New Headline: "Elite Minnesota Star Shines Through Winter's Test
Mar. 17—GRAND FORKS — Four Winds-Minnewaukan boys basketball coach Rick Smith understands the heavy load he places on senior Marial Deng. "When you have to guard the best player on every team, it can wear you out," Smith said.
"But I also need you to go out and get 20 points and seven rebounds. And I'm not going to take you out. You have to do this for 32 minutes.
" The all-around ability and consistent performance of Deng has helped the Indians reach this weekend's North Dakota Division A state tournament in Fargo. The No. 3 seed Indians face No.
6 Shiloh Christian at 2:45 p. m. in Thursday's quarterfinals.
"Honestly, that's what I like — anything that helps us win," said Deng, who's signed to play college football with his older brother Deng Deng at UND. "We have a good chance if I can shut down the best player and get a few basksts on the other end. " Deng has pulled all of the difficult defensive assignments, whether it's a point guard or a post.