Way-Too-Early Class B Rankings
***Photo Credit: Grand Forks Herald*** Basketball season is months away but it’s never too early for way-too-early season. Preseason rankings aren’t all that important given so many things can change between now and December, but they can at least play…
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Continue Reading***Photo Credit: Grand Forks Herald***
Basketball season is months away but it’s never too early for way-too-early season. Preseason rankings aren’t all that important given so many things can change between now and December, but they can at least play a part in establishing a base for expectations for teams.
Here’s a way-too-early Top 10 at the Class B level:
1.Hillsboro/Central Valley
The Burros were arguably the second best team in the state a year ago despite missing the state tournament entirely. They are well-equipped for a state tournament run this winter though, as they return just about every key guy from last year. Carson Henningsgard is arguably the best player in Class B after averaging 21 points and seven assists a year ago. With Landen Reed, Joseph Camrud and Patrick Limke all back in complementary roles, H/CV won’t lack for experience or firepower.
2.Four Winds/Minnewaukan
The Indians return all five starters from a team that was ranked in the top three or four pretty much all season before an upset loss in the region tournament. Doug Yankton is an all-state guy on the wing. Bronson Walter has the potential to be a force inside and a guy few teams can match. Throw in JaeShaun Shaw, Jayden Yankton and Jaymison Green and Four Winds is arguably the most talented team in the state and a legitimate title contender.
3.Richland
The Colts were one of the five best teams in Class B throughout the winter and finished third in the state tournament last year. With three double figure scorers set to return in Cole Myers, Gavin Reiland and Carter Lingen plus starting forward Colten Evenson, Richland has as much talent back as any team in the state. Another state tournament run should be the expectation and the Colts have the requisite talent to finish even better than last year.
4.Rugby
Another top team that wasn’t in the state tournament a season ago, the Panthers return three all-region caliber guys and have a good cache of young talent in the pipe. They were one of the last undefeated teams in the state last year but faded a bit late in the year. Trace Goven, Jaden Hamilton and Devan Michels form one of the best trios in the state. Isiah Bundy-Smith and Cole Slaubaugh should fill key roles.
5.Beulah
The Miners were supposed to be in the midst of a retooling year last winter, but a strong defense and efficient offense carried them to 20 wins and another state tournament run. They’ll once again face major roster turnover but they’ve got the point guard and center spots squared away with Trey Brandt and Jonah Larson. There’s some stuff to figure out after those two plus a strong defensive culture is a good base.
6.Dickinson Trinity
Dickinson Trinity won 18 games last season, using stingy defense to get to the region championship game. The Titans return three starters and several bench guys from that core and they should be right in the mix to contend for a Region 7 championship again. Matthew Stafford and Cole Fitterer could make up one of the best duos in Class B. Scoring will have to improve.
7.Kindred
The Vikings have been on a steady incline in recent years and won 20 games a year ago before bowing out to Richland. They’ll be right there in Region 1 again this winter. Gavin Keller is one of the best players in the 2021 class and could be an all-state guy up front. Dawson Shaffer returns after a solid junior year. Andrew Freier and Kadin Olson are both back as well. Defense will again be a big strength.
8.New Rockford-Sheyenne
The Rockets upset Four Winds/Minnewaukan in the Region 4 final last year and won twice in the state tournament. With two double figure scorers in Bo Belquist and Hunter Thompson both back, expectations should again be high. This was one of the most athletic teams in the state a year ago and that’ll be a strength again next winter. Keep an eye on junior big man Evan Ulrich.
9.St. John
The Woodchucks did the rebuilding tour last winter and won 15 games. They started 3-6 and played really well down the stretch. Just about all the key guys are back. Bradley Defender is one of the best all-around players in Class B. Zach Anderson averaged 15 points per game and shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range. This team will contend in a loaded Region 4.
10.Cavalier
The Tornadoes were a competitive group in a loaded Region 2 last year and they might have the talent to contend there this year. Andre Carrier is one of the best forwards in Class B and could be a 20-10 type guy. Colton Ratchenski is a rock-solid two-way guard and they’ve got a handful of good contributors back including Coly thorlakson, Brodie Cluchie and Brysen Cleem.