Coyote Girls vs Mandan Braves: Pregame Primer
The John Cole Gymnasium is set for a key Western Dakota Athletic (WDA) showdown tonight as the Williston Coyotes host the unbeaten Mandan Braves. One team comes in undefeated and ranked, the other experienced and talented, looking to find consistency against the league’s top competition. In January, the WDA doesn’t allow second chances—it demands results.
Mandan enters the game at 6–0 overall, flawless in conference play, built on discipline and smart execution. The Braves average just over 73 points per game, hitting 44–45 percent from the floor while pulling down roughly 28 rebounds per contest. The Braves' offense emphasizes patience and precision and limiting turnovers, making them a tough opponent in half-court settings.
Leading the scoring for Mandan is Kimimila McAllister, scoring nearly 20 points per game and providing a steady interior presence. Anna Bugbee averages 18.5 points, anchoring the team interior attack. Alli Reiner contributes 11 points per night for Mandan to round out their double digit scorers. The Braves thrive not by chasing chaos but by removing it, a discipline that has kept them unbeaten.
Williston, now 4–2 on the season, counters with a faster, more aggressive style. The Coyotes average 70 points per game, shooting 47 percent overall, fueled by transition offense and strong rebounding. They pull down about 30 boards per game and average 11.5 assists when their attack clicks. Ball security remains their biggest challenge, with turnovers hovering near 15 per game and rising in losses.
Avery Austreim leads the Coyotes with 19.2 points per game, logging heavy minutes and shouldering late-clock responsibilities. Alex Austreim thrives in the up-tempo game, contributing 16 points per contest, while Mekian Klumpker matches that production inside, providing 12 points and anchoring the team’s interior presence. When Williston connects offensively and limits mistakes, they can overwhelm opponents with speed and energy. But careless possessions can quickly turn momentum against them.
Tonight’s matchup has implications that reach across the WDA. Elsewhere, Bismarck St. Mary’s travels to Bismarck, Minot North faces Bismarck Century, and Dickinson visits Bismarck Legacy. Later matchups include Jamestown at Minot and Watford City at New Town. Looking ahead to Friday, Williston heads to St. Mary’s, Mandan travels to Dickinson, and Minot squares off against Minot North in a rivalry showdown.
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