WDA Tournament Preview
The Postseason is upon us. The WDA Tournament field is set with teams wrapping up their regular seasons Tuesday. It’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. This is it. With four teams advancing to the state tournament from…
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Continue ReadingThe Postseason is upon us. The WDA Tournament field is set with teams wrapping up their regular seasons Tuesday. It’s time to turn our attention to the postseason. This is it. With four teams advancing to the state tournament from each region, there’s going to be heavy competition next week in the region tournaments – especially in the WDA where there appear to be seven worthy state tournament teams.
Here’s a look at the WDA Tournament:
Favorite: Bismarck Legacy
The Sabers won a share of the EDC with 18 wins in the league including a sweep of Bismarck Century. Bismarck Legacy has one of the best defenses in the state and the kind of experience, high-end talent and depth to not only win the league tournament, but a state title as well. Alexis Dressler’s had a terrific season, averaging 13.3 points, 8.8 rebounds and 3.8 assists. Arianna Berryhill and Jaiden Baker give the Sabers two more double-figures scorers and Mac Boone and Ashton Sagaser round a really solid rotation.
The Sabers have shown some cracks in recent weeks with losses to Minot and Bismarck in the second half of the season, but they’ve got an elite defense and great experience to beat anybody.
Contender: Bismarck Century
The Patriots have just two losses on the year to Bismarck Legacy (where they shot uncharacteristically bad) and have mostly dominated the rest of the WDA all season. Century shoots the ball better than any other team in the league, defends as well as any team in the league and has a great combination of size, athleticism, balance, experience and high-end talent.
Logan Nissley’s been terrific, averaging 12.7 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. Julia Fitterer has been a breakout star, averaging 13.1 points and 6.0 rebounds and Ashton Kinnebrew averages 11.6 points per game. Chloe Markovic, Jocelyn Julson and Ella Fridley round out a terrific rotation and have all proven they can make plays for themselves and their teammates.
In The Mix: Bismarck, Mandan
The Demons are heading into the postseason with some momentum thanks to a dominant win over Bismarck Legacy. Bismarck is one of the best defensive teams in the state and while offense can be a bit of a slog at times, they are never going to not be in a game because of their defense. Jilee Golus and Payton Gerving have been the two most consistent scorers on the team but Mandie Picard, Cadee Rychman, Elle Hill and Miyah Holzwarth have all had good moments too.
Mandan has been one of the best teams in the WDA over the second half of the year and has the kind of high-end talent that few teams can match. The Braves have relied heavily on Lakyn Darras and Sydney Gustavsson. Darras was one of the top scorers in the WDA, averaging 17 points and 10 rebounds per game. Gustavsson is a strong perimeter shooter and playmaker. The Braves will need to get solid play from Maria Moore, Aleah Clark and Amaya Ramsey if they are going to make a run.
Watch Out For: Bismarck St. Mary’s, Minot
The Saints have been in the thick of things all year in the WDA and have the potential to beat anybody in a tournament setting, thanks to their combination of excellent defense, experience, size and consistency. Maria Mann is one of the best forwards in the league and can control the paint. Elizabeth Peyerl, Abbi Kobb and Hallie Schweitzer give the Saints an excellent three-headed scoring attack.
Minot has been one of the surprising teams of the Class A season, as the Magicians are .500 on the year and have shown they can hang with top teams in the league. Allie Nelson has been one of the best players in the WDA all season and she’s good enough to win a game offensively. The balance and depth are solid as well, as five other players average at least five points per game.