Isiah St. Romain

WILLISTON – Isiah St. Romain admits his choice of basketball shoes can vary from game-to-game. 

“If I have a good game, then I’ll wear the same pair for the next one,’’ the Williston senior admits. “If I don’t play well, I’ll change shoes.”

It would be hard-pressed to find any game where St. Romain isn’t impactful. But the two-time all-WDA selection has set high standards for himself.

He has been dynamic in the Coyotes’ lineup since his sophomore season. His skill set can quickly be noticed in a box score where he often leads the team in many categories, including points, rebounds, steals and assists.

St. Romain moved to Williston from Beaumont, Texas at the end of his freshman year in school, and in addition to basketball, played football and competes as a sprinter in track for the Coyotes. No surprise he has been a standout in those sports. He is an all-state football player and placed high in track events throughout his sophomore and junior years.

Staying busy in athletics has always been part of his life. “My mom put me in a lot of activities when I was growing up,’’ he said. “Tee-ball, soccer…anything. I guess playing a lot of sports is where I developed a competitive drive.”

That drive along with his athleticism and work ethic is a reason sports will remain in his future. St. Romain will attend and play football at FCS-power North Dakota State University. “It was the right fit for me,’’ he said. 

His skills on the gridiron as a wide receiver certainly have aided his on-court success.

“In football, you have to have good body control, balance and foot work,’’ he said. “And that helps me (in basketball).”

At 6-3, St. Romain isn’t the tallest player, but he has great instincts and quickness that allow him to get in position to make a play anywhere. 

He’s averaging just over 22 points per game which is among the leaders in the conference. He has the ability to score from the perimeter; drive to the basket; or use his footwork to get shots in the post.  

Earlier this season, Isiah reached the 1,000-point mark in a game at Watford City. Not bad for a player who didn’t put on a varsity uniform until his sophomore season. 

“His rebounding is probably his most underrated aspect,’’ said Coyote coach Daved Lundeen. “A sneaky, excellent rebounder with excellent instincts.”

St. Romain is averaging just over six rebounds per game and three steals.

The all-state player certainly garners the attention of the opposition and admits it was a struggle as times to play through extra defensive pressure and find space to score. “I was forcing things a bit,’’ he said.

But he learned that double-teams can also be used in his team’s favor.
“When we have been at our best this year, it’s involved him being a willing distributor (of the ball),’’ Lundeen said. 

And when his teammates are getting involved in the scoring, it opens things up even more for Isiah. 

The frenetic pace of basketball often leads to mistakes and missed opportunities. Showing mental toughness to play on and remain positive are essential.

St. Romain has made it a point to be a positive leader. “I’m trying not to get down when I’m struggling and pump up my teammates,’’ he said.

And that leadership has not gone unnoticed.

“He absolutely has the ability to pull the best out of his teammates, and he’s learning more and more that it’s more effective when he’s positive and uplifting,’’ Lundeen said. “He has tangible impact on our entire team one way or the other. It’s been great having it be extremely positive down the stretch this year and we’ve been playing better.”

Regardless of how the season plays out for St. Romain and his team, he has already left a big mark on the Williston program. “I’m thankful to have coached him,’’ Lundeen said. “Isiah has a way of drawing people to himself that transcends beyond this athletic ability, and I believe he has learned what an opportunity that gives him to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I’m also very thankful for the way he’s embraced and loved my six-year-old son, who looks up to him like he is MJ (Michael Jordan) or Steph (Curry).”