The Rotation: Dickinson
Dickinson went 8-17 last season, going 2-2 in the WDA Tournament and losing to Bismarck St. Mary’s to end the season. The Midgets graduate eight seniors and now head into a season in which there will be some questions and opportunities for new players to step up.
Must be Replaced: Krew Matthern, Dawson Bechtold, Conner Hoenke, Braden Selinger
Matthern was the team’s leading scorer a year ago, averaging 14.5 points per game while hauling in 5.5 rebounds per game. Bechtold and Hoenke were secondary options last season and had their share of good moments for the Midgets.
Key Returners: Martin Lopez, Tallon Klatt
Lopez put up 5.6 points and five rebounds per game as a junior and should assume a much bigger role on the offensive end. He converted 50 percent of his shot attempts and if he can continue to produce with that kind of efficiency on larger volume, he’ll be a big impact guy. Klatt averaged 5.6 points and 4.5 rebounds as a sophomore and also converted better than 50 percent of his shots. Neither guy is much of a perimeter shooter but the Midgets will certainly have a presence in the paint.
Stepping Into Bigger Roles: Jaiden Wright, Kobe Krenz, Cody Maier
There will be a lot of minutes available for perimeter players for the Midgets this upcoming winter and the guys that figure to see the first crack at those include Wright and Krenz. Wright averaged 3.6 points per game as a sophomore and could be something of a go-to guy on the perimeter. He’s arguably the team’s top shooter. Krenz and Maier saw sparing minutes last season but will need to step up and provide strong production.
Season Outlook
Dickinson enters the 2018-19 season with a lot of unknown given the Midgets graduate such a large senior class. The one area of strength on paper at least heading into the year is in the paint where Lopez and Klatt both look capable of giving the team consistent production. They’ll need guys to step up on the perimeter and provide outside shot-making but the foundation is there for a competitive season.