North Dakota Class B Rankings
Four Winds/Minnewaukan The Indians suffered their first loss of the season last week, dropping a nip-and-tuck contest to a solid Thompson team. Four Winds won’t go perfect for the year, but everything else is still attainable for this team as…
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Continue ReadingFour Winds/Minnewaukan
The Indians suffered their first loss of the season last week, dropping a nip-and-tuck contest to a solid Thompson team. Four Winds won’t go perfect for the year, but everything else is still attainable for this team as it’s got the kind of depth and high-end talent to win a region and a state title. If Doug Yankton is right, he’s an elite wing player in Class B. Bronson Walter is one of the best big men in the state and Jaeshaun Shaw and Jayden Yankton both have shown they can take over games at times.
St. John
St. John earned a tough win over a really good New Rockford-Sheyenne team last week to improve to 11-1 on the year. The Woodchucks will be tested in the final weeks of the regular season against some really strong clubs, but with their depth and offensive diversity, they are good enough to earn the top seed in their district and compete in Region 4.
Rugby
The Panthers have a massive game coming up this week with Four Winds/Minnewaukan. Ultimately, regardless of that result, Rugby is going to be the favorite to come out of Region 6. What they are capable of beyond that remains to be seen, but that game Tuesday against the Indians will be telling.
Hatton/Northwood
The Thunder haven’t been tested a whole lot since beating Hillsboro/Central Valley a month ago. They’ve won 10 games in a row and are 13-2 on the year. The remaining schedule is going to be a dandy as Hatton/Northwood plays four teams that have been ranked at some point this season. Colton Konschak is one of the best guards in the state and Avery Thorsgard and Alex Wolfe have been through a lot of big games. It’s going to be a fun final few weeks for the Thunder.
Enderlin
The Eagles are 14-1 on the year and in the mix to earn the top seed in Region 1. With games against the preseason contenders coming up (Kindred and Richland), things will be very interesting down the stretch. Joe and Gus Hurlburt have been excellent all year and the role guys are starting to play really well.
Kindred
The Vikings continue to stay hot, as winners of 11 games in a row. A win over Richland last week was a big statement for a team that has flown under the radar after a slow start to the year. Dawson Schaffer and Andrew Freier have been the models for consistency all year on the perimeter and Gavin Keller is one of the best big men in the state. The Vikings will play slow, grind things out on the defensive end of the floor and out-execute people. They’ve got a great shot to go on a big run.
Beulah
The Miners started slow (a lengthy football season can take some blame) this year, losing games to top-ranked teams in December, but they are peaking now. Beulah beat Dickinson Trinity over the weekend in a game that could decide who earns the top seed in Region 7. The Miners will still play Bowman County in the coming weeks but they’ve got a great shot to go into the postseason on a 16-game winning streak. Trey Brandt and Jonah Larson have been as advertised all year and in the win over the Titans, Brandt went for 26 points while Larson had 16 points and 11 rebounds. Nathan Battest has come along nicely, allowing Brandt to play more off the ball and provide scoring.
Richland
The Colts lost to Kindred last week and are 11-2 on the season. Cole Myers has been terrific all year and is an all-state caliber player. Carter Lingen has picked things up in a big way after a slow start to the year. Gavin Reiland has been in a funk in recent weeks. He’s good enough to dominate games on both ends of the floor. If this team is without Colten Evanson for an extended period of time, Richland could have issues come the postseason.
Dickinson Trinity
The Titans blew out Bowman County for the second time last week, getting 16 points from Trey Praus and 15 from Matthew Stafford. Trinity wins with defense and while the offense comes and goes at times, there are a number of guys capable of stepping up and providing a punch including Jacob Daniel, Cole Fitterer and Seth Herner.
Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier
EKM earns a spot in the top-10 after beating Ellendale and Milnor/North Sargent last week to extend its winning streak to seven games. The Rebels are 13-2 on the year and are looking like the favorites in a wide-open Region 3. Alex Huber and Chayse Entzi form an excellent duo in the frontcourt and Cale Matthern has been consistently excellent at the lead guard spot.