North Dakota Preview: Dunseith
The Dunseith Dragons went 17-7 last season, losing to New Rockford-Sheyenne in the Region 4 Tournament before ending the year with a loss to St. John. The Dragons showed throughout last season that they could compete with upper-echelon teams and…
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Continue ReadingThe Dunseith Dragons went 17-7 last season, losing to New Rockford-Sheyenne in the Region 4 Tournament before ending the year with a loss to St. John. The Dragons showed throughout last season that they could compete with upper-echelon teams and with a big core back in the fold, including a potential all-state wing, they should be among the best teams in Class B again this winter.
KEY RETURNERS: Treagan Azure, Caleb Poitra
Azure enjoyed quite the breakout season as a junior and is one of the best returning players in Class B. the 6-foot-4 swingman averaged better than 16 points, nine rebounds and seven assists, displaying impressive shooting-range, strong finishing ability, creativity as a passer and solid all-around defense. He’ll be the unquestioned go-to guy this winter for the Dragons and if he takes another step, he’ll find himself on the receiving end of a number of accolades at the end of the season.
Poitra was a key contributor last year as a sophomore, showing the burst to create his own offense along with a solid 3-point shooting stroke. He’s a capable scorer and will be leaned on to provide it consistently this winter. If he can take that step as an upperclassman, he gives the Dragons another top-shelf piece.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Ethan Morin, Gabe Davis, Sage Williams, Julius Grant
Morin had his share of big moments last year as just a freshman. He’s a smart player who plays with great understanding of how to get to spots on the floor where he can be effective. He’s a skilled finisher in traffic and skilled enough to beat bigger guys off the bounce. He’ll be just a sophomore, but look for him to provide double-double type production this winter.
Williams and Grant were role players last year and could step into starting jobs this winter. Grant is a thick, strong guy who uses that strength to bully his opposition. He’s a good athlete and can guard multiple guys. Williams is another big, strong athlete who can defend and rebound at a high level. He won’t be asked to provide a ton of offense, but he’ll be a valuable role-player for this group.
QUESTION: Do the Dragons have enough to beat the top teams in Region 4?
Region 4 is probably the best in Class B. Four Winds/Minnewaukan, New Rockford-Sheyenne and St. John are all top 10-12 teams. Dunseith is right there too. Those teams have a little more proven juice than the Dragons though. With a couple of really talented guys gone from last year’s team, Dunseith will need some guys who were in low-wattage roles to emerge.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Dunseith’s had a solid program consistently over the last handful of years. There’s no reason to think the Dragons won’t be very solid again this year. Azure is one of the best players in Class B and there’s a good mix of young talent throughout the team. They won’t be the favorite to come out of Region 4, but they’ve got the talent to contend with anybody.