Hoopster Classic Preview
Who doesn’t love the holidays? Someone probably. But who doesn’t love the opportunity to spend an entire day watching basketball? Probably nobody reading this. While most of the state taking a break from hoops for the holidays, there are a few showcase events headlined by some of the best teams in Class B. Friday and Saturday, a number of the elite teams in the state will descent upon Minot for the Hoopster Classic and the Dale Brown Classic.
Here is a slate for the Hoopster Classic
TGU vs. Lewis and Clark – Berthold – Noon, Dec. 28
Berthold is certainly off to a strong start as the Bombers won the Stanley tournament to open their season. Thomas Burke is one of the best guards in Class B. This will be a good litmus test type game as TGU is 5-1 with a close loss to Rugby in the CNDC Tournament as their only blemish.
Benson County vs. Westhope/Newburg – 1:30 p.m., Dec. 28
Benson County is the team to watch in this one as the Wildcats are one of the contenders in Region 4. Junior Carter Tandeski and senior Keaton Nelson give the Wildcats a potent duo up front while Blayne Anderson is a young guard to watch.
Des Lacs Burlington vs. Rolla – 3 p.m., Dec. 28
The Bulldogs are 2-3 on the season, going 1-2 in the CNDC Tournament most recently. It’ll be almost two weeks between games for them, which could be good and bad. Kody Schlenvogt is a guy to watch inside as he can dominate the paint. DLB is 3-2 with close losses to Beulah and Stanley and wins over Velva and Botteneau. The Lakers have tested themselves early. Dante Gunville is a player to watch.
Langdon/Edmore/Munich vs. Our Redeemer – 4:30 p.m., Dec. 28
Langdon/Edmore/Munich is off to a decent start on the year since a season-opening loss to Thompson. Alex Lowery is one of the best wing players in Class B. Our Redeemer has struggled to start the year but this could be an opportunity to pick up a win over a quality team.
Rugby vs. Beulah – 6 p.m., Dec. 28
This should be one of the best games of the day as both of these teams have state tournament potential. Rugby has started the year very well, winning the CNDC Tournament and has the requisite talent to challenge Bishop Ryan in Region 6. Beulah’s played a grueling schedule to this point and is still acclimating guys to the varsity level. Sophomore big man Carson Welgum and freshman guard Trey Brandt are players to watch going forward for the Miners.
Dickinson Trinity vs. Thompson – 7:30 p.m., Dec. 28
This one should be a dandy as the Titans and Tommies are both top-five teams with state-tournament aspirations. Trinity is very young, with just three seniors but the Titans have a lot of talent. Aric Knopic is strong inside and Matt Stafford and Cole Fitterer are guys to watch on the perimeter. Thompson’s gotten awesome production from its pair of post players, Hayden Overby and Chance Danner.