LED BY MCCLAIN, THUNDERBIRDS RETURN PROMISING SQUAD

Rob McClain averaged a double-double last season for United Tribes Technical College.

Pete Conway, McClain's coach, thinks the star sophomore is capable of even more.

"We talked about some things after last season that he could do to take the next step," Conway said. "He's worked hard on becoming a better shooter and strengthening his body. You can see he's developed more physically."

McClain averaged 18 points and 11 rebounds per game last season for the Thunderbirds in their 20-win campaign.

Conway's trademark fast-paced style once again led to a ton of points. The Thunderbirds ranked No. 2 in scoring in NJCAA Division II (101.9). They ranked No. 1 in 2016-17 (100.2).

Conway thinks the roster is better equipped this season to handle matters on both ends of the floor.

"We like to get up and down the court and shoots 3s, but I think we have a better mix this season in terms of being able to get up and defend guys and in being able to put the ball on the floor and create offense that way," Conway said. "We have guys that can do different things."

United Tribes opens the season on tonigh at the two-day Mon-Dak Preseason Tournament in New Town, N.D. Getting up for game 1 of the season never takes much, but facing crosstown rival Bismarck State College adds another layer of motivation.

"Bringing back the tournament is a good deal. There will be eight solid teams and we'll all get three really good games," Conway said. "It should be a fun atmosphere. Having it centrally located is a good thing and we should be able to get a few fans at the games."

The Thunderbirds should have solid guard play.

Montel Carlow averaged 10 points per game last season. The Fort Yates, N.D., native connected on 39 percent of his 3-point attempts.

"Montel's made good improvements to his game," Conway said.

Rob Beaulieu is back in the paint. The 6-foot-7 sophomore contributed 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a freshman.

Steve Redfox, a former standout at Four Winds High School, will see plenty of time in the backcourt. Chayton York, a transfer, gets the nod at point guard.

Newcomers Joe Sazue III from Fort Thompson, S.D., Tyree Florence-Patton and sophomore Dante' Fischer, a Mobridge, S.D., native, round out the early rotation.

"I think our depth will be developed during the season," Conway said.

While undersized, the head coach believes they can make up for it.

"I think we're athletic enough that we can hold our own on the glass and become a good defensive team, that's been a point of emphasis," said Conway, whose team started practice at the beginning of October. "We're excited. It'll be good to get into a game-situation and see where we're at."

Freshmen: Dayson Kohlus, G, Eagle Butte, S.D.; Kobe Gourneau, G, Belcourt, N.D.; Andrew Brown, G, Browning, Mont.; Tyree Florence-Patton, F, Topeka, Kan.; Buell Robinson, G, Ethete, N.Y.; Benjamin Thompson, F, Sisseton, S.D.; Nehemiah Baustian, G/F, Rapid City, S.D.; Joe Sazue III, G, Fort Thompson, S.D. Ryle Foote, C, Fort Belknap, Mont.

Sophomores: Montel Carlow, G, Fort Yates, N.D.; Dante'Fischer, G, Mobridge, S.D.; Chayton York, G, Philadelphia, Miss.; Rob McClain, F, Red Lake, Minn.; Steve Redfox Jr., G, Wood Lake, N.D.; Robert Beaulieu, C, Red Lake, Minn.