The Rotation: Mandan
How do you lose a pair of Steckler brothers and their massive numbers, and still have high expectations the next year? PHD tackles the Mandan Braves today.
Must Be Replaced: Easton Miller, Chad Fenster, Trae Steckler, Camren Steckler
The 21 points and nine rebounds a game from Trae Steckler as well as the 14 points and six rebounds a game from Camren Steckler will be tough numbers for the Braves to replace especially considering the Stecklers put up big numbers for such an extended period of time. Trae made a crazy 70 percent of his field goals according to the team stats which is incredible numbers while Camren was close to 50 percent. Easton Miller was the team’s leader in assists a year ago plus a solid three point shooter.
Returning Starters: Trey Wiest, Elijah Klein
At 22-5 a season ago Mandan was one of the best teams in the state but their success didn’t just come from the Stecklers. Jamestown committed guard Trey Wiest was the team’s top three point shooter and second on the team in assists. With ten points and four rebounds a game Wiest had a solid role but it will be way bigger this year, and Trey can handle it. One of the state’s most productive players is junior Elijah Klein who produced a double-double more often than not (15/10 was common). Add in that KeShawn LaFramboise earned some quality minutes making over a third of his threes (five points a game) and this is a solid team returning.
Stepping into Bigger Roles: Jaxton Wiest, Keshawn LaFramboise, Evan Arenz, Connor Sefeld, Keaton Meschke, Nick Gerding
KeShawn LaFramboise earned some quality minutes making over a third of his threes (five points a game) and should have a much bigger role. Jaxton Wiest came off the bench to score three baskets a night hitting 17 of his 44 threes. Jaxton should settle in quite nicely playing right nice to Trey. As for the rest of the seniors on the squad (who played JV last year), the fifth starter job and the reserve minutes are up for grabs. Evan Arenz could have the inside track after gaining some quality experience playing some varsity as a junior.
Future. Seth Gangl
The sophomore team won a good share of games last year as did the freshmen and a name that kept popping up from that 2021 group is Seth Gangl