North Dakota First Look: Thompson
***Photo Credit: Nick Nelson/Grand Forks Herald*** Thompson had a terrific year in the sporting world and the girls basketball team certainly wasnt left out of the fun. The Tommies won 23 games on the season, claiming a second-straight Region 2…
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Continue Reading***Photo Credit: Nick Nelson/Grand Forks Herald***
Thompson had a terrific year in the sporting world and the girls basketball team certainly wasnt left out of the fun. The Tommies won 23 games on the season, claiming a second-straight Region 2 title and ultimately finishing the year with a win in the third-place game of the state tournament. With three starters back including a returning all-state point guard, the Tommies will have high expectations again in 2019-20.
GO-TO PLAYER: Mackenzie Hughes
Hughes was a second team all-state pick as a sophomore and heads into her third year as a starter for the Tommies. She’s blossomed into a really good scorer and she’s always been outstanding as a defender and facilitator. She makes winning plays and while she’ll likely be leaned upon more this year to produce points, she’s one of the best all-around players in the state.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Jada Welke
Welke was a bench player last year, showing signs in limited minutes that she’s capable of being productive in a complementary role. She’ll likely step into the starting lineup now and with two good seniors gone to graduation, she’ll have an opportunity to put up strong numbers playing with some very talented players who will get her the ball in good spots.
QUESTION: Who steps into new roles?
The Tommies graduate two starters from last year who played vital roles in the program each of the last two seasons, helping set the tone for a team that won two straight region titles and reached the state tournament semifinal round both years. That’s just the intangible stuff on top of a lot of tangible production. Filling the gaps will be a challenge even if the Tommies have the talent to do so. Can role players take on bigger roles? Can stars like Hughes or Macy Jordheim elevate their games and be even bigger factors?
OUTLOOK
Thompson reached the state semifinals last year before ultimately taking home the third-place finish. With an all-state guard in Hughes back, plus standout starters Macy Jordheim and Kya Sorby both back, the Tommies have the talent to remain among the elite teams in Class B. They’ll have to contend with some really strong teams in their region again and they play a very good schedule practically every year, but this team has the pieces to win 20-plus games and hang another banner.