Way-Too-Early Preview: Hettinger/Scranton
Hettinger/Scranton was one of four teams to return to the state tournament last year, winning the Region 7 title for the second year in a row. While the Night Hawks had a bit of an up and down campaign, they…
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Continue ReadingHettinger/Scranton was one of four teams to return to the state tournament last year, winning the Region 7 title for the second year in a row. While the Night Hawks had a bit of an up and down campaign, they turned it up late in the season, and there’s a good chance that they’ll be strong again in the 2020-21 season.
Go-To Girl: Sam Oase
Oase has been an all-state center each of the last two years and heads into her senior year as arguably the best post player in the state. She averaged nearly 18 points and 12 rebounds as a junior and with a summer playing with ND Attack, could be even better in her final season. She’ll be heavily featured in the Night Hawks’ offense and her activity level on the glass allows her to produce at a high level independent of other factors. Expect a huge senior season.
Breakout Candidate: Bailee Pierce
Pierce broke out somewhat as a sophomore, going from a solid role player who averaged about seven points per game to the third banana at about 10 points per night. I think there’s another gear and with Alyssa Andress graduating, she’ll take on a bigger role as a ballhandler and shot-creator in the offense. Look for that number to rise significantly in her upperclass seasons.
Question: Who Steps Into New Roles Around Oase and Pierce?
The Night Hawks are bringing back two starters and two bench pieces, but the big key will be finding tangible production around Oase and Pierce. Those two can probably get 30-35 points between the two of them, but opposing teams are going to load up trying to minimize their impact. Can players like Beth Lien and Casitee Miller step into bigger roles off the bench? Can the Night Hawks get production from some of their underclassmen?
Outlook
Region 7 is going to be highly competitive again next year with teams like Beulah and Dickinson Trinity both looking like strong outfits among others, but the Night Hawks are going to be right in that mix. They’ve got experience of the last two extended postseason runs now coursing through the program and the high-end talent with Oase and Pierce. The schedule will certainly challenge them, but Hettinger/Scranton should be a good team again in 2020-21.