Eleven players to watch on the court

BISMARCK -- One of the hardest WDA regular season titles to win is the boys’ basketball crown. Three months of highly-competitive games that feature some of the top teams and top individual players in the state. Here’s a look at players expected to play big roles on their teams this season.

Andre Austin, Bismarck High

The junior’s impact could be seen in many areas of the stat sheet a season ago for the Demons. He led the squad in points per game (16.5) as well as rebounding (6.5) and assists (4.5). The 6-3 point guard has the ability to get past perimeter defenders and drive to the basket. The all-conference selection from a season ago also possesses good court vision and finding open shooters. He also has the knack to find good position around the basket to grab rebounds and create second-chance scoring opportunities. In the offseason, Austin worked to improve is perimeter shooting. The ability to score and drive with regularity will make him quite a handful for opposing defenses.

Isaiah Schafer, Bismarck Century

The senior has already been through the rigors of three WDA seasons and played a key part on some successful Century teams. The highlight of that stretch was an undefeated regular season in 2022-23 and a WDA regular season and West Region Tournament Championship. Schafer’s big-game experience and leadership will be called upon as several new faces will fill starting spots. 

His skills on the court are impressive. He’s one of the top returning scorers in the conference and already has surpassed the 1,000-point mark in his career. The all-WDA player from a season ago averaged 14.3 points per game, including 79 for 175 (45.1 percent) the three-point line. His quickness and ball handling enable him to create space for shots. It’s likely opposing defenses are going to put added pressure on Schafer until the squad can find more proven scoring options.

Parker Falcon, Bismarck Legacy

The junior is coming off a break-out season in which he averaged 11 points per game and was the top three-point shooter in the WDA at 45.3 percent. His perimeter shooting played a key part in the Sabers’ run to a state tournament appearance. Falcon’s defensive effort is just as impressive. He hauled in 135 rebounds and made 10 blocks – both among the team lead. With the departure of key scorers due to graduation, Falcon’s role as a consistent scorer will be expanded.

Christian Benning, St. Mary’s

It’s not often a player can step into the varsity lineup and contribute as a freshman, but that is what Benning did last season for the program. That experience will prove valuable when the sophomore returns to the Saints’ lineup. A broken finger in a preseason practice will sideline him for the first few weeks of the season, but he is expected to return. Benning was second in scoring last season for the Saints (10 ppg) and was among the top three-point shooters in the conference (42 percent). His ball handling and quickness make him a difficult player to guard. During the offseason, the guard put an emphasis on strength training which will only enhance his game. His skill set make him a threat to score from the perimeter as well as drive to the basket. Defensively, he will be assigned to guard the opponent’s top ballhandlers. 

Damon Glasser, Dickinson

The three-year senior starter will be called upon to be a key producer for the Midgets. At 6-4, His length and athleticism make him a strong defender and his shooting and passing skills enable him to spark the offense at the guard position. Glasser averaged just under 10 points per game a season ago and should see that production increase with more shot attempts this season. He was among the team leaders in rebounding (5.7) and steals (0.9). Glasser was an all-conference selection this past season in football.

Ryan Larson, Jamestown

The 6-2 senior will be a big part of an experienced Blue Jay squad ready to make another run toward a state tournament berth 

Larson contributed in many ways a season ago, including in the scoring column where he averaged 11.4 points, and led the team in field goals made. His three-point shooting was also impressive. His court vision and ability to use space in the open court to are among his strengths. He is also strong on the defensive side His size and strength enabled him to gain good position around the basketball to grab rebounds, alter shots and force turnovers. His 16 blocks were second on the squad. Larson is also a vocal leader and quick to give encouragement to his teammates. He has been through the grind of the highly-competitive WDA schedule and that experience will serve him well.

Rustin Medenwald, Mandan

The returning senior starter will play an expanded role in the Braves’ lineup this season. He is coming off a productive season which saw him score in double figures (11 ppg) and lead the squad in rebounding (5.7 rpg). One of his strengths is a knack to corral offensive boards, setting up second-chance scoring opportunities. He had 67 offensive boards in 2022-23. He also moves well without the ball in the offensive set, finding a soft spot in the defense to receive the ball. Defensively, he can matchup well with anyone, and that provides flexibility for the Braves’ defensive schemes.

Logan Conklin, Minot High

The senior brings big-game experience to the Magi lineup and his all-around game will be important to the team’s pursuit of another state tournament appearance. At 6-5, Conklin’s size enabled him to grab a team-leading 209 rebounds, including 102 on the defensive end. He contributed 32 steals, six blocks and 45 ball deflections. On the offensive side, the forward averaged 8.4 points last season. Conklin was also a key member of the Magi’s football team which won its first state title in 43 years this fall. 

Gunner Zerr, TMCHS Belcourt

The senior is coming off a solid junior campaign where he averaged 11.8 points per game and contributed in several other areas on the court for the Braves. Zerr’s quickness in the backcourt helped him drive to the basket or find a dish off to a teammate. His strong defensive positioning enabled him to force several turnovers. His 2.6 steals per game was a team best. He also was active on the boards, averaging 5.2 rebounds a game. Zerr will be counted to provide more offense to a team that saw its top two scorers graduate. This season the Braves are competing in a new classification and should be in the hunt for a state tournament berth in Class A. 

Jory Lund, Watford City

The senior will be called on to be an all-around contributor for the Wolves which enter a new classification this season. Lund averaged just 5.4 point per game, but his hard work enabled him to chip in other areas on the floor, including rebounding and assists. The experience gained in the ultra-competitive WDA conference a season ago should prove fruitful for Lund, and Watford City, as they pursue a winning season in Class A.

Isiah St. Romain, Williston

The senior and three-time returning starter just might be the most athletic basketball player in the state. St. Romain’s scoring efficiency is impressive, considering his shot attempts are much fewer than some of the other talented players in the conference. He shot over 50 percent from the field which was among the WDA leaders. St. Romain averaged 22 points and was impressive on the glass where he averaged 7.5 boards a game. In addition, he dished out 3.2 assists and forced 2.5 steals a game. His all-around game is why he was an all-WDA and all-state selection a season ago. His explosive first step and drive allow him to elevate for a dunk. Or, step back with a smooth shooting stroke for a three-pointer. 

Photo: Parker Falcon, Bismarck Legacy (Photo:  Loralyn Joyce)