North Dakota Preview: Minot
The Minot Magicians went 4-18 last year, going 1-14 over the final 15 games of the year including a season-ending loss to Williston. The Magicians were one of the worst offensive teams in the WDA, averaging just 45 points per…
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Continue ReadingThe Minot Magicians went 4-18 last year, going 1-14 over the final 15 games of the year including a season-ending loss to Williston. The Magicians were one of the worst offensive teams in the WDA, averaging just 45 points per game, struggling to score with efficiency or take care of the ball. With almost their entire core back, the Magicians should be improved this winter.
GO-TO PLAYER: Allie Nelson
Nelson led the Magicians in scoring last year, averaging 14 points per game while knocking down 79 free throws. She averaged better than nine rebounds per game as well. Nelson is one of the more active forwards in the WDA, using her athleticism and skill inside to produce near double-double numbers consistently. If she can improve her finishing ability even marginally, she could be one of the best players in the league.
BREAKOUT CANDIDATE: Elsie Hardy
Hardy saw sparing minutes last year as a freshman, but has the kind of height the Magicians need up front as they look to improve their offensive efficiency and rebounding marks from a year ago. Minot was outrebounded by more than six per game last year and shot just 31 percent from the field as a whole. Hardy will have an opportunity to bring an interior presence and with defenses focusing a lot of attention on Nelson, she could be in a position to produce.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Minot should take steps forward this year. After struggling through large portions of last season, the Magicians should be more consistent this season. Nelson is one of the top players in the WDA and could be a double-double threat. Paige Rosencrans, Becca Tschetter and Lauren McLean all return after starting last year. This team wasn’t bad defensively. That’s a start. If they can improve offensively, they could be a double-digit win club.