North Dakota Preview: Dickinson Trinity
Dickinson Trinity has been one of the most consistent programs in Class B North Dakota for years now, playing with a known defensive tenacity and winning with sound offensive execution. The Titans head into the 2019-20 season with high expectations…
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Continue ReadingDickinson Trinity has been one of the most consistent programs in Class B North Dakota for years now, playing with a known defensive tenacity and winning with sound offensive execution. The Titans head into the 2019-20 season with high expectations as they return six of their top eight guys from a team that was minutes away from representing Region 7 in the state tournament.
KEY RETURNERS: Matt Stafford, Cole Fitterer, Jake Daniel, Seth Herner
The Titans have a really solid quartet of guys back in the fold as Stafford, Fitterer, Daniel and Herner were all big keys in the team’s success last season.
Stafford started the year hot then tabled off a little bit as teams started keying on him. But he’s still a very good shooter and a guy who can get his own shot. He’s capable of breaking a game open and given the Titans’ propensity for playing close-to-the-vest contests, a guy who can pop off for 12 points in a quarter is a weapon.
Fitterer was, at times, the team’s best source of offense last season, providing really steady play as a sophomore point guard. He’s got a chance to ascend into elite status when it comes to point guards in Class B this year. He’s a dangerous 3-point shooter, has the explosiveness to get to the rim and spearheads a stingy defense.
Daniel saw more and more minutes as the season went on and developed quite nicely as a capable lead guard. He filled in well when Fitterer was out and pairs with him in the backcourt when the Titans want to get multiple ball-handlers on the floor. He’ll play a lot and initiate a lot of their offense and if he makes that sophomore-to-junior jump, he gives the Titans a third dangerous perimeter scoring piece.
Herner emerged as a valuable frontcourt piece for the Titans last year, providing top-notch defense and toughness. He plays a low-maintenance game offensively, providing a lot of value as a screener, rim-runner and finisher. His defense will be a big key this year again, as he’s a strong rebounder and rim-protector who also has the athleticism to guard down in a lineup.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Cheyden Hauf, Trey Praus, Bryant Merry
Hauf, Praus and Merry saw spot minutes last year and will step into more significant roles this winter. There is likely one starting spot still to be decided with the Titans graduating several good big men but whoever is coming off the bench is still playing a lot of minutes as the rotation will probably not be expansive.
Praus didn’t play a ton last year but showed he’s capable of contributing in a positive way when the team was without a few of its starters. Hauf is one of the team’s best athletes and a very good defender. And Merry gives the Titans a solid combo guard with some length who can get up and down the floor.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Dickinson Trinity has reached at least the Region 7 title game five years in a row and the Titans have the talent to do so again this year. While they will have to continue developing depth especially in the frontcourt, they’ve got juice on the perimeter that few teams in Class B have. Defense will likely be a strong suit again – expect the Titans to win ugly more than most – and given they always play a competitive schedule, this team will be tested late in the year. The Titans will be one of the best teams in Class B.