The Williston (ND) varsity basketball team is set to host Bismarck (ND) for a conference game today at 7:45 PM.

Game Details:

• Bismarck vs Williston Basketball
• Date: Friday, January 31, 2025
• Time: 7:45 PM
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Bismarck vs. Williston: A Tale of Two Basketball Teams

The 2024-2025 North Dakota high school basketball season has brought contrasting stories for the Bismarck and Williston varsity basketball teams. The two schools have faced a range of challenges, with Bismarck dominating its competition and Williston struggling to find consistency.

Bismarck’s Strong Performance

The Bismarck team has had a remarkable season so far, compiling an impressive 12-2 record overall. Their district performance has been just as strong, with a 9-2 mark, including a 6-1 home record and 4-1 away performance. Their stellar play has resulted in a win percentage of .857, and they’ve been a force in their district with a win percentage of .818. The team has accumulated 1,162 points and allowed 871, showcasing both offensive firepower and solid defense.

Bismarck has also shown its ability to close out games. Their average points per game (PPG) sits at an impressive 83.0, reflecting their high-scoring nature. The team’s ability to dominate their common opponents, including a strong win over Dickinson and Century, has solidified their status as a top contender in North Dakota basketball.

Williston’s Struggles

In stark contrast, Williston has had a tough year. With a 3-12 record overall, their struggles have been evident. The team has only won two district games out of 12 and has faced difficulties on both ends of the court. Their win percentage stands at just .200, and their district win percentage is even lower, at .167. Williston’s points for (855) and points against (1,238) paint a picture of a team that has had difficulty keeping up with stronger opponents. They average just 57 points per game, far below Bismarck’s offensive output.

The team’s inability to compete consistently against common opponents highlights their season-long issues. For instance, their loss to Mandan by a score of 91-40 was indicative of the challenges Williston has faced. The team’s overall record in games against teams like Minot, Jamestown, and Dickinson has been less than stellar, with only a handful of wins coming against those squads.

Head-to-Head Breakdown

When these two teams met earlier in the season, the result was an overwhelming victory for Bismarck. On January 14, Bismarck secured a dominant 106-55 win over Williston. This result underscored the gap between the two teams, with Bismarck putting on an offensive clinic while keeping Williston at bay defensively. The two schools will meet again on February 7, 2025, in Williston, offering Williston a chance to redeem themselves.

Common Opponents

Both teams have faced several common opponents this season, but the outcomes have favored Bismarck in most cases. Bismarck boasts a record of 8-2 against common foes, while Williston has only managed a 2-9 record against those same teams. The contrast is evident when looking at their respective performances in games against high-level teams like Century, Legacy, and Minot. Bismarck has enjoyed a series of close victories and competitive games, whereas Williston has struggled significantly, often finding themselves on the losing end by large margins.

The Road Ahead

As the season progresses, Bismarck remains a favorite in the district, with their impressive record and high-level play. Their next challenges will come against tough teams like Century and Minot, and they will be looking to extend their strong record and prepare for the postseason.

Williston, however, faces a tougher road. With a 2-10 district record, the team will need to regroup and focus on improving their consistency, especially in scoring and defense. They still have opportunities to turn their season around, with games against common opponents like Dickinson and Minot still remaining on the schedule. The February 7th game against Bismarck will be another tough test, but it may also provide valuable learning experiences for a team that has struggled this season.

Conclusion

The story of Bismarck and Williston this season is one of contrasting fortunes. Bismarck continues to shine with its strong team play and solid record, while Williston faces a season of rebuilding and learning from tough losses. As the season winds down, all eyes will be on Bismarck as they aim for a district title, while Williston hopes to find some momentum before heading into the postseason.