North Dakota Class B 2019-20 Way-too-Early Preview
High school hoops in North Dakota ended a few weeks ago. Before moving into full offseason mode and focusing on AAU and recruiting stuff, let’s take a quick look at what could be ahead next winter. Here’s a Way-too-Early Class…
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Continue ReadingHigh school hoops in North Dakota ended a few weeks ago. Before moving into full offseason mode and focusing on AAU and recruiting stuff, let’s take a quick look at what could be ahead next winter.
Here’s a Way-too-Early Class B Preview
Hillsboro/Central Valley
The Burros might’ve been the second best team in the state last season despite not appearing in the state tournament. They’ll attempt to win a third state title in four years next winter and will have a great shot at doing it with Carson Henningsgard finally heading into his senior year. He’s arguably the best player in Class B. H/CV also should have solid returning guys in Patrick Limke, Oscar Benson and Landen Reed which gives them a loaded lineup.
Four Winds/Minnewaukan
The Indians were one of the three or four best teams in Class B throughout last season but an upset loss to New Rockford-Sheyenne meant Four Winds/Minnewaukan was stuck at home for the state tournament. The Indians should be well-equipped to make a deeper run next year. Doug Yankton is one of the best juniors in the state and guys like Jaymison Green, JaeShaun Shaw and Jaden Yankton give them an excellent crop of perimeter pieces.
Richland
The Colts finished the year with a third-place finish at the state tournament and should be among the elite teams in the state again next winter. Cole Meyers, Gavin Reiland and Carter Lingen make up one of the best trios in the state. Colten Evanson gives the Colts a fourth returning starter and potential double-figure scorer.
Rugby
Rugby was one of the top five to seven teams in Class B most of last season but fizzled a bit late in the year and lost before getting another shot at Bishop Ryan in the Region 6 tournament. Still, the Panthers return a really talented core led by Trace Goven, Jaden Hamilton and Devan Michels.
Dickinson Trinity
The Titans return very good guards in Matt Stafford and Cole Fitterer plus solid role players in Seth Herner, Jake Daniel and Bryant Merry. Defense will always be a calling card for this team and there’s always talent in the pipeline. The Titans will be right there in the mix for a Region 7 title.
Beulah
Beulah went to state for the second year in a row this past winter and while the Miners will lose three starters, they will head into next year set at point guard and center. Trey Brandt is one of the best freshmen in the state and should take another big leap forward while Jonah Larson is a productive interior presence. With some solid young talent in the pipeline, the Miners will be strong again next winter.
Shiloh Christian
Shiloh brings back an elite player in Jaden Mitzel, who has a chance to be one of the top scorers in Class B next year. But the Skyhawks also lose a hugely important senior class to graduation including center MaCauley Young. Mitzel and fellow returnees Trey Brunelle and Josh Lardy should keep this team towards the top of the shelf though.
New Rockford/Sheyenne
The Rockets lose a number of good seniors but return key scorers in Hunter Thompson and Bo Belquist who could form one of the best duos in the state. Nathan Holzwarth returns as well.
St. John
The Woodchucks had a down year after getting to state the year before but they’ve got a lot of talent set to return. Bradley Defender is one of the most well-rounded players in Class B. Leading scorer Zach Anderson returns after averaging 15 points per game and Tyreece Gunville, Adam Jollie and Michael Dunn all provide solid all-around play. All five will be back.
Powers Lake
The Ranchers had a lengthy wait for a state tournament appearance but they might not have to wait long for another as they return Noah Frederickson, Isaac Nordloef, Carter Rystedt and Noah Schroeder.