Preview: Bismarck Century Eyes Another Title Run

<p>We're kicking off our Class AA preview with the reigning state champions—<strong>Bismarck Century</strong>—and for good reason. The Patriots enter the 2025 season looking to defend their title after posting an impressive <strong>29-4 record</strong> last fall. With seven seniors gone from last year's championship squad, the natural assumption might be a rebuilding year. But those who know this program understand: <strong>Century doesn't rebuild—they reload.</strong></p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Program Built on Culture and Depth</h3>   <p>What separates Century year after year is their ability to develop talent across all positions. After following many of these athletes through club season, it's clear that the pipeline is alive and thriving. The returning senior group—<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor'], [player_tooltip player_id='724900' first='Cadence' last='Kostelecky'], [player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle'], [player_tooltip player_id='748390' first='Norah' last='Green'], [player_tooltip player_id='752451' first='Kambree' last='Long'], [player_tooltip player_id='752452' first='Addison' last='Weigel'], Abby Fosland, and [player_tooltip player_id='763430' first='Jazzlyn' last='Dintelman']</strong>—brings not only experience but a deep understanding of system play, tempo control, and game management.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Offensive Weapons with Leadership and Range</h3>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='725009' first='Alexis' last='Heinle']</strong>, now committed to St. Cloud State, headlines the attack. She's one of the state's most explosive outside hitters, boasting a high contact point, strong vertical, and the ability to score out-of-system. Heinle excels at reading the block and adjusting her shot mid-air—whether it's going high hands, tooling off the edge, or attacking deep corners with control. What elevates her impact even more is her leadership—she's locked in, vocal, and leads by example every set.</p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='513095' first='Sylvia' last='Taylor']</strong>, committed to Augustana, is another senior poised for a breakout year. She brings a powerful presence from the left side and contributes on both ends—terminating efficiently while also being steady in serve receive, and floor defense. If her role is a six-rotation outside, this will give the Patriots key continuity on both sides of the ball.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Running the Offense: Setter Stability</h3>   <p>In a program built on tempo and balance, setting is crucial, and Century has depth. [player_tooltip player_id='748390' first='Norah' last='Green'] is a high-motor, high-IQ setter who plays with pace and urgency. She delivers consistent tempo balls to the pins, runs a tight, quick set to the middle, and isn't afraid to dump when she sees the opening. Her ability to extend plays with her hustle and make clean second-touch decisions keeps the offense flowing, even in chaotic rallies.</p>   <p>Alongside her is <strong>Abby Fosland</strong>, who brings over <strong>460 assists</strong> from last season. Fosland has smooth hands, great ball control, and a strong sense for matchups—knowing when to feed the hot hitter or shift tempo to isolate a middle. Her calm presence and ability to disguise her delivery add an important dimension to Century's offense.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Defense Wins Titles</h3>   <p>Defense will remain a key strength for this squad. With experienced DS/libero returners like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724900' first='Cadence' last='Kostelecky']</strong> and back-row contributors like <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752451' first='Kambree' last='Long']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='752452' first='Addison' last='Weigel']</strong>, Century can stay aggressive on serve receive while locking down seams. Their defensive system is disciplined—they hold their base, close seams, and consistently put up high-quality first contacts that keep the offense in rhythm.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rising Juniors Ready to Contribute</h3>   <p>Don't overlook the <strong>2027 class</strong>, either. This group has been making noise all offseason—and they're ready to earn their place on the varsity floor.</p>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724964' first='Kenley' last='Melby']</strong> (setter) has sharp hands and delivers a fast, consistent ball. She's a confident floor leader with strong tempo awareness.</li>   <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724966' first='Kinley' last='Pedersen']</strong> (DS/L) is a quick-reacting defender who reads hitters well and keeps serve receive steady with a clean platform.</li>   <li><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='724967' first='Parker' last='Lutman']</strong> (OH) brings solid power and court awareness. She makes smart reads on the block and swings with purpose, especially in transition.</li> </ul>   <p>All three were key players for <strong>CVC during club season</strong>, helping lead deep runs and catching the eye of coaches around the region. Expect to see them in the varsity mix this fall.</p>   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Season Outlook</h3>   <p>Century has the pieces to repeat: experienced seniors, a strong setting tandem, depth in the backcourt, and a culture of grit and execution. If they stay healthy and continue to gel as new contributors step up, expect the Patriots to be in the hunt once again for another deep postseason run—and possibly another state banner.</p>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you to all my readers for making this journey possible. My goal has always been simple—to shine a light on athletes at every level, from Division I to NAIA, and give them a platform to keep chasing their love for the game. Every player deserves a shot, and I'm honored to help tell their stories.</em></strong></h2>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Please help us continue to grow this positive platform for players by spreading the word and encouraging your friends to subscribe at <a href="https://prepdig.com/">PrepDig.com.</a> With your support, we can create unforgettable memories and experiences!</strong></h2>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>This journey is created by the village—athletes, coaches, families, and subscribers.</em></strong></h4>   <h4 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><em>Thank you for making it all possible! ~ Theresa Hickman @</em></strong>prepdigdakotas</h4>

We're kicking off our Class AA preview with the reigning state champions—Bismarck Century—and for good reason. The Patriots enter the 2025 season looking to defend their title after posting an impressive 29-4 record last fall. With seven seniors gone from last year's championship squad, the natural assumption might be a rebuilding year. But those who know this program understand: Century doesn't rebuild—they reload.