Sem lets his loud play for Fargo North do the talking – INFORUM
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FARGO — Fargo North boys basketball is breaking a state tournament drought that’s lasted a decade on Thursday.
A big reason why is a freshman phenom, Jeremiah Sem.
“He’s unbelievable,” senior forward Ryan Manly said. “He’s got the brightest future of any player in the state.”
All Sem has known in life growing up is basketball.
“My oldest brother (Simon) is at MSUM, he plays for the Dragons,” Jeremiah said. “My oldest sister (Mary) is a junior in college, she plays at Concordia, and my other sister Jenny plays at Concordia, she’s a freshman.”
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He knew he was next in line the first time he dunked as just a seventh grader.
“I told my sister to get the camera out just in case I made it, and she got it.” Sem remembered fondly. “It was hype.”
This summer, another dunk made it’s way to video, and went viral.
“Everywhere I went, I just saw the video,” he said.
“When he did that, you’re like, ‘OK, maybe we should do this,'” said Spartans head coach Ted Critchley.
He’s burst onto the scene, averaging more than 22 points a game with more than a few highlight plays.
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Sem has one of the flashiest games in high school basketball in North Dakota. Dunks, threes, stepbacks, and flashy dribble moves.
For as loud as his play is, however, he’s just as quiet as a person.
“You don’t see much like him in high school anymore,” Critchley said. “Usually a dominant personality on the court is a dominant personality off the court. He’s a very humble kid.”
The hardwood is the place he can be the loudest person in the room without saying a word.
“When I step on the court, I just feel free and I feel in my place,” Sem said. “I don’t feel pressure.”
“He’s a quiet kid, but he plays loud,” Manly said. “He’s a great communicator and he does whatever he’s got to do to get the job done.”
Sem makes his state tournament debut against Minot. He won’t say much about the appearance, but instead let the way he plays show how excited he is.
“When I picked up the ball, I just loved it,” Sem said. “Just locking in and doing what you’re doing.”
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