North Dakota Preview: Bismarck Century
Bismarck Century has been one of the best programs in North Dakota for years. This year may be different in the sense that this Patriots team is one of the most inexperienced groups the program’s had in a while. Don’t…
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Continue ReadingBismarck Century has been one of the best programs in North Dakota for years. This year may be different in the sense that this Patriots team is one of the most inexperienced groups the program’s had in a while. Don’t mistake that for there being a lack of expectations though, as this Patriots team has the talent, coaching and culture in place to contend in the WDA.
KEY RETURNERS: Cade Feeney
A multi-sport star for Century, Feeney’s been a rock-solid varsity player for two years already and heads into his senior year as the unquestioned leader. He’ll set the tone of the defensive end for a team that will need to win more with grit than glam this winter. He’s terrific on and off the ball on defense. He also averaged nearly 16 points per game a year ago and showed in the state tournament that he can control a game as well as any guard in Class A. He’ll be leaned on heavily, but he’s as good as it gets at the point guard spot.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Ian Ely, Justice Coleman, Andrew Leingang, Griffin Jensen
Ely, Coleman and Leingang were all fringe-rotation guys last year as sophomores but the Patriots more often than not, opted to go with seniors. It’s time for those three to step into prominent roles now and while they all had their share of struggles last year acclimating to the varsity level, all three have also shown plenty of promise.
Ely is a big, strong lead guard who can get his shot against anybody and run a team effectively. He’ll share a lot of the ball-handling duties with Feeney and if he shoots the ball more like he did over the summer than he did last winter, he’s a difference-maker.
Leingang had arguably the most success last year, playing a good chunk of minutes up front for a team that had minutes to give away in the post. He’s an active, athletic guy who can rebound and finish effectively. He’ll need to prove he’s up to the challenge of anchoring the Patriots inside on both ends this year, but he’ll have ample opportunity to do so.
Coleman has a chance to be a real breakout guy if he continues playing like he did over the summer. At 6-foot-3, he’s a tough guy to match up with because he’s a very good 3-point shooter but also has the athleticism and skill to make plays off the dribble. He’s a smart defender and a solid rebounder. He’s definitely a guy to watch.
Jensen heads into his senior year with an opportunity to earn a lot of minutes on the wing after waiting his turn behind a senior-heavy lineup last season. He’s shown flashes of being a guy who can contribute, especially on the defensive end.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Bismarck Century will head into this season with more questions and less experience than in typical years. The Patriots don’t have an overwhelming amount of talent compared to the rest of their competition this season. But given their past success and consistency, it’s hard to count this team out. They’ve still got talent in the program even if the team might have to win games a little closer to the vest now. But in a WDA that faces a lot of turnover, they’ve got as good a chance as any team to contend.