Eleven to watch on the court

BISMARCK -- The pool of talent in the Western Dakota Association this girls basketball season is deep.  There are a number of key returners who play big roles in their respective teams. Here’s a look at 11 of them.

Jersey Berg, Bismarck High

There isn’t much the 5-11 senior can’t do. And her all-around game is a big reason the Demons enter the season in the hunt again for a top finish in the WDA and another state tournament appearance. The all-conference selection from a season ago plays every game with tenacity and the fruits of that hard work often show in many areas on the stat sheet. Berg averaged double figures in points a season ago (13) and had the top field goal percentage on the team. She was second in total rebounds and assists and among the top three in steals. Aside from the all-around play, she brings an infectious personality to the squad and is quick to pick up her teammates with a kind word. The honor student was also selected by her classmates this fall to be BHS’ Homecoming Queen.

Eden Fridley, Bismarck Century

The senior has been part of many big moments in Patriot athletics as a three-sport athlete (volleyball, basketball and track and field), including playing in the last three girls’ basketball state championship games. Her versatility is what makes her impactful. Her perimeter scoring was important to the Patriots’ offensive arsenal a season ago. She averaged just over double figures in points, but also possessed quickness and ballhandling skills to drive in the paint. But perhaps she shines brightest with her defensive game. She had over 60 steals and along the team lead in blocks and ball deflections. She often was assigned to defend an opponent’s top player. Aside from her stats, the all-WDA and all-state player was a vocal leader, providing a positive voice in the team huddles and locker room. Fridley plans to continue her basketball career at the University of Mary.

Brooklynn Felchle, Bismarck Legacy

At 6-3, it’s hard to miss the junior’s presence on the floor for Bismarck Legacy. The all-WDA and all-state selection from a season ago was a key member of last season’s Saber squad which advanced to the Class A Tournament. She led the Sabers in scoring (15.8), rebounding (9.3), blocks (1.1) and field goal percentage. That success was earned through hours of hard work and attention to the small details that make a player shine. She’s a multi-sport athlete and is also an honor student. Felchle has committed to playing basketball at South Dakota State. 

Mataya Messer, Bismarck St. Mary’s

The sophomore will be called upon to contribute in many ways on the floor for the Saints. Her size (5-11) and skill set make her a versatile player who is able to handle the ball at the top of the key, or move down to the post position. In her freshman season, Messer averaged. 8.3 points and showed a shooter’s touch beyond the arc. She led the Saints with 20 blocks and averaged 4.7 rebounds and 2.4 steals per game. Her level of play will only rise as she sees more varsity time. 

Sadie Stevenson, Dickinson

The two-year starter for the Midgets was one of the top rebounders in the WDA a season ago, averaging 8.2 per game. Of her 197 boards, 122 came on the defensive end. Her size and strength made allowed her to win a lot of battles for loose balls off the glass and under the rim. She added eight blocks and 41 steals. Stevenson chipped in offensively, averaging, 7.3 points per game. As one of the experienced players returning, Stevenson will be counted on to provide that strong presence in the post.

Leah Trumbauer, Jamestown

The junior will be called upon to provide leadership to a young, unproven Blue Jays squad. Although she wasn’t among the state leaders a season ago, Trumbauer did play in 19 games and was quite comfortable playing near or away from the basket. That versatility will be counted on, especially early when the team is filling its roles. Trumbauer averaged just a basket a game coming off the bench, but her size and athleticism enabled her to make an impact around the basket. She had seven blocks and 35 rebounds. The multi-sport athlete also played a key role in the Jamestown’s successful volleyball season which included a WDA regular season title and a spot in the Class A semifinals.

Jayden Wiest, Mandan

The senior has dealt with her share of adversity during her playing career for the Braves. As a freshman she was thrown right into the rigors of varsity play, often assigned to guard talented scorers two or three years older. An injury sidelined Wiest during her sophomore season. But she provided leadership and a positive voice from the sidelines. She returned to the court last season and led the squad in points (12.5), assists (3.5) and steals (2.2). Stats which put her in the top 10 in the WDA and earned her all-conference honors. Wiest is also a gifted scorer from beyond the arc, leading the conference in made three-point field goals. Her bounce-back year can be attributed to her perseverance to do what it takes to make her team successful.

Leelee Bell, Minot High

The standout’s handy work can be seen all over a Minot High stat sheet. The 6-3 sophomore was one of the WDA’s top scorers (19.5 per game) and rebounders (10.0); and shot blockers (2.2) a season. And she still has three more seasons ahead. Bell’s court vision and skill set enable her to dominate stretches of a game, offensively. She can score from the perimeter or can dribble-drive to the basket. Keep second and third shot opportunities available for her teammates with her rebounding and passing skills. Yet she can also impact a game just as well on the defensive end with her size and athleticism. Bell has participated in many big games and is a leader in the Majette’s lineup. 

Emberlyn Poitra, TMCHS Belcourt

The 6-0 sophomore was the Braves’ top rebounder last season, averaging 8.4 boards a game. Not bad considering she missed a handful of games. Poitra also chipped in with nine blocks, so she will be a key part of TMCHS’ interior defense. Offensively, Poitra netted a little over eight points a game, most coming around the basket and that helped her finish as the top field goal percentage leader for the Braves. Her point production will certainly rise as she will be called upon to play a bigger scoring role this season. TMCHS is playing in a new classification and is expecting to win its share of games and challenge for a state tournament berth and Poitra will be a key part of this season’s success.

Jessica Mogen, Watford City

Arguably nobody has a greater impact on their team than Watford City standout Jessica Mogen. For the past two seasons, she has been the spark plug for a Wolves team that often is the underdog in every contest. The senior was among the WDA leaders a season ago in points (17.6), rebounding (8.9) and steals (2.2) per game. For her efforts, she earned all-WDA honors again. The all-around player and multi-sport athlete rarely left the court. After several years of playing against the top competition in North Dakota girls’ basketball, the Wolves are now in a new classification and expected to win their share of games. Those past battles and experience gained should prove fruitful as Mogen and her team pursues a return to the state tournament. She is committed to playing basketball at Minot State University.

Kendra Hall, Williston

The senior was Williston’s top scorer and rebounder a season ago. Her 8.8 boards per game was among the WDA leaders. She averaged 8.9 points a game as well and was tops on the Coyotes in field goal percentage. Her strong positional play in the paint will be counted on again as the program looks to take another step forward. Like many dedicated athletes, her work ethic also shows in the classroom. Hall is an honor student and currently holds the position as president of the ND Association of Honor Society. She plans to compete in track and field at the University of Sioux Falls.

Photo: Jessica Mogen, Watford City