12 to watch on the boy's basketball court this season

BISMARCK – The battle for conference supremacy begins this month for WDA boys’ basketball teams. It’s a three-month grind of highly-competitive play. Again, the conference features several gifted players who will be ready to fill key roles on their respective teams this winter. Here’s a look at 12 of them.

Bismarck High: Weston Scott, Junior
After a breakout freshman season, the 6-2 multi-sport athlete was sidelined with a foot injury last year. The good news is he’s back and is poised to fill a big role for the Demons. Scott is an elite playmaker whose athleticism and ball-handling skills enable him to push the pace and put defenders on their heels. He is also a solid defender, using a high basketball IQ and sound fundamentals to put pressure on ball handlers. His talents will show up all over the box score, scoring points, forcing turnovers and distributing the ball. He’s already received heavy interest to play at the college level.

Bismarck Century: Garrett Nissley, Senior
The senior is a well-rounded player who makes a sizable impact on both ends of the court. He averaged nearly 14 points per game and has the ability to score anywhere on the court. He is a tremendous playmaker as evident by his 3.5 assists per game. The All-WDA player is also a determined defender. He led the team in blocks and averaged a steal a game a year ago. He moves well for his 6-4 frame and reads the play well. He has seen regular minutes since his sophomore season and the experience of playing in many high-pressured games, including a state title, is an asset.

Bismarck Legacy, Makiya Berryhill, Senior
The 6-1 senior was one of the top perimeter shooters in the conference last year. He averaged 10.4 points per game with many of his baskets coming from beyond the arc. His quick shot release enabled him to be a perimeter threat for Sabers. The point guard is expected to play a bigger role this season and also provide a spark with his defensive play as a solid rebounder and a player who will step in and take a charge.

Bismarck St. Mary’s: Christian Benning, Senior
The 6-1 senior is one of the more experienced players in the conference, seeing regular minutes since his freshmen season. He has averaged double digits in points the past three seasons. He can make things happen offensively, either beating a defender off the dribble or hitting a jump shot. He has a strong chance to reach the 1,000-point mark this season. This past off season he focused on getting stronger to be a better defender.

Dickinson: Boston Cranston, Senior
The two-time all-conference performer is one of the dynamic players in the WDA. The 6-2 standout has excellent ballhandling skills and quickness that enables him to drive off the dribble and find open teammates. He also is a consistent scorer who can produce points on the perimeter as well as driving toward the basket. He is  the top returning scorer in the WDA. He is a smart, confident player  who can get in the right positions to disrupt opponents’ offensive systems. His athleticism stands out.

Jamestown: Edison Walters, Junior
The 6-2 junior will be asked to shoulder a big burden as the lone player with extend varsity playing time. Walters has a strong basketball IQ which enables him to find room to create offense. He’s going to be counted on early to be a consistent player on both ends of the floor, especially until others get comfortable to the intensity and speed of the varsity game. 
His ability to grab rebounds and deny second and third chance scoring chances will be a key.

Mandan: Rylee Bearstail, Senior
The 6-4 senior was selected as a team captain, largely by way of his tremendous work ethic. The all-WDA selection is a dynamic playmaker who can drive to the hoop or knock down shots beyond the arc. He returns as one of the top three-point scorers in the WDA. He put a lot of work in the offseason building his strength and honing is on-court skills. His quickness and talents as a  defender mean he will be tasked with guarding opponents’ top players.

Minot High: Oakley Trueblood, Junior
The 6-9 junior is expected to take a big step in his play this season. He played just a couple of varsity games a season ago, but with several players graduated, will see his role increase. He is quite versatile for his size and is comfortable playing away from the basket as well as in the post. He has shown the ability to hit shots from the perimeter.

Minot North: Brayden Blikre, Senior
The 5-11 senior is an outstanding perimeter shooter and was the team’s second-leading point producer. His athleticism and physical size enable him to stand out on the court and be difficult to guard. He will be counted on to be consistent contributor on both ends of the floor.

Williston: Justin Irgens, Senior
The senior is a returning starter for the Coyotes and takes on the role of captain. He’s matured into a player that not only leads by example but can be a vocal leader for his teammates. He has a strong work ethic which sets the tone for the group. He averaged about five points and three rebounds per game, but those stats are expected to increase. He spent the offseason building his strength and court skills to help take another step forward in his development. He’s a heady player who contributes just as much on the defensive end.

(Division A) TMCHS Belcourt: Bailyn Frederick, Sophomore
The sophomore provides a big presence in the paint for the Braves. His 6-5 frame helped him average a block-a-game as a freshman. As he gets more confident playing at the varsity level, the team is hoping he will take a big step in his point production and rebounding. He averaged around five points and four rebounds per game. But has the potential to be a double-double producer.

(Division A) Watford City: Thaydan Arnold, Senior
The 6-3 senior returns to the starting lineup and his size and strength make him standout in the post. The multi-sport athlete, which will play college football next year, possesses good footwork which enables him to get in position for a basket or to make a defensive stop. He is especially effective backing into the post, but he can also square up and hit mid-range shots. He is one of the captains on this year’s squad.

Photo: Boston Cranston, Dickinson