Way-Too-Early Preview: Mandan
The Mandan Braves advanced to the state tournament for the third year in a row last March, overcoming a slow start and injuries during the regular season. They are turning over a significant chunk of the roster though, including Elijah…
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Continue ReadingThe Mandan Braves advanced to the state tournament for the third year in a row last March, overcoming a slow start and injuries during the regular season. They are turning over a significant chunk of the roster though, including Elijah Klein Elijah Klein 6'6" | PF Mandan | 2020 State ND , who was one of the school’s all-time best players. There should be enough talent to compete towards the top of what should be a relatively rebuilding WDA all around.
Go-To Guy: Jayce Lowman Jayce Lowman 6'3" | SG Mandan | 2021 State ND
Lowman was one of the breakout stars last winter in the WDA, averaging 14 points per game while shooting 45 percent from the field and 40 percent from the 3-point line. He’s a long, skilled wing who will likely have the ball in his hands even more as a senior. He’s a terrific shooter, a smart playmaker and good enough to create his own shot off the dribble. Don’t be surprised if he’s among the top-five scorers in the league this winter and on some all-state lists.
Breakout Candidate: Aaron Grubb
Grubb was one of the few sophomores who saw sparing varsity time last year in blowout contests and based on how he’s looked in summer grassroots play, he looks like a guy poised to step into a significant role as a junior. He’s a well-built, faceup four man who can create his shot off the dribble, finish in traffic and defend bigger guys. He’s not the tallest guy, but he’s skilled and tough.
Question: What’s the Frontcourt Look Like?
It’s been a while since Mandan had to figure out what it was going to do in the frontcourt, as Klein and the Steckler brothers have been pillars for the program over the course of the last five years. That’s no longer the case, and if Mandan has bigs in the pipeline that can come close to that level, they’ve yet to reveal themselves. The identity of this team likely has to shift heavily to a perimeter-centric attack.
Season Outlook
The WDA was a senior-heavy league last year and Mandan benefitted from its seniors as much as any team. With the league – actually Class A as a whole – turning over heavily, there’s a lot of unknown after Bismarck and Jamestown. Can Mandan get into that tier and contend for a top-four spot? The Braves have a good group of perimeter players back in the fold with Lowman, Jacob Pierce and Tyler Thilmony all returning – they’ll need a lot of the newcomers to emerge.