Presence in the paint: Junior duo controls Trinity’s inside game

The ability for Dickinson Trinity juniors Alanna Sickler and Brianna Soehren to work well together in the post didn’t happen overnight.
The duo has continued to grow since they were in junior high.
Sickler, who stands 5-foot-10, and Soehren at 6 feet helped the No. 10-ranked Dickinson Trinity girls basketball team reach its first North Dakota Class B state tournament in nearly 10 years.
“We have a good connection and we know where each other’s at,” said Sickler, who averages 14 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. “We can always rely on each other in the post.”
Despite their height advantage against most teams in Region 7, Trinity head coach Carter Fong said Sickler and Soehren have the unique ability to run the fastbreak.
The transition baskets aided the Titans to an average of 53.3 points per game. Their strong defense helped limit opponents to 38.7.
“They can run the floor really well for post players,” Fong said. “They can defend on the perimeter real well. We try to get a rebound and go, because we know one or both of them are going to be one of the first ones down the floor.”
Though Trinity has a strong inside game with Sickler and Soehren, the junior posts agreed it’s the team’s guard play that allows them to excel.
Trinity’s starting guards are juniors Kennedy Keator, Madison Jahner and sophomore Abby Jones who combine to average 22.5 points per game. The quartet of senior guard Emily Spradley, sophomore guard Sami Daniel, sophomore forward Lauren Stafford and freshman forward Jordie McNeilly average 6.9 points off the bench.
“It’s nice to have every option, especially if someone is having an off day,” said Soehren, who averages a double-double of 11.2 points and 10 rebounds per game. “It’s nice to know to we have each other’s back.”
Sickler and Soehren each have specific skills in the paint.
Sickler uses more finesse to score, while Soehren relies on size and strength to give Trinity second-chance opportunities.
“Alanna and Brianna complement each other very well,” Fong said. “Most teams struggle matching up with our two posts, especially when they are on the floor at the same time. Alanna is really crafty around the basket. Brianna knows her job is to get to the block and make a power move.”
A concussion against Watford City on Feb. 7 forced Sickler to sit out three games. Soehren took control in the paint during that three-game stretch and averaged 22.7 points per game. However, Soehren is glad Sickler returned quickly.
“Alanna is a big asset to our team,” Soehren said.
Trinity (19-5) opens the North Dakota Class B state tournament against No. 4 seed and No. 4-ranked Thompson (22-2) at 7:15 p.m. today at the Minot State Dome. The Tommies are beating teams by an average of 18 points per game.
The Titans saw Thompson play on Dec. 5 during the Shootout on the Prairie at the Minot Auditorium, but Sickler knows their opponent has progressed since the beginning of the season.
“We’ll be learning a lot about them in practice on Wednesday,” Sickler said.
Soehren said the Titans have waited a long time for the opportunity to play at the state tournament.
In the previous two seasons, they finished runner-up to Beach at the Region 7 Tournament. The juniors - Soehren, Keator, Sickler and Jahner - received substantial playing time as freshman.
“Since we are all around the same age, we grew up even in elementary school playing together,” Soehren said. “Growing up together, we’ve been together during junior high and high school. We become closer and learn how to play basketball together.”