Dalen Leftbear with coaches Jeff Fuchs, Travis Mertens, Rick Smith/Photo via Louelle Deng, Facebook
Dalen Leftbear with FW/M teammates/Photo via Louelle Deng, Facebook
Parker Simon, Laurence Arango/Photo via Parker Simon, Twitter
Parker Simon with North Star teammates/Photo via Parker Simon, Twitter
The season of college commitments continues. In addition to Wylee Delorme finalizing his deal with the University of Mary, and all the Lake Region State College basketball players moving on to four-year programs, two more high school athletes recently committed to junior colleges.
Dalen Leftbear, United Tribes Technical College basketball
Leftbear, one of the most important players on the Four Winds/Minnewaukan boys’ basketball team, will be taking his talents to a community college in Bismarck.
The forward was a quick and nifty presence on the court. Though often overshadowed by Deng Deng’s star power, Leftbear was a vital offensive weapon for the Indians. Head coach Rick Smith referred to him as one of the team’s most underrated players.
Leftbear happens to be one of Deng’s cousins. Deng, also a senior, opted to focus on football instead of basketball at the University of North Dakota. Leftbear has a total of seven cousins in the FW/M basketball program.
He’s not the first Indian to commit to UTTC this year; Sophie Robertson, of the FW/M girls’ basketball team, committed there earlier in April. The school is owned and operated by the five Tribal Nations in North Dakota, which includes the Spirit Lake Nation.
The Thunderbirds, as they’re known, compete in the Mon-Dak Athletic Conference alongside Lake Region State College. The men’s basketball team finished third in the conference this season with a record of 18-14 overall and 13-9 in conference.
Parker Simon, Lake Region State College baseball
The multi-sport standout from Cando will be coming a half hour down the road to play baseball in Devils Lake.
Simon is the twin brother of Karsen Simon, both of whom have played football, basketball and baseball for North Star. But Parker elected to pursue baseball, where he’s seen time at both pitcher and shortstop this season. His teammate Dane Hagler, another versatile athlete, also chose baseball, committing to the University of Jamestown during the basketball season.
The LRSC baseball program is in somewhat of a rebuilding stage. The Royals recently played their first season under new head coach Laurence Arango, who brings an energetic spirit and determination to the club. The team struggled, though, especially in conference games, going 10-30 (4-20).
The Royals hope that better days are ahead with the signings of some talented local athletes. Devils Lake senior Beau Brodina will also be playing baseball for LRSC next year, joining his cousin Hunter.
Simon is coming off an impressive basketball season where he helped North Star reach the Division B state title game. All year long, he was the second-most productive player on the team, behind only Hagler. The Bearcats went undefeated in region and district play.
The North Star baseball team is off to a 4-3 start this season. With a 3-1 region record, the Bearcats sit in first place in Region V.
