North Dakota Catchup: Region 4 Preview
***Photo Credit: NDHSAA** The end of the season is upon us at the Class B level. With the postseason right around the corner, we turn our attention to the district and regional tournaments. Here are some things to know about…
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Continue Reading***Photo Credit: NDHSAA**
The end of the season is upon us at the Class B level. With the postseason right around the corner, we turn our attention to the district and regional tournaments.
Here are some things to know about Region 4
Favorite: Four Winds/Minnewaukan
Four Winds/Minnewaukan is a legitimate state title contender. Ranked in the top-five all season, the Indians combine an uptempo style of play with defensive discipline and individual talent to break open games at any given time. Doug Yankton has emerged as a star and one of the top players in the 2020 class while guys like Jayden Yankton, Jaymison Green and Jaeshaun Shaw have played big roles in complementary fashion. It’s a team without a bad loss and a whole lot of quality wins.
The Indians have beaten up on the other teams in Region 4, beating New Rockford-Sheyenne by 11, Dakota Prairie twice by 50 combined points and Dunseith by eight.
Next up: New Rockford-Sheyenne, Dakota Prairie, Dunseith
The next three teams in the region haven’t had any success against the Indians yet, but they’ve all got the scoring ability to make things really interesting.
New Rockford-Sheyenne has been a borderline top-10 team all season, with just two losses on the year. The Rockets have an elite offense led by Parker Granger, Theodore Allmaras and Bo Belquist.
Dakota Prairie doesn’t always play consistent defense, but the Knights are one of the state’s best when it comes to generating points. They proved as much when they scored 91 against Dunseith and scored more than 80 nine times.
Dunseith just took a loss to Dakota Prairie but the Dragons are the best team in District 8. They’ve played a tough enough schedule to the point that they’ve been tested and they’ve been competitive against elite-level competition. Michael Two Hearts, Treagan Azure, Julius Grant and Hunter Gladue give them four guys who can change the game.
Keep an Eye on: St. John
The Woodchucks have had a weird year. They are 9-8 on the season but have been awfully hot-and-cold at certain points. They’ve lost to Dunseith by four then 27 and New Rockford-Sheyenne by 15 then 45. This is a team with some talented pieces though. Bradley Defender is one of the most well-rounded players in Class B and Zach Anderson has emerged as a really solid scorer on the wing. Tyreece Gunville gives the team a third solid scorer.
St. John won the region last season and while they won’t be considered anywhere near a favorite to repeat, they’ve got the capacity to be dangerous.