A Bit Too Early Class B ND Rankings

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">It is officially summer! People are busy with family trips, lakes, workouts, camps, tournaments, and many other activities. 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 2025-2026 season. This is our first go-around at the Rankings, things/circustances will likely change as the summer plays out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">Best of luck to all the ballers and teams this summer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"34px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:34px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Early Class B</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2887305,"width":"273px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/image_d6b058.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/image_d6b058.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2887305" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#1 Our Redeemers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 25-3 (3rd at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2237753' first='Wyatt' last='Weekley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'] will be the top Knights and one of the best guard-forward combos in Class B. When you add in the sharpshooting lefty [player_tooltip player_id='1632697' first='Payten' last='Lindbo'], you have a scary BIG 3. Add in [player_tooltip player_id='1632699' first='Collin' last='Swenson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2881594' first='Gus' last='Engelhard'], and a handful of other solid role players, and you have the #1 ranked Knights! ORCS plays tough team defense and they will put up plenty of points. Head coach Brock Teets is also one of best in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#2 Central McLean</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record: </strong>19-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'] is a dude, all-around baller, stat-stuffer, and a gifted athlete. Hanson is a 1st Team All-State type of player. If you have not watched him play, make sure to do so this winter. [player_tooltip player_id='2573796' first='Ethan' last='Hanson'] (Aiden's younger brother) will be a quality complementary player who can do a bit of everything. When you include legit glue guys [player_tooltip player_id='2338864' first='Bridger' last='Rittenbach'], [player_tooltip player_id='2775238' first='Jacob' last='Wolf'], [player_tooltip player_id='2838603' first='Jase' last='Utley'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2775184' first='Jonas' last='Christensen'], you have an impressive Class B team who will be ready for a State Tournament run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#3 North Border</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 25-3 (7th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> The Eagles graduate Grant Cosley but bring everyone else back. North Border will be skilled, fast, and a veteran squad with all the wins they have collected over the past few years. [player_tooltip player_id='2237765' first='Kaden' last='Moore'] is a top playmaking guard with impressive speed, quickness, and reaction time. [player_tooltip player_id='1180878' first='Kade' last='Schafer'], [player_tooltip player_id='1886038' first='Brody' last='Berg'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2237754' first='Weston' last='Cosley'] are also talented offensive players. North Border is loaded on offense and is a pesky defensive team. Expect the Eagles to fly high this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#4 Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 16-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> The Mavericks will have a strong starting 5, but like most Class B teams, depth will be an issue. [player_tooltip player_id='2237681' first='Eli' last='Undlin'] will be the top horse and one of the elite in Class B. [player_tooltip player_id='1951581' first='Reid' last='Morlock'] is another nice player for MLS, the offense starts with him, and he does great work. Morlock suffered an injury this off-season but will be back and ready to go this winter. [player_tooltip player_id='2413969' first='Cade' last='Undlin'], [player_tooltip player_id='2237728' first='Grady' last='Nett'], [player_tooltip player_id='2237761' first='Evan' last='Tarvestad'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2770790' first='Drayson' last='Johnson'] are other noteworthy players for the Mavs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#5 New Rockford-Sheyenne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 24-5 (5th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> The Rocket club lost some nice players, but they bring back two stud athletes. [player_tooltip player_id='1632742' first='Easton' last='Simon'] runs the show at PG and is one of my favorite lead guards in the state. I believe that Simon will have a monster senior season. [player_tooltip player_id='2270646' first='Easton' last='Benz'] is an athlete who scores going to the rim, plays lockdown defense, and is a hardworking rebounder. [player_tooltip player_id='2887405' first='Thomas' last='Allmaras'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2887408' first='Shaun' last='Reimche'] came off the bench last year, will likely step into the starting lineup, and play a serious role for the explosive Rockets. 6'4" sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2887403' first='Koy' last='Ziemen'] will provide length at the center position. The Rockets will have a nice-sized starting lineup for Class B at 5'11", 6'0", 6'2", 6'3", and 6'4". Tyler Cook also does a very nice job as the head coach for NRS.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#6 Glen Ullin-Hebron</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 14-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> The Bearcats always seem to put together a solid squad and collect many wins in the regular season; this year will be no different. Let's see if they can get hot in the postseason. [player_tooltip player_id='2342227' first='Ryan' last='Schneider'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2708519' first='Reid' last='Schneider'] will be the top two cats and box score leaders. [player_tooltip player_id='2335363' first='Jaxon' last='Rolle'] is a shooter who well space the floor and keep the defense honest. Bruce Schatz is an old-school coach who embodies toughness and discipline. Beware of the Bearcats!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#7 Bishop Ryan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 26-3 (State Champions)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> Congrats once again to the Lions on their State Championship! Ryan graduates two All-State Players in Ramsey Walz and Jett Lundeen. The Lions bring back talent and who knows, they might have a new name or two who can make some noise. [player_tooltip player_id='1632649' first='Hayden' last='Seay'], [player_tooltip player_id='1657450' first='Izaac' last='Strandlien'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2740480' first='Jack' last='Passa'], will be the pride of the Lions. Seay is the PG who will run the show, create offense, and hit open shots. Izaac is a special athlete with size, and the ability to take over games with his offensive ability. [player_tooltip player_id='2740480' first='Jack' last='Passa'] is my pick for breakout player of the year in Class B. He is an underrated athlete, smart baller, skilled, hard worker, and a 3-level scorer. Will the Lions reload and return to State?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#8 Midway-Minto</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 22-4</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> The Mustangs won 20+ games last season and they bring back three major players with [player_tooltip player_id='1632700' first='Ezra' last='Robinson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1632692' first='Elijah' last='Robinson'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1537902' first='Trenton' last='Sitzer']. The Robinson twins are skilled, crafty, and play with a high IQ. Ezra and Eli score the rock in a variety of ways and are impressive in transition. Sitzer could be the X-factor as a 3-point shooter and producer off the bounce. What sort of size and how is the depth for Midway-Minto? Either way, the Mustangs will be scrappy and pick up many wins in the regular season. Will MM make a run to the ever-so-coveted Big Dance?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#9 Ray</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 17-6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> Coach Bergy and the Jays had a breakout season in 24-25, can they take the next step and compete with the big boys? Ray has a menacing but youthful squad. However, after last season, they are no longer wet behind the ears. Ray is headlined by [player_tooltip player_id='2442325' first='Ty' last='Barman'], [player_tooltip player_id='2417313' first='Blake' last='Bergstrom'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2414701' first='Jace' last='Becker']. The 3B's were All-Region last season as an 8th grader and two 9th graders. This trio makes for a three-headed monster. [player_tooltip player_id='1951556' first='Brody' last='Ceynar'] is another Jay to watch with some O-firepower. My question is, can Ray buckle down on defense and get stops against the top-tier teams? If the Jays make the leap, we could see them at the State Tournament for the next three straight seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong>#10 Hankinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 22-6 (6th at State)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Comments:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='RaeShaun' last='Earl'] is the name of the game for the Pirates. Earl the Pearl was First Team All-State this past season and is a dynamic playmaker. You will be hard pressed to find a better athlete in Class B. Rae will need to stuff the stat sheet on a nightly basis and elevate the play of his teammates. The Pirates do not have a ton around him; developing that talent will be key over this offseason. If the Hankinson can put a few capable shooters around Earl, they will be a tenacious squad to tangle with.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}},"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:1000"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">On The Bubble</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100","fontSize":"11px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:11px;font-style:normal;font-weight:100"><em>*In no particular order</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Linton-HMB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 15-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players To Watch:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2429661' first='Justin' last='Bosch'], [player_tooltip player_id='2237766' first='Jayden' last='Jochim'], [player_tooltip player_id='2413967' first='Brody' last='Richter'], [player_tooltip player_id='2675574' first='Levi' last='Keeney']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>TGU</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 12-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players To Watch:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2828718' first='Sage' last='Hanson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>LaMoure-Litchville-Marion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 15-11</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players To Watch:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='1859912' first='Gunner' last='Thielges'], [player_tooltip player_id='2237767' first='Colby' last='Thielges'], [player_tooltip player_id='2672466' first='Mason' last='Warcken'], [player_tooltip player_id='2672464' first='Preston' last='Arndt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1951579' first='Avery' last='Kramer'] </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>White Shield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 11-10</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players To Watch:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2271350' first='Landen' last='Felix'], [player_tooltip player_id='2417948' first='Daceton' last='Demarce'], [player_tooltip player_id='2417963' first='Keethon' last='Demarce']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong>Medina-Pingree-Buchanan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>24-25 Record:</strong> 13-12</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Players To Watch:</strong> [player_tooltip player_id='2022583' first='Terek' last='Kinzell'], [player_tooltip player_id='2861449' first='Gage' last='Hofmann'], [player_tooltip player_id='2253958' first='Drew' last='Hofmann'], [player_tooltip player_id='2253972' first='Chase' last='Ova'], [player_tooltip player_id='2861451' first='Daryl' last='Olson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1606306,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><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" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->