Medina-Pingree-Buchanan: Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is time to talk Thunder Basketball! We are taking a deep dive into Medina-Pingree-Buchanan (MPB) in this article. We have some fascinating information in this piece, make sure you take the time to check it out! I watched MPB play this summer and they are the real deal. They have a complete stud in [player_tooltip player_id='1322213' first='Rylen' last='Wick'], he will put up All-State numbers and college coaches should take a serious look. Keep reading for more info on the Thunder....</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> <em>Bob Young</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Class:</strong> B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>District:</strong> 2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region: </strong>1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The MPB Thunder 2022-2023 season was a culmination of a five-year mission of dedication to rebuild the program. The season finished with a great tournament run, winning the District 6 Championship, Region 3 Championship, and a 7th place finish at the State B Tournament! The Thunder finished 22-6 and had the 2nd ranked defense in the state. The JV also had a great season, finishing with a 16-1 record. It was the first State Tournament appearance in 41 years for Medina in Boys Basketball and the first appearance for Pingree-Buchanan in 17 years. It was a great season that will always be remembered, especially the exciting finish to the Region Championship game, and the program is excited to follow it up!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The team will need to replace three key starters and players from last season. <strong>Josh Moser</strong> (1,496 career points, 837 career rebounds, 5-year starter), <strong>Sawyer Wanzek </strong>(3-year starter), and <strong>Adam McClellan</strong> (2-year starter).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2253891,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/MPB-Thunder-Logo.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/MPB-Thunder-Logo.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2253891" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2023-2024 MPB Roster</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1322213' first='Rylen' last='Wick'] |6'5 Senior|</strong> - 16.6 pts, 7.7 rebs, 45 stls, 109 ast, 38 blks, 56 - 3's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2022580' first='Gage' last='Magstadt'] |6'4, Senior|</strong> - 6.7 pts, 4.8 rebs, 22 stls, 39 ast, 29 blks, 9 - 3's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2254072' first='Mark' last='Thomas'] |5'7 Senior|</strong> - 2.6 pts, 1.5 rebs, 30 stls, 37 ast, 2 blks, 7 – 3's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaden Sorenson |6'2 Senior|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jared Moser |5'11 Junior|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kameron Bodvig |5'10 Junior|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Roper Foerderer |5'9 Junior|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Gage Hofmann |6'3 Sophomore|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2022583' first='Terek' last='Kinzell'] |5'9 Sophomore|</strong> - 2.0 pts, 1.1 rebs, 2 stls, 13 ast, 1 blk, 4 – 3's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2253972' first='Chase' last='Ova'] |5'8 Sophomore|</strong> - 3.1 pts, 1.3 rebs, 14 stls, 24 ast, 1 blk, 11 – 3's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dakota Hansen |5'10 Sophomore|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2253958' first='Drew' last='Hofmann'] |5'7 8th Grade|</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1634111,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1634111" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Offseason Improvement</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Thunder spent the off-season in the weight room, working on skill development, and playing basketball every summer morning. The team attended Team Camps in Sioux Falls, Jamestown, and Fargo. The competition level at every Team Camp was strong, those challenging games prepared the Thunder for the upcoming season. This team spent a great deal of time together and working hard to accomplish lofty goals this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top Players To Watch</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Thunder return a great deal of talent this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id='1322213' first='Rylen' last='Wick'] is one of the most complete and best players in the State. He is a great shooter, with very deep range, a good ball handler, and a great passer. Rylen also is a premier defender who can guard all five positions. [player_tooltip player_id='2022580' first='Gage' last='Magstadt'] has improved a great deal in the off-season. Gage has developed many post moves, can shoot with range, and has gotten much better at handling the ball. Gage can be one of the best players in the Region. [player_tooltip player_id='2022583' first='Terek' last='Kinzell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2253972' first='Chase' last='Ova'], and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2254072' first='Mark' last='Thomas']</strong> are all very talented guards who improved their shooting, ball handling, and spent time getting stronger against great competition all summer. The three guards can be the difference makers this upcoming season because of all the attention that will be given to Wick and Magstadt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Up-and-Comers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2022583' first='Terek' last='Kinzell'] will be a player to keep an eye on. He worked really hard on his scoring and shooting skills. Terek can play the off-guard and point-guard position. [player_tooltip player_id='2253972' first='Chase' last='Ova'] will be a player that will be looked for to run the point for the Thunder, his shooting, ball handling, and passing skills are ready for the varsity level. <strong>Gage Hofmann</strong> is a very skilled player who could really surprise some people this season. <strong>Kameron</strong> <strong>Bodvig</strong> is a good shooter who may find himself some minutes on this team. <strong>Jared Moser</strong> and <strong>Roper Foerderer</strong> can play great defense and will be very important role players this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Style of Basketball</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Thunder were a half-court, defensive, and rebounding team last season. This year's team will be very unique in that they will be able to play a number of different styles very well. The 2023-2024 version of the Thunder will be able to push the tempo, shoot the ball with more range and consistency, press and run but also be able to slow the game down and play out of the post. The Thunder should be able to mix up their style on both sides of the floor and dictate the tempo of the game depending on the situation and the opponent. They will be a very fun team to watch!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Goals</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Thunder have gotten better every season since the 2018-2019 campaign when they went 0-20. The goals this year are even higher than before. The team wants to win the District, win the Region, return to the State Tournament, and compete to win a State Championship. Most importantly they want to continue to become better people, coaches, and players every day that they are together.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Top Teams in the Region from coach <em>Bob Young</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>The top teams are Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier because they return some great young players and the bulk of their starting line-up. They have size, shooting, and work ethic. Ellendale will again contend for the region. They are always at the top and return enough scoring and impact players that will make playing their program difficult. Every year they are at the top. South Border returns a great starting line-up and are sure to have goals to win the region. [player_tooltip player_id='1168394' first='Trevor' last='Schmidt'] is one of the best players in the Region, and they will be around at the end of the season. LaMoure-LM, and Linton-HMB also have a great deal of talent and will be very challenging teams to play against. Both teams are led by great players. Less familiarity with the other District in the region at this point does prevent me from giving a great analysis of those teams but I do know that Sargent County returns a great group and will be a difficult team to play against. Other teams from that District will also be in it at the end. This will be a challenging and difficult District and Region to win.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Thunder Schedule</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">*Home games are in <strong>bold</strong> away games are <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">highlighted</mark> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>December 9 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Garrison (Linton)</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dec 11 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Maple River</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dec 15 - <strong>Griggs-Midkota</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dec 16 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Hankinson (Jamestown Newman Arena)</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dec 21 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Barnes County North</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dec 28 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">New Town (Bismarck State)</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dec 29 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Richardton-Taylor (Bismarck State)</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>January 5 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Washburn (Jamestown Civic)</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>January 12 - <strong>Napoleon-GS</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>January 16 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Warwick</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>January 18 - <strong>Kidder County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>January 26 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Linton-HMB</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>January 30 - <strong>South Border</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>February 2 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Ellendale</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>February 6 - <strong>EKM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>February 8 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Strasburg-Zeeland</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>February 13 - <strong>Oakes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>February 15 - <mark class="has-inline-color has-primary-color">Carrington</mark></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800">Best of luck to the Thunder!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2253891,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/MPB-Thunder-Logo.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/MPB-Thunder-Logo.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2253891" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->