Anthony Enriquez's slight frame belies his fearless scoring instincts.
Minot State University's 6-foot, 154-pound senior guard attacks the basket among the trees and knocks down jump shots with equal efficiency.
"I pretty much like to score (in) any way," Enriquez said. "Some teams sag off of me, which allows me to shoot more. Some teams play up tight and I can drive more. You just gotta make changes during the game, depending on what the defense gives you."
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Adam Lawson/MDN
Minot State University senior guard Anthony Enriquez shoots over a Minnesota State-Moorhead defender Friday at the MSU Dome. Enriquez has started the last two games for the Beavers and is the team’s leading scorer at 9.6 points per game.
Enriquez's offensive play was a bright spot during the Beavers' 0-3 homestand spanning from Friday to Tuesday.
Against Northern State on Saturday, the native of Tacoma, Wash., poured in 19 points and was the only MSU player in double figures. Against Minnesota State-Moorhead on Friday and Jamestown College on Tuesday, he tied for the team lead in scoring with 12 and 11 points, respectively.
For the Beavers, who have averaged 59.5 points per game in their last four outings, Enriquez's offensive emergence has been a welcomed sight.
"He has a scorer's mentality and that's one thing that we've been struggling to do is put the ball in the basket," MSU coach Matt Murken said. "He gives us another guy out there that can do that."
Enriquez, who leads MSU with a 9.6 points-per-game average, earned his first two starts of the season against Northern State and Jamestown. Murken said the coaching staff feels more comfortable leaving Enriquez on the floor because of the improvements he's made defensively in the last month.
The Beavers (1-6 overall, 0-3 Northern Sun) travel to Minnesota, Crookston and Bemidji State (Minn.) this weekend.
Tetons on a tear
The Williston State College women's basketball team pushed its winning streak to eight with three victories in Bismarck last weekend.
The Tetons (12-2) beat United Tribes Technical College 82-51 on Thursday, Bismarck State College 95-69 Friday and Dakota College at Bottineau 75-59 on Saturday.
Maggie Lorenz, a sophomore forward from Harvey, leads WSC with 16.2 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Kenmare native Katie King and sophomore guard Jazmine Robinson are averaging 11.6 points apiece.
The Tetons play at Miles Community College (Mont.) on Thursday.