Phenoms Go West For FILA Sixty-Four



Travis Brewster from UND has his eye on the top talent from his home state. Photo courtesy of UND Athletics.

The realities of being in North Dakota can be tough for a serious travel team, but that hasn’t stopped the North Dakota Phenoms from excelling.

“I see all these teams that practice a couple of times a week, and I wonder how good we could be if that was possible for us,” said Phenom coach Darin Peterson. “Unfortunately, we have kids from all over the state, and this is a state where some high schools travel over 300 miles for a conference game. Plus, we have a lot of good athletes, and they tend to play other sports for their schools, and those coaches want their time.”

Although they are unable to have regular practices, the Phenoms have been very competitive this summer, and they hope to continue that success at the high profile FILA Sixty-Four. The FILA Sixty-Four, which will include over 48 national teams, will be played at the Westin Lake Las Vegas from July 27-30. This is one part of a series of previews for the FILA Sixty-Four where we will highlight the outstanding programs who will be competing.

Geography may be an obstacle, but Peterson is pleased with his talented roster. The Phenoms are paced by a trio of prospects from the Class of 2014, and one 2015 standout who may be the most talented member of the club.
The three veterans are Macy Lynch, Cassidy Thorson and Paige Peterson. Lynch is a 5-10 swing player who has already helped her high school team win a pair of state titles. Thorson is a 5-11 guard, and Peterson is a 6-2 forward who is Darin’s daughter.
“Macy has a high basketball IQ, and she is an aggressive player who can put the ball on the floor and attack the basket,” the coach said. “Cassidy also has that IQ, and she is a great floor leader. She sees the court and passes well, and she can also catch and shoot. Paige is a good athlete who runs the floor, she has great hands and she is an excellent passer. She plays the five spot for us and in high school, but the college coaches say she will be a four at the next level.”
One of the two 2015 players on the Phenom roster is Jordyn Jossart, who has already drawn Division I offers. Jossart is a 5-9 guard.
“Jordyn is an intense leader,” Peterson said. “She is crazy smart on the court, and she is the biggest gym rat on the team. She can attack the rim and create opportunities for other players, but it is her great motor that has gotten her a lot of attention.”