A Bit Too Early Class B ND Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Many schools across the state of North Dakota have finished the academic year. The State Track Meet is over, and it feels like summer. With all this happening, PHD started to think about the next high school hoops season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD always has fun speculating and predicting the future. These Early Rankings can create thought-provoking ideas and bring about interesting conversations. With that being said, let's take our first look at the Class B Power Rankings for the 2024-2025 season. This is our first go-around at the Rankings and things will likely change as the summer plays out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800">Best of luck to all the ballers and teams this summer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1606306,"width":"301px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1606306" style="width:301px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Early Class B</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1676515,"width":"302px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PowerRankings.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PowerRankings.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1676515" style="width:302px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#1 Westhope-Newburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 26-2 (State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How can you bet against the reigning State Champions? They bring back the State Tournament MVP with [player_tooltip player_id='1355223' first='Braden' last='Bailey'] and one of the elite talents in the state with [player_tooltip player_id='1169145' first='Walker' last='Braaten']. Westhope-Newburg also has [player_tooltip player_id='1717045' first='Hunter' last='Tolstad'], a tough/physical inside player who does the little things and plays hard. The Sioux play fast, they apply pressure, put up points in a hurry, and they know what it takes to win the big game! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#2 Bishop Ryan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 24-5 (4th Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions return two All-State Players. [player_tooltip player_id='1376819' first='Jett' last='Lundeen'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1189452' first='Ramsey' last='Walz'] were both selected Second Team All-State last year. In my opinion, Walz will be the best BIG in Class B next year and he is a headache of a matchup. Every team on the Lions schedule will struggle to guard him and have problems scoring against him in the paint. Lundeen and Walz are the big names for Bishop, but [player_tooltip player_id='1632649' first='Hayden' last='Seay'] is a rock-solid lead guard who deserves some attention. Seay is not the biggest player on the court but continues to improve and I like his game more and more every time I watch him play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#3 Wilton-Wing </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 20-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Miners bring back a boatload of talent, scoring, and experience. They do not have a traditional BIG but they are loaded with shooters, skill, and almost everyone struggles to defend their dribble-weave offense. Wilton-Wing is a veteran team, smart, and they know how to score the rock. The top Miners to watch are [player_tooltip player_id='1381719' first='Dontaye' last='Fetzer'], [player_tooltip player_id='2312608' first='Hunter' last='Wolff'], [player_tooltip player_id='2312611' first='Teigen' last='Earsley'], [player_tooltip player_id='2312607' first='Bradon' last='Wallace'], [player_tooltip player_id='2347885' first='Kaleb' last='Benning'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2347919' first='Hudson' last='Wolff']. <em>Scott Wolff</em> also does a nice job as the Miners head coach!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#4 Our Redeemer's</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 19-10 (6th Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights were super young last year but they still found a way to make State! ORCS will bring back their entire starting 5 and the top 3 guys off the bench, that is impressive. [player_tooltip player_id='2248504' first='Jace' last='Weekley'] is likely their top player, he is a lefty who makes plays in &amp; out. [player_tooltip player_id='1632697' first='Payten' last='Lindbo'] is another lefty and he is a shooter. [player_tooltip player_id='2376728' first='Andrew' last='Eby'] is their BIG, he is physical and does his damage inside of 12-feet. [player_tooltip player_id='2237753' first='Wyatt' last='Weekley'] is a talented PG, he is right-handed but makes plays going left, and is also a nice shooter. [player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'] scores outside with a nice shot and inside with quality moves. The Knights will be a scary squad next winter, especially on the offensive end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#5 Hankinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record: </strong>18-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='Raeshaun' last='Earl'] is the huge name for the Pirates and he was named Second Team All-State as a sophomore. That is rare for a 10th grader to make All-State but when you win 18 games and put up 25.0 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.9 spg, it makes more sense! Earl is a dynamic playmaker, a 2-way baller, a 3-level scorer, a great teammate, and he is crushing it in club basketball this offseason. [player_tooltip player_id='2349038' first='Andrew' last='Jean'] will be the Pirates number 2 option, he is a nice athlete who does the little things but is also opportunistic on offense. Hankinson has a handful of other above-average athletes who will complement Earl &amp; Jean, they also have another Muach coming up the ranks who will provide some toughness &amp; muscle inside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#6 North Border </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record: </strong>16-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles were one game away from going to State this past spring, they came up 4 points short against EKM in the State Qualifier. The Eagles are young and they can shoot the lights out from beyond the arc. [player_tooltip player_id='1165355' first='Grant' last='Cosley'] is an impressive athlete who makes wonderful plays all over the hardwood. I see Cosley as one of the top guards in Class B heading into next season. [player_tooltip player_id='2237765' first='Kaden' last='Moore'] is a youngster who continues to impress me. He shot it at a crazy-hot rate this winter and his game continues to upgrade. [player_tooltip player_id='1180878' first='Kade' last='Schafer'] is another Eagle who I really like, he is a talented shooter, and an all-around playmaker. Add in [player_tooltip player_id='2237754' first='Weston' last='Cosley'], [player_tooltip player_id='1886038' first='Brody' last='Berg'], and North Border will scary birds of prey in class B!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#7 Midway-Minto</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 14-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Mustangs can really score the ball and shoot the lights out. They are not afraid to pull the trigger from 3-point land and they make opponents pay when given room. If you like skilled guards and shooters, you will love watching the Mustangs. Players to watch for MM next season are [player_tooltip player_id='1165097' first='Ben' last='Gudajtes'], [player_tooltip player_id='1632700' first='Ezra' last='Robinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1632692' first='Elijah' last='Robinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1537902' first='Trenton' last='Sitzer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1951554' first='Anton' last='Albrecht']. I heard they might have a new player in the program as well, so the Mustangs could be a bit scarier than we realize. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#8 Velva</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record: </strong>12-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Aggies are full of athletes and they will certainly give opponents fits next winter. These Velva players are tough, they play hard, and they are not afraid to out-work you. Players to watch for the Aggies this coming season are [player_tooltip player_id='2291867' first='Hank' last='Bodine'], [player_tooltip player_id='1329685' first='Reggie' last='Bruner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1329684' first='Ben' last='Schepp']. This past season, they had two guys step up and show some legit potential with [player_tooltip player_id='2360582' first='Mason' last='McPeak'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1891617' first='Luke' last='Selzler']. Take a look at the recent success Velva has had in football, obviously, they know how to win and take care of business!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#9 New Rockford-Sheyenne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 13-13 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rockets finished with a .500 record but they were one game away from the State Tournament. New Rockford-Sheyenne is young and they bring the top talent back. The Rockets should be full of confidence and they will be an athletic group. I expect NRS to defend well and that is a big reason why we have them in the top 10. If [player_tooltip player_id='1632742' first='Easton' last='Simon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2270551' first='Bennett' last='Meier'] elevate/upgrade their offensive games, NRS could be salty. The supporting cast plays hard and they are athletic enough to make the Rockets dangerous. [player_tooltip player_id='2270646' first='Easton' last='Benz'] is another player to keep track of, I like his potential. Beware of the Rockets!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#10 Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record: </strong>22-7 (8th Place at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They lost their BIGs &amp; size but this program knows how to reload &amp; bounce back. The Rebels also bring back guards who are athletic &amp; good-sized. EKM's JV went 15-3 last year, so they have plenty of talent coming up the ranks. [player_tooltip player_id='1935092' first='Joseph' last='Kramlich'], [player_tooltip player_id='2255543' first='Braeden' last='Kinzler'], [player_tooltip player_id='2114976' first='Brogan' last='Young'], [player_tooltip player_id='2255561' first='Kade' last='Nitschke'] are the four guards that PHD expects to stand out and be difference-makers for the Rebels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px;font-style:italic;font-weight:800"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">On The Bubble</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Linton-HMB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 18-5</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>Oakes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record: </strong>11-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>TGU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>2023-2024 Record:</strong> 16-9</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1676515,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PowerRankings.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/PowerRankings.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1676515" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->