ND Class B Region Predictions

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"800"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:800">First of all, best of luck to all the players and teams this week in the Class B Region Tournaments! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The games get started this afternoon and carry on into the late evening. It is going to be an epic week of hoops in North Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD is pulling out the glass ball for this article and making predictions &amp; comments on the first round of the Class B Region Tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">*Remember, we have 3 Classes now in ND. You do not necessarily have to win the Region Tournament to get to State! There are Challenge Games/Play-In Games on Saturday, March 9th. Region 1 &amp; 2 meet at the SHAC in Fargo and Region 3 &amp; 4 meet at the New Town Event Center. The runner-up finishers will play the 3rd place finisher from the opposite Region for the right to play at the State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Where are the Region Tournaments played?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region 1</strong> - Jamestown Civic Center</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region 2</strong> - Devils Lake High School</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region 3</strong> - Bismarck St. Mary's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Region 4</strong> - New Town Event Center</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2361227,"width":"432px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Predictions.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/02/Predictions.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2361227" style="width:432px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"x-large"} --> <p class="has-x-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class B Regionals</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 1</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Quarterfinal Winners</span>: Hankinson, Ellendale, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier, Linton-HMB</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Semifinal Winners</span>: Hankinson, Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Champion</span>: Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first game of the day has Star Power written all over it with [player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='RaeShaun' last='Earl'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1145406' first='Max' last='Musland']. Both players will likely be All-State. These two teams did not play in the regular season. Both squads will play hard, are well-coached, and play with grit. We have to give the edge to the 18-3 Pirates. I like the combination of [player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='RaeShaun' last='Earl'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2349038' first='Andrew' last='Jean']. When you add in a cast of quality role players, I think the Pirates come out with a W. Expect coach <em>Thielges</em> to have the Loboes ready to go, [player_tooltip player_id='1145406' first='Max' last='Musland'] will certainly put on a show, and this one should be a dawg fight. Who wins? PHD is rolling with the Pirates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 2 of the day should also be a close one. Ellendale lost on February 10th at Barnes County North 51-46. PHD is going with the birds in this one, the Cardinals will have revenge on their mind and take down the Bison. I have watched Ellendale play well on this court in the past and PHD is expecting a huge game from [player_tooltip player_id='1749953' first='Anton' last='Geller']. We are predicting [player_tooltip player_id='2230304' first='Kade' last='Schimke'] as the X-factor, his 3-point shooting will give Ellendale a close win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 3, we are going with EKM in a double-digit victory. The Rebels played at Wyndmere on Feb 13th and won 67-31. Coach <em>Hosford's</em> teams always play hard and give full effort. However, EKM has too much size, athleticism, and versatility. Look for this one to be a battle in the first quarter and then the Rebels will pull away. Keep track of [player_tooltip player_id='2142302' first='Zeke' last='Barnick'], he could get loose for a show-time DUNK! Expect [player_tooltip player_id='1164807' first='Jacob' last='Nitschke'] to be the best player on the court. I am interested to see/hear how [player_tooltip player_id='1935092' first='Joseph' last='Kramlich'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2114976' first='Brogan' last='Young'] play, are they ready for a Region Championship run?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This one should be the best game of the day/night. Both teams were ranked in the top 10 most of the season and each squad had 3 All-District players. The Lions and Bulldogs played on January 6th and Linton won 53-41 in a hard-fought game. I believe Sargent County was without stud [player_tooltip player_id='1551198' first='Josh' last='Wittich'] in that game. We are leaning towards the Lions to win in this matchup. Linton has a ton of experience on this court in the past and PHD thinks they are going to be sharp tonight at the Civic Center. We are predicting [player_tooltip player_id='1146180' first='Jace' last='Jochim'] to have a hot hand and score big points to carry the Lions. At the same time, [player_tooltip player_id='1145108' first='Luke' last='Martinson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1551198' first='Josh' last='Wittich'] will not go down without a fight and keep this one close. Linton-HMB wins in a barn-burner by 1 or 2 points. It is tough to pick a winner in this one!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 2</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Quarterfinal Winners</span>: North Star, Langdon Area-Edmore-Munich, North Border, Midway-Minto</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Semifinal Winners</span>: North Star, Midway-Minto</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Champion</span>: North Star</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 1, North Star should dominate with strong performances from [player_tooltip player_id='1324683' first='Dane' last='Hagler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1367009' first='Parker' last='Simon'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1367010' first='Karsen' last='Simon']. I have heard reports that [player_tooltip player_id='1632620' first='Hunter' last='Hagler'] is playing well, which makes the Bearcats even scarier!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 2, it looks like these two teams did not play in the regular season. [player_tooltip player_id='1857757' first='Rayce' last='Worley'] will be the top player on the court and we expect a splashy performance. Worley is averaging a Double-Double on the season and is looking like he will be an All-State player. The Cardinals are playing better as a team and it might be all coming together at the perfect time. PHD is picking the Cardinals to win.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Patriots had a hot run in the District Tourney but that will end when they meet the Eagles from North Border. <em>Dan Moore</em> will have his birds of prey flying high in the opening round. Looked for [player_tooltip player_id='1165355' first='Grant' last='Cosley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2237765' first='Kaden' last='Moore'] to set the table and shoot/score North Border to the victory.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>MM &amp; NRS did not play in the regular season. We are picking coach <em>Robinson </em>and the Mustangs to win this one. I think Midway-Minto has too many shooting/scoring options for the Rockets. PHD predicts splashy games from [player_tooltip player_id='1146175' first='Riley' last='Robinson'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1165097' first='Ben' last='Gudajtes'], 9th grader [player_tooltip player_id='1537902' first='Trenton' last='Sitzer'] is our X-factor. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 3</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Quarterfinal Winners</span>: Bowman County, Wilton-Wing, Garrison, Washburn</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Semifinal Winners</span>: Wilton-Wing, Garrison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Champion</span>: Garrison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 1 should be a double-digit victory for the Bulldogs. [player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'] is a quality player for the Cougars but the trio of [player_tooltip player_id='1144932' first='Bohden' last='Duffield'], [player_tooltip player_id='1144931' first='Bishop' last='Duffield'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2282565' first='Aiden' last='Thompson'] will be overwhelming. These two did not play in the regular season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Game 2, we are picking the Miners from Wilton-Wing. [player_tooltip player_id='1144986' first='Javin' last='Friesz'] is one of the best in B but Wilton-Wing has too much firepower and skill with [player_tooltip player_id='2312607' first='Bradon' last='Wallace'], [player_tooltip player_id='2312608' first='Hunter' last='Wolff'], [player_tooltip player_id='1381719' first='Dontaye' last='Fetzer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2312611' first='Teigen' last='Earsley']. The Bulldogs and Miners did not play in the regular season. There could be a ton of three-pointers made in this game. If you like shooters, watch this one!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 3, we are picking the Troopers. Gairrson beat Hettinger-Scranton 62-51 on February 3rd. Coach <em>Folk</em> is one of the top coaches in Class B and the Troopers will be ready! [player_tooltip player_id='1144980' first='Braxton' last='Iglehart'] is one of the best backcourt players in Class B, he will lead the Troopers today. Expect [player_tooltip player_id='1350687' first='Little' last='Hail Perkins'] to build off his strong District Championship performance and for [player_tooltip player_id='2366590' first='Avery' last='Klein'] to be the interior X-factor. [player_tooltip player_id='2276348' first='Blake' last='Larson'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='1163446' first='Maddox' last='Pierce'] will put up a strong fight for the Night Hawks but it will not be enough.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 4, we expect Washburn to put on an impressive offensive display behind splashy performances from [player_tooltip player_id='1632628' first='Parker' last='Jacobson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1326981' first='Alex' last='Retterath']. New England has interior size that will give the Cardinals some problems, but I think Washburn will be able to out-score the Tigers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 4</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Quarterfinal Winners</span>: Williston Trinity Christian, Westhope-Newburg, Bishop Ryan, Our Redeemer's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Semifinal Winners</span>: Williston Trinity, Bishop Ryan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Champions</span>: Williston Trinity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 1, [player_tooltip player_id='1355915' first='Sage' last='Hanson'] will make some impressive plays but the Crusaders will prevail. [player_tooltip player_id='1655188' first='Kai' last='Thomas'] is a special player with length and super talent. I will not be surprised if he puts up a Triple-Double today. Expect [player_tooltip player_id='2237851' first='Kale' last='Nix'] to shoot it well from 3-point land and for All-District Player [player_tooltip player_id='2368414' first='James' last='Richards'] to be the X-factor. Williston Trinity &amp; TGU did not play in the regular season. Looked for Thomas grade the headlines today as the top performer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Westhope ran roughshod over the Honkers back on December 15th by a score of 85-57. It will be fun to see [player_tooltip player_id='1655325' first='Jack' last='Zimmer'] and The Texas Ranger go at each other. However, [player_tooltip player_id='1169145' first='Walker' last='Braaten'] is just too talented and he will have a monster game to lead the Sioux.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In game 3, we are picking the Lions to win. [player_tooltip player_id='1189452' first='Ramsey' last='Walz'] is just too much to handle for most Class B teams and today will be no different. The Ranchers will play hard but come up short. Look for [player_tooltip player_id='1632649' first='Hayden' last='Seay'] to feed the beast known as [player_tooltip player_id='1189452' first='Ramsey' last='Walz'] and for [player_tooltip player_id='1376819' first='Jett' last='Lundeen'] to do damage from the 3-point arc.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The last game of the day should be a good one. They did not play in the regular season. Alexander has an impressive record and some good-sized players. However, PHD thinks the young bucks from ORCS will step up big and shoot well in the palatial palace known as the New Town Event Center. [player_tooltip player_id='2237753' first='Wyatt' last='Weekley'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2237731' first='Nolan' last='Schmidt'] are Knights to watch.</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 -->