Returning WDA Players, and new names to watch. (Part 1)

North Dakota Girls Basketball has some incredible talent all around. Let's take a look at some of the players you will not want to miss, some new names and ones that will for sure make a huge impact for their respective teams alike.   [player_tooltip player_id='219710' first='Jayden' last='Wiest']: PG Mandan 2026   I've touched base on Jayden before covering some tournament action from over the Summer, but this year you can expect her to really break out. Wiest a 5'6'' Guard comes into her Junior year looking to make a big impact for the Braves and prove to everyone how good she really is. Her Sophomore year she was sidelined due to injury, but that didn't hold her back from training, helping her team and still being the team leader she is. Wiest is a crafty player, with superior ball control and a shot she has spent countless hours on perfecting. The best part about her is not only her work ethic and leadership skills, but her Basketball IQ is top tier. She is a fun player to watch, and you can bet she will be ready to make some noise this year. Colleges....she's one to scoop up and get eyes on.   [player_tooltip player_id='464291' first='Whitney' last='Welk']: PG Legacy High School 2025   I've had the pleasure to watch Whitney numerous times over the last 7-8years and every year she continues to get better and better. She may not put up the biggest numbers on the court yet, but there is no doubt she will be an asset to the Sabers Team. Welk has incredible speed, and a "never back down" mentality on the court. She is aggressive as they come and knows how to put the pressure on the defense and ball alike. Offensively she moves side to side good, and has a good knack at driving to the hoop and is known to hit the open jump shot fluidly. I've seen her over the Summer and recently at a tournament in Bismarck, she is fun to watch and will only get better over time.   [player_tooltip player_id='408230' first='Eva' last='Selensky']: G St.Mary High 2025   Selensky is another one that we all need to be aware of, she may not put the biggest numbers up on the court, but she knows how to get her team points either by herself or finding her teammate. Another player I have watched over the last few years and every year she get's better and better. I expect her to be a big part of the Saints team this year offensively and defensively. She has a fluid shot, endurance that seems to never slow down and a good on court IQ. She could be a breakout WDA player this year.   [player_tooltip player_id='219713' first='Jessica' last='Mogen']: Forward Watford City 2024   Mogen is one player in my eyes that does not get enough credit for her abilities and what she can do on the court. A player who can come in and play all 5 positions and play them well to say the least. She has tons of skills in her bag and she uses them all exceptionally well. If there is one player in the WDA we all need to keep a closer eye on, I think it's safe to say she is it. I can see her putting up some big numbers this year for Watford City, and rightfully so...she's a hard-worker and spends a ton of time perfecting her skills.   Ana Lyles: G/Forward Mandan 2026   A new name to this list that everyone will be hearing many times over the next few years to come. At 5'10 Lyles has great size to her, a fluid shot and excellent ball control for her age. She may be young, but you would think she is a Junior by the way she plays and sees the court. With her grit, Basketball IQ and ability to knock down shots from inside and outside, she very well could be a key ingredient the Braves are looking for this year. You can expect to see her getting plenty of Varsity minutes this coming year, she is good and she knows how to play.   [player_tooltip player_id='458121' first='Taylor' last='Odden']: G Legacy High School 2024   Odden is one player I feel that could have a huge year for the Sabers. She is a crafty guard that has a "team first" attitude and leaves it all on the court. She also is a player that can not only bring up the ball when needed, but can find open teammates and knock down shots fluidly from 15-20'. She spent the summer with MRE refining her skills and she is always improving her game. Another quality player on the Sabers team that can come in, and turn a game around real fast.

North Dakota Girls Basketball has some incredible talent all around. Let's take a look at some of the players you will not want to miss, some new names and ones that will for sure make a huge impact for their respective teams alike.