Ten Best: Mandan vs Bismarck Century
Last Thursday Mandan and Century closed out pre-Christmas play with a league game won by Century 71-60. Here are the PHD observations from that game in Ten Best… The game started in the favor of the Patriots right away with…
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Continue ReadingLast Thursday Mandan and Century closed out pre-Christmas play with a league game won by Century 71-60. Here are the PHD observations from that game in Ten Best…
The game started in the favor of the Patriots right away with a 15-2 lead as Lucas Mayer jumped on Mandan without anybody from the Braves able to respond. Century had a 35-24 halftime edge with way more balance in the line-up and then when Mandan did have some momentum Trae Steckeler left the game after hitting his head on the court and being taken to the trainer.
MVP: Lucas Mayer. Lucas went at Mandan hard at the start with three of their first six field goals, he had a double-double of 14 points and 13 rebounds plus three blocks, and his impact plays were all at key times.
Best Offensive Performance: Josh Sipes. Josh had a game high 20 points with four rebounds. Sipes had several hard rips to the rim, made a couple short jumpers, and got to the line five times for scores. Sipes was just too hard to keep out of the paint where his pull-up was moved and his trail three was memorable.
Best Defensive Performance: Mayer. This is simple. Lucas blocked three shots right away in the game sending a message that any Mandan attack would be met but his defense or that of others. It changed the way some attacks occurred. Mayer also controlled the defensive glass.
Best Guy Off the Bench: Jayden Hauff. The senior played a key role scoring 14 points with seven boards. Doesn’t really have a bench role but he has went from a bench role to being such a key piece as a 6-foot-1 lead guard. Having a great season so far. Remember him playing with ECI 16s and playing part time last season as a junior.
Best Under the Radar Performance: Trae Steckler. It will go unnoticed because of his injury and because Mandan couldn’t close the gap but the 6-foot-4 power forward was on the verge of leading a run before getting hurt. Only scored twice in the first half but in half two he had five scores before having to leave. Trae’s game has expanded to scoring both with his back to the basket and facing up plus he’s shown a nice 17 footer.
Best Underclassmen: Trey Wiest. A six foot Mandan guard who scored 13 points with four assists and two steals. Steady play both halves and was consistent across the board. Nice young player who plays older than his age.
Best Story to watch Moving Forward: When will Mandan turn the corner? Assuming Steckler can come back from his injury relatively soon this 1-3 record should turn around soon. The losses to Dickinson and Century were expected as they are deeper and more veteran teams although the loss to Legacy hurt. The Braves need a good showing in St. Cloud this week and then need to beat Turtle Lake and St. Mary’s when they come back to North Dakota.
Best Aspect of the Environment: It was a good night for recent graduates to come back and watch this 5-1 team play and control another game. The Patriots should be 8-1 when they play Dickinson on the 10th.
Best Prospect: Sipes. It’s close as there are about five guys in this game that you could pick from but I would say the way Josh played he would get that nod based on this game.
Other: Camren Steckler of Mandan. Camren battled for three scores and four boards in the first half although he had a tough day shooting against Century. Camren is usually a better shooter from the perimeter than he showed. Very dangerous attacking left.