Experienced Blackjacks hope to make a long run

BY JOE BROWN | West Central Tribune

DAWSON — Behind four returning starters, including a pair of top-tier talents in the Camden Conference, Dawson-Boyd has its sights set high in 2022-23.

Back in the mix for the Blackjacks is head coach Cory Larson, who has a record of 287-149 in 17 seasons at his alma mater.

“(This is an) experienced group returning that will work hard consistently and keep their focus on getting better,” Larson said. “We need to defend with consistency and be efficient offensively if we want to compete with the top teams in our conference/section.”

D-B was 18-9 last season, including 10-6 in the Camden Conference North Division. The Blackjacks’ season ended against eventual section champion Russell-Tyler-Ruthton in the second round of the Section 3A-North tournament.

Dawson-Boyd freshman Brayson Boike (5) drives the lane for a dunk attempt while YME’s Bryce Sneller goes up to defend during a Camden Conference game Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at Granite Falls. Boike was fouled on the play.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

In the backcourt, senior Keegon Wicht is back to orchestrate D-B’s offense. Standing at 6-foot, Wicht was second team All-Area after averaging 18.8 points and 4.5 assists per game.

Two other seniors — 6-1 forward Aiden Swenson and 6-1 guard Levi Olson — are also back in the starting five. Swenson averaged 7.1 points and 5.0 rebounds last season. Olson had 8.9 points and 3.6 rebounds per contest.

Dawson-Boyd junior Keegon Wicht, right, gets by YME’s Owen Torvik for a layup attempt during a Camden Conference game Thursday, Jan. 20, 2022, at Granite Falls.

Joe Brown / West Central Tribune

The Blackjacks also have a towering presence at guard with 6-foot-6 sophomore Brayson Boike. As a freshman, Boike averaged 16.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game.

Senior Carter Bowen and sophomore Drew Hjelmeland are also returning letterwinners that’ll add depth to D-B’s lineup. Four newcomers also look to break the Blackjacks’ lineup in senior Gavin Stulz, sophomores Kade Solem and Beau Johnson, and freshman Gunner Liebl. ◀