ND Class B: Week 5 Power Rankings

This past week was jam-packed with exciting Class B basketball games. We had a good amount of movement in our Power Rankings and we had 2 new teams jump in. This coming week is full of good games as well. Make sure you are tuning in!

#1 Four Winds-Minnewaukan (2-0)

Recent Results: WIN 51-40 vs. Dickinson Trinity

Next Game: 1/3 @ North Prairie

Comments: The Indians picked up a nice win at the Dale Brown Classic in Minot over Xmas break. They took down the Titans who just beat Bowman County, so the Trinity win is looking even better for 4WM. All-State junior Deng Deng Deng Deng 6'5" | SF Four Winds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND was fantastic in the win. He scored 28 points, grabbed numerous rebounds, hit 3 triples, and showed off his hops with an athletic SLAM. Dalen Leftbear Dalen Leftbear 6'3" | SF FourWinds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND was also good in the Trinity game. Dalen scored 12 points. He has intriguing athleticism, cutting, slashing, and all-around talent. The North Prairie matchup will be interesting, the Cougars are a new co-op with size, athletes, and stud senior guard Mitchell Lease. Four Winds is certainly favored in this game, but they should be challenged a bit.

#2 Central Cass (6-0)

Recent Results: WIN 74-29 @ New Rockford-Sheyenne, WIN 70-35 @ Lisbon, WIN 61-44 vs. LLM

Next Game: 1/10 @ Wyndmere/Lidgerwood

Comments: I watched the LLM game and the Squirrels looked like a legit top Class B team in the state. They have talented guards, good size, plenty of athletes, multiple shooters, and a 6’7″ forward. They are unselfish, can spread the floor with shooters, and have plenty of playmakers off the bounce. CC likes to pick up fullcourt, speed the game up, and push the tempo in transition. Scoring leaders from the LLM game: Cole Holzer Cole Holzer 6'6" Central Cass | 2024 ND 17, Sam Kobbervig Sam Kobbervig 6'3" | SG Central Cass | 2023 State ND 12, Carter Vrchota Carter Vrchota 6'0" | SG Central Cass | 2024 State ND 10, Carter Maasjo Carter Maasjo 6'2" | PF Central Cass | 2024 ND 5, Eli Buhr Eli Buhr 6'2" | SG Central Cass | 2024 State ND 5, Blake Thompson Blake Thompson 5'11" | PG Tea Area | 2023 State SD 5, Mason Bosse Mason Bosse 6'0" | SG Central Cass | 2023 State ND 4, Owen Wiersma 3.

#3 Shiloh Christian (4-0)

Recent Results: WIN 73-65 vs. Thompson, WIN 76-47 vs. Westhope-Newburg, WIN 60-57 vs. Kindred

Next Game: 1/6 vs. Oak Grove

Comments: It was a fantastic week for the Skyhawks. They took down a talented Thompson team at the Dale Brown Classic and had a big win vs. Westhope-Newburg & Walker Braaten Walker Braaten 6'4" | CG Westhope/Newburg | 2025 State ND at The Hoopster Classic. They finished the week off with a gritty win vs. a tough Kindred squad. Shiloh was down a handful of times to the Vikings, but stepped up and made plays down the stretch to stay undefeated on the year. Caden Englund Caden Englund 6'2" | CG Shiloh Christian | 2025 State ND had a big game vs. the Vikings with 19 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals. The Skyhawks have a deep team with many talented players. Isaac Emmel Isaac Emmel 5'11" | CG Shiloh Christian | 2024 State ND has stuck out as a sharpshooter from beyond the arc and Atticus Wilkinson Atticus Wilkinson 6'6" | PF Shiloh Christian | 2024 State ND and Jay Wanzek Jay Wanzek 6'7" | PF Shiloh Christian | 2023 State ND make up the best frontcourt in Class B.

4# North Star (4-0)

Recent Results: WIN 53-32 vs. Our Redeemer’s

Next Game: 1/5 Larimore @ Devils Lake

Comments: The Bearcats picked up a comfortable win at The Dale Brown Classic. Dane Hagler Dane Hagler 6'4" | SG North Star | 2024 State ND scored 25 points in that win, Hagler is now averaging 30 ppg on the young season. Dane Hagler Dane Hagler 6'4" | SG North Star | 2024 State ND is a special athlete and a highlight reel dunker. He was a beast on the offensive boards vs. Our Redeemer’s, Hagler is a difficult matchup with his length and mobility. Karsen Simon Karsen Simon 6'5" | SF North Star | 2024 State ND and Parker Simon Parker Simon 6'4" | SF North Star | 2024 State ND are the other Bearcats to look out for. They are big, strong, tough, and aggressive. North Star is a force to be reckoned with! We do not want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but North Star has the potential to play 4Winds at the Ramsey County Invitational this coming Saturday. That will be a prime-time matchup!

#5 Des Lacs-Burlington (3-1)

Recent Results: WIN 49-45 vs. Dickinson Trinity

Next Game: 1/3 @ Beulah

Comments: The lone loss on the season came on the road at North Star. The Lakers have all the pieces to be a top squad in Class B. They have great length, athleticism, speed, playmakers, and an emerging young coach. They did not play their best game vs. Trinity but the Lakers found a way to get the win, that is what good teams do. Carson Yale Carson Yale 6'9" | PF Des Lacs Burlington | 2023 State ND is a Minot State commit, it was fun to see him playing on his future home court during The Hoopster Classic. Yale is one of the elite Class B players in the State. I really like Rylan Olson Rylan Olson 6'5" | SG Des Lacs Burlington | 2023 State ND , he recorded a double-double vs. the Titans. Olson is a long athlete, with a lefty strap, and he is lethal off the bounce. Olson also has the potential to be a game-changer on the defensive end. If the Lakers can go into Beulah and pick up a win, I will be convinced that they are a top team in Class B.

#6 Thompson (3-2)

Recent Results: LOST 73-65 vs. Shiloh Christian, WIN 56-54 vs. Bishop Ryan

Next Game: 1/7 @ Kindred

Comments: They fought hard and battled with a talented Skyhawk team at The Dale Brown Classic. Te next day, the Tommies bounced back and won an impressive game against the Lions. Karter Peterson Karter Peterson 6'6" | PF Thompson | 2025 State ND was rock solid and productive at the Minot State Dome. Drew Overby Drew Overby 6'1" | CG Thompson | 2024 State ND was lights out from deep vs. Ryan. Jake Starcevic Jake Starcevic 6'2" | SG Kindred | 2025 State ND showed off his scary athleticism. He had a splashy dunk to end the first half vs. Ryan and he won the game with a steal and score late vs. the Lions. The Tommies are young but they are talented and full of firepower.

#7 Bishop Ryan (1-1)

Recent Results: LOST 56-54 vs. Thompson

Next Game: 1/3 @ Kenmare/Bowbells

Comments: The Lions are loaded with impressive basketball players. For much of the game, Bishop Ryan looked like the better team against Thompson. However, Overby got loose from beyond the arc and Starcevic made some big plays to get the win over the Lions. Ramsey Walz Ramsey Walz 6'7" | PF Bishop Ryan | 2025 State ND looks like a DUDE with a bright future. He is BIG, skilled, and his wingspan is 6″11″! Ian Johnson Ian Johnson 6'4" Bishop Ryan | 2023 ND looked smooth from beyond the arc. I love his versatility. Brady Feller Brady Feller 6'2" | SG Bishop Ryan | 2023 State ND looked strong and tough when attacking the basket. I also like the looks of young Jett Lundeen Jett Lundeen 6'1" | SG Bishop Ryan | 2025 State ND , he is a skilled guard with scoring ability. Ryan has only played 2 games, but it is easy to see that they are the real deal.

#8 Grafton (4-0)

Recent Results: Idle last week

Next Game: 1/3 @ Northern Cass

Comments: Will the Spoilers come out rusty vs. the Jaguars or will they be well-rested and hot after not having a game last week? We will find that out tomorrow. Braylon Baldwin Braylon Baldwin 5'11" | PG Grafton | 2024 State ND , Juan Villarreal Juan Villarreal 6'0" | SG Grafton | 2024 State ND , and Ryan Hanson Ryan Hanson 5'11" | SG Grafton | 2024 ND are the top Spoilers to watch. Reggie Rice Reggie Rice 6'5" | PF Grafton | 2026 State ND is also a talented player, this freshman has been producing and he has a ton of potential.

#9 Standing Rock (4-0)

Recent Results: WIN 57-47 vs. New Salem-Almont, WIN 62-62 vs. Linton, WIN 55-54 vs. Flasher

Next Game: 1/2-1/6 Barnes County Tournament @ VCSU

Comments: They won 3 games in 3 days at the Mandan Holiday Tournament. Those are 3 good wins as well, none of those teams are cupcakes. The Warriors have a skilled group of players. The Warriors are smooth, speedy, and they are a fun group to watch. Standing Rock plays a fast-paced and exciting brand of basketball. Lance Bradley, Thane Beheler Thane Beheler 6'4" | SF Standing Rock | 2024 State ND , and Brently Harrison had a standout performances at the Mandan Tournament. Be on the lookout for Standing Rock!

#10 Oak Grove (2-1)

Recent Results: WIN 72-71 vs. Hillsboro/Central Valley

Next Game: 1/6 @ Shiloh Christian

Comments: OG has only played 3 games and their loss came to #1 4Winds. The Grovers had a monster win over the Burros. They showed their defensive ability when holding Jacob Brandt Jacob Brandt 6'9" | PF Hillsboro/Central Valley | 2024 State ND down to 6 points in the second half. The top players and major offensive threats for the Grovers are Trey Hatfield Trey Hatfield 6'5" | SG Oak Grove | 2023 State ND and Rylee Bakkegard Rylee Bakkegard 5'11" | CG Oak Grove | 2023 State ND . OG also has a nice group of role players that have been getting the job done. Hatfield is looking like an All-State player and has been putting up gaudy numbers with 26.3 ppg, 10.7 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 3.3 spg. We will have a much better idea of how good the Grovers are after they battle with the Skyhawks.