North Star Bearcats – Season Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD is back for another Season Preview article. As most of the readers know, North Dakota will have three classes this season. The Districts and Regions in class B will look different this year. With that said, North Star will be one of the best teams in all of class B. They are led by senior [player_tooltip player_id='1324683' first='Dane' last='Hagler'] who is an All-State type of player and he has the talent to potentially get nominated for Mr. Basketball. The Bearcats are a scary squad and they should certainly start the season ranked in the top 10 in the Preseason State Poll. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Head Coach:</strong> <em>Jesse Vote</em> <strong>Class:</strong> B <strong>District:</strong> 3 <strong>Region: </strong>2</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See below for stats, Q&amp;A with coach <em>Vote</em>, and the Bearcat schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2256773,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/northstarlogo-crop-817x536-1698418390.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/northstarlogo-crop-817x536-1698418390.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2256773" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player Information &amp; 2022-23 Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1324683' first='Dane' last='Hagler'] (2024) 6'3"</strong> - 22.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 86 steals, 92 assists, 5 blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367009' first='Parker' last='Simon'] (2024) 6'4"</strong> - 7.6 ppg, 26 steals, 49 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1367010' first='Karsen' last='Simon'] (2024) 6'4"</strong> - 7.2 ppg, 9 steals, 53 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2256887' first='Brett' last='Dilley'] (2024) 6'3"</strong> - 8.4 ppg, 16 steals, 26 assists, 4 blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Garrett Westlind (2024) 6'1"</strong> - 3.9 ppg, 14 steals, 18 assists </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632620' first='Hunter' last='Hagler'] (2026) 6'3"</strong> - 7.9 ppg, 33 steals, 27 assists, 4 blocks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chas Bisbee (2025) 6'1"</strong> - 2.7 ppg, 14 assists </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brody Svir (2025) 6'0"</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">Q&amp;A with coach <em>Jesse Vote</em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Could you write a couple sentences summing up last season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We were close to reaching our goal, coming up one game short against Warwick in the Regional Championship game. We return all 5 starters and 2 bench players with experience. As a team, we need to find more consistent scoring, as well as finishing around the rim. I look for us to be very competitive against anyone in the Region as long as our man-to-man defense, mental toughness, and shooting stay strong throughout the season.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We were able to take in 3 team camps this past summer. We competed and beat a couple of Class A programs. Most of our summer consists of a couple of open gyms here and there and all of our kids play Legion baseball.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1324683' first='Dane' last='Hagler'] – Dane was our most consistent scorer this year. He improved in all areas including assists and steals. He will need to fine-tune his pull-up jump shot and increase his mental toughness.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1367009' first='Parker' last='Simon'] – Is very tough offensively as long as he is under control. Can finish at the rim and step outside to shoot the 3. Needs to work on consistency of post moves and scoring. Parker will be relied upon to help shoulder the load of scoring.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1367010' first='Karsen' last='Simon'] – Generally guards the best post player as he works hard in the post and can be physical. Good rebounder. Needs to work on shooting touch around the basket and finishing.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for in the near future?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1632620' first='Hunter' last='Hagler'] – Came off the bench at the beginning of the year and started the last 8-9 games for us. Hunter can be the game-changer for us with his defensive and offensive abilities. Needs to work on his shooting and confidence within our system this summer. Hunter broke his leg during football, but we are hoping he is able to play before the end of basketball. He is currently rehabbing.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What style of basketball will your team play?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We are capable of slowing things down and running a half-court set, but we would prefer to press and pick up the tempo by pushing the ball and shooting layups.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are a couple of your team goals this year?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Our number 1 goal is obviously to make it to the State Tournament at the end of the year, and if we can get there we will make a new goal. Otherwise, day by day most of our team is seniors so everything they do will be the last time they have to do it so we need to make sure we are coming prepared every day to get better than the day before.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who are some of the top teams in your Region?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Mayville – New region member/not a lot of info besides they return a couple of decent players.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Nelson County – Have guys that can match up with on defense. Return 5 starters from last year.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Bearcat Schedule</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>November 27th - 1st Practice </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:table --> <figure class="wp-block-table"><table><tbody><tr><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">DATE</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">OPPONENT</span></strong></td><td><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">LOCATION</span></strong></td></tr><tr><td>12/8/23</td><td>Benson County</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>12/11/23</td><td>New Rockford</td><td>New Rockford</td></tr><tr><td>12/14/23</td><td>Warwick</td><td>Warwick</td></tr><tr><td>12/15/23</td><td>Nelson County</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>12/29/23</td><td>Our Redeemers</td><td>Minot</td></tr><tr><td>1/4/24</td><td>TBA (Ramsey County Tournament)</td><td>Devils Lake</td></tr><tr><td>1/5/24</td><td>TBA (Ramsey County Tournament)</td><td>Devils Lake</td></tr><tr><td>1/6/24</td><td>TBA (Ramsey County Tournament)</td><td>Devils Lake</td></tr><tr><td>1/12/24</td><td>Cavalier</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>1/16/24</td><td>Park River</td><td>Park River</td></tr><tr><td>1/18/24 </td><td>Midway/Minto</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>1/20/24</td><td>Carrington</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>1/22/24</td><td>Drayton-Valley-Edinburg</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>1/26/24</td><td>Hillsboro/Central Valley</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>1/30/24</td><td>North Prairie</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>2/1/24</td><td>Langdon Area</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>2/5/24</td><td>St. John</td><td>Cando</td></tr><tr><td>2/13/24</td><td>North Border</td><td>TBA</td></tr><tr><td>2/15/24</td><td>May-Port-CG</td><td>Cando</td></tr></tbody></table></figure> <!-- /wp:table --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2256773,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/northstarlogo-crop-817x536-1698418390.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/northstarlogo-crop-817x536-1698418390.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2256773" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->