2023 Fastbreak

Prep hoops now operating under a three-class system. Page 12

Former Region 3 looks different. Page 4

Managing without Walters. Page 15

INSIDE: Area High School Basketball Previews / Capsules

A 2023 supplement to

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Carrington to play at Class A Division level ������������������������ Page 4

Thunder boys working on 23-24 season ������������������������������� Page 7

Edgeley/KM unsure of 2023-24 season��������������������������������� Page 8

Strobel family enjoying one last ride �������������������������������������� Page 9

Blue Jays to rely on underclassmen �������������������������������������� Page 10

COVER: Opinions spread on 3 class system ���������� Pages 12-13

2022-23 All-State Teams

Class A Boys

First Team

Darik Dissette, Sr., Minot; Alex Dvorak, Sr., Dickinson; Ryan Erikson, Sr., Bismarck Century; Jeremiah Sem, Jr., Fargo North; Mason Klabo, So., Fargo Davies.

Second Team

Anthony Doppler, Sr., Century; James Hamilton, Jr., Fargo South; Conner Kraft, Sr., Fargo Shanley; Zach Kraft, Sr., Grand Forks Red River; Reis Rowekamp, Sr., Grand Forks Red River; Hudsen Sheldon, So., Mandan; Isaiah St. Romain, Jr, Williston; Parker Wallette, Sr., TMCHS.

Class A Girls

First Team

Logan Nissley, Sr., Century; Miriley Simon, Sr., West Fargo; Bergan Kinnebrew, Sr., Century; Leelee Bell, Fr., Minot; Jocelyn Schiller, Jr., Grand Forks Red River.

Second Team

Cordes, Woodford are a dynamic duo

Page 15

1975 JC WBB team looks back ���������������������������������������������������� Page 16

Mustangs hoping to be in the mix this season �������������� Page 18

Inexperienced Tornado roster to have talent ������������������ Page 19

New head coach Jason Otto helping Cards ����������������������Page 21

New coach, same talent for Blue Jay boys����������������������� Page 22

No Carr, No Problem for Linton/HMB ������������������������������������Page 24

Ellendale trying to bounce back ��������������������������������������������� Page 25

Proud Loboes want to go to Bismarck �������������������������������� Page 26 Capsules ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� Pages 29-34

Maggie Fricke, Fr., Minot; Brenna Dick, Jr., West Fargo Sheyenne; Ella Falk, Sr., Jamestown; Brooklynn Felchle, So., Bismarck Legacy; Amya Gourneau, Sr., TMCHS; Chloe Pfau, Sr., West Fargo; Ashton Safranski, Jr., Fargo Davies; Scout Woods, So., Wahpeton.

Class B Boys

First Team

Deng Deng, Jr., Four WindsMinnewaukan; Bohden Duffield, Jr., Bowman County; Tyson Enget, Sr., Powers Lake; Javin Friesz, Jr., Flasher; Ayden Stainbrook, Sr., North Border.

Second Team

Carson Bartholomay, Sr., Enderlin; Walker Braaten, So., WesthopeNewburg; TJ Cosley, Sr., North Border; Bishop Duffield, Jr., Bowman County, Brady Feller, Sr., Bishop Ryan; Trey Hatfield, Sr., Oak Grove; Connor Kerzmann, Sr., Garrison; Landon Koenig, Sr., May-Port-C-G; Mitchell Leas, Sr., North Prairie; Carson Yale, Sr., Des Lacs-Burlington.

COVER ART

Medina/Pingree-Buchanan fans celebrate during the Region 3 tournament on March 9, 2023, at the Jamestown Civic Center. Photo by John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

Class B Girls

First Team

Ellie Braaten, Sr., Westhope-Newburg; Halle Crockett, Sr., Northern Cass; Hailey Quam, Sr., Shiloh Christian; Decontee Smith, St., Central Cass; Brenna Stroklund, Sr., KenmareBowbells.

Second Team

Rylen Burgess, Sr., Cavalier; Klaire Cotton, Sr., Central Cass; Natalie Decoteau, Sr., St. John; Mykell Heidlebaugh, Sr., Rugby; Karli Klein, Sr., Garrison; Mataeya Mathern, Jr., Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier; Ellie Powell, Sr., Bowman County; Laikyn Roney, Sr., Oakes; Rylee Satrom, Jr., May-PortC-G; Ava Schuster, Sr., Stanley; Maya Vibeto, Jr., Our Redeemer’s.

Mr./Miss Basketball 2022-23 Mr. Basketball: Darik Dissette, Minot 2022-23 Miss Basketball: Logan Nissley, Bismarck Century

Carrington High School is moving up a

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

BY KATIE RINGER

The Jamestown Sun

CARRINGTON, N.D. — The start of basketball season has always followed a certain pattern for Carrington High School head girls basketball coach Andy Braaten.

This season though — it looks a little bit different.

“We’re preparing,” Braaten said. “For 24 years, I have had one assistant and now we have two hired assistants. Now that we are playing at the Class A level, our admin thinks that another set of eyes will be pertinent moving forward. Having two assistants — that will require a little bit more delegating on my part to keep them involved.”

One of Braaten’s hired assistants is Carrington grad Mara Nelson. Nelson graduated from the Carrington program in 2017 and then went on to play college

Carrington’s Isabel Wendel and Madison Johnson (2) go after a loose ball with Norah Entzi of Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier on Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023, during the Region 3 girls’ basketball tournament at the Jamestown Civic Center. CHS GIRLS: Page 5

CHS GIRLS

From Page 4

hoops at Lake Region College and Valley City State University.

Braaten’s other assistant is Dave Johnson, who has had some children of his own move through the program.

“There is a lot of familiarity with both of them,” Braaten said of his two assistants.

While Braaten might be familiar with the coaching staff, the move up to the Class A level will be something new for the 25th-year head coach.

Due to Carrington’s enrollment numbers, the Cardinals were moved up to the Division A, Region 2 level and will compete alongside teams like Devils Lake, Four Winds-Minnewaukan, Thompson, Grafton and Hillsboro/Central Valley.

The Cards will also match up against teams like Valley City, which was bumped down from the Division AA level to Division A, Region 1.

“It’s going to be a new adventure,” Braaten said. “There is going to be a lot more road time. We did still schedule five Class B teams just to cut down on the road trips. It is more travel which is why we didn’t really want to do this but the state has spoken and we’ll be up for the challenge.”

Braaten said Devils Lake, Four Winds-Minnewaukan and Valley City are the only three schools within 90 to 95 miles. All the other teams in the Region are 100 to 120 miles away from Carrington.

No matter how long the road trip is, Braaten is expecting his girls to compete every night.

“These are solid programs,” Braaten said of Carrington’s regional rivals. “Devils Lake has competed pretty well in the old Class A division. Thompson is a state power. Grafton has been a state power. It will be a tough region but our kids are athletic and they have good ball skills.”

Four of those athletic ball-handlers were named to the 2022 Region 3 All-Region team.

“Maddy Johnson was one of our captains and averaged about 12 points a game for us,” Braaten said. “She’s got a good handle on her and she’s a state track winner so she can run forever.

“Then two juniors who were all-region for us last year were Isabel Wendel, who led us in assists, and Maggie Stills, who has a really complementary game on

Contributed / Andy Braaten

The Carrington High School basketball team will competing at the Division A level this season.

both ends of the court,” he said.

The Cardinals will also welcome back all-region winner Edyn Hoornaert, who the Cardinals lost late last year due to an injury. Seniors Kacie Rexin and Olivia Threadgold are also expected to make a reappearance in the gym.

While a good portion of his roster from last year is back, Braaten and his two assistants will have to work with the girls to fill in some gaps.

“The focus will be playing good team defense,” Braaten said. “We’re used to having 5-11 and 6-foot girls but we don’t have that this year. But other teams will have to guard us on the arc — we take the ball off the bounce pretty well — so we are pretty versatile that way. I expect the girls to perform. They will be tested but I think they’ll live up to that expectation.”

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Carringt on

Dev ils L ake

Michigan

Hampden

Medina/Pingree-Buchanan boys hoops hoping to go another deep run

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

MEDINA, N.D. — The Medina/Pingree-Buchanan Thunder boys’ basketball team has high expectations as they head into the 2023-24 season after the best season in program history.

During the 2022-23 season, the Thunder finished with a seventh-place finish and a 20-7 overall record. Along the way, the Thunder won the Region 3 title and finished as runners-up in the Stutsman County Tournament.

Thunder head coach Bob Young said if the Thunder want to go on another tournament run they will have to work even harder than they did last year.

“Our expectations are really high but we know we need to start the year building on where we’ve come from, working on the fundamentals, coming together as a team because this is kind of a new team,” Young said. “We did graduate three really important players so we have to build on what we’ve done. Our expectations are that we’re gonna be a winning program and continue to be. We want to win the district and win the region and go back to the state tournament.”

After their seventh-place finish at the state tournament, senior Rylen Wick said his team is fueled by coming up short and they want to go on another deep run this year.

This year, the Thunder return 11 players from last year’s roster including Wick who had averaged 16.6 points per game and 7.7 rebounds per game last year.

Young called Wick “one of the best players in the state” and said they are looking for the senior to lead the team on and off the floor.

Young said they are also looking for a big season out of Gage Magstadt, Terek Kinzell and Chase Ova. Young said he wants to see Magstadt, Kinzell and Ova take some steps forward.

“We have some surprise guys, Jared Moser really put in a lot of work, a hard-working kid, kind of our blue-collar hard worker,” Young said. “So, we feel like he can have a big impact on this team too.”

Young said his team will be a good passing and shooting group with the added bonus of being very tight-knit.

“I’d say our team is gonna be a lot faster paced this year than last year,” Wick said. “We were kind of a slower offense once we

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Carrington’s Hudson Schmitz (11) puts some pressure on Rylen Wick (23) of Medina-Pingree-Buchanan on Monday, March 6, 2023, during the Region 3 tournament at the Jamestown Civic Center.

got down at half-court. We’re gonna have a lot of shooters this year, we’re not gonna be quite as tall with our littler guards but they can all shoot and I think that’s something teams are gonna have to look out for because we’re gonna be really able to knock down the three. I think me and Gage Magstadt can also get in on the post, we got a pretty good height advantage to a lot of other teams.”

Despite the number of returners from last year, Young sees very few similarities between this team and last year’s team.

“Last year’s team we depended a lot on Josh Moser, he handled the ball for us, he was our best rebounder, he was one of our big-time playmakers. So, without him, we become a lot more of a different team,” Young said. “We don’t quite have the size we had at every position last year and this team’s gonna be a lot more up-tempo and able to spread the floor and probably a lot better overall shooting team.

THUNDER: Page 27

Defending Region 3 champs experiencing unknowns this season

Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier is the defending Region 3 champion but the Rebels lost a good portion of its talent class to graduation and injuries.

BY KATIE RINGER

The Jamestown Sun

EDGELEY, N.D. — Rory Entzi and the Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier girls basketball team have got a huge target on their back.

“Edgeley/Kulm coached by Rory Entzi — they just have some studs,” South Border head coach Jamie Bittner said.

“I’ve got to believe Edgeley/Kulm is going to be right up there as the defending Region 3 champions,” second-year head coach for Oakes Judy Hansen said

While Entzi’s not so sure about the season, the head coach can’t deny his rival head coaches’ reasoning for their preseason predictions.

Edgeley/KM blew away its competition last year, entering the postseason with an unbelievable record of 26-5.

The Rebels beat Oakes in overtime in the 2023 District 5 tournament semifinals and capped off the tourney with a hard-fought win against LaMoure/LM in the district championship.

The win in the district title game gave the Rebels the No. 1 seed and a firstround bye entering the regional tournament. In the region semis, the Rebels were trailing Carrington the entire game but still — they pulled off a W.

The win over Carrington in the semis set up what Rory described as “a rock fight” between the Rebels and the 2022 Region 3 champs, Linton/HMB.

EKM topped the Lions 41-38 in the Region 3 title game.

At the 2023 State Tournament, EKM went 2-1 and finished the weekend out with a 63-37 win over Langdon/AEM in the fifth-place game.

After a season like that — you’d think there would be athletes pouring into the gym in Edgeley — but as of Nov. 10, they are more like trickling.

“My wife said

a couple of weeks ago that it was crazy for her to think that after what we did last year and the experience those girls had, there is not more interest,” Entzi said. “We lost three seniors to graduation and we might not have a couple of girls play due to some injuries so as crazy as this sounds, we might have 12 girls out.

“I don’t know what to make of it, to be honest ... but the 12 that I’ve got, they are excited to play,” he said “We’ve played a lot this summer like we always do so we’ll see how it goes.”

Edgeley/KM began practices on Nov. 13 and opened the season with a non-conference rematch against Langdon/AEM on Dec. 1.

The Rebels are bringing back their 2023 All-State selection, Mataeya Mathern, for a final season. Abby Mathern and Libby Mathern will also be back in the mix. All three members of the Mathern crew saw varsity time last year.

Grace Irey, the Rebels’ starting center from last season, and Lexie Dallman will be back for one final go-around with the Rebels. Junior Olivia Brummund and sophomores Elli Lloyd and Jaelyn Bertsch will also be among those Entzi thinks will see some significant court time.

But none of those varsity returners are going to have to step up the way an incoming freshman will.

“We are going to expect a few things out of Betsy (Huber) as a freshman,” Entzi said. “I am not sure that will happen right away but I think coming in and playing will be expected over time. Betsy played junior high last year and then came up late to play some JV.”

Huber is not completely new to varsity athletics. The freshman was rostered as an EKM varsity volleyball

player this past fall.

“It’s a learning curve but in order to add some depth to our team we would need her to step up a little bit,” Entzi said.

Due to the implementation of the 3-class system in the sport of basketball, adjusting seems to be a common theme throughout the entire state this year.

“It’s going to be different — without a doubt,” Entzi said. “We are in a new district which was a part of our region and now our region goes all the way to Fargo.

“We don’t play a lot of those teams further to the east so I don’t really know a lot about them,” he said. “We’re going to have to figure things out and do a little scouting to figure out who teams are and what they are about.”

While Edgeley is still playing many of their Region 3 District, 5 and District 6

E/KM GIRLS: Page 27

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

EDGELEY, N.D. — The connection between the seniors on this year’s Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier boys basketball team and their head coach goes back to birth for one of them and fifth grade for the rest.

This year, the Rebels have six seniors including Austin Strobel, the son of head coach Kevin Strobel.

“Time’s went by quick,” Kevin Strobel said. “I’ve been coaching these seniors, not just Austin but also coaching them since fifth grade. That was my first group when I started coaching grade school basketball was with these seniors. I didn’t have them in seventh and eighth grade but then again as freshman. He’s been fun, as a coach’s kid he does act as a coach on the floor for us at times too. So, it’s kind of nice to have that calming personality out there to help us too sometimes where things maybe aren’t going so good.”

In terms of his expectations, Kevin said he is expecting his team to go on a

deep run.

“We return a lot of starters back and I know the guys are ready to go,” Kevin said. “We’re expecting to do some pretty good things and win some ball games, there’s no doubt about that.”

Since he was a little kid Austin has been playing basketball and so he said going on a run to the state tournament with his father and his younger brother Connor would mean a lot.

“It would mean everything,” Austin said. “I’ve been born into basketball, my mom and dad they’ve coached together. I’ve been around basketball my whole life and I’ve had my dad as my elementary coach too. So, it would be pretty fun, I’d get to do it alongside my brother too so it would be pretty fun to make a good run with this team.”

This year, Kevin Strobel said he is anticipating breakout seasons from multiple players including Drew and Kade Nitschke and Connor Strobel.

E/KM BOYS: Page 11

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Joseph Kramlich (3) of Edgeley-KulmMontpelier rises from a pack of Loboes, including from left, Max Musland, Brayan Karlgaard and Anthony Hanson, to get to the basket Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, during the District 5 tournament at the Jamestown Civic Center.

Blue Jay girls have no seniors, lots of enthusiasm

The Jamestown High School girls basketball team is returning none of its starters from its 2022-23 team.

BY KATIE RINGER

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — Last year, Andy Skunberg had the most seniors he’d ever had as the head coach of the Jamestown High School basketball team.

This year, it’s a different story.

“We lost so many varsity players and there are no seniors this year,” JHS returning junior Leah Trumbauer said. “We are a very young team with little varsity experience but I think we will play good team basketball because of our strong chemistry. I am excited to see how well we compete this season. I know that we have room for growth but we will work hard and push each other every day to get better.”

In total, the Jays lost eight seniors to graduation. Among them were five-year starter, 2023 All-State honoree Ella Falk, and starting guard Katie Falk. Breanna Oettle, Jada Walter and starting center Haylie Hakanson moved on to pursue collegiate athletic careers in other sports while Teagan Bosche is on the roster for the UJ women’s basketball team. Rylee Joseph and Peyton Waliser were also big contributors for the Blue Jays last year.

The heavy-underclassmen, Blue Jay roster began practices on Nov. 20 and will open the year against Fargo South on Dec. 5. The Jays and Bruins are slated to tip off at 7:15 p.m. at Fargo South High School.

“The Jamestown girls’ basketball team is gearing up for an exciting season, and they’re ready to face the challenges that lie ahead,” Skunberg said. “The primary goal for Jamestown girls’ basketball this year is continuous improvement. They are aiming to be at their absolute best by the end of the season, and they’re leaving no stone unturned to achieve this.”

Trumbauer along with Hegerle and Emily Ellingson are the only upperclassmen on the Blue Jays’ roster this year but Trumbauer is the only player on the Blue Jay roster who boasts an official stat line from the 2022-23 season.

“I grew up in the gym because my dad was a college basketball coach for many years,” Trumbauer said. “One of my earliest experiences would be making my first basket on the big hoop in the Augustana practice gym when I was four. My dad, Jeff, was so proud of me and he even got it on film.”

JHS GIRLS: Page 11

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Jamestown's Leah Trumbauer is a junior on the Blue Jays girl's basketball team.

EK/M BOYS

From Page 9

Kevin said he believes his team’s best skill will be their ability to match up against multiple different teams.

“We should be very versatile,” Kevin said. “We should be able to match up with most any team. I think one of our strengths is our length and our size. We should be able to guard different people at different positions. I think we can play different styles. I think we can play up and down. I think we can play faster and I think we can also get better in our halfcourt sets and if it’s a slow drawn out pace we can execute in the half-court set.”

This season, Austin is one of five seniors alongside Jacob Nitschke, Aydan Entzi, Zeke Barnick and Dylan Ostendorf.

“I think as a senior they rely on you quite a bit, the younger kids they look up to you,” Austin said. “You’re an older kid, you’ve been in the system so they look up to you and they rely on you to help them if they have a question or learn from you as someone that’s had tons of experience on the

JHS GIRLS

From Page 10

Trumbauer gave her dad some more opportunities to film last year.

As a sophomore, Trumbauer averaged three points and one rebound in every game she played. She also made nine steals on defense and dished out 17 assists. She used her hops and 5-foot-9 frame to make seven blocks and from behind the arc she hit seven treys.

This year, she wants to be even better.

Skunberg said this past summer, Trumbauer and her teammates dedicated themselves to intense workouts and participated in team camps to hone their skills.

“During the summer my teammates and I played in a league, went to team camps, got lots of shots up and went to open gyms,” Trumbauer said. “I am going to try my best to lead our team by pushing my teammates and myself in practice to work hard to improve. I know that Edie will help me to build

court.”

While he said he wants to improve upon their 27% three-point shooting from last year, this year, Kevin said he wants his team to also continue to be a dominant force down low.

Last year, the Rebels finished in fourth in the Region 3 tournament with a 13-10 overall record.

This year, the Rebels start the season off with a game against Barnes County North on Tuesday, Dec. 12. The Rebels are trying to get back to the state tournament for the first time since 2021. Kevin said in order to go on a run the team needs to play as a cohesive unit and stay locked in throughout the season.

“I think so,” Kevin said. “I don’t know. We’ve had some open gyms, but we really haven’t had a team meeting. I know that just talking to the guys throughout the summer even finishing the year that we did last year. I know that’s definitely on everybody’s mind, parents I know I’ve talked to, I don’t think there’s any doubt. One of our goals is definitely to get to the state tournament.”

Despite the move to the three-class system, the teams in District 2 are virtually unchanged from those in

up our teammates and we will be good team players. We are not afraid to put in the work to get better.”

That’s good considering the squad will have to compete against some of the best teams in the state this winter.

“The WDA is known for its tough competition, and this year will be no different,” Skunberg said. “The top teams to watch out for include Minot, Legacy, Century, Bismarck High and Mandan. We know we have a tough road ahead, but the girls are excited about the challenge.”

In addition to the typical West Region teams, the Blue Jays will also match up against West Fargo (Dec. 8) Moorhead (Minn.) (Dec. 9), West Fargo Sheyenne (Dec. 30) and Fargo North (Jan. 2).

“The Jamestown girls’ basketball team is poised for an exciting season,” Skunberg said. “Keep an eye on this young squad — they are aiming to make their mark on the upcoming season.”

kringer@jamestownsun.com @KaitlynRinger on Twitter

the previous District 6. Kevin said he believes that all of the teams in the district will present their own challenges to his team.

“Just in our district, I think you’ve got South Border and Linton, Medina, Ellendale’s gonna be solid again,” Kevin said. “LaMoure lost a little bit, they got Max (Musland) back but he’s gonna be a load to stop. They’re always gonna be in the mix. I think when you go region-wise now, over east, I think you’ve got Sargent County as one of the teams that people are the pick over there.”

Irregardless of the fact that there are a handful of teams that the Rebels have never played before or have not played in a while Kevin said modern technology has made scouting significantly easier.

“As the year goes on, the way things are nowadays through Hudl and exchanging films with different teams it’s pretty easy to get that stuff and do some scouting prior to that,” Kevin said. “So, you’re not familiar with what they do all the time but like I said it’s not real hard to get a few different games on them and scout and be able to prepare a little bit for them.”

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Local coaches, players react to the three-class system

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — The 2023-24 North Dakota high school basketball season will look different than those in the past as the North Dakota High School Activities Association has introduced a threeclass system.

The three-class system is separated by enrollment with Class B for schools with 179 students or less, Class A for schools between 180 and 575 students, and Class AA with an enrollment of at least 576 students.

One school that moved up from Class B to Class A is Carrington High School. The Cardinals coaches disagree about the move up, but both acknowledge facing bigger schools will present challenges to their teams.

“I understand what their intentions were,” Cardinals boys basketball head coach Jason Otto said. “I think the spread in the enrollment, the way that they divided it up, could’ve been done a little differently in my opinion. I mean because in the Class B, they say to be competitive you have from zero to 162 1/2 kids. Well no school just has zero kids so you’re looking at from basically a 100 to 162 1/2 so they’re saying you need to have in that range to be competitive. At the Class A level, where we’ll be sitting they say from 162 1/2 to 600 is the spread to be competitive, I guess that just doesn’t seem like they put as much thought into that as they could’ve.”

In previous years, the Cardinals were in Region 3 and District 5, but this year Carrington is in Region 2. In its previous district, the Cardinals’ furthest trip was to Oakes High School, 122 miles away, and the shortest trip was to Griggs-Midkota about 45 miles away. In its new district, the Cardinals’ furthest trip is to Grafton, 147 miles away, and its shortest trip is Four Winds/Minnewaukan which is about 43 miles away.

“The majority of the votes were in and that’s where we’re going,” Cardinals girls basketball head coach Andy Braaten said. “It’s gonna affect our travel, we sure like going to the district and region in Jamestown, now we go to the northeast, hopefully, we can develop some good rivalries with northeast region Class A basketball.”

Although Carrington is moving up to a new level, Braaten said his team is

familiar with most of the teams it will

“We’ve played most of them before,” Braaten said. “The only ones we really haven’t played before are Devils Lake

and maybe Valley City. There’s some other Class A teams from previous years that are in the new Class A but for the

3 CLASSES: Page 13

Stutsman County Girls - Dec. 8 & 9, 2023

Stutsman County Boys - Jan. 5 & 6, 2024

District Girls - Feb. 9, 10 & 12, 2024

Region Girls - Feb. - 19, 20 & 22, 2024

District Boys - Feb. 23, 26 & 27, 2024

North Dakota State “B” Girls - Feb. 29, Mar. 1 & 2, 2024

Region Boys - Mar. 4, 5 & 7, 2024

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Fans for the Medina-Pingree-Buchanan boys' basketball celebrate after the team won the Region 3 tournament and a trip to the State B.

3 CLASSES

From Page 12

most part we kept five Class B schools on the schedule just for distance and traveling. We kept some of the other old Class B schools that are now Class A on our schedule, there’s some more travel but our kids will be up to the challenge.”

The LaMoure/Litchville-Marion Loboes will see their schedule take the biggest change. The Loboes now face Sargent County, which was previously in Super Region I. Despite the changes, Loboes girls basketball head coach Ben Holen said he will wait to really form an opinion until he sees the system in action for a few years.

“I’m excited, I wasn’t necessarily leaning one way or the other, we’re a school that’s somewhat solidly in that lower class,” Holen said. “So I didn’t really follow the back and forth too much when they were coming up with the plan or when they were voting or anything like that but it will be exciting to see with the districts all reorganized and the regions looking different than they have in the past and you get an extra state tournament so there’s a lot of pros to

it. I suppose with anything there’s some cons as well.”

One of the biggest changes at the Class B level is the state tournament play-in game between the second-and third-place teams in their region.

“I do like that when you get to regionals the third place game matters now,” said Bob Young, Medina/Pingree-Buchanan boys basketball head coach. “If you lose in the regional final you still have an opportunity for a play in game. So, a region can actually have three teams go to the state tournament and I think that’s really exciting and I think it gives some opportunities to some teams who may just fall short in the regionals to go to state, but it makes the district tournament and district games throughout the season really important.”

The coaches are not the only ones with different views on the changes as the players also have opinions on it.

“I like the new system honestly, it puts those teams in their places,” Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier senior Austin Strobel said. “Last year we had quite a few going into Class A schools in the tournament. To me it didn’t seem like a true Class B tournament. It seemed more like a Class A tournament because we had a lot of those teams going up to Class A.”

After they proved they can compete with some of the schools that are now in Class A, LaMoure/Litchville-Marion senior Max Musland said he is not very happy about the new system.

“I’m not a huge fan of it just because we know we can compete with those bigger schools,” Musland said. “It’s fine because we’ll still have a chance to make it to state and make a deep run at state. It’s just tough when you do compete with those other schools but you still have to go down with those smaller schools. So, it kind of sucks because then when you win, it doesn’t mean quite as much in my opinion. But I’m not really 100% sure yet though because we haven’t done it.”

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Cordes, Woodford helping Jimmies men’s hoops have success

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — Heading into this season, the University of Jamestown anticipated relying heavily on senior guards Cole Woodford and Will Cordes and through the first four games of the season, they have done just that.

As of Nov. 16, the two have combined to score 98 of their teams’ 309 points this season.

This season, they are two of five seniors on the roster. As a result, they have stepped up and taken on leadership roles this season.

Woodford said the two came into this season knowing they would be required to step up and play well for the team.

After last season, the Jimmies lost Mason Walters and Marc Kjos, which forced Cordes and Woodford to step up. In order to fill the hole left by Walters and Kjos, Cordes said he has to become a better leader.

“We just gotta play for each other and keep getting better throughout the year,” Woodford said.

Jimmies interim head coach Taylor Jones could not be reached for comment by The Jamestown Sun’s press deadline.

In his career, Woodford started in 77 of his 99 career games, including 73 consecutive games. Over that span, he is averaging 11.2 points per game with 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 2.2 rebounds per game.

During his career, Cordes has played in 99 career games, starting in 91 of them, including 74 consecutive games. The Shakopee, Minnesota, native is averaging 11.5 points per game, 2.1 assists per game and 1.8 rebounds per game over his career.

The two have also combined to score 2,246 career points.

Both Cordes and Woodford chalked up their success to the amount of work they put in and staying and working out with their teammates during the summer in previous years.

“Here at Jamestown especially, it’s just about playing hard, believing in each other and doing extra work,” Woodford said. “We gotta do it for each and getting in the gym, lifting weights in the summer, staying in the summers helps a lot.”

Over the course of their careers, Cordes and Woodford have gone 76-29 overall

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun University of Jamestown's Cole Woodford (5) follows through on a three-point shot as others look on in anticipation Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2023, during the GPAC Championship at the Newman.

and 12-6 in the postseason.

When the two think about their favorite memories in the program, they think more about the ones off the court.

“Going to the national tournament three years in a row is really fun and the road trips,” Cordes said. “Even though they’re long travels and not super fun when you look at them, being around the guys makes it a fun time when you always have your brothers there for you.”

Through their time in the program, the duo have become inseparable and even room together on road trips.

“It’s been nice to have someone because on the court we’re always together too and off the court we hang out a lot,” Cordes said. “We shared the same bed for pretty much every road trip for the first three years, so if that doesn’t make you close I don’t know what will.”

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1975 Jimmies women’s basketball reflecting 49 years later

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — When Title IX was passed into law in 1972, it opened the door for women’s sports to start all around the country, including at Jamestown College, where they started a women’s basketball team in 1975.

The team’s first-ever head coach was Dennis Van Berkum who was hired by Rollie Greeno because of his previous experience coaching girls basketball. Van Berkum said Greeno didn’t give him a choice on whether to coach the women’s basketball team, he was told that he was continuing to coach on the football team and that he would coach the baseball team and the women’s basketball team.

“I was inexperienced in college basketball, actually I walked into Rollie’s office, I was hired in the summer of that year,” Van Berkum said. “I knew very little about it. The women that participated all of them were volunteers, Jeanne Tews, I think, was the only one that was scholarship … They

all were just great gals that wanted to play some basketball. That’s really what it comes down to.”

According to the 1976 yearbook, the Jimmies women’s basketball team went 3-10 in their inaugural season.

Van Berkum said his team only had eight players on the roster during the first season including Tews who averaged 22.2 points per game, according to the yearbook. Van Berkum said one of the team’s challenges was that they were practicing in the Hansen Center. Tews said the team played schools like the University of Mary, Valley City State University and Aberdeen State University.

“They worked hard, the biggest thing was we practiced in the old memorial gym,” We did end up playing our games downtown in the (Jamestown) Civic Center some at the latter part of the year. But, we worked on the fundamentals, they all just worked hard. They’re a good group of women but we played the likes of North Dakota State, even those from the junior college, we competed

O’Neill / The Jamestown Sun

The 1976 Jamestown College yearbook included multiple pictures of the 1975 women's basketball team in action.

but we just run out of gas with six or eight people. If you go from the memorial gym to the full court at North Dakota State it was like running two basketball courts at one time. They worked hard, they played hard and they got to be very very close.”

Van Berkum said the teams they faced were all around longer than them so they had recruited players whereas he did not recruit any players for the inaugural team. Prior to the season beginning, Van Berkum said the school put up fliers informing those who wanted to play about the creation of the team. He humorously said those who were on the team taught him about how to live in North Dakota.

“We had some really good times,” Van Berkum said. “They were the ones that taught me about traveling in North Dakota, I remember. We would

UJ WOMEN: Page 28

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South Border

to have depth, hoping to be in the mix

South Border has the potential to be one of the top teams in the area this season.

BY KATIE RINGER

The Jamestown Sun

WISHEK, N.D. — It’s basketball season and Jamie Bittner is ready to roll.

“I am ready to roll and excited for the season,” said Bittner, the head coach for the South Border girls basketball team. “A lot of them are finishing up with volleyball but as soon as that’s done, we’ll roll into it.”

Bittner and the Mustangs will continue to play at the Class B Division level this season alongside all of their previous Region 3, District 5, and District 6 rivals except Carrington.

Like all Class B teams, the Mustangs began practices on Nov. 13. Bittner and his squad kicked off its schedule with a Region 2 rival game against Sargent County on Nov. 28.

South Border ended its season last year in the 2023 District 6 tournament. The Mustangs lost to Medina/PB by eight in the opening round then dropped to eventual District 6 champs, Linton/ HMB, in the region qualifier. But they are back — with 17 girls in tow.

When asked about who might make a splash for the Mustangs this year, Bittner immediately popped one name off: Macy Monson.

“Teams will recognize her right away,” Bittner said of the two-year starter. “She’s had a nice freshman and sophomore campaign, so going into her junior year I am curious to see how much more she steps up yet. She’s a very athletic kid so she does a little bit of everything.”

Last year, as a sophomore, Monson was averaging 13.5 points per game while under the hoop she was nabbing around 5.6 rebounds. She made 3.3 steals and dished out 2.2 assists per game.

One stud starter isn’t all the Mustangs will have.

“Brylee Fast and Allison Engelhart will be two seniors we’ll look to for some leadership,” Bittner said. “Eva Meyer will be a junior and we’ll look for her to keep improving and getting better. She’s another athletic girl. After that, we will have a bunch of young freshmen and sophomores vying for time. It’ll be nice to have enough girls where we don’t have to play all of the young ones just because we need more girls.”

Bittner said his first year back with the program in 2021, the Mustangs

only had eight athletes come out for the season. Now, two years later, the head coach said the number has more than doubled.

“That’s exciting for me,” Bittner said. “It’s more than the wins and losses. Getting the girls out, playing and having fun, that’s exciting for me. I have a great relationship with the kids. We try to connect with them the best that we can and let them know that we care about them more than as athletes but also as people.”

With so many girls out at a similar talent level, Bittner said he is expecting there to be a lot of competition within the Mustangs’ practices which should hopefully set them up to win some games.

But it will be tough.

“LaMoure is going to be young but very talented,” Bittner said. “Edgeley/ Kulm-Montpelier — they just have some studs — Linton brings back almost everybody and they almost got to State last year, Kidder County has a strong pedigree, Napoleon has Teagan Erbele, who will be one of the best players in the state, honestly.

“Medina/PB is coached by Cory Mack so they are always well-coached, Ellendale will be young but they will be good, then Strasburg/Zeeland has Addison Wagner, who is very talented,” he said. “In the District, if I had to pick, I would say that we would finish probably middle of the pack. That’s kind of what I am hoping for. I guess time will tell.”

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CLINIC

Oakes girls will have talent but will be inexperienced

Oakes is one of the girls basketball teams that has moved districts this season.

BY KATIE RINGER

The Jamestown Sun

OAKES, N.D. — Judy Hansen is wellpoised to have a great second year as the Oakes High School girls basketball coach.

“For the last month or so my assistant and I have been preparing,” Hansen said. “We are trying to get the ones who aren’t playing volleyball in the gym.

“We open the gym and let them come in and do their thing,” she said. “They want to get moving. We’ve got some kids who really like basketball — they love it — and they want to get in the gym to start working.”

Oakes began their practices on Nov. 13 and opened regular-season play on Nov. 30 against Sargent County. Hansen said there was definite work to be done before her squad matched up against the Bulldogs.

“We’re working out some kinks,” Hansen said. “We are replacing pretty much our whole team of starters so we’re trying to see where kids are going to fit into place.”

The Tornadoes lost 2023 All-State selection Laikyn Roney to graduation as well as starting point guard Brynn Dethlefsen and 6-foot inside man Emma Muggli.

“They are going to be hard to replace but we have some kids who are hungry and who love the game of basketball,” Hansen said. “They’ve worked a lot over the summer on their game so they are ready to step in and see how it goes.”

One key returner Oakes will be bringing back is senior Lily Thorpe

“We’re going to lean on her to do a lot of stuff for us this year,” Hansen said of Thorpe. “She’ll play a huge role for us like Laikyn did for us last year.”

Thorpe started playing basketball in second grade.

“I got into basketball at a young age because of my friends and parents but also my grandpa, he played in high school and had over 1500 points,” Thorpe said. “He also played in college.”

Thorpe has been part of the Oakes varsity program since she was a freshman. The senior’s role has changed over

Oakes' Lily Thorpe will be a key returner for the Tornadoes this season.

the years as she has grown and the program has evolved. Thorpe started out in a guard position but is now playing more in the paint as a forward.

“As an underclassman, I was lucky to have some very talented teammates to learn and push me,” Thorpe said. “I think I learned a lot from my previous teammate Laikyn Roney, she personally gave me a lot of the confidence that I have today.

“We went against each other a lot in practice and I became a much better defender because of that,” she said. “Being a leader is something I take a lot of pride in. I try my best to keep everyone’s head up and encouraging everyone is something I enjoy.”

Thorpe has got a good crew to lead this season.

“I am really excited to play with this group we played a lot together during our younger years and I admire many of them because of the effort and drive,”

Thorpe said. “They are a really tough group that doesn’t give up easily. We also get along really well which will make this season super fun too.”

Juniors Kassidy Jackson and Brianna Schmitz will also be back in the mix.

Coach Hansen said junior Molly Sitzler also showed some real prospects over the summer as a point guard.

OAKES: Page 20

Contributed photos / Judy Hansen

Oakes' senior Elle Cline makes a play during the 2022-23 Class B basketball season.

OAKES

From Page 19

“I am going to have such a young team,” Hansen said. “There are going to be a lot of inexperienced kids who will probably see the court this year that any of my players could step up on any given night.”

With the new 3-class system, Oakes will be competing at the Class B level. The Tornadoes will be playing in Region 1, District 1. Besides Carrington, which has moved up to the Class A Division, and Barnes County North, Oakes is the only team to move regions and districts.

For District 1, Hansen said she is predicting Sargent County to be the favorite.

“Head coach Randall Syrstad is probably six years into his program and he’s doing a great job,” Hansen said. “He’s got a great nucleus of kids and I don’t think they lost many people. They are going

to be a tough team. They are fast, quick and smart.

“Then I think Maple River is going to be right up there too,” she said. “They have a couple of nice bigs and some quick thirds. I think we’ll be right in the mix of District 1 too. It will be fun.”

In District 2, Hansen said she is expecting Rory Entzi’s Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier Rebels to be right at the top of the standings as the 2023 Region 3 champions. LaMoure/LM and Region 3 runners-up Linton/HMB will also be at the top in Hansen’s opinion.

“It’s still going to be hard to get to State,” Hansen said. “It’s still going to be a lot of work. Six really tough teams in our region are going to be tough to get by.

“You’ve got to be playing your best basketball at the end of the season,” she said. “To get everything clicking at the right time is going to be the challenge.”

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Carrington boys basketball adjusting to move up to Class A

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

CARRINGTON, N.D. — The 2023-24 season is one of change for the Carrington Cardinals as they have a new head coach at the helm and are moving up to Class A.

After previously being in Class B and in District 5, the Cardinals are moving up to Class A and Region 2. One of the biggest changes from Class B to Class A that newly hired head coach Jason Otto sees is that every player on the roster needs to be ready to make an impact.

“Now all your role players are gonna have to play extremely well, because guys coming off the bench are gonna be probably just as good as guys on the floor,” Otto said. “… It’s also exciting … even though it’s gonna be a challenge we’re extremely excited for it. We’re not sitting here and hanging our heads and saying oh we’re one of the smallest schools in Class A, no, we’re ready to step up to the challenge and we’re gonna do our best. We’re gonna see how we shake out at the end of the year.”

After Tim Ranum’s departure over the summer, the school hired Otto to be the new head coach.

“I’m very excited,” Otto said. “It’s a good opportunity, get to work with kids again. I coached probably 20 years ago, I coached boys and looking forward to getting back into it again.”

Otto said he will use his previous experience coaching at LaMoure High School in this job.

“There’ll be quite a few things that’ll carry forward from that job, a lot of things that I’ve learned and hopefully improved on since then, mistakes that I made that I’ll hopefully not make again,” Otto said.

Otto does not have to worry about his team buying in after the coaching change as junior guard Josh Bickett is completely on board with his new head coach.

“It’s gonna be different for sure but Mr. Ranum was obviously newer and Otto has been around for a while,” Bickett said. “He’s a very good coach, I love coach Otto and I’m really excited for the year. I think he’s gonna be really good.”

CARRINGTON: Page 27

SCORE WITH THE HOME TEAM.

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

Carrington's Joshua Bickett (2) drives around Braeden Kinzler of Edgeley-KulmMontpelier during the District 5 tournament on Monday, Feb. 27, 2023, at the Jamestown Civic Center.

JHS boys will return talent, picked fourth in WDA

The Jamestown High School boys basketball team has many players back from its 2022-23 state tournament squad.

BY KATIE RINGER

The Jamestown Sun

JAMESTOWN — Ryan Larson loves the game of basketball.

“I try to play every day (for) around two to three hours a day,” Larson, a senior at Jamestown High School, said. “I played AAU basketball and went to numerous camps during the summer. It is a team sport unlike any other. It is fast-paced and requires constant focus.

“I’m hyped for the season to start and can’t wait to get going,” he said. “I know that Coach (Jason) Carroll is also ready to get started. He has been eager to start coaching all of us and get his ideas into action on the court.”

The Blue Jays officially began practicing on Nov. 20 and will open the season with a home game against West Fargo on Dec. 8.

“I am excited,” Carroll, the newly named head coach of the Blue Jays, said. “I know there is a lot of talent there so it will be fun to see where this goes. We have some guys that are returning who have some starting experience and a few other guys returning with some varsity experience so it should be a fun year.”

Jamestown High School announced the hiring of Carroll as the new head coach of the JHS boys basketball program on June 30. Carroll replaces former head coach Jacoby Lloyd who submitted his resignation in May. Lloyd spent six seasons with Jamestown and now acts as an assistant coach for the Bismarck Legacy program.

“The Blue Jays have been pretty good the last few years,” Carroll said. “You can’t argue with the success that the Blue Jays have been having lately. Keeping it on that track will be fine with me but you always want kids to improve and want the program to get stronger if you can. That will be my challenge.”

Getting past the other teams in the West Region will also be a challenge for the first-year head coach.

The 2023 Annual Hoopster magazine pegged Jamestown as the No. 4 team in the West Region.

“That four prediction that they have us at, that’s even going to be tough,” Carroll said. “Century graduated a large number of their starters but they seem to always be in the mix. Bismarck didn’t lose a ton to graduation so I expect Bismarck High to be really strong and

Minot every year is strong. Those teams along with Legacy are going to be hard to deal with.”

Jamestown will be hard to deal with in its own right.

“There are a lot of competitive athletes returning and there have been many players at open gyms preparing for the season,” Larson said. “I believe we are a contender for a state championship, but we need to play one game at a time and stay healthy.”

After being picked to finish fifth in the WDA last year, the Blue Jays shocked everyone and pulled off a topfour finish to punch their ticket to the state tournament for the first time since 2020. The Jays ended up finishing sixth at the tourney and are returning all but three members of the 2022-23 squad.

Besides Larson who averaged 11.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game, the Blue Jays will also bring back senior Dalton Lamp who averaged more than 12

JHS BOYS: Page 28

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Jason Carroll watches members of the JHS boys basketball program during an open gym session on Nov. 14, 2023.

JHS BOYS

From Page 22

points every night and led the team in steals with 42. Lamp was also responsible for dishing out 49 assists and draining 55 treys.

In the junior class, the Jays have Noah Meissner and Thomas Newman back. Meissner was scoring at least 11 points every game while Newman came onto the scene in mid-January and blew up the scoreboard. Newman finished out the year averaging more than 10 points in every contest. The pair of juniors also usually combined to nab at least six boards every game.

While the Blue Jays’ opponents will know to look out for their key returners, Carroll has got a few more sleepers in the gym who could end up making a splash for the Jays.

“Caleb Schiele was a cornerback for the Blue Jay football team and he just seemed to get stronger and better every game for the football team,” Carroll said. “If that tends to be his habit in the sports that he plays, I would have to say that he has a shot at being a little bit of a dark horse.

“Jackson Rose was a new transfer in from Rugby last year and I know he didn’t get a chance to know the system very well but when he got into form where he knew the program a little bit more, he played some minutes for the varsity and they were valuable and meaningful minutes,” he said. “I think he definitely has a chance to be a dark horse.”

Schiele did not have any official stats

from last season but Rose, a 6-foot-5 senior, made three steals, eight assists, two blocks and a pair of treys. Rose averaged 1.9 rebounds per game.

Due to the change to the Jays’ coaching staff, Rose, along with the rest of the Blue Jay roster, will have to get to know a slightly new system again this year, but according to Carroll, it will be one that

Members of the Jamestown High School boys basketball program have been attending open gym sessions during the offseason. The 2023 Class A prep basketball season officially began on Nov. 20. John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

only heightens the strengths of every player on the floor.

“I want our team to play with good pace and I want them to consistently work hard every time they are on the floor,” Carroll said. “I think we’ll play a brand of basketball that people will enjoy and I think we’ll be fun to watch.”

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Alex Jangula preparing to put his stamp on Linton/HMB boys hoops

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

LINTON, N.D. — For the first time since 1981, the Linton/Hazelton-Moffit-Braddock boy’s basketball team will be led by somebody other than Dan Carr.

After the 2022-23 basketball season, Carr announced his retirement from coaching and over the summer the school announced longtime assistant Alex Jangula would be taking over the head coaching position.

“It’s an honor,” Jangula said. “I know the responsibility that I have to continue the great program that Mr. Carr has started, has excelled over 40 years at one school. It’s a big job, our staff, myself, our players, they all understand the standard that’s set and we hope to continue it.”

Jangula played for the Lions under Carr in the mid 2000s, and coached with him from 2012 to 2014. In 2014, he left to become the head coach with Central McLean before returning at Carr’s request in 2021. Over the years under Carr, Jangula said he learned the importance of preparing for games and practices.

“We always felt that going into a game we were very well prepared, whether that’s through scouting, our own game plans or whatnot,” Jangula said. “So, I would definitely say preparation and paying attention to the details.”

The adjustment is not only going to be felt by Jangula but also his players, including senior Justin Tschosik.

“It’s gonna be different, a lot of us are pretty excited about the new change, just something new,” Tschosik said. “It’s helpful, he’s (Jangula) been here for two or three years already, he knows all of us and what we like doing. I think he’ll do good and he’ll help us a lot.”

As he makes his mark on the Lions program, Jangula said he wants his team to run up and down the floor. On the offensive side of the ball, he said he wants the Lions to outhustle teams and on the defensive side of the ball he wants to find what opponents do well and stop it.

“So, offensively we want to get out and go, make that extra pass, pass up a good shot for a great shot, play for one

another,” Jangula said. “Defensively, a staple for us is always going to be we’re going to play hard defensively, we’re gonna scout teams take away their strengths, get stops, five guys rebound, get out and run. The biggest thing we talk about is we want to play at our pace, that can be fast or we can slow it down if need be, play fast, play with pace but not in a hurry.”

Tschosik is one player Jangula will rely on. Last year, Tschosik averaged 3.9 points per game and had 46 total rebounds. In order to have a big season, Tschosik said he needs to step up as a leader for the team.

Jangula said he is also looking for big seasons from Jace Jochim, Kashton Moser, Brady Schick and Gentry Richter. In terms of breakout candidates, Jangula said he thinks Moser, Riley Richter and Kaden Massett could have big seasons.

The Lions are now in District 2 with all of the same teams from its previous District 6.

“We have a loaded district and with the new three-class system, our old region which was really good basically became our new district minus Oakes,” Jangula said. “Oakes went out east.

LINTON/HMB: Page 28

The Lions’ Justin Tschosik (21) looks towards the paint while being guarded by LaMoure/LitchvilleMarion’s Colton Ness (23) during the Region 3 tournament on March 6, 2023 at the Jamestown Civic Center. John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

Ellendale Cardinals boys hoops trying to get back to state tournament

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

ELLENDALE, N.D. — Last season, the Ellendale boys basketball team came one shot away from making it to the state tournament for the first time since 2019, which has fueled the players as they head into the 2023-24 season.

“It was terrible,” Cardinals guard Anton Geller said. “It’s still just haunting us, that shot that went in with 12, 15 seconds left, the one that we’re still thinking about every year. It’s a lot of fuel and motivation for me and my team. I feel like we’re gonna have a pretty good bounceback year hopefully.”

Last year, the Cardinals went 14-10 overall and lost 57-56 in the Region 3 title game.

“It’s always a heartbreaker to lose on a last-second shot to go to state but it is what it is,” Cardinals head coach Brian Vance said. “I think they understand that life is short and we gotta move on from that and they don’t want that to happen again. Everyone remembers the last-second shot but it was that rebound they didn’t get after and all those little things before that, that really hurt us.”

Heading into this year though, Vance is not thinking about last year.

“I think we should be alright,” Vance said. “I think we’re in a competitive region again. I think there’s gonna be quite a few teams, we have three spots with the new classification system. So, three spots that we could possibly get from our region go to state. We have some talented young guys that just don’t have the varsity experience yet. We might take a couple lumps at the beginning of the year just trying to figure things out but at the end of the year I think we’ll be in the hunt for one of those three spots or the championship game for regionals we’re hoping.”

This season, Vance said he wants to see his four seniors, Geller, Kade Schimke, Mason Molan and Jack Bommersbach take steps forward.

“The guy that’s really working hard now that didn’t get a ton of playing time last year is Kade Schimke,” Vance said. “He grew a couple more inches, been in the weight room quite a bit, getting a little stronger, taking the ball to the hole so he’s looking really good. Our other

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Ellendale’s Anton Geller (20) looks up the floor during the Cardinals win over M/P-B during the Stutsman County Tournament on Jan. 7, at the Jamestown Civic Center.

three seniors, Mason (Molan), Anton (Geller) and Jack (Bommersbach) all have their strengths as well. So, I look forward to having all of those guys. It’s gonna be hard to stop us because all four of those guys can score. It’s not gonna be a one-man show type deal.”

During his junior year, Geller averaged 16.5 points per game and nine rebounds per game and recorded 45 steals, 94 assists and nine blocks. When he thinks about what he needs to do to help his team have a big season, Geller said he has to concentrate on his leadership ability.

“I would say just be a leader, be a role model for all the younger kids that way we can build to the future and I feel like being a leader would be the best way to promote a winning season for us,” Geller said.

This season, Vance said he wants his

ELLENDALE: Page 28

L/L-M Loboes boys hoops working to go back to state tournament

BY MAX O’NEILL

The Jamestown Sun

LAMOURE, N.D. — This season, the LaMoure/Litchville-Marion Loboes are returning four seniors in Tyler Thielges’ second year as the head coach.

“I think our expectations are to compete for championships by the end of the season,” Thielges said. “We feel like we have a good athletic group that is willing to put in the work to compete. Obviously, we have a really really strong district this year, it’s gonna be a dog fight just to get into that regional but we think we can beat anybody on any given night if we play well and continue to improve throughout the season.”

During his first year after taking over for his father, Darren, the Loboes went 13-10 and lost in the quarterfinals of the Region 3 tournament.

“Coaching the game when you move one seat over changes your perspective and you don’t see everything that you saw as an assistant coach,” Thielges said. “You have to manage a lot more, there’s more moving parts than the average fan or even an assistant coach sometimes realizes. So, it was a good growth, understanding the importance of the fundamentals, just seeing how the season’s a journey. Sometimes you don’t realize that but it’s a journey, like I said earlier the goal is growth, that’s what we can control.”

Thielges said multiple teams in the region have the ability to get to the state tournament, including Edgeley/ Kulm-Montpelier, South Border, Ellendale and Sargent County.

Despite senior Max Musland leading the team with 18.9 points per game last season, Thielges said he wants players other than him to help lead the team. Thielges said he is looking for breakout campaigns out of junior Owen Lesko, Brayan Karlgaard and Gunner Thielges.

“Brayan Karlgaard came on strong at the end of last season,” Thielges said. “We really feel like he’s going to be able to step up and add a scoring punch, maybe take the load off of Max at times. Blase Isaacson has had some good experience, he’s going into his senior year. We’re looking for him to take that senior step and give us a boost. He’s had some games where he’s shot lights out from threepoint land and we’re hoping for that to

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun

The Loboes’ Max Musland dribbles the ball against Edgeley/Kulm-Montpelier during the championship game of the District 5 Tournament on Feb. 28, 2023 at the Jamestown Civic Center.

be a consistent threat.”

Musland said he feels a lot of pressure to go on a run in his last season with the Loboes. In order to have a big season, Musland said he needs to continue to put work in during practice. Musland said he knows he will be expected to carry the offense but he is ready for the challenge.

“I’m sure I’ll be pretty heavily relied upon but we have a few other guys this year that’ll be able to shoot the ball, and score the ball, like Brayan Karlgaard and Blase Isaacson, they’ll be able to shoot and score too,” Musland said. “So, I think it might be a little less weight on me this year, hopefully, but I’ll still be heavily relied upon to score the ball.”

Heading into this season, Thielges said he wants the Loboes to be a good rebounding team and to win the turnover battle. He said the team has players who play multiple sports throughout the year and that is one of the contributing factors to his team’s best skill — its athleticism.

“We got a lot of competitors on our team, state runners up in Legion and Babe Ruth levels as far as baseball goes,” Thielges said. “The football team had a very strong season, basketball we have a very rich tradition and so I think our athleticism and competitiveness stands out across the roster and then just specifically the fact that we have Max Musland on our side and the other teams don’t is something that helps us. We feel like between Max and Brayan, we have two of the more dynamic scorers in the region.”

Musland is one of those players who plays multiple sports as he and his teammates on the football team finished the season with a quarterfinal run. The Loboes football team had what is expected to be six players on the Loboes basketball team.

“It’s been different, going from having practice every single day in football and you’re with a certain group of guys and then going from having nothing after school,” Musland said. “It’s been open gyms, you go from one team to the other, it’s different having two different teams that you’re on, switching over. It takes a while to get used to but it’s been good.”

The Loboes open their season at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 11, when they go to Sargent County.

moneill@jamestownsun.com | (701) 952-8461 | Follow him on Twitter @MaxONeill16

EK/M GIRLS

From Page 8

rivals, they will also be playing teams like Enderlin, Hankinson, Maple River and Sargent County.

“I think that it was due,” Entzi said of the three-class system. “I was for it. Look at the state tournament last year. The team who wins it, Central Cass, is now in the middle division. The team who got second was Thompson and they are in the middle division. Rugby, who got third, is now in the middle division.

“It’s just new and it’s going to take some time to work through it,” he said. “I just don’t like how things got scheduled but I think this system will bring more parity, a little more excitement, and give some teams who maybe wouldn’t have had the chance to go to state a shot at making the state tournament.”

The 2024 Class B Girls State Basketball Tournament will be held Feb. 29-March 2 at the Jamestown Civic Center.

“It’ll be a good year,” Entzi said. “We’ve got some stuff to figure out but the kids work hard and love the game of basketball. You’ve got to work hard every night — we’ll see how it goes.” kringer@jamestownsun.com @KaitlynRinger on Twitter

THUNDER

From Page 7

Last year we were more of a slow-it-down defense and rebounding team with a couple big weapons on offense. This year, we feel we’re gonna be a lot more balanced and be able to pick up the tempo of the game and even press and run some.”

This year, the Thunder are in District 2 alongside the same teams

CARRINGTON

From Page 21

Heading into this season, Otto said he wants his team to be athletic and able to outwork opponents. He said he wants his team to be a good rebounding and defensive team.

“High energy, work hard. We need to be able to play good defense, defensive-minded, hard-nosed get up and down the floor, play an up-tempo high energy level of basketball,” Otto said.

Otto said he is expecting his team to improve every day throughout the season.

“We still have a few kids that return from last year,” Otto said. “So, we’ll have a few players that played a big role last year in Josh Bickett and Grady Shipman. So, we’re hoping to build on those two guys’ experience a little bit but as far as the rest of the team goes, we’re not gonna have a lot. I’m hoping that we can grow as the season goes and improve as the season goes along. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of start we have but we’re hoping to steadily improve throughout the year and be competitive down the stretch. That’s the goal.”

As he looks to this season, Otto said he wants to see big seasons from Ryder Bickett and Jake Otto. Bickett said he wants a lot of the younger players on

they played against in the previous iteration of the district. This campaign, the Thunder play teams from all over the state and start with three of the first four games of the season being on the road.

“Early in the year having three of four on the road, I think that’s great for our team,” Young said. “I think when you go on the road and play in a gym away from home, you really have to step up and be prepared to handle all the adversity you see in those type of games because it seems like on-the-road runs can last a little longer or great play can maybe be hidden, at home

the team to have big seasons, including Taylen Mehring and Tate Wolsky.

“Taylen Mehring, he’s an upcoming freshman, he’s a really good shooter, kind of expect a lot from him,” Bickett said. “He’s been working really hard at and then Maddox Mcilonie and Tate Wolsky could also be a part of that. They were on varsity last year but didn’t really play much but they should also be good.”

As far as what he has to do to have a big season, Bickett said he needs to work on his shot selection. Bickett said his team’s best skill as a team is their shooting.

“Last year, I didn’t really have the season I wanted to and I couldn’t really find shots,” Bickett said. “I’ve been working on trying to create space and working on my shot even more.”

Last season, the Cardinals finished the season at 13-10 and lost in the first round of the Region 3 tournament.

The Cardinals open their season against an old Class B foe in Griggs-Midkota on Dec. 11, before they face their first Class A opponent in Thompson on Dec. 15.

“I’m so excited,” Bickett said. “I’m excited for everything about it. Like I said earlier I’m so excited about having Coach Otto this year and all the young kids. I’m excited, it’s gonna be a great year.”

moneill@jamestownsun.com | (701) 952-8461 | Follow him on Twitter @MaxONeill16

the crowd is into it, it’s an environment that you’re used to. So, sometimes that good feeling is easier to find. When you’re on the road it’s kind of you against the world.”

The Thunder start the season at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, when they take on Garrison.

“I’m really excited,” Wick said. “I know we’ve been having open gyms, and all the guys they’ve all been coming pretty much and everyone’s just really excited to get the season started again. Hopefully, we can have another good year as we did last year.”

moneill@jamestownsun.com | (701) 952-8461

Follow him on Twitter @MaxONeill16

UJ WOMEN

From Page 16

travel to for example Williston in the middle of the winter, they all came with their winter travel game and I didn’t have a clue of that. I wasn’t ready for the winters, there were just some fun things like that. We had the typical Jamestown College pregame meal which was sandwiches, bologna, cheese sandwiches from the dining hall and that’s what we traveled with.”

When she thinks about her favorite memories of playing at Jamestown College, she thinks about the times she spent playing and traveling around the state.

During her senior year, Tews became the first player in program history to score 1,000 points in a career. She

LINTON/HMB

From Page 24

So it’s very challenging, there’s gonna be at least a couple teams, really good teams, at least double-digit teams that aren’t gonna make regionals. So, we know the order at hand. With that being said, I think we’re one of the top teams in the district. We present a handful for teams because of our multiple ways that we can score. It’s wide open it really is.”

Last season, the Lions finished with a third-place finish in Region 3.

“We had a tough region last year and we had a chance to make it,” Tschosik said. “So, I think this new three-class system we get to see how all the other teams are pretty good. So, I think we’re fueled, I think we’re excited to see how good we’ll be this year.”

This year, the Lions open on Friday, Dec. 8, against Wilton-Wing.

“I think all our team is pretty excited to transition from football to basketball, new change in coach too,” Tschosik said. “So, we’re excited to see what the new season brings.” moneill@jamestownsun.com | (701) 952-8461 | Follow him on Twitter @MaxONeill16

finished her career with 1,081 points. After scoring her 1,000th point and the game stopped and she got a commemorative ball. Once that happened, Jimmies head coach Jim Clark told her to gie the ball to her son Matt to keep.

“It was an honor, at the time I didn’t even realize that it was even happening to be very honest with you,” Tews said. “I go to the game and they were setting up the sound system and I think, ‘what is this for?’ Of course, I didn’t realize I was that close to scoring a thousand points. When I scored my 1,00th point, they stopped everything and of course, the adrenaline was just flowing and I’m going, what’s going on, and so they stopped and presented me with the ball. I’m sitting here with the ball and I’m not sure what to do with it.”

As of Nov. 16, Tews is one of 24 players in program history to reach the

ELLENDALE

From Page 25

team to spread the scoring load to make his team harder to defend.

Due to the new three-class system, the Cardinals’ schedule has changed and they will play teams that they are not used to playing.

“We start out with Hankinson and they’ve got a stud I’ve been hearing and I don’t know anything about him,” Vance said. “We’re gonna have to get some tape last year on him and try to figure out what their keys are. The thing with Hankinson is they got a new coach this year also so their coaching styles might be a little different from the old coaching guy. We play Wyndmere/Lidgerwood and Maple River, we play a lot of last year’s Region one teams that we don’t see a whole lot. So, it’s gonna be interesting, it’s gonna be fun.”

This year, the Cardinals open with Hankinson before

1,000-point mark.

Over the years. Tews said she has seen women’s basketball players improve tremendously. She said it makes her happy and she enjoys watching the sport and how it has developed over the years since she last played at Jamestown College.

“Well when I played we used a men’s ball, there was no women’s ball, there was no three-point play for anybody, but we didn’t have that,” Tews said. “The first year we only played 12 games and they’ve slowly added. The players have become taller, stronger, bigger, when I played I was one of the bigger players, I was a guard, and I’m like 5’6. I’m not saying we weren’t good, I think we were pretty good but these guys are just phenomenal.”

moneill@jamestownsun.com | (701) 952-8461 | Follow him on Twitter @MaxONeill16

playing Wyndmere/Lidgerwood later in the season. Last season, those two teams combined to go 25-20.

“It’ll teach a lot,” Vance said. “Who’s gonna want to get their nose dirty and get that hard rebound or try to stop that stud from Hankinson … who’s gonna want to step up and play defense? We have surprises every year, there’s guys that step up where you wouldn’t think it would be this kid but everybody’s gonna shine at one time and hopefully, we can get it figured out.”

Vance said if his team falls short of being in contention to go to the state tournament, it will be a disappointing season.

moneill@jamestownsun.com | (701) 952-8461 Follow him on Twitter @MaxONeill16

BLUE JAYS

JHS Boys

Coach: Jason Carroll

Last season: 14-13

Key returners: Dalton Lamp, Sr., 6-0 (12.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 42 steals, 49 assists, 4 blocks, 55 treys); Ryan Larson, Sr., 6-3 (11.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 23 steals, 45 assists, 16 blocks, 48 treys); Jack Van Berkom, Sr., 6-4 (1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 1 steal, 2 assists, 4 blocks); Noah Meissner, Jr., 6-1 (11.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 10 steals, 46 assists, 7 blocks, 40 treys); Thomas Newman, Jr., 6-3 (10.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 35 assists, 9 treys).

Season schedule

(As of Nov. 17)

Dec. 8: vs. West Fargo, 7 p.m.

Dec. 12: vs. Bismarck Century, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 15: @ Mandan, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 19: @ St. Mary’s, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 22: vs. Minot, 7:45 p.m.

Dec. 30: @ West Fargo Sheyenne, 2 p.m.

Jan. 5 : vs. Bismarck High, 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 9: vs. Legacy, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 12: @ Williston, 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 16: @ Moorhead, 7 p.m.

Jan. 19: vs. Dickinson, 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 23: @ Century, 7:45 p.m.

Jan. 26: vs. Mandan, 7:30 p.m.

Jan. 30: vs. St. Mary’s, 7:45 p.m.

Feb. 1: @ Legacy, 7:45 p.m.

Feb. 6: @ Minot, 7:30 p.m.

Feb. 9: @ Bismarck High, 7:45 p.m.

Feb. 16: vs. Williston, 7:45 p.m.

Feb. 20: @ Dickinson, 8:30 p.m.

Feb. 29-Mar. 2: WDA Tournament at Bismarck Events Center.

Mar. 7-9: Class AA State Tournament at Bismarck Events Center.

JHS Girls

Coach: Andy Skunberg

Last season: 12-12

Key returners: Leah Trumbauer, Jr., 5-9 (3 ppg, 1 rpg, 9 steals, 17 assists, 7 blocks, 7 treys); Mari Anderson; Hailey Attelson; Mea Ulland; Edie Hegerlie. Season schedule

(As of Nov. 17)

Dec. 5: @ Fargo South, 7:15 p.m.

Dec. 8: @ West Fargo, 7:30 p.m.

Dec. 9: vs. Moorhead, 3 p.m.

Dec. 12: vs. Century, 5:45 p.m..

Dec. 15: @ Mandan, 5:45 p.m.

Dec. 19: @ St. Mary’s, 6 p.m.

Dec. 22: @ Minot, 5:45 p.m.

Dec. 30: vs. West Fargo Sheyenne, 1 p.m.

Jan. 2: @ Fargo North, 7:15 p.m.

Jan. 5: vs. Bismarck High, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 9: vs. Legacy, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 12: @ Williston, 6 p.m.

Jan. 19: vs. Dickinson, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 23: @ Bismarck Century, 6 p.m.

Jan. 26: vs. Mandan, 5:45 p.m.

Jan. 30: vs. St. Mary’s, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 1: @ Legacy, 6 p.m.

Feb. 6: vs. Minot, 7 p.m.

Feb. 9: @ Bismarck High, 6 p.m.

Feb.16: vs. Williston, 5:45 p.m.

Feb. 20: @ Dickinson, 6:45 p.m.

Feb. 29-Mar. 2: WDA Tournament at Bismarck Events Center.

Mar. 7-9: Class A State Tournament at Bismarck Events Center

CLASS A BOYS

Region 1

Valley City Hi-Liners

Coach: Jim McDaniel

Last season: 2-21

Key returners: Carson Eggert, Sr., 6-3 (6.5 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 48 assists); Carver Pederson, Sr., 6-5 (6.7 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 18 blocks); Zach Sykora, Sr., 6-2 (13.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 32 treys); Talon Larson, Sr., 6-6 (4.2 ppg, 2.6 rpg).

Wahpeton Huskies

Coach: Jeff Ralph

Last season: 9-13

Key returners: Jayden King, Sr., 6-4 (7 ppg, 5 rpg, 31 steals, 14 assists, 7 blocks); Treyton Mauch, Jr., 5-10 (7 ppg, 3 rpg, 27 steals, 31 assists, 4 treys); Noah Berge, Sr., 6-2 (10 ppg, 4 rpg – JV); Bjorn Kubela, Jr., 6-0 (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 16 steals, 18 assists, 1 block, 11 treys – JV).

Region 2

Carrington Cardinals

Coach: Jason Otto

Last season: 13-10

Key returners: Grady Shipman, Sr., 5-11 (10.8 ppg, 5 rpg, 78 steals, 61 assists, 13 blocks, 25 treys); Josh Bickett, Jr., 6-1 (9.5 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 18 steals, 56 assists, 4 blocks, 35 treys); Ryder Bickett, Jr., 6-2 (1.7 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 8 steals, 9 assists, 1 block, 1 trey).

Hillsboro/Central Valley Burros

Coach: Elliot Rotvold

Last season: 16-8

Key returners: Jacob Brandt, Sr., 6-0 (17.7 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 14 steals, 35 assists, 45 blocks, 15 treys); Landon Olson, Sr., 6-2 (15.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 20 steals, 18 assists, 34 blocks); Dylan Mitzel, Sr., 6-1 (3.4 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 28 steals, 59 assists, 7 blocks, 12 treys); Carter Limke, Sr., 6-5 (4.8 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 14 steals, 21 assists, 5 blocks, 17 treys).

Thompson Tommies

Coach: Brady Schwab

Last season: 19-8

Key returners: Drew Overby, Sr., 6-2 (17 ppg, 3 rpg, 65 steals, 67 assists, 4 blocks, 69 treys); Brayden Wolfgram, Sr., 5-10 (8 ppg, 4 rpg, 64 steals, 134 assists, 2 blocks, 40 treys); Karter Peterson, Jr., 6-5 (11 ppg, 8 rpg, 19 steals, 47 assists, 29 blocks, 2 treys).

Devils Lake

Coach: Dustin Brodina

Last season: 14-10

Key returners: Drew Hofstad, Sr., 6-1 (4.4 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 16 steals, 47 assists, 3 blocks, 13 treys); Wylee Delome, Sr., 6-5 (19.2 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 29 steals, 60 assists, 17 blocks, 59 treys); Beau Brodina, Sr., 6-2 (6.5 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 19 steals, 33 assists, 3 blocks, 17 treys); Parker Brodina, Jr., 6-4 (16.9 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 38 steals, 83 assists, 8 blocks, 53 treys).

Region 3

Turtle Mountain Braves

Coach: Travis Azure

Last season: 7-15

Key returners: Gunner Zerr, Sr., 5-10 (11.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 56 steals, 61 assists, 10 blocks, 19 treys); Dylan LeBeau, Sr., 6-2 (6.3 ppg, 3 treys); Phoenix Delorme, Sr., 6-6 (2 ppg); Wyatt Davis, Sr., 5-9 (0.6 ppg, 1 trey); Jayden DeCoteau, Sr., 5-9 (0.8 ppg, 1 steal, 1 trey).

Des Lacs-Burlington Lakers

Coach: Chris Brown

Last season: 20-8

Key returners: Paxton Ystass, Sr., 5-11 (7.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 28 steals, 110 assists, 6 blocks, 6 treys); Braylon Fischer, Sr., 6-0 (8.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 40 steals,

73 assists, 18 blocks, 15 treys); Ty Hughes, Sr., 5-11 (4.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 18 steals, 31 assists, 1 block); Jake Schaefer, Jr., 6-0 (6.6 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 21 steals, 34 assists, 8 blocks, 25 treys).

Region 4

Watford City Wolves

Coach: David Gumke

Last season: 1-21

Key returners: Derek Holen, Sr., 6-1 (4.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 8 steals, 4 assists, 1 block, 9 treys); Jory Lnd, Sr., 5-11 (5.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 19 steals, 45 assists, 2 blocks, 16 treys).

Dickinson Trinity Titans

Coach: Gregg Grinsteinner

Last season: 15-9

Key returners: Jake Shobe, Sr., 6-0 (19.2 ppg); Jace Kovash, Sr., 6-1 (9.6 ppg); Cade Fitterer, Sr., 6-3 (7.4 ppg); Ty Dassinger, Sr., 5-10 (2.9 ppg); Kaden Ham, Jr., 6-3 (2.8 ppg); Luke Shobe, Sr., 5-11 (1.9 ppg).

Killdeer Cowboys

Coach: Greg Pruitt

Last season: 13-9

Key returners: Ethan Hendrickson, Sr., 6-1 (1 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 8 steals, 13 assists); Owen Schleppenbach, Jr., 6-4 (12.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 30 steals, 46 assists); Kale Hansen, Jr., 6-0 (7.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 10 steals, 21 assists, 42 treys).

CLASS B BOYS

Region 1, District 1

Oakes Tornadoes

Coach: Jeremy Skoglund

Last season: 4-16

Key returners: Trey Skoglund, Sr., 6-0 (10 ppg, 6 rpg, 44 steals, 54 assists, 9 treys); Eddie Garza, Jr.,

6-2 (8 ppg, 5 rpg); Roddek Schmit, Jr., 6-1 (3 ppg, 3 rpg, 14 steals, 9 assists, 13 treys).

Barnes County North Bison

Coach: Stacy Schaffer

Last season: 8-12

Key returners: Jonah Harstad, Sr., (12.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 32 steals, 39 assists, 4 blocks, 33 treys); Will Schwehr, Sr., (14.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 34 steals, 68 assists, 5 blocks, 15 treys); Justin Schlenker, Sr., (6.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 46 steals, 45 assists, 3 blocks, 7 treys); Chance Roaldson, Sr., (4.4 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 16 steals, 20 assists, 16 treys); Oliver Hanson, Sr., (13.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 18 steals, 30 assists, 5 blocks, 14 treys).

Sargent County Bulldogs

Coach: Ryan Weber

Last season: 20-3

Key returners: Nick Hansen, Sr., 6-0 (3.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.5 apg); Luke Martinson, Sr., 6-4 (13.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg); Josh Wittich, Sr., 6-5 (12 ppg, 7.2 rpg); Grady Wehlander, Sr., 6-0 (4 ppg, 3 rpg); Kolten Kadoun, Sr., 6-0 (2 ppg, 3 rpg).

Enderlin Eagles

Coach: Calvin Kraft

Last season: 6-15

Key returners: Anthony Wendel, Sr., 5-10 (4 ppg, 2 rpg, 2 steals, 2 assists); Ayden Glarum, Sr., 6-3 (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 steals, 2 assists); Brenan Bartholomay, Sr., 6-0 (1 ppg, 1 rpg, 1 steal, 1 assist).

Hankinson Pirates

Coach: Carter Mauch

Last season: 16-8

Key returners: Cooper Boll, Sr., 6-0 (8.3 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 30 steals, 39 assists, 4 blocks, 27 treys); David Round, Sr., 6-2 (3.9 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 22 steals, 25 assists, 1 blocks, 3 treys); Parker Hubrig, Sr., 5-10 (4 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 10 steals, 28 assists, 1 block,

GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!

10 treys); Andrew Jean, Jr., 6-2 (8 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 30 steals, 17 assists, 9 blocks); Raeshaun Earl, So., 6-0 (15.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 51 steals, 71 assists, 15 blocks, 49 treys).

Region 1, District 2

LaMoure/Litchville-Marion Loboes

Coach: Tyler Thielges

Last season: 13-10

Key returners: Max Musland, Sr., 6-4 (18.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 49 steals, 58 assists, 35 blocks, 46 treys); Blaise Isaacson, Sr., 5-8 (3.7 ppg, 1 rpg, 14 steals, 23 assists, 23 treys); Wyatt Miller, Sr., 6-0 (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 26 steals JV); Brayan Karlgaard, Jr., 6-2 (4.9 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 19 steals, 7 assists, 3 blocks, 21 treys); Gunner Thielges, So., 6-0 (7.9 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 62 steals, 27 assists, 11 treys JV).

Ellendale Cardinals

Coach: Brian Vance

Last season: 14-10

Key returners: Anton Geller, Sr., 5-11 (16.5 ppg, 9 rpg, 45 steals, 94 assists, 9 blocks, 9 treys); Mason Molan, Sr., 6-2 (10.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 34 steals, 47 assists, 9 blocks, 17 treys); Jack Bommersbach, Sr., 5-10 (7.5 ppg, 1.4 rpg, 46 steals, 57 assists, 1 block, 19 treys); Kade Schimke, Sr., 6-8 (0.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 8 steals, 20 assists, 25 blocks, 7 treys).

Griggs-Midkota Titans

Coach: Kyle Mehus

Last season: 8-14

Key returners: James Woodstead, Sr., 6-2 (5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 14 steals, 17 assists,

4 blocks, 9 treys); Latrell Rainey, Sr., 6-5 (8 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 29 steals, 26 assists, 54 blocks, 6 treys); Kyle Johnson, Sr., 6-1 (3.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 22 steals, 18 assists, 6 blocks, 5 treys); Brady Haugen, Jr., 6-3 (10 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 12 steals, 24 assists, 3 blocks, 26 treys); Will Spickler, Jr., 5-11 (2.5 ppg, 1 rpg, 7 steals, 12 assists, 8 treys).

Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier Rebels

Coach: Kevin Strobel

Last season: 13-10

Key returners: Jacob Nitschke, Sr., 6-4 (17 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 49 steals, 45 assists, 22 blocks, 11 treys); Austin Strobel, Sr., 6-2 (5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 13 steals, 30 assists, 5 blocks, 3 treys); Zeke Barnick. Sr., 6-5 (7.2 ppg, 6 rpg, 32 steals, 39 assists, 12 blocks, 15 treys); Joseph Kramlich, Jr., 6-0 (10.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 57 steals, 46 assists, 1 block, 27 treys); Braeden Kinzler, Jr., 6-2 (7.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 32 steals, 55 assists, 5 blocks, 19 treys).

Linton/HMB Lions

Coach: Alex Jangula

Last season: 15-9

Key returners: Jace Jochim, Sr., 6-2 (14.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 37 steals, 38 assists, 9 blocks, 50 treys); Riley Richter, Sr., 6-2 (2.6 ppg, 3 rpg, 8 steals, 15 assists, 2 blocks, 16 treys); Gentry Richter, Jr., 6-3 (9.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 16 steals, 27 assists, 4 blocks, 14 treys).

Kidder County Wolves

Coach: Austin Schmidt

Last season: 3-18

Key returners: Collin Zimmerman, Sr., (7.5 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 40 steals, 22 assists); Wyatt Binder, Sr., (2.9 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 16 steals, 6 assists); Isaiah Oster, Sr., (2 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 6 steals, 10 assists); Tom Moch, Sr., (1.8 ppg, 2 rpg); Bryce Larson, So., (2.8 ppg, 3 rpg, 9 steals).

Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter Imperials

Coach: Logan Klitzke

Last season: 8-14

Key returners: Trevor Moos, Sr., 6-2; Carter Haas, Sr., 5-8; Braxton Ryum, Sr., 6-3; Eli Ketterling, Jr., 6-0; Tristan Schaffner, Jr., 6-1; Hunter Grenz, Jr., 6-0.

South Border Mustangs

Coach: Corey Bader

Last season: 14-8

Key returners: Kaden Bader, Sr., 5-11 (14 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 76 steals, 55 assists, 4 blocks, 33 treys); Connor Kosiak, Sr., 5-10 (6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 36 steals, 64 assists, 4 blocks, 5 treys); Trevor Schmidt, Sr., 6-4 (20.9 ppg, 10 rpg, 55 steals, 94 assists, 30 blocks, 7 treys); Levi Buchholz, Jr., 6-0 (7.9 ppg, 25 rpg, 46 steals, 39 assists, 1 block, 17 treys).

Medina/Pingree-Buchanan Thunder

Coach: Bob Young

Last season: 22-6

Key returners: Rylen Wick, Sr., 6-5 (16.6 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 45 steals, 109 assists, 38 blocks, 56 treys); Mark Thomas, Sr., 5-7 (2.6 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 30 steals, 37 assists, 2 blocks, 7 treys); Gage Magstadt, Sr., 6-4 (6.7 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 22 steals, 39 assists, 29 blocks, 9 treys); Chase Ova, So., 5-8 (3.1 ppg, 1.3 rpg, 14 steals, 24 assists, 1 block, 11 treys).

Strasburg/Zeeland Clippers

Coach: Philipp Nedic

Last season: 3-17

Key returners: Josh Hulm, Sr., 5-10 (2 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 23 steals, 22 assists, 4 blocks, 8 treys); Dominic Meier, Sr., 5-8 (8 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 23 steals, 26 assists, 10 treys); Brock Tougas, Sr., 5-11 (7.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 70 steals, 53 assists, 3 blocks); Lawson Nieuwsma, Jr., 6-1 (2 steals, 2 assists, 1 trey).

Region 2, District 3

St. John Woodchucks

Coach: Chris Thomas

Last season: 13-10

Key returners: Cashmyn Belgarde, Sr., 5-11 (8 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 47 steals, 61 assists, 2 blocks, 18 treys); Madden Parisien, So.

Langdon/AEM Cardinals

Coach: Tanner Groth

Last season: 9-13

Key returners: Rayce Worley, Sr., 6-4 (18.7 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 33 steals, 23 assists, 21 blocks, 42 treys); Nickolas Kingzett, Sr., 5-11 (6.2 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 24 steals, 41 assists, 4 treys); Cole Welsh, Sr., 5-11 (2.3 ppg, 1 rpg, 2 steals, 4 assists, 2 treys).

Region 2, District 4

New Rockford-Sheyenne Rockets

Coach: Tyler Cook

Key returners: Lucas Yri, Sr., 5-10; DJ Mudgett, Sr., 6-1; Connor Knatterud, Sr., 5-8; Keaton Cudworth, Sr., 6-1; Bennett Meier, Jr., 6-2; Kage Walford, Jr., 6-0; Kailar Jacobson, Jr., 6-0; Porter Granger, Jr., 6-2; Brody Weisenburger, Jr., 6-1; Bradyn Collier, Jr., 5-10.

Region 4, District 8

Harvey-Wells County Hornets

Coach: Trent Roemmich

Last season: 15-7

Key returners: Keaton Keller, Sr., 6-2 (7.4 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 23 steals, 54 assists, 22 blocks); Teagan Tipton, Sr., 6-0 (3.8 ppg, 1 rpg, 4 steals, 10 assists, 1 blocks, 13 treys); Tallon Thorson, Jr., 6-2 (6.3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 12 steals, 37 assists, 9 treys); Noah Ziegler, Jr., 6-1 (6.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 11 steals, 19 assists, 1 block, 21 treys).

CLASS A GIRLS

Region 2

Carrington Cardinals

Coach: Andy Braaten Last season: 18-6

Key returners: Madison Johnson, Sr., 5-6 (12.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 59 steals, 63 assists, 43 treys); Olivia Threadgold, Sr., 5-9 (2.8 ppg, 22 treys); Kacie Rexin, Sr., 5-6 (8.1 ppg, 2 rpg, 22 steals, 35 assists, 33 treys); Edyn Hoornaert, Jr., 5-9 (9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 27 steals, 44 assists, 12 treys); Isabel Wendel, Jr., 5-7 (5.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 66 steals, 71 assists).

Grafton Spoilers

Coach: Wade Haugen

Last season: 16-8

Key returners: Trinity Parsons, Sr., 5-8 (6.5 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 25 steals, 24 assists, 1 block, 9 treys); Addison Fredrickson, Sr., 6-1 (7.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 16 steals, 30 assists, 4 blocks); Summer Moberg, Sr., 5-9 (2.3 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 3 steals, 15 assists, 6 treys); Paityn Ziegelmann, Jr., 5-4 (3.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 17 steals, 46 assists, 4 blocks, 15 treys).

Thompson Tommies

Coach: Jason Brend

Last season: 24-3

Key returners: Sydney Schwabe, Sr., 5-4 (10 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 84 steals, 96 assists, 8 blocks, 30 treys);

Breanna Martin, Sr., 6-0 (7.4 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 36 steals, 20 assists, 7 blocks); Jordyn Tozer, Jr., 5-8 (3 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 25 steals, 41 assists, 12 blocks, 8 treys); Addison Sage, So., 5-3 (12.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 39 steals, 40 assists, 2 blocks, 53 treys).

Region 3

Bottineau Braves

Coach: Michael Vandal

Last season: 18-7

Key returners: Kylie Simpson, Sr., 5-9 (13.9 ppg, 4 rpg, 64 steals, 64 assists, 5 blocks, 28 treys); Serenity Soland, Sr., 5-9 (2.6 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 32 steals, 37 assists, 2 blocks); Kyra Backman, Jr., 5-11 (13.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 62 steals, 63 assists, 15 blocks, 11 treys).

Turtle Mountain Bravettes

Coach: David Gourneau Jr.

Last season: 6-16

Key returners: Gracie LaRocque, Jr., 5-10 (2.5 ppg, 2.1 rpg); Giselle Vandal, 5-7 Sr., (1.3 ppg, 1.7 rpg); Quinn Laducer, Jr., 6-1 (7.9 ppg, 4.5 rpg); Akealyes Azure, So., 5-7 (7.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg).

Region 4

Watford City Wolves

Coach: Thomas Dwyer

Last season: 3-19

Region 1, District 2 LaMoure/LitchvilleMarion Loboes

Coach: Ben Holen

Last season: 12-12

Key returners: Tessa Rassmusson, Sr., 5-8 (16 ppg, 6 rpg); Bailie Kelley, Jr., 5-8 (6 ppg, 4 rpg); Georgia Lettenmaier Jr., 5-8 (4 ppg, 5 rpg); Savanna Steffes, Jr., 5-5 (3 ppg, 2 rpg); Norah DelaBarre, So., 5-9 (12 ppg, 7.5 rpg); Mia Van Eeden, So., 5-3 (5 ppg, 3 rpg); Addison Smith, Fr., 5-7 (8 ppg, 4 rpg); Onika Lesko, Fr., 5-9 (7 ppg, 4 rpg).

Ellendale Cardinals

Coach: Brennan Hack

Last season: 4-17

Key returners: Kali Norton, Sr., 5-6 (13.1 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 34 steals, 25 assists, 3 blocks, 12 treys); Siera Bollinger, Sr., 5-6 (3.5 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 19 steals, 15 assists, 2 blocks); Ariel Hagen, Jr., 6-0 (5.8 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 9 steals, 36 assists, 14 blocks, 3 treys); Kaisa Lematta, Jr., 5-8 (2.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 7 steals, 13 assists).

Linton/HMB Lions

Coach: Michael Schirado

Last season: 14-10

Key returners: Grace Keeney, Sr., 5-4; Allie Dockter, Sr., 5-6 (10.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 53 steals, 55 assists, 6 blocks, 12 treys); Emma Weiser, Sr., 5-7 (11.9 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 32 steals, 26 assists, 10 blocks, 29 treys); Jersey Voegel, Jr., 5-8 (11.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 44 steals, 51 assists, 14 blocks, 39 treys).

Kidder County Wolves

Coach: Tyson Bodvig

Last season: 18-5

Key returners: Grace Nicholson, Sr., 5-6 (5.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 49 steals, 45 assists, 8 treys); Kylee Rohrich, Sr., 5-3 (5.5 pg, 1.7 rpg, 31 steals, 32 assists, 34 treys); Taylor Zimmerman, So., 5-7 (10.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 71 steals, 53 assists, 24 treys); Breanah Pfaff, So., 5-6 (4.4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 32 steals, 29 assists, 14 treys).

Key returners: Jessica Mogen, Sr., 5-9 (17.5 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 46 steals, 48 assists, 24 blocks, 15 treys); Jordyn Pedersen, Sr., 5-5 (4 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 30 steals, 64 assists, 11 treys); Adilyn Schaff, Jr., 5-10 (6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 9 steals, 16 assists, 1 block, 10 treys); Bailey Mattson, So., 5-8 (6.8 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 34 steals, 36 assists, 10 blocks, 11 treys).

CLASS B GIRLS

Region 1, District 1

Oakes Tornadoes

Coach: Judy Hansen

Last season: 18-4

Key returners: Lily Thorpe, Sr., 5-8 (7.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 39 steals, 22 assists, 2 blocks, 1 trey); Elle Cline, Sr., 5-7; Haylie Dethlefsen, Jr., 5-6; Kassidy Jackson, Sr., 5-6 (3.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 31 steals, 14 assists, 9 treys); Ann Muggli, Jr., 5-11 (4.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 9 steals, 9 assists, 3 blocks); Brianna Schmitz, Jr., 5-5 (1.8 ppg, 1.6 rpg, 9 steals, 7 assists, 1 block, 1 trey).

Maple River Raiders

Coach: Nathan Hoots

Last season: 13-8

Key returners: Iris Richman, Sr., 5-7 (5 ppg, 4 rpg, 40 steals, 21 assists, 1 block, 15 treys); Adyson Hannig, Jr., 6-0 (11.1 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 20 steals, 6 assists, 23 blocks); BriElle Killoran, Jr., 5-10 (4.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 22 steals, 23 assists, 12 blocks); Violet Richman, 8th, 5-5 (9.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 44 steals, 33 assists, 2 blocks, 29 treys).

Barnes County North Bison

Coach: Krista Amann

Last season: N/A

Key returners: Allison Bryn, Sr., 5-5; Destiny Englehart, So., 5-3; Avrianna Broten, So., 5-7; Addison Amann, So., 5-7.

Sargent County Bulldogs

Coach: Randy Syrstad

Last season: 14-9

Key returners: Amber Kjar, Sr., 5-10 (7.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 18 steals, 18 assists, 11 blocks, 1 trey); Halle Nelson, Sr., 5-9 (12.7 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 32 steals, 53 assists, 17 blocks, 8 treys); Ashlyn Sundquist, Jr., 5-11 (6.3 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 82 steals, 123 assists, 1 block, 13 treys).

Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier Rebels

Coach: Rory Entzi

Last season: 21-6

Napoleon/Gackle-Streeter Imperials

Coach: Paul Erbele

Last season: 13-10

Key returners: Mateaya Mathern, Sr., 5-11 (18 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 148 steals, 74 assists, 21 blocks, 14 treys); Grace Irey, Sr., 5-9 (5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 13 steals, 6 assists, 3 blocks); Abby Mathern, Sr., 5-7 (3.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 33 steals, 32 assists); Libby Mathern, Jr., 5-7 (6 ppg, 4 rpg, 52 steals, 40 assists); Jaelyn Bertsch, So., 5-6 (2 ppg, 21 steals, 16 assists).

Key returners: Teagan Erbele, Sr., 5-10 (18 ppg, 13.4 rpg, 74 steals, 32 assists, 20 blocks, 4 treys); Tayton McDowell, Sr., 5-4 (6.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 37 steals, 46 assists, 8 blocks, 13 treys); Ali Gross, Jr., 5-8 (1.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 5 steals, 5 assists); Jada Schwartzenberger, Jr., 5-5 (3 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 17 steals, 17 assists, 2 blocks, 8 treys).

Medina/Pingree-Buchanan Thunder

Coach: Cory Mack

Last season: 11-12

Key returners: Kalen Kinzell, Sr., 5-5 (4.5 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 32 steals, 10 assists); Allison Thomas, Sr., 5-6 (10.4 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 71 steals, 26 assists, 36 treys); Alaina Bosche, Sr., 5-5 (2.6 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 18 steals, 14 assists); Maddie Gefroh, Jr., 5-11 (6.8 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 32 steals, 28 assists); Kale Redlin, Sr., 5-7; Kallie Mittleider, Sr., 5-7.

Strasburg/Zeeland Clippers

Coach: Tom Jahner and King Steifel

Last season: 3-17

Key returners: Addison Wagner, Sr., 5-11 (14.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 28 steals, 19 assists, 6 blocks, 12 treys); Rebekah Pool, Sr., 5-8 (3.5 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 32 steals, 5 assists, 10 blocks, 1 trey); Jordyn Heidrich, Sr., 5-8 (4.3 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 37 steals, 18 assists, 3 blocks, 8 treys); Sophia Haak, Sr., 5-5 (1.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 27 steals, 5 assists, 2 treys).

South Border Mustangs

Coach: Jamie Bittner

Last season: 7-14

(6.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 37 steals, 25 assists, 3 blocks, 7 treys); Kennedy Reidman, Jr., 5-7 (2.1 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 13 steals, 12 assists); Kylie Johnson, Jr., 5-7 (3.5 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 41 steals, 35 assists, 2 treys).

New Rockford-Sheyenne Rockets

Coach: Elliott Belquist

Last season: 17-7

Key returners: Kelsie Belquist, Sr., (16.6 ppg); Lora Wobbema, Sr., (3.5 ppg); Trysta Thumb, Sr.,; Kaie Allmaras, Sr., (2.3 ppg); Kaiya O’Connor, Jr., (11 ppg); Lucy Meier, Sr., (1 ppg); Ava Peterson, Sr., (11.8 ppg).

CLASS AA BOYS WEST REGION

Williston Coyotes

Coach: Daved Lundeen

Last season: 7-16

Benson County Wildcats

Coach: Bryan Kenner

Last season: 10-13

Key returners: Aubrey Kenner, So., 5-8 (13.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 73 steals, 60 assists, 3 blocks, 6 treys); Ella Fossen, So., 5-5 (4.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 45 steals, 41 assists, 3 blocks, 6 treys); Kaitlyn Maddock, Fr., 5-4 (12.7 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 80 steals, 68 assists, 7 blocks, 15 treys); Katrina Nelson, Sr., 5-9 (1.4 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 14 steals, 12 assists).

Region 4, District 8

Harvey-Wells County Hornets

Key returners: Isiah St. Romain, Sr., 6-3 (21.8 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 57 steals, 67 assists, 3 blocks, 39 treys); Austin Hodnefield, Sr., 6-2 (4.4 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 12 steals, 6 assists, 1 block, 1 trey); Cager Davis, Sr., 5-11 (2 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 13 steals, 32 assists, 4 blocks, 3 treys); Bridger Johnson, Jr., 6-0 (2.2 ppg, 0.7 rpg, 6 steals, 8 assists, 1 trey).

Minot Magicians

Coach: Dean Winczewski

Last season: 22-5

Key returners: Logan Conklin, Sr., 6-5 (8.4 ppg, 8 rpg, 32 steals, 41 assists, 6 blocks, 1 trey); Braden Nelson, Sr., 6-6 (1.2 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 5 steals, 5 assists, 1 block, 2 treys); Aric Winczewski, Jr., 6-2 (13.2 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 14 steals, 20 assists, 9 blocks, 18 treys); Kaiden Helm, Jr., 6-2 (2.3 ppg, 1.2 rpg, 11 treys); Landon Bedell, Jr., 6-6 (2.1 ppg, 1.5 rpg).

Minot North Sentinels

Key returners: Kelsey Vetter, Sr., 5-5 (6.3 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 25 steals, 13 assists, 4 blocks, 8 treys); Brylee Fast, Sr., 5-5 (4.7 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 19 steals, 15 assists, 5 blocks, 11 treys); Kya Wiest, Sr., 5-5 (3.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 15 steals, 14 assists, 1 block, 11 treys); Allison Engelhart, Sr., 6-0 (1.3 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 4 steals, 9 assists, 4 blocks, 3 treys); Macy Monson, Jr., 5-8 (13.5 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 69 steals, 46 assists, 12 blocks, 7 treys); Eva Meyer, Jr., 5-6 (5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 20 steals, 23 assists, 3 blocks, 12 treys); Camden Wiest, So., 5-6 (1.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 4 steals, 6 treys).

Region 2, District 3

Coach: Erica Jones

Last season: 8-15

Key returners: Emma Dockter, Sr., (5.8 ppg, 2.4 rpg, 2.4 spg); Larissa Arnold, Sr., (5.3 ppg, 3.2 rpg); Aubree Wolfe, Sr., Kamryn Sanders, Sr., Jenna Green, Sr., Ella Monge, Sr., Breanna Heilman, Jr., Rachel Neumiller, (4 ppg, 4.2 rpg).

St. John Woodchucks

Coach: Jake McCloud

Last season: 16-7

Key returners: Alani Morin, Sr., 5-10 (10.5 ppg, 9 rpg, 2 spg, 2 apg, 1 bpg, 25% treys); Eliza Slater, Sr., 5-3 (7 ppg, 2 rpg, 4.4 spg, 4 apg, 31 treys); Kaycee Desjarlais, Sr., 5-10 (11 ppg, 11 rpg, 2 spg, 2 apg, 1 bpg, 25% treys); Aubree Jeanotte, So., 5-4 (17 ppg, 3 rpg, 4 spg, 3 apg, 37% treys).

Langdon/AEM Cardinals

Coach: Rob Scherr

Last season: 20-7

Key returners: Jaya Henderson, Sr., 5-10 (14.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.7 spg, 4.4 apg, 0.7 bpg, 50 treys); Cora Badding, Sr., 6-1 (13.8 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 1.5 spg, 2.2 apg, 1.2 bpg, 12 treys); Jaylnn Swanson, Sr., 5-7 (8.1 ppg, 4 rpg, 2 spg, 4.5 apg, 0.3 bpg, 5 treys); Meredith Romfo, Jr., 5-7 (11.6 ppg, 6 rpg, 2.2 spg, 2.3 apg, 0.2 bpg, 42 treys); Aubrey Badding, Fr., 6-0 (2.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 0.6 spg, 0.5 apg, 0.3 bpg, 3 treys).

Region 2, District 4

Coach: Drew Hysjulien

Last season: 16-5 (freshmen), 2-1 vs. Class B varsity teams

Key returners: John Williams III; Brayden Blikre; Josiah Jaquinet; Christian Deadmond; Traydon Bachmeier; Kyler Weishaar; TJ Hjelmstad; Elijah Thomas; Gannon Hedberg; Brody Mueller; JaCobi Booker; Kaden Carlson.

Griggs-Midkota Titans

Coach: Mike Monson

Last season: 3-19

Key returners: Ryan Johnson, Sr., 5-4 (6 ppg, 3 rpg, 21 steals, 17 assists, 3 treys); Brianna Ehlers, Sr., 5-7 (2.3 ppg, 2 rpg, 15 steals, 7 assists, 2 blocks, 2 treys); Vanessa Vollmer, Jr., 5-6

2023-2024

Dickinson Midgets

Coach: Dan Glasser

Last season: 9-13

Key returners: Damon Glasser, Sr., 6-4 (9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 20 steals, 27 assists, 15 blocks, 28 treys); Owen Bittner, Sr., 5-10 (3.6 ppg, 1.7 rpg, 17 steals, 16 assists, 2 blocks, 6 treys); Dante Oyugi, Sr., 5-10 (5.6 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 16 steals, 40 assists, 3 blocks, 10 treys); Thomas Freer, Sr., 5-10 (1.5 ppg, 0.6 rpg, 3 steals, 3 assists); Isaac Schulte, Jr., 6-2 (1.6 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 4 steals, 4 assists, 3 blocks).

Mandan Braves

Coach: Brandon Schafer

Last season: 16-8

Key returners: Rustin Medenwald, Sr., 6-2 (11 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 27 steals, 20 assists, 5 blocks, 4 treys); Hudson Sheldon, Jr., 6-2 (19.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 73 steals, 71 assists, 15 blocks, 23 treys); TJ Brownotter, Jr., 5-11 (7.1 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 19 steals, 13 assists, 1 block, 41 treys); Jayce Johnson, Sr., 5-11; Wyatt Piehl, Sr., 6-3; Dylan Gierke, Sr., 5-9.

Bismarck St. Mary’s Saints

Coach: BJ Etzold

Last season: 6-16

Key returners: Sam Fedorchak, Sr., 6-1 (5.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 34 steals, 25 assists, 4 blocks, 11 treys); Nick Roemmich, Sr., 5-10 (0.8 ppg, 0.5 rpg, 7 steals, 1 assist, 3 treys); Christian Benning, So., 5-10 (10.5 ppg, 1.8 rpg, 14 steals, 22 assists, 1 block, 42 treys); Connor Schatz, Jr., 6-3 (1.1 ppg, 1 rpg, 4 assists).

Bismarck Legacy Sabers

Coach: Jason Horner

Last season: 15-12

Key returners: Lucas Kupfer, Sr., 6-6 (15.1 ppg, 7 rpg, 28 steals, 59 assists, 15 blocks); Sawyer Grubb, Sr., 5-11 (0.8 ppg); Andrew Jablonski, Sr., 6-4 (1.4 ppg); Parker Falcon, Jr., 6-4 (11.1 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 23 steals, 40 assists, 10 blocks, 48 treys).

Bismarck High Demons

Coach: Jordan Wilhelm

Last season: 13-11

Key returners: Preston Lemar, Sr., 6-3 (8.3 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 45 steals, 23 assists, 5 blocks, 18 treys); Quin Hafner, Sr., 6-2 (5.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 24 steals, 23 assists, 1 block, 21 treys); Carter Henke, Sr., 6-0 (9.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 46 steals, 40 assists, 2 blocks, 47 treys); Teysean Eaglestaff, Sr., 6-6 (9.2 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 7 steals, 9 assists, 16 blocks,

Bismarck Century Patriots

Coach: Darin Mattern

Last season: 25-2

Key returners: Isaiah Schafer, Sr., 6-1 (14.3 ppg, 79 treys); Oliver Jensen, Sr., 6-1 (2.4 ppg); Drew Kempel, Jr., 6-3 (5.6 ppg).

John M. Steiner / The Jamestown Sun Grace Kenney of Linton-HazeltonMoffit-Braddock turns away from Abby Mathern (32) of Edgeley-KulmMontpelier during the championship game Friday, Feb. 24, 2023, of the Region 3 Girls' Basketball Tournament at the Jamestown Civic Center.

21 treys); Andre Austin, Jr., 6-1 (16.5 ppg, 35 steals, 108 assists, 13 blocks, 17 treys); Ross Fischer, Jr., 5-9 (4.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 27 steals, 19 assists, 1 block, 24 treys).