Eleven to watch on the court this winter

BISMARCK –  The 2024-25 boys’ basketball season is just underway and it promises again to generate plenty of excitement across the conference. There are a number of impact players on the court. Here’s a look at some of them to keep an eye on throughout the campaign.

Bismarck High: Andre Austin
The senior guard is one of the most dynamic players in the state. He is closing in on 1,000 career points and set the BHS single season assist record in 2023-24. His athleticism makes him very difficult to contain on the offensive side of the ball. The all-WDA and all-state selection can finish at the rim, but also use his passing skills to find his teammates. Coach Jordan Wilhelm says Andre’s high compete level make him noticeable every time he’s on the court. Perhaps the most underrated part of his game is his defense. He can disrupt opposing offenses with his quickness in getting into passing lanes and challenging at the rim.  

Bismarck Century: Drew Kempel
The senior guard is the consummate “gym rat” who has spent many hours improving his all-around game. Coach Darin Mattern says he spent time building his strength and quickness. The all-WDA selection has been seeing regular varsity time as a freshman. He averaged 13 points and seven rebounds a game a season ago. His play around the basket make him a strong defender.

Bismarck Legacy: Jonathan Roubideaux
At 6-8, the junior certainly stands out on the court. Coach Jason Horner says his rebounding has improved significantly. What makes him a difference maker his the ability to score from the perimeter as well as get touches in the post. That will make it challenging for defenses to contain his scoring potential. He’s off to a big start this season, averaging over 21 points in his first couple of games and over 65 percent from beyond the arc.

Bismarck St. Mary’s: Jackson Barth
The junior showed his potential in the second half of last season where he averaged a double-double (points-rebounds). Coach BJ Eztold says Jackson’s presence in the paint will be key. At 6-5, his size should make defenses take notice. And if opponents focus on him near the basket, that should open up time and space for his teammates to get off quality shots. His passing skills and good decision making with the ball make him valuable on the floor.

Dickinson: Boston Cranston
The guard serves as a floor general for the Midgets. Coach Dan Glasser says Boston is effective in getting his teammates in the correct spots in the offensive set. The all-WDA selection last year possesses strong shooting and passing skills as well as the ability to beat opposing players off the dribble. He has a high basketball IQ and anticipates the play well. He averaged 17 points and three assists per game. He was also among the team leaders in steals.

Jamestown: Thomas Newman
The senior will play a pivotal role in the Blue Jays lineup this season, especially with the loss of one of its veterans -- Noah Meissner -- to a torn achilles in a preseason practice. First-year coach Luke Anderson says he has great court vision and a knack for grabbing boards and scoring in a variety of ways. He is coming off a season which saw him average around 17 points per game. And was one of the top free throw shooters on the squad. He was an all-WDA selection.

Mandan: T.J. Brownotter
The senior, who missed last postseason due to injury, will be a big part of the squad’s success this season. Coach Brandon Schafer says TJ worked extremely hard in rehabilitating after his injury to prepare for the season. The all-WDA selection average 11 points per game is one of the top perimeter players in the conference. He made 51 three point baskets and shot over 30 percent from beyond the arc. His athleticism and focus allow him to defend against skilled offensive players.

Minot High: Fischer Johnson
The senior fits the Magi profile as a sound defender and someone who makes good decisions with the basketball. In a lineup filled with many talented players a year ago, Fischer’s stats don’t jump off the page, but show his all-around play. He contributed on both ends of the floor with is ability to force steals (18) and create offense for others with his 38 assists. He averaged just under three points a game. Coach Dean Winczewski says he is a ball handler who is able to create shots for others as well as finish for himself.

Minot North: Kaiden Helm
The senior guard/forward provides a steady shooting option for the Sentinels. He previously was in the Minot High program. Coach Drew Hysjulien says his strong footwork and ball handling enables him to score from the perimeter but also work inside for shots. With varsity experience, he will be called upon to provide leadership for the first-year varsity program.

Watford City: Trysten DeVries
The sophomore is a stingy defender, often drawing the assignment of guarding an opponent’s top scorer. Coach David Gumke says he has a motor that won’t quit. He is continually around the ball, getting rebounds, steals and loose balls. And has a knack for blocking shots. He came on last season and his effort allowed him to carve out minutes on the varsity as a freshman. More good things are expected this season from him as the Wolves look to put together a successful season in Division A.

Williston: Bridger Johnson
The senior checks all the boxes of a player who can score, defend and bring intensity and smart play to the floor. First-year coach Quinn McGlothlin says his athletic ability and his competitiveness are what set him part from others. In addition to that compete level, he is a solid ball handler who led his team in assists last year. He averaged 15 points per game and has a strong jump shot. He also can defend well and can force several steals with is quickness.

Photo: TJ Brownotter, Mandan