North Dakota Preview: Stanley
The Stanley Blue Jays are a year removed from going to the state tournament and despite losing a huge core of the team from two years ago, they were solid last winter. The Blue Jays rode solid defense and grinding…
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Continue ReadingThe Stanley Blue Jays are a year removed from going to the state tournament and despite losing a huge core of the team from two years ago, they were solid last winter. The Blue Jays rode solid defense and grinding offense to a 16-9 season, while advancing to the Region 8 Semifinals. With several returning pieces including one of the best big men in the area, Stanley should be solid again in 2019-20.
KEY RETURNERS: Rhett Hanson, Ty Gorder, Chance Bieri
Hanson is one of the best big men in North Dakota and broke out in a big way last winter, routinely turning in double-doubles inside. The 6-foot-5 senior can score inside and out, presenting matchup problems for just about every team Stanley plays. He’s a hard worker inside and has the strength to bully people in the paint, but also has the athleticism to get up and down the floor and make plays away from the rim. He’ll be the unquestioned go-to guy this upcoming winter.
Gorder and Bieri saw rotation minutes last season. Both guys excel on the defensive end and have the athleticism and quickness to make plays on the offensive end. Both guys will have to step up into bigger roles and produce at a more consistent rate.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Trystan Johnson
Johnson saw minutes last year as a freshman and will likely step into a starting job this winter as a sophomore. He’s one of the team’s best returning perimeter players and will be leaned upon to provide playmaking and scoring.
QUESTION: Who steps up on the perimeter?
The Blue Jays lose two of their best perimeter scoring options from last year with Seth Hetzel and Elijah Bennett-Baril both graduating. Those guys handled a big load on the perimeter last year, providing excellent shooting and shot-creation. Who can the Blue Jays turn to now? Hanson will be a featured piece in the offense but defenses will likely load up to try to slow him down and when games get tight, Stanley will need some guys who can trusted to make decisions.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Stanley is consistently one of the better teams in Region 8 and that’ll likely be the case again this year. Even if the Blue Jays aren’t considered the favorite in the Region, they’ll win with defense and toughness and a lot of Rhett Hanson. Expect this team to win 15ish games and be in the mix late in the season.