Way-Too-Early Team Preview: Bismarck Century
Bismarck Century was more up and down last year than in typical seasons but around the midway point of the year, the Patriots turned things around, hit the gas and surged to the state tournament. Behind awesome seasons from Treyton…
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Continue ReadingBismarck Century was more up and down last year than in typical seasons but around the midway point of the year, the Patriots turned things around, hit the gas and surged to the state tournament. Behind awesome seasons from Treyton Mattern and Cade Feeney and a senior-heavy core, the Patriots ended their season with a third-place finish at state.
GO-TO GUY: Cade Feeney
The lone returning starter from last year, Feeney heads into his senior year with two years of starting experience and as arguably the best two-way guard in the WDA. The 6-foot senior-to-be averaged 15.8 points and nearly three assists per game while knocking down 37 percent of his 3-pointers. He’s one of the best defensive guards in the state without question and with more offensive responsibility, expect him to put up big numbers.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Justice Coleman
There are a handful of guys that fit into this spot but I’ll go with Justice Coleman. The 6-foot-3 forward saw spot minutes last year as a sophomore and averaged a little less than four points per game. He’s a solid athlete who should be able to hold his own against wings and forwards in the WDA. He’s a solid perimeter shooter but more effective as a slasher and active on the glass. He’s one of three returning juniors who will be expected to provide quality play.
QUESTION: Who steps up?
Feeney is the only guy who played big minutes that is set to return next winter. Coleman, Ian Ely and Andrew Leingang saw spot minutes as sophomores and all three will be expected to contribute in prominent roles next winter. Is it automatic that they’ll be up to the challenge? Everybody else that plays next winter either played JV or lower last year. A name to pay attention to could be freshman-to-be Jaxon Kellogg. The 6-foot guard looked good over the summer playing with ND Phenom and could give the Patriots another quality guard.
OUTLOOK
The Patriots have lost a lot over the course of the last two years and with last year’s team being very senior-heavy, there will be more unanswered questions than usual heading into this winter. Century has strong tradition, terrific coaching and enough talent in house that despite the inexperience, a dropoff should not be expected.