Next Up: Class B (ND) Part 2
The landscape is changing in Class B North Dakota Basketball and we continue our efforts to give you some of the names that are likely to make that change next winter.
Bo Bellquist of New Rockford-Sheyenne. Bo had an outstanding sophomore season leading the Rockets to 13 wins. Only one senior graduates but that is the center Wilson Howard so NRS will have to play a bit different with less size but they will be a very experienced team and Bo was so good wit the ball as an underclassmen. Now he will be a junior with high expectations.
Bradley Defender of St. John. The Woodchucks have had some special seasons as of late, but so much graduated. Defender is a 5-foot-10 guard who was the team’s third leading scorer and second leading rebounder a year ago. Now Bradley will be first in experience and the guy the team looks at to move this team into the new few years. Expectations will not be to match 3 loses in two years like has happened recently, but for Bradley to keep the team competing hard each day.
Hunter Gladue and Lawrence Peltier of Dunseith. What do you want from your team coming into a year? Experienced guards who have had success. Gladue and Peltier check those boxes in a big way coming off a 19-5 season where both were regular playmakers. Gladue and Peltier are both under six foot competitors that had consistent numbers a year ago.
Alex Lowery/Simon Romfo of Langdon Area/Edmore/Munich. The Cards are ready to take their shot at the District title after winning 20 of 25 games a year ago and with Alex and Simon returning. Last year there were many days that Alex led his team in scoring, and Simon led the squad in everything else plus scored. Lowery is a 6-foot-2 wing who will be a senior while Simon was a freshman a year ago playing a matured game.
Austin Schmidt/Gage Pfaff of Kidder County. Austin and Gage led the Wolves to the best record in District 6 last year and with only two seniors graduating expectations will be higher. Austin and Gage are both under six feet but both compete at a very high level out working many opponents.
JaeShaun Shaw of Four Winds/Minnewaukan. Shaw is a 6-foot-0 guard that constantly put up double figure numbers as a freshman earning several post season honors including All District and Freshmen All State. Shaw is the guy that the Indians are looking to as the program builds back to the recent success that they are used to. A 15-9 year is all right but for the Indians expectations will be higher this winter. Senior-to-be Gionni Robertson will a key help with Shaw and building 18-19 expectations.
Carter Tandeski and Keaton Nelsen of Benson County. Both Carter and Keaton are 6-foot-3 wings with skill that had strong 17-18 years building their team to a 13-10 season. Both Carter and Keaton will have to play more around the basket because of two graduating 6-foot-5 centers, but both players have the size to handle roles with a year more experience.