Eight to watch on the WDA pitch this season

BISMARCK – The 2023 WDA conference schedule kicked off on Tuesday, Aug. 21. Eight teams will spend the next six weeks battling for points and jockeying for position in a competitive WDA. Here’s a look at eight players to watch during the campaign.

Bismarck Century: Abel Cramer

The sophomore center back/midfielder is one of the underclassmen expected to play big minutes for the squad. He possesses good decision-making skills when coming out of the back four line with the ball. Cramer is often communicating with his teammates on the field and his vision to read the play makes him effective in being in position to properly defend or help his team transition into an attack opportunity.

Bismarck High: Liam Weis

The senior provides a steady presence at his center back position and his compete level often leads to winning many ball duels. The all-conference returner will be good for the younger players in the Demon lineup to learn from. Weis is also key to BHS’ offense, enabling the team to build from the back and position the midfield to penetrate opposing defenses. He added nine points a season ago in conference matches.

Bismarck Legacy: Kamden Kooiman

The junior provides a rock of stability in the Sabers’ midfield. His ability to anticipate the play enables him to be in good position to quickly turn the play into offensive opportunities for his squad. The all-WDA selection from a season ago also brings big-match experience and a knack to contribute offensively. He collected 16 points in WDA matches a season ago.

Dickinson: Rupert Deniz

The junior will mind the goal this season for the Midgets which are entering just their third year of varsity play. The goal is somewhat of an unfamiliar position for Deniz who played in the field in his first few years on the team. He did start one match in goal last year, but an injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He’s looking forward to making an impact in 2023. His work ethic and team-first mentality are assets to the program. 

Jamestown: Brady Harty

The junior midfielder is comfortable with the ball under pressure and his field vision and ability to communicate with teammates solidifies the Blue Jays’ midfield game. Harty was an all-conference and all-state selection a season ago. He chipped in with four points in conference matches last fall.

Mandan: Andrew Catalano

The senior captain has been one of the Braves’ most productive players during his time on the pitch. He has netted 13 goals in conference matches over the past three seasons. His shooting skills and ability to fine open space in the attack zone has enabled him to be a proven goal scorer.

Minot High: Brayden Oswalt

The senior captain was second in conference scoring a season ago with a dozen goals and seven assists. His skill sets go beyond a scoring touch as he is a strong passer. His ability to read the play puts him in position to disrupt opponent’s offensive set pieces as well. Oswalt was an all-conference and all-state selection in 2022.

Williston: Sebastian (Pablo Morales Sanchez)

The senior captain plays on the wing or outside middle and possesses the skills to create quick-strike offense. He has a potent shot and cross and will likely get the attention of WDA defenders with his offensive potential. Sebastian spent part of the winter attending high-level soccer camps, including one in Barcelona, Spain. Following his senior year, he will attend the Roma Institute in Italy to play.

Photo: Kamden Kooiman, Legacy