The Rotation: Bishop Ryan

One basket in overtime.  That's what stood in the way of Bishop Ryan from winning a Class B state title last year.  The top Lions return (both are committed to Minot State) and gold is their dream. 

Must Be Replaced:  Anthony Vetter, Caden Shean, Jacob Lizotte, Christopher Sowitch, Alex Burckhard

Before we talk about two of the state's best players we must point out that Bohl and Hedberg didn't get to state on their own.  Five of the eight players in the rotation last year were seniors including Anthony Vetter who put up 14.1 points and 6.4 rebounds a game as the top Lions frontcourt player.  Vetter is a top piece lost and Bishop Ryan was a big team.  Sowtch and Lizotte were 6-foot-4 and 6-foot-5 respectively and both of them graduated as well.  Bishop Ryan lost three starters and depth needs to be added. 

Returning Starters: Benjamin Bohl, Mason Hedberg

The other side of the coin, the stars.  We've seen some tweets stating that Bohl and Hedberg are the best players in Class B basketball this year!  That's a debate for somebody else.  Fact is Minot State has added both Benjamin Bohl and Mason Hedberg to their commitment list for 2019.  Bohl averaged 19.6 points a game last year with 7.5 rebounds a contest and is the second ranked prospect in the state.  Hedberg scored over 16 a game last year and had a fantastic summer that will certainly put him among the top ten prospects in North Dakota when the new 2019 rankings come out this fall.  Bishop Ryan only has two starters back but they are two of the best players in the state and when you have that in Class B basketball you have an obvious title contender. 

Stepping into Bigger Roles: Chinaza Udekwe

The 5-foot-11 guard is the only other returning talent from last year's rotation.  Chinaza is a 5-foot-11 guard and he will give the Lions a backcourt that can only be rivaled by what Century has. 

Future.  Jeron Schmidt, Ruben Lormejuste

Jerson was on the JV a year ago and will be a junior this season.  He is the biggest returning player from last year's roster at 6-foot-3.  His growth will be key to how this team does this year.  Bishop Ryan had four juniors on last year's roster and Ruben was the fourth.  Lormejuste is another frontcourt player at 6-foot-1.  Keep an eye on sophomore guards Logan Merck, Jaxon Feller, and Nicholas Sanders.