Milbank Bulldogs – Season Preview
In this article:
Today we are checking out the Bulldogs from Class A Region 1. Milbank is coached by Logan Diede and he will have a nice team this season. Read below for in-depth information on the Bulldogs from Milbank. Look Back at…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingToday we are checking out the Bulldogs from Class A Region 1. Milbank is coached by Logan Diede and he will have a nice team this season. Read below for in-depth information on the Bulldogs from Milbank.
Look Back at the 2021-2022 Season
The Bulldogs play a very tough schedule, every year. Milbank is constantly challenged early and often, but it prepares them for the end of the season. Last year, the Bulldogs played their best basketball when they were attacking and finishing at the rim. They struggled shooting from the perimeter and that will be an area to improve this season. If Milbank can hit from outside this year, it will really open up the lane for their athletes. Last season, when they kept the ball moving and kept moving off the ball – the Bulldogs increased their success exponentially – as most teams do. Milbank lost to Groton in the Region final, ending their bid to go to the SoDak16 for a third straight year. Milbank built an early 3rd quarter lead, but Groton’s seniors got hot from beyond the arc and went on a nice run, from then on out it was a back-and-forth battle, ending with the Tigers going to the SoDak16. Last year, Milbank was a tough, coachable group, that competed every night out. With much of their core back, they will look to take another step forward with this hungry group of basketball players.
Offseason
The offseason for the Bulldogs was productive, like always. The focus for Milbank this past summer was to play as many games as possible to continue to build their chemistry together. With only two returning players that had significant varsity minutes last season, the Bulldog’s mission was to play many games and to compete! Milbank played close to 40 games between summer team camps and summer league. They saw some good competition along the way and it helped with their development.
Top Bulldogs
Garrett Mertens Garrett Mertens 6'3" | SG Milbank | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’2 G|
-Returning starter
– Great court vision/passer
-Attacks the rim very well to finish or dish
-Great anticipation & impressive athleticism
-11.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 1 spg, 38.7 FG%, 30.8 FG%, 2 charges taken
Jaxson Wildung Jaxson Wildung 6'2" | SG Milbank | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’2 G/F|
-Attacking the basket/defense
-An overall physical player
-Quality mid-range scoring
-He will see an increased role and his production will go up
-1 ppg, 1.2 rpg
Joe Schulte Joe Schulte 6'4" | SF Milbank | 2024 SD (2024) |6’4 G/F|
-Very long and athletic
-Produces inside and outside
-2.3 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 41 FG%
Justus Osborn Justus Osborn 5'11" | CG Milbank | 2023 State SD (2023) |5’11 G|
-Returning starter
-Has impressive quickness & explosiveness
-Does good work with on-ball defense
-Creates as a slasher and penetrator
-Shoots well from the perimeter
-5.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1 apg, 1 spg, 34.8 FG%, 29.1 3FG%
Yohana Ajwanga Yohana Ajwanga 6'5" | PF Milbank | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’4 F|
-Another long and athletic player
-Offers up rim protection for the Bulldogs
-Rebounds hard on both ends of the floor
Up-and-Comers for the Bulldogs
Sam Rick Sam Rick 5'11" | PG Milbank | 2027 State SD 8th grade
Jeter Scoular 8th grade
Jaxson Wiese 8th grade
Harley Zemlicka 8th grade
Coach Logan Diede talks about the Bulldogs style of play
“We will want to be an attacking team with our length and with our athletes, and open up the perimeter for open shots with our ability to attack. The defense will always be a priority within our program, along with being a coachable group that plays hard, plays together, and competes every possession. Our guys really do a great job of encompassing that culture!“
Coach Diede comments on the top team in Region 1
“Groton – they are loaded with talent and are coming off of a State Tournament run. They will be adding some additional talented players in the Varsity program with some of their younger players, and have a lot of really good guard play. High IQ, athletic group, and can get hot from three.“