North Dakota Preview: Mandan
The Mandan Braves went into last season with a team capable of contending for a state title and before an opening round upset loss in the state tournament, followed through on that hype. While three starters and a big core…
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Continue ReadingThe Mandan Braves went into last season with a team capable of contending for a state title and before an opening round upset loss in the state tournament, followed through on that hype. While three starters and a big core of seniors are gone to graduation, the Braves will head into the season with arguably the best point guard and big man in the state, once again, providing much cause for optimism.
KEY RETURNERS: Elijah Klein, Jaxton Wiest, Kobe Poitra
A North Dakota Football recruit, Klein is the best big man in the state and a potential Mr. Basketball guy heading into his senior year. He averaged 20 points and more than 12 rebounds last year and could be even better as a senior given he’s bigger and stronger than he was a year ago. He’s a nightmare to try to defend because he’s got the mobility and athleticism to go along with size and strength. He’s very good scoring one-on-one in the low or high post, has decent touch to the mid-range and plays with an activity level that allows him to produce even when defenses key on him.
Wiest averaged 10.6 points and 4.4 assists as a junior, leading the WDA in assists per game. He knocked down 34 percent of his 3-pointers as well. Expect those numbers to go up significantly as he steps into a role blending the role he had a year ago with the role his brother Trey played a year ago. He’s one of the best guards in the state when it comes to controlling the game, can operate in ball screen actions or beat defenders off the bounce and create plays for his teammates and he’s got the size to finish in the paint. He does all that while also providing plus-defense usually on the opposing team’s top player.
Poitra was a bit guy a year ago, providing size and strength inside while playing a low-maintenance offensive game. He likely won’t stuff the box score, but he’ll play a valuable role as a screener, rebounder and defender.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Blake Arenz, Aaron Riopelle, Jayce Lowman, Jacob Pierce
The Braves will have a lot to figure out when it comes to complementary roles but given they will be allowed to do so filling around two elite guys gives the team a high ceiling.
Riopelle saw spot minutes a year ago and will likely get first crack at minutes on the wing. He’s a big, athletic kid who can make an impact as a shooter and defender.
Arenz heads into his senior year with an opportunity to earn minutes in the backcourt next to Wiest. He’s smaller but it can work given Wiest is one of the bigger point guards in the WDA.
Lowman and Pierce are in what looks like a promising junior class for the Braves and could be guys who fill big roles in the rotation as starters or key bench guys. Lowman is a lanky wing who can knock down shots from the perimeter while Pierce is an excellent lead guard who can break defenders down, make plays and put pressure on the ball.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Mandan heads into the year with a lot of questions, but a lot of cause for excitement. Klein and Wiest give the Braves arguably the best duo in the state and while there are things to figure out after those two, that’s a heck of a foundation. Given the team’s success in recent years, the young guys in the program have been around a lot of quality players and seen a lot of winning. The Braves will lean on their star senior duo to start, but the ceiling for this team will likely be determined by how well the complementary guys do stepping into key roles.