargo ND

Coaches:

Ben Fairbanks - Head Coach - 3 Years
Sam Morse - Assistant Coach - 2 Years
Chase Suiter - Assistant Coach - 1 Year

Last Year's Record:

6-6 Conference
11-10 Season 

Key Returning Players:

Fargo  returns 6 of their starting 10 from last year.  The Warriors return several key players from last season.  The attack position will be led by Carter Schulke who was the 2012 MBSLA Scoring Champion.  Returning veterans on defense include long poles Travis Bruse and Joe Noah along with goalie Danny Evenson.  The midfield is position is a led by All Conference Member Ben Noah along with Arik Foster and Mike Schlanser.

Key Losses:

The Warriors graduated a large senior class from the 2012 season, including 1st Team All Conference members Aaron Monson, and Mike Kringle, and Second Teamers Aaron Vanyo and John Deelstra.

Key Newcomers:

This season, the Warriors have had the good fortune to have several players move into the Fargo area that have lacrosse backgrounds and experience.  The Halverson Brothers, Alek  and Conner, arrived in Fargo from Texas bringing with them a lot of talent to the offensive side of the ball.  Alek a senior, put up big numbers last season at attack, and his younger brother Conner beings speed to the midfield position.  Arriving from New York is senior Tanner Brandt who will bring his hard nose style of play to the defensive side of the ball.  Other newcomers who will look to make a name for themselves this season are midfielder Blake McGovern, and LSM Chase Schulke, as well as an athletic group of freshman talent.

Team Strengths:

Veteran leadership at the Attack position will be a strength for the Warriors.  They will look to control the pace of the game with their Attack unit and limit their opponents scoring opportunities with their veteran long poles.  Veteran goal tending will also be a key factor for success in 2013.

Games to Watch:

Big games this season will be against conference opponents Duluth and Grand Rapids as the top remaining teams from the 2012 Northern Division.  Another game to watch will be against fellow North Dakota opponent Grand Cities.  Coach Fairbanks says, "Their team continues to improve every time we see them and we look forward to seeing the what 2013 holds for this rivalry."

Season Outlook:

Coach Fairbanks is looking to start the Fargo Warriors season with a bang as they travel to a Billings Montana tournament April 12-14.  Fairbanks says, "We're looking forward forward to fresh competition early in the season to help get our feet wet and set the pace for the season."  He continues, "This will be a good opportunity to provide experience for a number of rookie players and promote veteran leadership within the team. Once we have those elements established we feel that our team has the skilled players and dedication to improve on last years records and earn another berth into the state tournament."