WDA Tournament Preview
The Postseason is upon us. The WDA Tournament field is set with teams wrapping up their regular seasons Tuesday. It’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. This is it. With four teams advancing to the state tournament from…
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Continue ReadingThe Postseason is upon us. The WDA Tournament field is set with teams wrapping up their regular seasons Tuesday. It’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. This is it. With four teams advancing to the state tournament from each region, there’s going to be heavy competition next week in the region tournaments – especially in the WDA where there appear to be seven worthy state tournament teams.
Here’s a look at the WDA Tournament:
Favorite: Jamestown
The Bluejays won the region last year on the way to an undefeated season that culminated with a state championship. Jamestown hasn’t been that level of dominant this season, but they’ve been the best team in the WDA without question. Boden Skunberg’s missed the last three games of the season with an injured hand, but before that, had been on a ridiculous tear offensively. He’s the best player in the state and has been exceptional. If he isn’t able to return to the lineup, things get interesting. But Jamestown has the talent to still win this tournament. Carson Lamp and Brooks Carroll have filled in well as No. 2 and No. 3 scorers, averaging 30 points per game combined. Keith Levin has emerged as a really solid interior presence and the perimeter guys like Shea Carroll and Jacob Hilgemann have been the definition of steady. This team has all the component pieces to win another league title.
Contender: Bismarck, Minot
If anyone picked the Demons to finish second in the WDA, the only logical explanation would be the gift of foresight. Bismarck was replacing its entire lineup from a season ago, yet here they are, improved and on the track towards a state tournament berth. The Demons play a harassing style of defense, pressing and trapping all over the floor, forcing turnovers and scoring with volume over efficiency. Gunner Swanson has seemingly taken his game to the next level in recent weeks. He leads the team in scoring and rebounding at 13.7 points and 5.0 rebounds plus provides solid playmaking. Treysen Eaglestaff has been one of the best sophomores in the league, averaging 11.3 points and 4.5 rebounds. Max Tschosik and Logan Schaubert are both solid perimeter shooters and capable of putting up points quickly. And the depth is unmatched as the Demons play 11 guys double-digit minutes. That could be a huge advantage in a tournament setting where teams are playing three games in three days because their relentless style could take a toll on whoever they are playing, the further into the weekend things go.
Minot went into the year as a top-three team in Class A and while the Magicians’ record is solid (15-6), it’s hard to say they’ve exceeded expectations. They’ve got no shortage of talent with arguably the best backcourt in the state in Jaxon Gunville and Deonte Martinez. Gunville’s had an absolutely monster year, averaging 25 points, 6.5 rebounds and knocks down 47 percent of his 3-pointers. Easton Larson has been solid, averaging 12.8 points and 7.3 rebounds, giving them an inside presence. Tucker Olson, Derry Lentz and Caden Johnson round out the rotation, giving the Magicians the kind of size, shooting, depth and experience it takes to win a state title. They’ve been inconsistent over the second half of the season, but at their best, they are good enough to win the WDA Tournament title.
In The Mix: Mandan, Dickinson
The Braves started the season 3-4 with a couple blowout losses. Since then, they’ve gone 10-4, losing games by two, one, six and three. Elijah Klein is a 20-10 guy inside and when he gets consistent touches and shot attempts, he’s dominant. Jayce Lowman and Tyler Thilmony have developed really nicely on the wings, averaging about 24 points per game combined. And Jaxton Wiest has rounded into form and looks like one of the best point guards in the league again. The Braves have elite talents at the point guard and center spot, experience and a lot of momentum. There’s a lot to like about this team.
Dickinson has been building for this year for a while and the Midgets now get their chance at a state tournament. Jaiden Wright and Kobe Krenz have been terrific all year and have shown they can carry the team to wins over just about anybody. Tallon Klatt, Jayden Hocker and Alex Praus are the keys to the Midgets reaching their ceiling.
Watch Out For: Bismarck Century, Bismarck Legacy
It hasn’t been a great year for Bismarck Century by the Patriots’ standards, but it would be silly to ever count them out. They haven’t proven they can beat most of the top teams in the region, but they are always in games because of how they defend. Cade Feeney is the type of guard who can control a game and dominate on both ends of the floor. And if they get solid play from guys like Ian Ely, Anthony Doppler, Jordan LeBeau and Cody Sorenson (hit-or-miss at best), they can beat people.
Bismarck Legacy is ascending big time heading into the postseason and while the Sabers don’t have a favorable seed, they’ve been on fire in recent weeks and have the depth and frontline talent to beat anybody in the state. Rhett Clements has slowed down offensively in recent weeks but he’s still a matchup nightmare for people. Keagen Woodbury, Zander Albers, Logan Wetzel and Ben Patton have all developed really well and Nick Kupfer has come back and given the team a boost despite not shooting real well. The Sabers went through the WDA Tournament a year ago and got to state – it wouldn’t be surprising if they did it again.
Players to Watch
Will Olson, Williston
Jaxon Wiseman, Bismarck St. Mary’s
Jorn Everson, Williston
Tristin Davis, Turtle Mountain