North Dakota Midseason Report: WDA POY Rankings
We’re right around the midway point of the season. With February right around the corner, we’re heading into the final stretch of the season. Teams are rounding into form and we’re getting a good idea of what teams are truly…
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Continue ReadingWe’re right around the midway point of the season. With February right around the corner, we’re heading into the final stretch of the season. Teams are rounding into form and we’re getting a good idea of what teams are truly capable of.
Who doesn’t love power rankings? Here are midseason power rankings for the Player of the Year in the WDA:
Jaxon Gunville, Minot
The race for the WDA Player-of-the-Year is going to be a tight one but at this point, Gunville gets a slight edge for the top spot. The 6-foot-1 senior guard has taken his game to even higher level, averaging 25.3 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists. Known as one of the deadliest shooters in the state, Gunville has ascended even in that regard, making a ridiculous 49 3-pointers on 49 percent shooting. Minot is contend for a WDA title and Gunville has been the catalyst.
Boden Skunberg, Jamestown
The preseason favorite to win the Player-of-the-Year and Mr. Basketball, Skunberg has been terrific so far this year for a Jamestown team that looks like the favorite to win the state title. The 6-foot-4 senior guard is doing it all, averaging 25.1 points, 9.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists while shooting 46 percent from the field and 36 percent from 3-point range. He missed a couple games early in the year but the Bluejays are going to be at the top of the WDA all year and Skunberg’s the reason why.
Cade Feeney, Bismarck Century
There might not be a player who matters more to a team that has a chance to contend than Cade Feeney is to the Patriots. The senior guard is averaging 18.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 3.2 steals – good but not eye-popping numbers compared to some of the other guys on this list. But his two-way ability is as good as anybody and he’s shouldering a huge load for a team that is still among the best in the state.
Jaiden Wright, Dickinson
Dickinson is in the mix to finish with a top-four seed in the WDA and Wright has been the star of the show. The 6-foot-3 combo-guard is averaging 22.6 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 47 percent from the field, 36 percent from the 3-point line and 84 percent from the free throw line.
Elijah Klein, Mandan
Mandan dealt with some injuries early in the year, so the Braves’ record isn’t as gaudy as some teams, but they’ve got a good shot to climb in the standings late in the year and Klein is the unquestioned go-to guy. The 6-foot-7 big man is averaging 20.4 points and 9.1 rebounds while shooting 66 percent from the field. He’s got the ability to dominate games and as the team progresses, his numbers could rise even higher.
Rhett Clements, Bismarck Legacy
Bismarck Legacy has been ravaged by injuries yet remain in the mix for a top-four spot in the WDA thanks in large part to Clements. The 6-foot-3 senior forward has exploded this year from a solid player to the man, averaging 23.3 points and 9.5 rebounds. His efficiency level has been ridiculous too, as he’s shooting 56 percent from the field and 53 percent from 3-point range.