North Dakota Preview: Bismarck St. Mary’s
Bismarck St. Mary’s won just five games last season, breaking in a big batch of varsity newcomers and struggling to handle a veteran-laden WDA. Despite losing their two leading scorers from last year, the Saints have the talent to make…
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Continue ReadingBismarck St. Mary’s won just five games last season, breaking in a big batch of varsity newcomers and struggling to handle a veteran-laden WDA. Despite losing their two leading scorers from last year, the Saints have the talent to make a significant jump this winter.
Key Returners: Evan Gross Evan Gross 6'3" | SG Bismarck St. Mary's | 2022 State ND , Jackson Uhler, Zach Haas
Gross, Uhler and Haas all played regular minutes last year and showed some signs of being guys who can play close to an all-league level. Gross averaged better than 10 points per game while shooting nearly 40 percent from the 3-point line and could be one of the best wings in the league this winter.
Uhler averaged better than five points per game and showed flashes of being a quality slasher while Haas brings solid energy and defense after averaging about five points and five rebounds.
Stepping Into New Roles: Nick Schmacher, Thomas Jackson, Ben Morman, Nate Fedorchak Nate Fedorchak 6'1" | SG Bismarck St. Mary's | 2022 State ND
The young talent in the program creates a lot of cause for optimism and there’s a big host of guys who will be expected to elevate to the varsity level and contribute quickly.
Schumacher was a rotation guy last year and averaged about five points per game. Don’t be surprised if he takes a big jump as a junior after a solid summer showing on the grassroots circuit. He’s a big, talented wing who can shoot from deep, create for himself and guard multiple positions.
Jackson saw bit minutes as a junior and gives the Saints another athlete on the wing.
Fedorchak was another guy who showed a lot of potential over the summer as a wing who can stroke it from the perimeter, make plays in complementary fashion and defend.
And Morman is a 6-foot-10 big man who saw mop up minutes last year who could step into a starting role as a junior and provide an interior presence.
Season Outlook
Bismarck St. Mary’s won’t be expected to make a lot of noise this winter given what its been in recent seasons, but the talent is there for the Saints to take a bit of a leap. The WDA is top heavy but there’s a lot of turnover throughout the league, and the Saints have a host of players who seem ready to emerge.