2018: ND Class B Region 7 Preview, Hettinger-Scranton
Hettinger-Scranton is one of the rare teams returning their head coach in the region. Jeremy Dietchman comes back for another go at the Region 7 crown. He won’t have the big senior class of six players that featured an all-region backcourt in Jarad Mattis and Isaiah Kludt.
“Last year was a lot of fun. We had a lot of seniors that had been doing it for us for four years. They had been putting in the time. Seeing the fruit of their labors was pretty impressive,” Dietchman said.
However, this season will feature a lot of new faces for Hettinger-Scranton they will have a brand new starting five.
“Now, we have a brand new starting five. We have Jeran Anderson back. He was kind of like our 6-7th man last year and did some really nice things. Jacob Dix is back for us he played a big backup post role for us the last couple of years,” Dietchman said.
New Guys
Anderson and Dix are the only varsity players who played meaningful minutes last year. With a lack of experience, it looks like Hettinger-Scranton will run about a rotation of about 6-7 this season.
Gabe Eaton, is a 5-8 guard, who may be one of the major players in the rotation. Dietchman said Eaton, a senior, has made tremendous growth since he was a freshman.
“The amount of improvement he has shown form the time he was a freshman until now was remarkable. He is probably going to be our third option offensively,” Dietchman said.
Warrick Dilse is a 5-9 junior guard who has a lot of upside potential. Dilse had a great JV campaign last year and Dietchman expects Dilse to improve and gain confidence as the year continues.
“He had a good JV year for us last year. He has to kind of find his role in the varsity game. Very good shooter, very good offensive player. Could tell he was a little bit nervous [opening weekend] but I think he’s going to grow into that role nicely,” Dietchman said.
Another player who showed promise last year was Brady Dillon. Dillon, a 6-0 junior, is a leader who plays hard will probably lock in a spot as Hettinger-Scranton’s undersized center.
“I thought toward the end of last year he was going to be playing some minutes for us. But he ended up messing up his shoulder. When we were up in Hazen during the regular season. But he’s rehabbed, worked on his game a lot and worked on getting stronger, “Dietchman said.
Another player to watch for Hettinger-Scranton will be Connor Dilse. Connor Dilse is Warrick’s twin brother. Connor is a little bit taller at 5-11 but typically finds himself playing as a wing or stretch 4. Dietchman said Connor is undersized but great at mentally understanding the game.
“He has to play bigger than he is but he does a lot of nice things for us. Pretty smart player that’s why he has success. He out thinks kids,” Dietchman said.
Playing Style
Hettinger-Scranton will be small and inexperienced this year. Dietchman said he’s going to have to change the way the squad has played on both sides of the court this year. They will be more of a zone defense team and on offense try to work the ball around for an easy shot.
Last year they were more of an aggressive attacking guard-oriented team. Dietchman said the team will grow into this new style.
“I think this year we are going to have to change our tempo for sure. We have the kids that can do it. It’s going to be really fun to watch this group grow throughout the year. “