Nine to follow on the pitch this season

BISMARCK – The 31st season of WDA boys’ soccer play gets started on Aug. 15. Here’s a look at nine players to follow on the pitch this season.

Camren Haase, Bismarck High: The junior has emerged as one of the gifted offensive players in the conference. The captain has a knack to get into attacking positions with his field vision. He led the Demons in points a season ago with 23 and earned all-conference and all-state honors. He’s a player that has demonstrated a strong soccer IQ at a young age.

Cale McEvers, Bismarck Century: The junior midfielder possesses good size and athleticism which makes him a formidable foe on the pitch. His experience and skills enable him to quickly read the play and get into the right defensive position as well as quickly transition into an attack. Among the captain’s strengths are his passing and making quick decisions under pressure. 

James-Matthew Guenther, Bismarck Legacy: The four-year starter is hard to miss in the Sabers lineup. His sound positioning and ability to anticipate the play make him a formidable defender. His athleticism enable him to play anywhere in the middle of the field. He played a pivotal role in the squad's push toward a state championships in 2024.

Elijah Ricks, Dickinson: The senior provides a stable presence along the defensive line for the Midgets. His athleticism coupled with his good vision of the oncoming play puts in good positions to thwart scoring chances. He also understands when and how to best support offensive attacks by his team.

John Belzer, Jamestown: The senior is the backbone of the Blue Jays’ defensive backline. He’s been in the lineup since his freshman season. He’s not flashy, but rather a steady competitor who is always in good position and wins many one-on-one battles for the ball. He was one of the main reasons opponents had a difficult time generating scoring opportunities against Jamestown last season. He was voted team captain for 2025. 

Caleb Meidinger, Mandan-St. Mary’s: The senior will anchor the mid-field pitch for the Braves. His size and physical play make him good on the ball and has an eye to find open teammates for an outlet passes. The all-WDA player is also strong on the defensive side of the ball. 

Dylan Oswalt, Minot High: The junior posted 10 points for the Magicians a season ago and has exhibited a lot of versatility in his skill set. He’s played all the midfield positions as well as striker. He has good vision of the field and can create scoring opportunities. He’s a team captain this season.

Emerson Ries, Minot North: The senior has provided veteran leadership for the Sentinels program the last three seasons. He plays a key role in holding down the center midfield position. He is good at moving the ball quickly to open teammates and defending the center of the field. His seven points in conference matches was second most on the squad.

Tristan Boots, Williston: The senior goalkeeper was a key part of the Coyotes’ run to a first-ever state tournament appearance in 2024. He’s been a varsity player for three seasons and has shown improvement in the goal box through continued hard work and reading and anticipating where the opposition will make offensive plays. Made 45 saves on his way to a 62 percent save percentage.

Photo: Tristan Boots, Williston, (goalkeeper)