Class B Action: #8 North Border vs. #9 Grafton

We had a huge Top 10 matchup last night. It was also an important Region 2 contest. This one was all spoilers! Grafton put on a shooting display and 3-point barrage. The Eagles kept battling but Grafton had too much firepower in this one. I hope these two meet up again in the playoffs, I know that North Border would love another chance at the Spoilers.

See below for scores, stats, and player comments….

SCORES

1Q: North Border 9 Grafton 19

2Q: North Border 24 Graton 45

3Q: North Border 35 Grafton 68

4Q: North Border 84 Grafton 53

Eagle Team Stats

FG%: 40.7 3FG%: 33.3 3’s Made: 5 FT’s: 4/9 Reb: 22 Ast: 7 TO: 6 Blk: 4 Stl: 4

Spoilers Team Stats

FG%: 58.7 3FG%: 60.9 3’s Made: 14 FT’s: 2/3 Reb: 34 Ast: 26 TO: 6 Blk: 4 Stl: 2

Impressive Eagles

TJ Cosley TJ Cosley 6'0" | PG North Border | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’0 PG|

32 pts, 2 triples, 1 ast, 2 stl. It was a quiet 32 it seemed like, I knew he scored well but I did not realize that Cosley was in the 30’s until I saw the stats. TJ scored from every level last night. He scored in fast break situations, beyond the arc, at the rim, AND1’s, and with mid-range pull-ups. Cosley showed impressive court vision when delivering passes. TJ has an amazingly quick first step, and he has sprinter speed. Cosley is having a fantastic senior season and is playing like one of the best guards in North Dakota. The Eagles took a hard loss but TJ showed that he is a DUDE.

Grant Cosley Grant Cosley 6'0" | SG North Border | 2025 State ND (2025) |5’11|

4 pts, 4 reb, 2 ast. He showed a quick first step. I liked his aggressiveness when slashing to the rim. I like how the young Cosley went up to contest a shot at the basket without fouling. He did not have huge numbers, but Grant has potential.

Ayden Stainbrook Ayden Stainbrook 6'5" | SF North Border | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’5 SF|

15 pts, 3 triples, 8 reb, 4 blocks. As always, his perimeter jump shot looked great. Stainbrook is deadly off the bounce and the catch. I liked that he was posting up in hopes of getting high-percentage shots. Stainbrook scored with nice moves around the rim and with an O-board putback. Ayden showed impressive hustle when saving a loose ball and when blocking multiple shots.

Impressive Spoilers

Juan Villarreal Juan Villarreal 6'0" | SG Grafton | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’11 SG|

16 pts, 4 triples, 9 reb, 6 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk. He was sensational from beyond the arc, he went 4/5 from deep! Villarreal is also a fantastic rebounder. He is quick, skilled, and a fierce competitor. Villarreal scored with a backdoor cut, his deadly jumper, and in transition. He moves well without the ball and is an opportunistic player. Villarreal was a rock star on Friday night. I was super impressed with this junior.

Braylon Baldwin Braylon Baldwin 5'11" | CG Grafton | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’11 PG|

20 pts, 4 triples, 3 reb, 13 ast, 1 blk. He is a quick guard that is a master at changing speeds. Baldwin has great vision, skill, and timing. 13 assists in 1 game is beyond impressive. Baldwin can make all the passes and he delivers them with accuracy. Braylon looked like a maestro with the basketball last night. He was lights out from beyond the arc, scored with blow-by drives, and he knows how to use a screen. Baldwin moves his feet extremely well and he is a hard-working on-ball defender.

Ryan Hanson Ryan Hanson 5'11" | SG Grafton | 2024 ND (2024) |6’2 SG|

13 pts, 3 triples, 3 ast, 1 stl, 1 blk. He is a shooter! Hanson has excellent form and I love how quickly he sets his feet. Ryan hit all of his triples when catching and shooting. Ryan looks to be a great in-rhythm shooter. Hanson also scored around the basket. Ryan was posting up, the D fronted, and Hanson received a lob pass for an easy bucket. The Spoilers have a super nice stable of backcourt players. Villarreal, Baldwin, and Hanson make up one of the best groups of guards in Class B. They sure shot it hot last night!

Kyler Droog Kyler Droog 6'5" | PF Grafton | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’5 F|

10 pts, 9 reb, 1 blk. He is a long youngster that can score with both hands around the basket. I liked his anticipation on the glass. He finished smoothly around the rim and he has a nose for the ball. Droog has length and natural basketball instincts.

Abram Sevigny Abram Sevigny 6'1" | SF Grafton | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’1 F|

7 pts, 1 triples, 6 reb, 2 ast. He scored off dribble penetration, a short 1-handed pull-up, and a triple from the left wing. Sevigny looks like a solid role player.

Reggie Rice Reggie Rice 6'5" | PF Grafton | 2026 State ND (2026) |6’4 SF|

16 pts, 2 triples, 4 reb, 1 ast. This kid has a bright future in hoops! Rice is very long and I like his skill set. He moves well for a 6’4″ 9th-grader. He also has an expansive wingspan. Reggie scored around the basket and he cashed in from the outside. He showed an effective jab step, good eyes when slashing, and a nice overall feel for the game. This kid is a stock riser!