North Dakota Preview: Bowman County
Bowman County won 14 games last season before bowing out in the Region 7 tournament to Glen Ullin/Hebron. The Bulldogs proved last season that they could hang with top-notch competition and win games against good teams. But they also battled…
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Continue ReadingBowman County won 14 games last season before bowing out in the Region 7 tournament to Glen Ullin/Hebron. The Bulldogs proved last season that they could hang with top-notch competition and win games against good teams. But they also battled inconsistency at times and struggled to generate offense against the contenders in their area. With three starters back including two potential all-staters, the Bulldogs could be a sneaky contender in Region 7.
KEY RETURNERS: Jacob Svihovec, Caleb Duffield, Matt Osendorf,
Svihovec was one of the most productive players in Class B last year, averaging 16.6 points and 6.3 rebounds as a junior. At 6-foot-3, he’s one of the toughest guys to defend in the state because of his combination of size, athleticism and skill. He eclipsed the 20-point mark six times but also scored in single digits four times, showing some inconsistency. If he plays like he’s capable throughout the year and brings energy consistently, he’s a potential 20 and 10 guy.
Duffield is one of the most talented pure scorers in the state. Fresh off averaging 16.7 points per game and knocking down 2.4 triples per game, Duffield had a terrific summer on the AAU circuit with ND Attack. He’s a dynamic shooter, explosive enough to get to the rim and has advanced his ability as a passer. He gives the Bulldogs a legitimate bucket-getter on the perimeter.
Osendorf averaged seven points per game is made more than a 3-pointer per contest. He’s a solid two-way guard who served as one of the team’s best perimeter shooters and a complimentary ball handler.
STEPPING INTO NEW ROLES: Camden Wokal, Brady Senn, Jaxson Fischer
Senn was a regular rotation guy last year, averaging 4.3 points per game while contributing as a secondary playmaker on the perimeter. He won’t be the featured offensive guy with Duffield and Svihovec doing a lot of the heavy lifting in that department, but he’ll be one of a few guys who will have opportunities to make plays with less defensive attention on them. Senn could be a breakout guy for the Bulldogs.
Fischer saw minutes last year up front and will likely have the chance to step into a starting role this winter in the post. He won’t be expected to score a ton, but if he can defend inside, rebound, set screens and finish around the rim, he could be a vital piece.
Wokal saw spot minutes last year mostly in blowouts but he’ll be one of the first guys in line for a big minute jump this winter.
QUESTION: Can the Bulldogs compete with the top teams in the Region?
Bowman County finished fourth in the Region 7 standings last year and lost to Glen Ullin/Hebron in the second round. Pretty much all year, the region was a three-horse race between GU/H, Beulah and Dickinson Trinity. All three of those teams figure to be up there at the top again this winter even if some of the faces are changing. Can Bowman County make a run at those teams and get to the top? The Bulldogs have the talent to do it.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Bowman County has the returning talent to break into the rankings this season. Duffield is one of the best guards in Class B. Svihovec is a matchup nightmare on the wing and the Bulldogs return enough guys from last year that there shouldn’t be a lot of growing pain during the year. If this team can play up to its talent on a consistent basis, it could be a 15-20 win team and find itself contending deep into the Region 7 tournament.