WDA: Next Up
What players should you have your eye on in North Dakota’s big school class of basketball this year? Here are several that should have increased roles and are, Next Up!
Rhett Clements of Legacy. Clements is the top returning player for a Legacy team that lost much of their core from previous years. Rhett is 6-foot-2 on the wing and he was a constant at the foul line where he was also his team’s top foul shooter. A high percentage finisher and a guy that scored seven a game as a sophomore in 2017-18.
Cade Feeney of Century. The Century Patriot seniors brought their community a state title and graduated with a place in history that will be remembered forever. So who steps up in their place going forward? Feeney is a great candidate. Cade led the team in steals as a sophomore, was third in assists, and scored nine points a game. Next up for Feeney is a big role playing next to Trey Mattern and leading this team forward.
Devin Mikell of Minot. As a 6-foot-4/6-foot-5 frontcourt player for the Magic Devin scored eight points a contest while leading the team in boards and blocks. Devin and Alex Schmike are the key pieces returning for the Magic and Devin physically has what it takes to be a double-double averaging player for the next two seasons.
Julian Parisien of Turtle Mountain-Belcourt. When we talk who is next with Julian the topic is more about what can he do at a state wide level? Last year he scored 24 points a game making over 40 percent of his triples and over half of his field goals but now it’s time to get his team to a high level in terms of success. They won six games last year and this year more is expected.
Ben Schmidt of St. Mary’s. Ben has been a big topic of conversation at PHD lately as he played well with the Phenom in the fall finding his touch to help change games. Ben has a jumper that teams need to fear and next year he will be the top returning scorer at his school.
Canyon Stonecipher of Bismack. The 6-foot-4 forward led Bismarck in rebounding and blocks plus scored almost nine a game as an active fourth point producer. Next year the Demons will need more scoring production from Canyon and others to replace graduated point producers. Canyon shot nearly 60 percent from the floor this winter and will be leaned on for similar production but with more opportunity.
Trey Wiest of Mandan. Wiest has been a pressure defender and guy that handles both playmaking roles playing both spots in the Mandan backcourt the last couple years. Things have changed with the Stecklers and Easton Miller moving on but Wiest has shown both in high school and in AAU hoops that he can handle multiple roles pushing his team to success.