A dozen to watch on the girls' basketball court this season

BISMARCK  -- The 2024-25 girls’ basketball season is underway and there is plenty of talented standouts on the court. A good mix of high-end scorers as well as strong role players who do the little things to make their squads successful. Here are 12 WDA players who play a key part for their team.

Bismarck High: Katelyn Luther
The senior has already made big jumps this season as her role has increased.
Coach Bill Shetler says she brings a higher level of athleticism and toughness to the team. The multi-sport athlete played a lot of key minutes in the squad’s run to the Class A title game a season ago. She is an solid rebounder and defender, but also has an offensive side. She has averaged 14 points in the first two games. She can hit outside shots or use her size to create scoring in the post.

Bismarck Century: Zoie Austin
The senior is entering her third year as a starter and her experience is going to be relied on as the squad has some players filling new roles. Coach Nate Welstad says she excels in transition. She worked hard in the offseason to improve all areas of her game, especially perimeter shooting. The all-WDA selection last year averaged 14 points per game and led the team in assists, averaging 2.5 per game. She also showed her ability to be a scrappy worker inside to grab rebounds for second-chance points and defend the rim.

Bismarck Legacy: Brooklynn Felchle
The two-time all-stater has been one of the standouts in the WDA and state during her career. Coach Jim Petrik says her team-first mentality and positivity has helped to foster a great team culture. In addition to being reliable point producer in the post, she has worked to develop scoring from the perimeter. She averaged just over 14 points per game and nearly nine rebounds per game. She also averaged one block per contest. The senior has improved her strength to be more effective and enhance her rebounding skills. Felchle will continue her play at the next level at South Dakota State University.

Bismarck St. Mary’s: Mataya Messer
The junior is one of the top all-around players in the state. The all-WDA selection will again be the focal point of the squad’s offensive attack. Coach Ty Terry says her value to the team is indescribable. Messer was among the conference leaders in points last season and rebounding. She has the ability to score in a variety of ways. She can hit outside shots, drive to the basket, or receive a pass in the paint and finish. Her size and ballhandling makes her difficult to defend. As a leader, her positive attitude and work ethic rub off on her team. She averaged over 15 points per game and nearly nine boards and her all-around game has drawn interest from area colleges.

Dickinson: Lauren Selle
The senior is a versatile player who can play in a number of positions for the squad. First-year coach Terrance Lockett says she is a great defender and her confidence on the offensive side of the ball is getting better each day. The multi-sport athlete has shown she can finish at the rim with her quickness and good footwork. Last year she averaged around six points per game, but her offensive production is expected rapidly climb this season.

Jamestown: Hannah Attleson
The sophomore is one of those players who performs many of the little things that don’t show up in the stat book. Coach Andrew Skunberg says she brings a mix of hustle, determination and unselfish play to her team. Despite being an underclassmen, she has a high basketball IQ and understands success is more than scoring points. She has the ability to rebound, track down loose balls and create second-chance scoring chances for her team. She doesn’t shy away from physical play which exemplifies her grit and toughness. Last season she was among the team leaders in rebounding, steals and blocks.

Mandan: Mimi McCallister
The junior guard has proven she can chip in a variety of ways during her varsity playing time. Although her numbers, don’t jump off the page, she provides positive leadership and a strong work ethic. First-year coach Shannon Copas says she is aggressive both offensively and defensively and she is not scared to get physical. She has taken big strides in her game and her roles, including scoring, will be picking up this season.

Minot High: Karew Lamoureux
The senior guard had a strong finish to last season and is expected to play a big part in the Majette’s 2024-25 campaign. Coach Jason Schwarz says she is willing to take on the hard defensive assignments and embraces that role. She plays physical and her quickness enable her guard close and make it difficult for players to get past her. She was second on the team in steals a season ago. She also an offensive side to her game. She can hit outside shots or take the ball inside to provide offensive to an already-talented scoring team.

Minot North: Kinzy Welstad
The junior provides a key role for the new WDA program. Coach Justin Lauf says she is a good ballhandler and initiates the offense. The multi-sport athlete provides a calming influence for the squad and provides a level of consistent play each game. She is not called upon to provide a lot of offense, but is a big part of distributing the ball to the scorers.

TMCHS (Belcourt): Aubree Jeannote
The junior’s play is quite noticeable on the court.  Coach Jason Gourneau says she is rapidly becoming one of the leaders of his group. In just four games, she is averaging over 23 points. She is in her first year with the program is also filling the point guard position for the squad due to her strong ball-handling skills. Her ability to hit shots from beyond the arc or beat a player of the dribble allows her to score in a variety of ways. She is also a key defender and is averaging over three steals a contest.

Watford City: Adi Schaff
The senior post player is quite versatile and has proven she can be a scoring threat inside or away from the basket. Coach Thomas Dwyer says she has a varsity of moves and can finish (at the rim), but also knows when to kick out the ball to an open teammate. She possesses a good range jumper and that stretches the defense, enabling other options for the squad. Through just a handful of games, she’s averaging eight points and six boards a game. Defensively, she is a solid rebounder and plays with a great deal of intensity both in games and practice.

Williston: Mekiah Klumker
The sophomore is a versatile player in the Coyotes’ lineup who can help in a variety ways and has strong mentality. First-year coach Jacob Braaten says she brings a passion and love to the game that is unmatched and that her game will only get better. The multi-sport athlete has started the season as the first reserve off the bench and provides an instant energy burst on the floor. She has already proven she can contribute on the offensive end, but her defensive skills have also been a real help to the squad, forcing turnovers and loose ball opportunities.

Photo: Aubree Jeannote, TMCHS (Belcourt)