Dickinson gets top spot in preseason softball poll

BISMARCK – Defending state champion Dickinson garnered eight first place votes and 98 total points to grab the top spot in the annual WDA preseason coaches' poll. Minot High was second in voting with 93 points and picked up the remaining three first place votes. Jamestown was third with 71 points. Bismarck Century was fourth followed by Bismarck High, Bismarck Legacy, Mandan, Williston, Minot North, Watford City and TMCHS (Belcourt). The voting was conducted by the WDA sports information director, Matt Mullally. Teams received 10 points for a first place vote; 9 for second; 8 for third; 7 for fourth; 6 for fifth; 5 for sixth; 4 for seventh; 3 for eighth; 2 for ninth; and 1 point for 10th. Coaches did not vote for their own teams. Weather permitting, the 13th season of WDA-sponsored play will get underway on Tuesday, April 2. Some games likely will be moved indoors, where available. The season marks the debut of the conference's 11th playing member Minot North. TMCHS (Belcourt) is undergoing a major renovation to its softball complex this spring and will be playing all of its games on the road. The conference tournament will be hosted by Jamestown, May 23-25. Minot High won last years' conference tourney title. The Class A Tournament is May 30-June 1 in Dickinson.

2024 WDA Coaches' Poll

1 Dickinson, 98 pts (8 first place votes)

2 Minot High, 93 (3)

3 Jamestown, 71

4 Bismarck Century, 70

5 Bismarck High, 69

6 Bismarck Legacy, 58

7 Mandan, 48

8 Williston, 41

9 Minot North, 27

10 Watford City, 17

11 TMCHS Belcourt, 13