Century gets top spot in WDA volleyball preseason poll

BISMARCK  – WDA coaches have selected Bismarck Century as the team to beat in WDA volleyball this season. The Patriots picked up eight first place votes and 118 total points in the preseason coaches' poll. Bismarck Legacy earned three first place votes and 106 points. Jamestown, last year's regular season champion, earned 99 points and the other first place vote to get the third spot. Rounding out the poll: Bismarck High, fourth; Dickinson, fifth; Minot High, sixth; Williston, seventh; Bismarck St. Mary's, eighth; Minot North, 9th; Mandan, 10th; Watford City, 11th; and TMCHS Belcourt, 12th. Teams received 11 points for a first place vote; 10 for second; 9 for third; 8 for fourth; 7 for fifth; 6 for sixth; 5 for seventh; 4 for eighth; 3 for ninth; 2 for 10th; and 1 for 11th. Coaches did not include their team in voting. This is the 42nd season of WDA-sponsored play and several teams will open play at the annual Bismarck Public Schools crossover, Aug. 30-31. Conference matches begin Tuesday, Sept. 3. Minot North is making its varsity debut. And this likely will be the final season that Watford City and TMCHS (Belcourt) will play in the conference in volleyball. Next year, a three-class volleyball may start. This year's West Region Tournament will be hosted by Minot Public Schools. The Class A Tournament will be in Fargo.

2024 WDA Preseason Coaches' Poll

1. Bismarck Century, 118 points (8)

2. Bismarck Legacy, 106 points (3)

3. Jamestown, 99 points (1)

4. Bismarck High, 91 points

5. Dickinson, 75 points

6. Minot High, 59 points

7. Williston, 57 points

8. Bismarck St. Mary's, 53 points

9. Minot North, 49 points

10. Mandan, 47 points

11. Watford City, 25 points

12. TMCHS Belcourt, 11 points

First place votes in parenthesis