North Dakota Preview: Beulah
The Beulah Miners have gone to consecutive state tournaments and been among the best teams in Class B for a while now. Despite graduating a number of key seniors, don’t expect them to drop off this winter. They return two…
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Continue ReadingThe Beulah Miners have gone to consecutive state tournaments and been among the best teams in Class B for a while now. Despite graduating a number of key seniors, don’t expect them to drop off this winter. They return two double-figure scoring starters and have a strong defensive culture that will keep them among the state’s elite.
KEY RETURNERS: Trey Brandt, Jonah Larson
Brandt is one of the best point guards in Class B despite only heading into his sophomore year. As a freshman, he averaged 11 points and better than four assists, helping lead the Miners to state. He’s a solid 3-point shooter, can get to the rim and does a great job executing Beulah’s halfcourt sets. He’s a smart player who controls the game and pace extremely well and he’ll only get better as he matures.
Larson averaged a double-double a year ago, combining a strong frame with excellent touch around the rim. He’s got nice post moves inside and plays with a great understanding of how to carve out space and make himself available for dump offs at the rim. He’ll be relied upon even more as a senior to produce consistently as the Miners don’t have explosive scoring on paper.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Carson Weigum, Nathan Battest, Andrew Hager, Laine Issak,
There is a lot of unknown for the Miners heading into the season given they played a tight rotation a year ago and graduated a big senior class. Carson Weigum is a guy who should have an opportunity to step into a starting role next to Larson in the frontcourt and his length and mobility could pair nicely with Larson’s size and strength.
Battest saw sparing varsity minutes a year ago in mop-up duty on occasion and could be ready to take on a role on the wing. He’s one of the better athletes on the team and should be able to step in and provide something on the defensive end of the floor.
Hager and Issak were in a similar boat to Battest a year ago in that they saw very little varsity time but were around the team a lot and played on the junior varsity. There will be a lot of opportunities given there’s three starting spots plus however many minutes are devoted to the bench available for a handful of guys.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Beulah might have a lot of question marks heading into the season, but the Miners have answers at point guard and center, which gives them a foundation that few other teams have. It’s been a really good run in recent years for this program and they looked similarly green last year before grinding out 20 wins and going to state. Expect them to contend in Region 7 and be among the best teams in Class B.