North Dakota Catchup: Region 6 Preview
Postseason at the Class B level starts next week. With region races winding down, it’s time to turn attention towards the playoffs. Some teams are peaking. Others are hoping the postseason can serve as a fresh start. And some just…
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Continue ReadingPostseason at the Class B level starts next week. With region races winding down, it’s time to turn attention towards the playoffs. Some teams are peaking. Others are hoping the postseason can serve as a fresh start. And some just need the year to be over. It’ll all happen quickly. Here are things to know about Region 6.
Favorite: Bishop Ryan
The Lions went into the year as one of the three or four favorites to win a state title this winter and after a slow-ish start to the season, they seem to have the look of a state title contender. Bishop Ryan made quite a statement to end the regular season, putting a butt-whooping on Rugby.
The Lions can run into trouble scoring at times but the rock of the team has been their overall defense, which is arguably the best in the state. Ben Bohl and Mason Hedberg have been terrific all season and in those two, the Lions are almost guaranteed to always have two of the two or three best players on the floor.
Top Challenger: Rugby
Rugby lost by 10 to Bishop Ryan – but trailed by more than 20 at half – just last week but don’t assume the Panthers aren’t a legitimate threat to the Lions. The Panthers have been one of the best teams in Class B all year and can score as well as anybody. Trace Goven, Jaden Hamilton and Devan Michels give them a trio of productive, impact players.
In the Mix: Lewis and Clark Berthold, Mohall-Lansford-Sherwood, Velva, Des Lacs-Burlington
Velva went 11-8 in the regular season but finished the year with some positive energy, losing a close game with Rugby and following it with three wins to end the regular season. Hayden Lee, Quinton Peterson, Gage Florence and Colton Frankl give the Aggies four guys to lean on.
MLS has one of the best big men in the state in senior forward Isaac Undlin. He’s averaging 20 points and nine boards per game. Ryan Feland, Dalton Moberg and Lucan Undlin are solid complementary players.
Lewis and Clark – Berthold gave Bishop Ryan a close game at the beginning of the month and has been strong all season. They don’t have a lot of size but the Bombers have a good mix of experience with some solid young talent.