FARGO — Fargo North junior Jeremiah Sem capped his notable state tournament performance with a statewide honor.
The 6-foot-3 guard was a North Dakota Class A boys basketball first-team, all-state selection on the heels of helping lead the Spartans to a state championship.
“It was a beautiful way to end the season for us, a beautiful way for Jeremiah to be recognized across the state as one of the top players in the state as a junior," said North head coach Travis Hoeg.
Minot guard Darik Dissette and Fargo Davies guard Mason Klabo also made the first team as unanimous selections. Dickinson guard Alex Dvorak and Bismarck Century center Ryan Erikson rounded out the five-player first team.
Sem was named the most valuable player at the state tournament, scoring 28 points in a 92-83 victory against Grand Forks Red River in the title game to lead the Spartans to their first state crown since 2006.
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“I think everybody knew what kind of an electric offensive player he was, but I think at the state tournament especially, he showcased what he could do defensively," Hoeg said.
Sem averaged 26.6 points, 6 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game. He was second-team all-state as a sophomore. He has 1,467 career points.
“He’s a guy who can create his own shot, he’s really hard to guard 1-on-1," Hoeg said. "He’s so good with the ball in his hands.”
Klabo averaged 27.5 points and 5.3 assists per game to earn first-team all-state honors for a second consecutive season. The 6-foot-1 sophomore missed the postseason due to injury.
“He’s already done some very special things in a young career," said Davies head coach Bart Manson. “He still has two more seasons to put his mark on North Dakota basketball."
Klabo had a 45-point game during his freshman season and a 47-point effort as a sophomore. He has more than 1,200 career points with two varsity seasons remaining.
"He’s a special player and he’s a special person, too," Manson said. "You’re going to see a lot more great things from him in the next two years.”
Dissette, Dvorak and Erikson — all seniors — were Mr. Basketball finalists. Dissette, who has signed to play men's basketball at North Dakota State, won the award that goes to the top senior player in the state.
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Here is the second team:
- Conner Kraft, Fargo Shanley
- Zachary Kraft, Grand Forks Red River
- Anthony Doppler, Bismarck Century
- Reis Rowekamp, Grand Forks Red River
- James Hamilton, Fargo South
- Hudsen Sheldon, Mandan
- Isiah St. Romain, Williston
- Parker Wallette, Belcourt
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