Way-Too-Early Season Preview: Bismarck
The Bismarck Demons were one of the top teams in the WDA last season, winning 15 games in the regular season and another game in the postseason before losing out to Bismarck Century and Bismarck St. Mary’s in the WDA…
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Continue ReadingThe Bismarck Demons were one of the top teams in the WDA last season, winning 15 games in the regular season and another game in the postseason before losing out to Bismarck Century and Bismarck St. Mary’s in the WDA Tournament. The Demons were one of the elite defensive teams in the state again, but struggled at times to score consistently. With a strong core returning, the Demons should be one of the top teams in Class A again this winter.
Go-To Player: Jilee Golus
Golus led the Demons in scoring as a junior, averaging 15 points per game while being one of the only players on the team with more points than shot attempts. She’s a long, athletic guard who can shoot it from range or get to the paint and finish. She was also the team’s second-leading rebounder and a solid playmaker. If she can shoot it even just marginally better, she could lead the WDA in scoring as a senior.
Breakout Candidate: Peyton Neumiller
Neumiller saw rotation minutes as a freshman, averaging 5.4 points and four rebounds per game. She could come close to doubling those numbers as a sophomore, as she’s got the size and skill to be a two-way impact player for the Demons. She shot the ball well from 2-point range, but struggled mightily from deep and at the free throw line. If she can shoot it with a little more consistency – a fair expectation after a year’s experience – she’ll give the Demons some much-needed punch.
Question: Can The Demons Be Decent Offensively?
Bismarck shot 25 percent from the 3-point line, less than 34 percent from the field and took 150 less free throws than the opposition last season. They averaged 18 turnovers to just 11 assists per game. Despite those struggles, they won 16 games and had a shot at a state tournament berth because they were so good defensively. Expecting the Demons to join the elite company on the offensive end next winter is unrealistic, but how much better can they get? That’ll probably be a deciding factor in just how good they can be.
Season Outlook
Bismarck should head into next season ranked around the No. 5 spot in the Class A polls. The Demons have solid returning talent headlined by Golus along with Peyton Gerving, Mandie Picard Mandie Picard 5'9" | SG Bismarck | 2021 State ND , Sydney Gerving and Miyah Holzwarth and a strong history of success. You know they’ll defend at a high level. That’ll give them opportunities in just about any game. If the offense improves a little bit, this team can contend in the WDA.