Coyote Boys vs Mandan Braves: Pregame Primer

It's another Coyote game day at the John Cole Gymnasium, where the good guys are set to host a crucial WDA matchup, as the Williston Coyotes take on the unbeaten Mandan Braves.

One team arrives riding a winning streak, while the other is talented, explosive, and searching for consistency.

In January, the league leaves no room for error.

Mandan enters at 6–0 overall and 5–1 in conference play, built on discipline, efficiency, and smart basketball. The Braves average 77 points per game, shoot 45 percent from the field, 31 percent from deep hitting 50 of 157 three pointes they have attempted this season, and secure roughly 28 rebounds per contest. The Braves at not prone to selfish basketball either, tallying 16 assists per game while limiting turnovers to just under 13 per game.

Brylee Bearstail leads Mandan with 14.3 points per game. Carson Shimek anchors the interior with 11.2 points per game and a monsterous 65.3 percent shooting on two-pointers. Daniel Wentz adds 13.5 points and rebounding efficiency, Kenneth Eaglestaff contributes 12 points and nearly 1.5 rebounds per game, and spaces the floor while assisting ball movement.

Williston, at 1–5, plays a contrasting style built on speed and tempo. The Coyotes average 63 points per game, shooting 52 percent on two-pointers and 35 percent from three, while crashing the boards for 30 rebounds per game. Their transition offense produces 12 assists nightly, but turnovers—14 .5 per game—can stall their momentum.

Chance Riveland leads Williston with 13 points per game on 54 percent shooting, while Justin chips in for 10.5 points and key rebounds, and secondary scorers Drew Harper, William Leonardi, and Leo Kendor contribute efficient scoring and floor spacing. When the Coyotes connect offensively and protect the ball, they can overwhelm opponents with pace and energy.

Across the WDA, the top five teams are tightly packed. Bismarck Century leads at 6–0 overall and 3–0 in conference, averaging 92 points per game, followed closely by Bismarck High at 6–0. West Fargo Horace (7–1), Fargo Davies (4–2), and Dickinson (4–2) maintain strong point differentials, illustrating the league’s competitiveness.

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Tonight, Mandan looks to confirm its standing among the conference’s elite, while Williston seeks a breakthrough statement. Elsewhere, Bismarck St. Mary’s hosts Bismarck, Minot North travels to Bismarck Century, and Dickinson visits Bismarck Legacy, with Jamestown at Minot and Watford City at New Town later.