2022 Super 'A'
Basketball Tournament
Tournament Schedule - March 10-12, Bismarck Event Center, Bismarck, N.D
Girls' Championship
Saturday, March 12 (Main Arena)
Championship: (2W) Minot High 75,
(1W) Bismarck Century 68
Game Notes: Minot wins its first Class A title since 1978....The loss was Century's first in its last 51 games...Century' Logan Nissley had a game-high 32 points...Minot's Maggie Fricke had a team-high 27 points...Century won the first three meetings...Century's Nissley and Bergan Kinnebrew; and Minot's Fricke, Leelee Bell and Marian Evenson were named to the all-tournament team.
(Top) The Minot Majette poses for a photo with their 2021-22 Class A championship trophy. (Above) Minot's Maggie Fricke drives to the basket as Century's Eden Fridley pursues. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Minot's Leelee Bell turns toward the basket as Century's Logan Nissley (left) and Autumn Ketterling defend. In the background is Minot's Mariah Evenson and Taury Hight (23).
Girls' Third Place
Saturday, March 12 (Main Arena)
Third Place: (1E) Fargo Davies 60,
(2E) G.F. Red River 46
Game Notes: Fargo Davies won all four meetings this season...The Eagles led by nine points at halftime...G.F. Red River's Jocelyn Schiller had a game-high 25 points...The Eagles were led in scoring by Ava Wild's 18 points...Fargo Davies outrebounded Red River 42-28...Fargo Davies' Ava Wild and Ashton Sanfranski were named to the all-tournament team...G.F. Red River's Jocelyn Schiller was named to the all-tournament team.
(Top) Fargo Davies' Ava Wild puts up a shot. (Above) G.F. Red River's Jocelyn Schiller pulls up near the free throw line to shoot as Fargo Davies' Taylor Safranski (30) and Maci Wheeldon look on. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Fargo Davies' Ashley Wacha (center) is surrounded by a pack of Roughriders, including Cassidy O'Halloran and Jocelyn Schiller (right) and Ella Nowatzki (far left).
Saturday, March 12 (Main Arena)
Fifth Place: (4W) Bismarck Legacy 55,
(3W) Bismarck High 51
Game Notes: Bismarck Legacy erased a 10-point second half lead...The Sabers picked up their first win in three games vs. Bismarck High this season...Legacy's Alyssa Eckroth scored a game-high 23 points...Peyton Neumiller had a game-high 16 points for BHS....Bismarck High's Neumiller and Legacy's Eckroth were named to the all-tournament team.
(Top) Legacy's Mia Berryhill takes a shot as Bismarck High's Payton Gerving looks on. (Above) Bismarck High's Peyton Neumiller dribbles past Legacy's Breena Sand. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Bismarck High's Peyton Neumiller and Legacy's Alyssa Eckroth battle for the ball.
Boys' Championship
Saturday, March 12 (Main Arena)
Championship: (1W) Minot High 73,
(3E) West Fargo 62
Game Notes: This was a rematch of the 2021 state championship won by West Fargo (65-60)...Minot is 13-1 in its last 14 state tournament games...Minot High won its 18th state title...The Magicians finished the season on an 11-game win streak...Minot's Eric Wentz, 24 points; and Darik Dissette, 22 points; West Fargo was led by Brett Limke's 18 points...Minot's Darik Dissette, Eric Wentz and West Fargo's Carson Hegerle, Nick Carlson and Foday Sheriff were named to the all-tournament team.
(Top) Minot High poses with its 2021-22 Class A trophy. (Above) Minot's Eric Wentz forces a shot up while West Fargo's Nick Carlson defends. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Minot High's Darik Dissette goes hard to the basket as West Fargo's
Foday Sheriff (30) closes in .
Boys' Third Place
Saturday, March 12 (Main Arena)
Third Place: (1E) Fargo Davies 74,
(2E) West Fargo Sheyenne 52
Game Notes: Fargo Davies won three of four meetings this season... This was the first meeting in the Class A Tournament...The Eagles outscored WFS 43-22 in the second half...Fargo Davies' Raymond Brown had a game-high 26 points...WF Sheyenne was led by Michael Nhial and Trent Freih with 12 points each.
(Top) Fargo Davies Alex Procter completes a fast break with a dunk. (Above) Fargo Davies Raymond Brown (left) and Kellen Entz go for a loose ball as Sheyenne's Trent Freih (3) looks on. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Fargo Davies Mason Klabo skies to the basket as WF Sheyenne's Michael Nhial (left) attempts a block. WF Sheyenne's Dominac Dosmann (24) and Fargo Davies Daniel Yorke (2) and Levi Olson (32) watch.
Boys' Fifth Place
Saturday, March 12 (Main Arena)
Fifth Place: (4W) Bismarck Century 65,
(4E) Fargo North 63
Game Notes: Century's Trayton Hinderer hit a 15-foot shot at the buzzer for the game-winning basket (his only shot of the game)...This was the first meeting since 2010 (Class A Quarterfinals; 58-55 Fargo North win)...Century's Anthony Doppler had a game-high 25 points...Fargo North's Jeremiah Sem had a team-best 21 points.
(Top) Century's William Ware slams a ball through the hoop as Fargo North's Jeremiah Sem and Welcome Muhoza look on. (Above) Century's Ryan Erickson (middle) and Fargo North's Jeremiah Sem and Luke Loberg go after a loose ball.. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Century's Trayton Hinderer celebrates after hitting the game-winning shot as Fargo North's Isaac Cody (10) and Jalen May react.
Friday, March 11 (Main Arena)
Semifinal 2: (3E) West Fargo 78,
(1E) Fargo Davies 72
Game Notes: Defending champion West Fargo reaches the Class A title and will meet Minot in the finals for a second year in a row...The last time the WF and Davies met in the Class A semifinals was 2016 (WF won 58-55)...West Fargo led 25-24 at halftime...Fargo Davies' Mason Klabo had a game-high 28 points...Four West Fargo players were in double figures led by Carson Hegerle's 20 points.
(Top) Fargo Davies' Alex Proctor slams down a dunk while West Fargo's Jaden Gresfrud (23) looks on. (Above) West Fargo's Foday Sheriff lays in two as teammate Parker Nelson (0) looks on. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Fargo Davies' Mason Klabo falls with the ball as West Fargo's Carson Hegerle defends and Foday Sheriff looks on.
West Fargo's Nick Carlson (right) gets a hand on the ball as Fargo Davies' Ian Motschenbacher attemps a shot. Fargo Davies' Evan Van Dam (25) and West Fargo's Carson Hegerle (left) look on.
Semifinal 1: (1W) Minot 64,
(2E) West Fargo Sheyenne 61 (2OT)
Game Notes: Minot advances to the Class A title game for a second year in a row...This was Minot's second overtime game of the tournament...Minot led 24-23 at halftime...There were 11 lead changes...Minot's Darik Dissette had a game-high 25 points...WF Sheyenne's Michael Nhial had a team-best 24 points.
(Top) A joyous Minot team celebrates its double overtime win. (Above) WF Sheyenne's Zander Newtown puts in two as Minot's Eric Wentz defends. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Minot's Jaeger Gunville lines up a three pointer.
WF Sheyenne's Dominic Dosmann (left) feeds a ball over Minot's Darik Dissette and to teammate Michael Nhial (far right)
Boys' Consolation
Friday, March 11 (Exhibit Hall)
Consolation 1: (4E) Fargo North 57, (3W) Mandan 43
Game Notes: Fargo North's last Class A state tournament win came over Mandan in the fifth place game of the 2011 state tournament...Four Fargo North players scored eight or more points...Mandan shot just 21 percent from the field...The Spartans held a two-point lead at halftime...Despite being the higher seed, Mandan elected to wear its road black jerseys....North will play for fifth place.
(Top) Fargo North's Zach Livengood dribbles past Mandan' Karsyn Jablonski. (Above) Mandan's Tahrye Frank dishes the ball in front of Fargo North's Carter Zeller. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Fargo North's Luke Loberg puts up a shot as Mandan's Tahyre Frank (left) looks on.
Fargo North's Carson Hannestad dives around Mandan's Luke Darras (1) and Aaron Grubb.
Consolation 2: (4W) Bismarck Century 96, (2W) Bismarck High 62
Game Notes: Century's William Ware had a game-high 23 points...Bismarck High was held well below its season points per game average. (91.7 ppg)...The last time BHS-Century met in the state tournament was in 2013 (BHS won 40-39 in the semifinals)...Century scored 55 second half points...Century advances to the fifth place game vs. Fargo North
(Top) Century's William Ware surveys the defense as Bismarck High's Kyler Scott looks on. (Above) Century's Isaiah Schafer drives to the hoop as BHS' Cole Jahner reaches for the ball. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Century's Ryan Erickson handles the ball as Bismarck High's Carter Sims (5) defends.
Century's Tyler Birst goes for a layup while Bismarck High's Carter Henke attempts a block.
Girls' Semifinals
Friday, March 11 (Main Arena)
Semifinal 1: (1W) Bismarck Century 57,
(2E) G.F. Red River 41
Game Notes: Bismarck Century won its 50th game in a row...G.F. Red River held a one-point lead with 10 minutes to play.... The game was tied at 34 before Century finished on a 23-7 run....Century's Logan Nissley had a game-high 24 points....Red River's Jocelyn Schiller had 23 points...The Patriots have now reached the last four state title games...Red River has reached the semifinals in each of the past three tournaments.
(Top) Century's Eden Fridley keeps a watchful eye on G.F. Red River's Jocelyn Schiller. (Above) G.F. Red River's Ella Speidel (44) and Century's Logan Nissley (24) tip off.
Century's Delani Clarke looks for a teammate.
Century's Logan Nissley is fouled going to the basket in the first half.
Semifinal 2: (2W) Minot High 64,
(1E) Fargo Davies 57
Game Notes: Minot advances to the Class A title game for the first time since 2014...Fargo Davies scored the first nine points and led by as many as 14 points in the opening half...Minot High took its first lead of the game (43-41) with 12 minutes to play...Minot's Leelee Bell had a game-high 27 points...The loss snapped Fargo Davies' 10-game win streak.
(Top) Fargo Davies' Taylor Safranski pulls up for shot. (Above) Minot's Avery Lunde dribbles past Fargo Davies' Karley Franks as Minot's Maya Aguilar (13) looks on.
Minot's bench celebrates the final seconds of its semifinal victory.
Minot's Maggie Fricke goes up for a shot as Fargo Davies' Ava Wild defends.
Girls' Consolation
Friday, March 11 (Exhibit Hall)
Consolation 1: (3W) Bismarck High 82,
(4E) Wahpeton 47
Games Notes: This was the first meeting between teams since 2017 when BHS defeated Wahpeton in a state consolation game...Bismarck High had three players in double figures led by Payton Gerving's 15 points...Wahpeton's Scout Woods had a game-high 21 points...The Demons' largest lead was 41 points.
(Top) Bismarck High' Sydney Gerving drives past Wahpeton's Lidia Motl. (Above) Wahpeton's Emma Bontjes dribbles toward the basket as BHS' Payton Gerving (23) closes in.
Bismarck High's Peyton Neumiller (left) pokes the ball away from Wahpeton's McKena Koolmo
Wahpeton's Ava Woods dribbles up court as Payton Gerving looks on.
Consolation 2: (4W) Bismarck Legacy 61,
(3E) West Fargo Sheyenne 58
Games Notes: This was the first-ever meeting in the Class A Tournament...Legacy led 29-20 at halftime...Legacy advances to the fifth place game...Legacy's Alyssa Eckroth had a game-high 17 points...WF Sheyenne had three players in double figures led by Karson Sanders and Peyton Breidenbach with 13 each.
(Top) WF Sheyenne's Karson Sanders takes a shot over Legacy's Alyssa Eckroth. (Above) Legacy's Mia Berryhill puts in two as WF Sheyenne's Peyton Breidenbach looks on.
Legacy's Breena Sand (14) steals a pass while WF Sheyenne's Kaitlyn Haas closes in.
WF Sheyenne's Peyton Breidenbach dribbles up court as Legacy's Hailyn Weigel keeps close.
Girls' Quarterfinals
Thursday, March 10 (Exhibit Hall)
Game 1: (1W) Bismarck Century 101,
(4E) Wahpeton 51
Bismarck Century: 23-0 Overall; 18-0 WDA
About the Patriots: The program is chasing perfection for a second consecutive season. The defending state champs have won its last 48 games, and aside from the canceled 2019-20 Class A Tournament, have won the past three state championships. No program has been as dominant as Century who is under the direction of first-year coach Nate Welstad. The team has won six state titles and two runner-up finishes since 2010. The team possesses both high-end talent and depth. Logan Nissley has been arguably the top player in all of North Dakota over the past two seasons. Bergan Kinnebrew is another player to watch. The Pats have the top defense in the WDA and was second in scoring offense. They have been ranked first all season and the favorite to win the title.
Did you know: Century's last loss came on March 12, 2020 to Devils Lake at the Class A Tournament in Fargo.
Stat Leaders (per-game avg.) Points: Logan Nissley, 21.4; B. Kinnebrew, 17.8; Rebounding: Nissley, 9.9; Kinnebrew, 6.2; Assists: Kinnebrew, 2.5; Nissley, 2.4; Steals: Nissley, 3.5; Kinnebrew, 2.3; Eden Fridley, 2.1; FG Pct.: Nissley, 45.7; 3PT FG Pct.: Nissley, 45.7; FT Pct.: Nissley, 81.4
Wahpeton; 12-14 Overall; 8-12 EDC
About the Huskies: Wahpeton entered the East Region Tournament as the No. 7 seed and departed as the East’s No. 4 seed. So, yes, the Huskies are the surprise of the tournament field. This will be Wahpeton’s first tournament appearance since 2017 and prove valuable as several contributors are underclassmen. The team was in the middle of the pack in the EDC in scoring offense and defense. Wahpeton was effective at getting to the free throw line. Its 68 percent team average at the line was second best in the conference and its 488 attempts was well ahead of the field. Scout Woods and McKena Koolma have been the key contributors.
Did you know: Wahpeton faced Century in the quarterfinals of the 2017 Class A Tournament (Century won, 81-53).
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Scoring: Scout Woods, 14.5; McKena Koolmo, 13.0; Rebounding: Woods, 5.9; Taya Lunneborg, 5.3; Emma Bontjes, 5.2; Assists: Koolmo, 2.7; Steals: Lidia Motl, 2.6; Koolmo, 1.7; Blocks: Lunneborg, 1.5; FG Pct.: Woods, 40.2; Koolmo, 36.3; 3PT FG Pct.; Motl, 30.9; FT Pct.: Koolmo, 76.6; Woods, 68.7
(Top) Centur's Logan Nissley dribbles past McKena Koolmo. Century's Bergan Kinnebrew heads up court as two Wahpeton players looks on. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Century's Autumn Ketterling dribbles the ball as Wahpeton's McKena Koolmo pursues.
Wahpeton's Emma Bontjes splits a pair of Century defenders.
Wahpeton's Lidia Motl dribbles up the sidelines as a Century player closely guards.
Game 2: (2E) Grand Forks Red River 56,
(3W) Bismarck High 51
G.F. Red River: 19-5 Overall; 16-4 EDC
About the Roughriders: The program has a been a fixture of late at the Class A Tournament making its fifth-consecutive appearance. Red River started the season hot, winning six in a row. It also enjoyed a seven-game winning streak as well. The Roughriders knocked off a good WF Sheyenne team to reach the East Region Tournament championship before falling to Fargo Davies. Defense has been a strong suit for the Roughriders who have allowed an average of 50 points per game, thanks in part to a ball hawk mentality. GFRR was second in the EDC in steals. Offensively, Jocelyn Schiller has been among the top scorers in the state. Rylie McQuillan is another contributor.
Did you know: G.F. Red River's lone championship came in 1988
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Scoring: Jocelyn Schiller, 21.1; Rylie McQuillan, 10.1; Rebounding: Hannah Litzinger, 6.5; Cassidy O’Halloran, 4.6; Assists: Schiller, 5.8; McQuillan, 3.5; Steals: Schiller, 5.5; 3.6; Blocks: Ella Speidel, 0.3; FG Pct: McQuillan, 41.4; Schiller, 40.3; 3PT FG Pct.: McQuillan, 37.2; Litzinger, 36.4; FT Pct.: Schiller, 66.4
Bismarck High: 17-5 Overall; 15-3 WDA
About the Demons: Finally! That perhaps is the word that best describes BHS’ quest back to the Class A Tournament. After four consecutive losses in region state qualifying games, the Demons are back in the state tournament for the first time since 2017. And while the team is both relieved and excited to be participating this week, it won’t just be satisfied with being in the field. The squad has its sights on advancing in the championship round. BHS has won 10 of its last 11 games; the only blemish was a region semifinal loss to Minot. In fact of its four losses, two have come to Minot and unbeaten Century. The signature of the team is its pressure defense. Often BHS employs a full court press and rotates several players in and out of the game to remain fresh in its defensive pursuits. On Offense, Peyton Neumiller and Payton Gerving had been steady scorers.
Did you know: Bismarck High has finished fourth or better in the WDA in each of the past five seasons
Stat Leaders (points per-game avg.) Points: Peyton Neumiller, 14.3; Payton Geving, 13.1; Rebounding: Neumiller, 4.7; Assists: Neumiller, 2.9; Sydney Gerving, 2.3; Steals: Neumiller, 3.2; Blocks: Miyah Holzworth, 0.4; P. Gerving, 0.4; FG Pct.: P. Gerving, 41.6; 3PT FG Pct.: P. Gerving, 42.3; FT Pct.: Neumiller, 62.5
(Top) Bismarck High's Peyton Neumiller puts up a shot in the paint as Ella Speidel (44) defends. (Above) Red River's (30) Jocelyn Schiller drives to the basket.
BHS' Peyton Neumiller is defended in the back court by Red River's Rylie McQuillan.
A scramble for a loose ball under the Red River basket.
Bismarck High's Ali Gulleson dribbles past Red Rivers' Hannah Litzinger.
Game 3: (1E) Fargo Davies 70,
(4W) Bismarck Legacy 61
Fargo Davies: 23-2 Overall; 18-2 EDC
About the Eagles: The program is coming into the Class A Tournament on a roll. Fargo Davies captured last week’s East Region Tournament championship and has won its last nine games. In fact, twice this season the EDC regular season champions enjoyed nine-game win streaks. The Eagles are the top scoring offense in the EDC by a wide margin. It also surrendered the fewest points on average. A number of players have contributed to the Eagles making their third consecutive trip to state and eighth in program history. Among them are Ava Wild and Ashton Safranski.
Did you know: Fargo Davies' appearance in last year's Class A championship was its first.
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Points: Ava Wild, 12.8; Ashton Safranski, 12.0; Rebounding: Wild, 7.3; Safranski, 4.9; Ashley Wacha, 4.7; Assists: Wild, 4.7; Taylor Safranski, 4.7; Steals: A. Safranski, 6.0; Blocks: Wild, 1.3; FG Pct.: Wild, 50.0; 3PT FG Pct.: Marissa Burian, 45.8; Karley Franks, 39.6; A. Safranski, 37.3; FT Pct.: Burian, 73.1; Wacha, 71.7
Bismarck Legacy: 12-11 Overall; 9-9 WDA
About the Sabers: You just can’t keep Legacy out of the Class A Tournament! For a seventh consecutive season the program is in the field of eight a state. And while Legacy may not be a favorite this weekend to win a title, the tournament experience will be valuable moving forward. Coming off a 17-win season led by several departing seniors, it was going to take time for returning players to adjust to new roles and for younger players to make their mark on the program. Alyssa Eckroth has emerged as a main cog in the lineup. There have been some peaks and valleys throughout the regular season. Legacy entered the postseason on a four-game losing skid, but once again rose to the occasion at the region tournament.
Did you know: Legacy won a Class A state championship in 2017.
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Points: Alyssa Eckroth, 13.6; Rebounding: Eckroth, 6.4; Alece Blazek, 4.9; Assists: Mia Berryhill, 2.4; Steals: Breena Sand, 1.4; Berryhill, 1.4; Blocks: Eckroth, 0.5; Brooklynn Felchle, 0.5; FG Pct.: Eckroth, 35.9; Sand, 35.5; 3PT FG Pct.: Eckroth, 35.9; Berryhill, 35.4; FT Pct.: Eckroth, 72.5
(Top) Fargo Davies' Maci Wheeldon puts up a shot under the basket. (Above) Legacy's Mia Berryhill dribbles up court as Fargo Davies' Ashley Wacha looks on.
Fargo Davies' bench celebrates a three-point basket.
Fargo Davies' Ava Wild (40 looks for an open player and Legacy's Brooklynn Felchle defends.
Legacy players converge on a loose ball.
Game 4: (2W) Minot High 71,
(3E) West Fargo Sheyenne, 63
Minot High: 20-4 Overall; 15-3 WDA
About the Majettes: It’s been a break-out season for Minot which is making its first state tournament appearance since 2016. The team already has nine more victories than 2020-21 and reached the West Region Tournament championship. The season started hot as Minot won its first six contests. It also had two more win streaks of six and seven games, respectively. Perhaps most impressive is the fact the team is winning with a youthful lineup. Two eighth graders -- Leellee Bell and Maggie Fricke -- and a sophomore Avery Lunde are among its leaders. Sprinkle in a few veterans and this has been an impressive team which can play an up-tempo style, but also be strong in the half court. It’s scoring offense was best in the WDA.
Did you know: Minot High's last appearance in the state championship came in 2015
Stat Leaders (per-game avg.) Points: Maggie Fricke, 15.8; Leelee Bell, 15.8; Rebounding: Bell, 7.2; Avery Lunde, 5.2; Assists: Maya Aguilar, 2.8; Lunde, 2.6; Steals: Fricke, 2.8; Lunde, 1.8; Blocks: Bell, 1.3; Elise Hardy, 1.3; FG Pct.: Mariah Evenson, 53.8; 3PT FG Pct.: Evenson, 38.9; Lunde, 37.5; FT Pct.: Fricke, 88.4
WF Sheyenne: 20-5 Overall; 17-3 EDC
About the Mustangs: West Fargo Sheyenne returns to the state tournament for the first time in two seasons. The program produced an impressive regular season under first-year coach Kenyon Wingenbach. The Mustangs reached 20 wins and boasted an EDC-best 16-game win streak. WFS suffered just one loss over its last 17 games. That coming to G.F. Red River in the East Region Tournament semifinals.
The team averages just over 70 points per game which was second only to Fargo Davies in the EDC. Maya Metcalf and Brenna Dick provide a formidable 1-2 punch. The Mustangs are one of the best three-point shooting teams in the state.
Did you know: WF Sheyenne's best finish in its previous two state appearances was fourth in 2019.
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Scoring: Maya Metcalf, 13.5; Brenna Dick, 13.0; Rebounding: Metcalf, 8.0; Karson Sanders, 7.8; Assists: Peyton Breidenbach, 4.8; Steals: Dick, 2.2; Blocks: Metcalf, 1.8; FG Pct.: Dick, 44.6; Metcalf, 42.1; 3PT FG Pct: Dick, 39.7; Metcalf, 38.0; FT Pct.: Sanders, 75.4; Breidenbach, 74.2
(Top) Minot's Mariah Evenson puts in a basket as WF Sheyenne's Brooke Johnson defends. (Above) WF Sheyenne's Kaitlyn Haas (2) looks for a teammate as Lauren Fagerland (12) is in the foreground.
Minot's Maggie Fricke races to the basket as WF Sheyenne's Maya Metcalf looks on.
A pair of Minot defenders converge as WF Sheyenne's Maya Metcalf puts up a shot.
WF Sheyenne's Karson Sanders puts in a basket as Minot's Leelee Bell goes for the block.
Boys' Quarterfinals
Thursday, March 10 (Main Arena)
Game 1: (1W) Minot High 73,
(4E) Fargo North 72 (OT)
Minot High: 23-2 Overall; 18-2 WDA
About the Magicians: The program heads into the Class A Tournament riding a wave of momentum. Minot won its second-consecutive West Region Tournament title last week and has won its last eight games. Minot’s versatility is a big reason why it is one of the favorites to win a state title. It can play a run-and-gun style, or it can engage in a low-scoring defensive battle. The team is at its best in the second half. The team is 18-1 when it holds the lead at the half and 2-0 when the game is tied at the break. The Magi have its share of dynamic players as well as depth. Several players contribute either on offense or defense. Darik Dissette has been one of the best all-around players in the WDA. Eric Wentz is another good one. Minot was among the top shooting teams in the WDA, largely due to its attack-the-rim style. Minot reached the Class A title a season ago before falling to West Fargo, it would like nothing more than get another crack at the championship.
Did you know: Minot is 11-1 in its last 12 Class A Tournament games.
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Points: Darik Dissette, 21.4; Eric Wentz, 16.4; Rebounding: Dissette, 7.7; Wentz, 6.3; Assists: Wentz, 3.4; Steals: Dissette, 2.3; Blocks: Dissette, 1.1; FG Pct.: Dissette, 57.2; Wentz, 45.0; 3PT FG Pct.: Morgan Nygaard, 38.6; Wentz, 36.1; FT Pct.: Dissette, 72.3; Wentz, 72.1
Fargo North: 16-10 Overall; 12-8 EDC
About the Spartans: The No. 6 has been good luck for Fargo North over the past two seasons. For a second year in a row Fargo North turned a No. 6 seed at the East Region Tournament into a Class A Tournament berth. Prior to last year, FN’s last trip came in 2011.The Spartans started the season with five wins in its first seven games but struggled in January with just two. They got back on track in February which seven wins, including a season-best four-game win streak. Its signature wins came over WF Sheyenne and West Fargo. FN is one of the top scoring offenses in the EDC, averaging 78 points per game. Jeremiah Sem and Carter Zeller were among the top offensive players in the EDC. Defensively, it allows 67 points per game. Its comfortable playing an up-tempo style or can slow things down in the half court and pound the ball inside. The state tournament experience gained last season was brief, unfortunately, as the Spartans fell in a one-and-done quarterfinal to Minot. FN will get another shot at the Magicians.
Did you know: Fargo North scored 125 points in a victory over Devils Lake this season.
Team Leaders (per-game average) Scoring: Jeremiah Sem, 19.6; Carter Zeller, 14.3; Rebounding: Zeller, 7.8; Sem, 4.8; Assists: Isaac Cody, 3.7; Steals: Sem, 2.3; Blocks: Zeller, 0.4; FG Pct.: Zeller, 70.0; Sem, 44.0; 3PT FG Pct.: Gabe Sagvold, 39.8; Cody, 38.1; FT Pct: Sem, 77.1; Zeller, 67.8
(Top) Minot's Darik Dissette puts up a shot. (Above) Fargo North's Jeremiah Sem goes for the dunk. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Minot's Jaeger Gunville lines up a shot as Fargo North's Sem defends.
Fargo North's Gabe Sagvold dribbles past Minot's Aric Winczewski.
Minot's Logan Conklin attempts to block a shot by Fargo North's Matthew Sem (1).
Game 2: (2E) West Fargo Sheyenne 61,
(3W) Mandan 48
West Fargo Sheyenne: 20-5 Overall; 16-4 EDC
About the Mustangs: West Fargo Sheyenne won a Class AA football title this past fall, thanks in part to a stout defense. Why not on the hardwood as well. Yes, this Mustang team knows a thing or two about guarding the goal. In this case, the basket.
WFS has allowed an average of just 58 points per game and four times held an opponent under 50 points. It also has an EDC-best field goal percentage allowed at 36 percent. A stingy defense is a big reason the team won 19 games this season, including an 11-game win streak. The Mustangs were runner-up in both the conference regular season and East Region Tournament. Sheyenne knows a thing or two about scoring as well. The squad averages just over 73 points per game and has one of the top scorers in the state inMichael Nhial. Kaleb Nelson is also a force. The squad will be among the favorites to vie for the Class A crown this week. This is the program’s third consecutive state tournament appearance and fifth in the past six seasons. It’s best finish was second in 2018. WF Sheyenne will face Mandan in a rematch of last year’s quarterfinal round which the Mustangs won. It also defeated the Braves at home to open the season. That was three months ago and much more is riding on this game.
Did you know: WF Sheyenne was unbeaten on the road this regular season.
Team Leaders (per-game avg.) Scoring: Michael Nhial, 21.0; Kaleb Larson, 14.2; Rebounding: Nhial, 9.9; Zander Newton, 6.6; Assists: James Hage, 3.1; Steals: Larson, 2.0; Hagen, 1.8; Blocks: Dominic Dosmann, 1.6; Newton, 0.7; FG Pct.: Newton, 45.1; Nhial, 42.5; 3PT FG Pct.: Larson, 33.3; FT Pct.: Larson, 74.3; Nhial, 65.0
Mandan: 13-13 Overall; 10-10 WDA
About the Braves: Don’t let the 13-12 record fool you. The Braves belong in the tournament field. In fact, Mandan’s streak of five consecutive state tournament appearances is currently the most among WDA teams. The journey back to state was challenging, however. It started with a difficult opening schedule that included three teams ranked in the five in the state poll, including WF Sheyenne. Mandan dropped its first four games and didn’t get back to. 500 until February. Its longest win streak has been three games, but it does have victories over tournament qualifiers Bismarck High and Century.
It needed a play-in win to get to the quarterfinals and then picked up two more victories as the No. 7 seed to qualify for state at last week’s West Region Tournament. One of Mandan’s strengths has been its resiliency. Four times the team posted wins after trailing at halftime, and mostly recently erased a 10-point second half deficit in its state qualifying win over Dickinson. Aaron Grubb has led the way in scoring and rebounding. The last time the team won its quarterfinal game at state was 2018 (finished third).
Did you know: Mandan’s last Class A championship came in 2009
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Points: Aaron Grubb, 17.4; Tahyre Frank, 12.1; Rebounding: Grubb, 7.6; Nathan Gerding, 5.4; Assists: Frank, 4.2; Steals: Frank, 1.8; Blocks: Frank, 0.3; FG Pct.: Grubb, 49.5; 3PT FG Pct: Frank, 46.8; FT Pct.: Frank, 76.2
(Top) WF Sheyenne's Micahel Nhial scores. (Above) Mandan's Karsyn Jablonski completes a layup. Photos by Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
WF Sheyenne's Dominic Dosmann goes in for two as Mandan players look on.
Mandan's Tahrye Frank drives in the middle while WF Sheyenne's Zander Newton (right) defends.
Mandan's Aaron Grubb looks to drive to the basket.
Game 3: (1E) Fargo Davies 84,
(4W) Bismarck Century 72 (OT)
Fargo Davies: 23-2 Overall; 18-2 EDC
About the Eagles: Fargo Davies is a confident bunch heading into the Class A Tournament, and for good reason. The EDC regular season champion are winners of its last 10 games, including three at the recent East Region Tournament.
The Eagles are the EDC’s top offensive team, averaging 86 points per game, thanks in large part to some dynamic playmakers at the guard position (Mason Klabo, Ian Motchenbacher). The team isn’t too shabby on defense, either, allowing just 62 points per game. The Eagles lead the conference in steals and are effective in pressuring the ball. Winning has been synonymous for the program of late. The team has posted 20 or more wins in each of the past four seasons, but a second state title has been elusive. It was runner-up in 2019 to an unbeaten Jamestown club. It was set to play a semifinal vs. Bismarck High in 2020 before COVID-19 shut the tournament down. And last year in the semifinals vs. Minot it let a double-digit lead in the second half slip away. Could this be the year the Eagles get the job done.
Did you know: Fargo Davies has qualified for the Class A Tournament in each of the past eight seasons.
Team Leaders (per-game average) Scoring: Mason Klabo, 24.6; Ian Motschenbacher, 18.1; Rebounding: Klabo, 6.0; Motschenbacher, 5.3; Assists: Motschenbacher, 4.5; Klabo, 4.0; Steals: Klabo, 3.1; Raymond Brown, 2.8; Blocks: Kaden Braaflat, 1.0; FT Pct: Klabo, 48.0; Brown, 47.2; Motschenbacher, 46.9; 3PT FG Pct: Brown, 37.6; Max Froslie, 36.2; Klabo, 35.6; FT Pct.: Klabo, 71.2
Bismarck Century: 19-5 Overall; 16-4 WDA
About the Patriots: The program is back at the Class A Tournament for the first time since 2019. It wasn’t easy getting back, however. Century needed a thrilling buzzer beater in the region state qualifier vs. St. Mary’s. Aside from the last-game heroics, it’s been an impressive season for the program which has been led mostly by group of juniors and sophomores. Among the key contributors is Isaiah Schafer and Anthony Doppler. Century's 19 wins is already seven more than a year ago. The season began with a seven-game win streak and later followed up with a streak of six victories in a row. The team is averaging about 75 points per game and scoring balance has been part of the success. One of the offensive strengths has been the perimeter scoring, but the team can also attack the basket. The team was effective shutting down the opposition on the glass. It out-rebounded its foes by nearly 10 boards a contest. The 62 points per-game it allowed in regular season play was second in the conference. The team’s last state tournament appearance in 2019 yielded good results with a third place finish.
Did you know: The Patriots’ have won their last three Class A quarterfinal games.
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Points: Isaiah Schafer, 17.8; Anthony Doppler, 17.0; Rebounding: Ryan Erickson, 11.0; Assists: Doppler, 3.3; Steals: Doppler, 1.7; Blocks: Erickson, 0.9; FG Pct.: Erickson, 52.3; Doppler, 46.4; 3PT FG Pct: Schafer, 44.3; Connor Trahan, 37.1; FT Pct.: Schafer, 82.8; Doppler, 75.0
(Top) Fargo Davies' Zach Livingood races to the basket as a Century's Trayton Hinderer defends. (Above) Century's Anthony Doppler runs over Fargo Davies' Ian Motschenbacher en route to the basket as the Eagles' Mason Klabo looks on. Photos courtesy of Jon Jablonski, WDA Event Photographer
Fargo Davies' Ian Motschenbacher (4) goes for a finger roll as Century's Ryan Erickson looks on.
Century's Anthony Doppler heads to the basket as a Fargo Davies' Evan Van Dam closes in.
Century and Fargo Davies players fight for a loose ball.
Game 4: (3E) West Fargo 87,
(2W) Bismarck High 64
Bismarck High: 19-5 Overall; 16-4 WDA
About the Demons: Bismarck High is making its third consecutive appearance at the Class A Tournament and seeking its first championship since 2010. BHS has been one of the top programs in the state over the last three seasons in large part to its style of play which relies on relentless ball pressure in the back court and a quick-strike scoring offense. To play at such a frenetic pace, the squad relies on a deep bench. The team led the WDA in scoring, and it wasn’t close. It averages 91.7 points per game and seven times has scored 100 or more. The key to the Demons success has been points beyond the arc. It’s 284 three pointers is tops in the conference. Treyson Eaglestaff has been one of the best players to come out of BHS in decades. He leads the team in nearly every statistical category.
Three of the four losses this season came to WDA champion Minot. The 2020-21 season came to a disappointing end with a loss to West Fargo in the quarterfinals. The Demons are looking for redemption.
Did you know: Bismarck High scored a school record 134 points in a game this season.
Stat Leaders (points-per game avg.) Points: Treyson Eaglestaff, 30.3; Rebounding: Eaglestaff, 8.2; Ethan Stotz, 6.1; Assists: Eaglestaff, 4.5; Steals: Eaglestaff, 2.7; Blocks: Eaglestaff, 2.0; FG Pct.: Eaglestaff, 45.5; Kyler Scott, 45.2; 3PT FG Pct.: Scott, 39.8; Eaglestaff, 35.5; FT Pct.: Eaglestaff, 74.2; George Gillette, 73.0
West Fargo: 19-6 Overall; 15-5 EDC
About the Packers: The defending Class A champions enter the tournament looking to win back-to-back titles for a second time in program history (first, 1991-92). And a chance to accomplish it in the very same venue (Bismarck Event Center).
West Fargo had a solid regular season which included a third place finish in the EDC and signature wins over Fargo Davies and WF Sheyenne. It won a season-high four games in February. The Packers punched their ticket with a state qualifying victory over G.F. Central at the East Region Tournament. West Fargo averages just over 80 points per game, good for second in the EDC. Scoring balance has been the difference maker on offense. Among the scoring contributors are Foday Sheriff and Carson Hegerle. Defensively, the team allows an average 64 points per game. The scoreboard may get a workout in the quarterfinal as West Fargo meets Bismarck High. It will be a rematch of last season’s opening round. This season the teams’ combined to hit the century mark in 10 games (BHS, 7; West Fargo, 3).
Did you know: Three of West Fargo’s four state titles have been won in Bismarck
Stat Leaders (per-game avg.) Scoring: Foday Sheriff, 14.5; Carson Hegerle, 14.2; Nick Carlson, 14.3 Rebounding: Sheriff, 8.0; Nick Carlson, 6.7; Assists: Parker Nelson, 3.4;Brett Linke, 3.1; Steals: Hegerle, 2.6; P. Nelson, 2.4; Blocks: Sheriff, 0.8; FG Pct.: N. Carlson, 54.5; Sheriff, 53.4; 3PT FG Pct.: Limke, 43.2; Sheriff, 36.7; FT Pct.: Sheriff, 73.0; N. Carlson, 69.6
(Top) West Fargo's Carson Hegerle skies to the hoop. (Above) BHS' Treyson Eaglestaff lays in two points. Photos by Jon Jabonski, WDA Event Photographer
West Fargo's Parker Nelson goes strong to the basket.
West Fargo converge on a Bismarck ballhandler.
West Fargo's Boden Sheriff secures a loose ball as a Bismarck High reaches in for the ball.
Girls' All-Tournament Team
Bismarck High: Peyton Neumiller; Bismarck Century: Logan Nissley, Bergan Kinnebrew; Bismarck Legacy: Alyssa Erckroth; Fargo Davies: Ashton Sanfranski, Ava Wild; Grand Forks Red River: Jocelyn Schiller; Minot High: Leelee Bell, Mariah Evenson, Maggie Fricke
Tournament MVP: Maggie Fricke, Minot High
Boys' All-Tournament Team
BOYS' BASKETBALL
Bismarck Century: Anthony Doppler; Fargo Davies: Raymond Brown, Mason Klabo; Fargo North: Jeremiah Sem; Minot High: Darik Dissette, Eric Wentz; West Fargo: Foday Sheriff, Carson Hegerle, Nick Carlson; WF Sheyenne: Michael Nhial
MVP: Darik Dissette, Minot