West Fargo Sheyenne: Season Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2025–26 season for the West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs was defined by resilience, growth, and a postseason run that proved this group could rise to the moment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finishing with a 15–12 record, the Mustangs may not have had the flashiest regular season on paper, but what they built over those months showed up when it mattered most. Under the leadership of head coach Tim Brandt, Sheyenne developed into a tough, competitive team that consistently found ways to stay in games and battle through adversity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Point: EDC Tournament Run</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The season truly came alive in the Eastern Dakota Conference (EDC) Tournament. Facing pressure-packed situations, the Mustangs dug deep and earned their way out of the EDC, punching a ticket to the State Tournament. It was a testament to their preparation, belief, and the culture built by Coach Brandt and his staff.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">State Tournament Appearance</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Making it to state is never easy—especially in North Dakota Class AA—and Sheyenne's run was a reflection of a team peaking at the right time. Their appearance on the big stage marked a significant achievement and gave valuable experience to a roster that wasn't always the most physically imposing, but made up for it with effort and execution.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Coaching Impact</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Brandt deserves a ton of credit. He maximized the roster, put players in positions to succeed, and kept the team focused through ups and downs. Getting this group to state after a 15–12 regular season shows just how much they improved and bought into the system.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Looking Ahead </h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes, the Mustangs will lose some length and talent, but the outlook is still very bright:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A strong core returns</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Younger players gained valuable varsity experience</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --> <!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There are up-and-comers ready to step into bigger roles</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All signs point to Sheyenne being a serious contender in Class AA next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Final Word</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Before turning the page, it's important to appreciate what this group accomplished. A State Tournament trip, a hard-fought postseason run, and a team that found its identity when it mattered most—that's a season worth celebrating.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The foundation is set. The future is promising. And the Mustangs are just getting started.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">PHD wants to give a shout-out to [player_tooltip player_id='2132777' first='Kyson' last='Keller'] for taking home All-EDC honors and being named to the NDHSCA All-State Team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Take a look below for team stats, player stats, and an interesting Q&amp;A with coach Tim Brandt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1842251,"width":"345px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.601916650904735","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/03/SeaonReview-.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1842251" style="aspect-ratio:1.601916650904735;width:345px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3584518,"width":"344px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"2.2655294377717192","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/SHEYENNE-MUSTANGS-LOGO-HI-RES.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/SHEYENNE-MUSTANGS-LOGO-HI-RES.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3584518" style="aspect-ratio:2.2655294377717192;width:344px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Team Stats</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>PPG:</strong> 71 <strong>OPPG:</strong> 68 <strong>RPG:</strong> 37.8 <strong>APG: </strong>13.9 <strong>SPG:</strong> 7.3 <strong>BPG: </strong>3.1 <strong>TOPG: </strong>13.9 <strong>FG%:</strong> 44.2 <strong>2FG%:</strong> 53.8 <strong>3FG%:</strong> 30.5 <strong>FT%:</strong> 68.1 <strong>3FGM:</strong> 208 <strong>FTM: </strong>245 </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Statistical Leaders</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1539677"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5ab8909663"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-8.9 ppg (34.8 FG%), 2.5 rpg, 2.0 apg, 6 EFFpg, 50 made 3FG (30.7%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132777"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5ab89096f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-NDHSCA All-State, All-EDC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-15.6 ppg (41.6 FG%), 7.3 rpg, 1.4 apg, 15 EFFpg, 42 made 3FG (30.4%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237722"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b5011548c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-9.0 ppg (47.8 FG%), 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 13 EFFpg, 27 made 3FG (34.2%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1541561"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b50115526"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-10.7 ppg (52 FG%), 6.4 rpg, 1.3 apg, 14 EFFpg, 15 made 3FG (25.4%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1541299"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b5011559a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-8.7 ppg (52 FG%), 4.4 rpg, 3.7 apg, 13 EFFpg, 11 made 3FG (31.4%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2489407"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b50115606"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-6.3 ppg (39 FG%), 1.7 rpg, 1.0 apg, 5 EFFpg, 30 made 3FG (36.6%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2134129"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b5011566f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-5.8 ppg (59.8 FG%), 2.6 rpg, 0.8 apg, 7 EFFpg, 2 made 3FG (66.7%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2134116"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b501156d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-5.3 ppg (55.4 FG%), 3.8 rpg, 0.3 apg, 8 EFFpg, 12 made 3FG (46.2%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237816"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69d5b5011573d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-3.9 ppg (29.7 FG%), 2.2 rpg, 2.3 apg, 4 EFFpg, 9 made 3FG (19.6%)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2508303,"width":"188px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.6019341534523217","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2508303" style="aspect-ratio:1.6019341534523217;width:188px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">With Coach Brandt</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How would you sum up the season for your squad?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Overall, it was a successful season. You can sort of chop our season into two parts: before Christmas and after Christmas. We really struggled with a lot of things during the first month of the season. Even with a good number of guys coming back from the previous season, we still had a lot to figure out about who we were as a team. We had a solid two weeks in between games during Christmas break and we were able to get a lot of things ironed out. We went 11-4 in the conference after Christmas. Being able to make an appearance in the State Tournament and have that experience for our returners will be very beneficial for us moving into next year.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are some of your best memories from off the court?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Honestly, just being around this specific group of guys. We are lucky to have such great kids in our program. No group is ever the same year to year, so just enjoying being around these guys in general.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Can you talk about a time when you and the team overcame adversity?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>The entire first month of our season was adversity. We won our first game of the season, then got our butts kicked by an average of 20 the next four games. Credit to our kids for showing up every day and having the willingness to accept roles and be coached.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who was your most improved player?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I could put a handful of kids in this category, but I will say [player_tooltip player_id='1541299' first='Chase' last='Speelmon']. Chase was a two-year starter for us, but really took on a leadership role this season. I think Chase was an extremely underrated player in our league this year. He isn't going to have any numbers jump out at you on the stat sheet, but he does everything the right way, comes ready to work every day, and is one of the highest IQ players I've had.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who were a few of your hardest workers?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I could honestly say pretty much anyone on our roster, but I will narrow it down to [player_tooltip player_id='1541299' first='Chase' last='Speelmon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2237816' first='Max' last='Zenker']. Those are two guys who are always guarding the other team's best players. Whether it's their first minute on the floor or the 20^th&nbsp;minute, their effort level doesn't fall off.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Can you talk about your seniors?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>The seniors were [player_tooltip player_id='1541561' first='Kayson' last='Bernstien'], [player_tooltip player_id='1541299' first='Chase' last='Speelmon'], [player_tooltip player_id='2134129' first='Brennen' last='Gable'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2134116' first='Wyatt' last='Zimny']. Each of them brought something to our team. Kayson and Chase were both two-year starters for us. We will miss Kayson's length, rebounding ability, and presence around the rim. We will miss Chase's leadership on the floor. He just sort of had a calming presence when he was out there. We will miss Gable's competitiveness and his willingness to be physical and compete at all times. And we will miss Wyatt's defensive presence and his ability to rebound and block shots.</em>"&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who was your best defensive player?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='1541299' first='Chase' last='Speelmon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2237816' first='Max' last='Zenker'].</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Chase became a lot stronger the last couple of seasons. That, along with his high IQ gave him the ability to put himself in the right positions and keep anyone in front of him.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Max is just the definition of a dog. He's an ultra-competitive, strong, tough kid. He enjoys a good test and a physical battle. He takes pride in guarding the other team's best player.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Were there any memorable buzzer-beaters, upsets, or clutch performances?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>There were a couple of buzzer-beaters, but we were on the wrong side of them. West Fargo beat us twice during the regular season, both as a result of buzzer-beaters. The first time we played them, we were up 2 at our place and [player_tooltip player_id='1338493' first='Aiden' last='Samek'] hit a tough layup at the rim over length at the buzzer to force OT and we ended up losing by 2. The second time we played them at their place, [player_tooltip player_id='2489407' first='Cole' last='Martin'] hit a three-pointer to put us up 2 with 1.6 seconds left. [player_tooltip player_id='1338493' first='Aiden' last='Samek'] (again) dribbled up the court and hit a running 3 after time expired and they were awarded the win.</em>"&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What lessons from this season go beyond basketball?</span> </strong>(Things like leadership, hard work, perseverance, or teamwork, etc.)&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>All of the above. We had some individual kids work through some things this season and make themselves better people for it. We as a team had to be tough and continue to battle and get better every single day after our tough start.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Can you talk about an assistant coach?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Every one of our assistants brings something to our program in a very positive way. The one I will highlight is the newest one to our staff, Derek Ouren.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We were lucky to have Derek join our staff this season. He brings the type of experience that a head coach wants on staff. Derek is a State Championship-winning coach. He is great with the kids, and they responded extremely well to him. He helped implement some different things in our program this season that otherwise may not have been.</em>"</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 LUK TO THE MUSTANGS THIS OFF-SEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3584514,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_1176_d6a0d3.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/IMG_1176_d6a0d3.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3584514" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">WF Sheyenne Mustangs Basketball</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->