Bismarck State men's basketball coach Jason Harris has loaded a ton of responsibility on Kyle Weisbeck's shoulders.

The 6-foot-5 freshman from Herreid, S.D., carried the Mystics in the post area through the Mon-Dak preseason tournament last weekend at Williston.

Harris turned to Weisbeck after starter Michael Ulmer sprained an ankle before the tournament. Corey Kerzmann spent some time down low to relieve Weisbeck.

"It was a good time to throw Kyle into the mix and put some weight on his shoulders," Harris said. "From watching Kyle last year, I saw what he is capable of doing."

Weisbeck pumped in 26 points in a loss to Dawson in the fifth-place game. He scored 10 against Williston State in the quarterfinals and 17 against United Tribes in consolation action.

Harris is waiting for Weisbeck to get completely healthy. He dislocated a knee about a month ago and spent little time conditioning and practicing.

Harris said he pushed him a lot this past weekend, but not too much.

"He had done this before when he was in high school," Harris said. "I told him to let me know if he needed a break or to come out."

Harris pointed out the effort of Jordan Thilmony, a freshman guard from Mandan.

Thilmony scored 18 against Williston State, 17 against Dawson and 23 against United Tribes.

"It was nice to see two freshmen step up," Harris said.

Close women's race

Bismarck State women's coach Len Stanley and United Tribes coach Daryl Bearstail believe it will be an enjoyable year.

But neither coach is going to sit back. There's no time for that.

Stanley and Bearstail see a closely contested race in the Mon-Dak.

"It will be an even field this year within the conference," Bearstail said. "It's been a fun year up to this point, and we're looking for more of that. I think it will be interesting the rest of the way."

Of the 12 games played, six were decided by fewer than 10 points.

Bismarck State finished in fourth place and United Tribes fifth.

"It was a good weekend to find out where we are at," BSC coach Len Stanley said. "The biggest thing is we have a lot of kids that can play. It's a matter of kids accepting their roles. When a new door opens, and you can get an opportunity, you better take advantage of it."

United Tribes guard Kristin Bearstail finished the tournament averaging 26.2 points a game. Bismarck State post Kelsey Sigl averaged 20.2.

Short shots

- The Dickinson State cross country team hosted a benefit 5K run/walk on Saturday for the families of Ashley Neufeld, Kyrstin Gemar and Afton Williamson called the "5K for AKA." The event raised more than $1,000 for the benefit account.

The three women, who were softball players at DSU, drowned after driving their vehicle into a livestock pond.

- Rayel McPeters of Dickinson State earned an at-large berth in the women's NAIA national cross country meet. Sammy Chavez of the Blue Hawks earned an at-large bid in the men's national meet.

The championships will be Saturday in Vancouver, Wash.

- Two local harriers helped the North Dakota State men's cross country team place 18th out of 25 teams at the Midwest Regional on Saturday.

Eric Stroh of Bismarck posted a time of 35:20.6 for 142nd place. Tom Schanandore of Mandan placed 172nd in 37:46.30.

- Tyler Johnson of Bismarck captured the 165-pound title for North Dakota State at the Bison Open on Saturday. It was Johnson's second straight open title of the season.