What to Make of the Class B Preseason Power Poll

For the last 27 years, The Hoopster has released its preseason polls before the start of every basketball season in North Dakota. This season the 2017-18 state champions in Grant County were picked to finish 30th  and Thompson was tagged No. 1 in the state. Here are a few takeaways from the 2018-19 Class B Preseason Power Poll.

Repeat champion not in the cards? — It’s tough to win back-to-back titles but Grant County has a chance to do so this season.  The Coyotes finished 22-5 last season but All-State players in Alexis Bentz and Taylor Roehl graduated. Grant County got solid contributions from Camryn Alt and Coral Alt last season as they combined for 15 points in the Class B championship game but the two juniors took their talents east to Flasher. The Coyotes bring back some key pieces like sophomore Isabelle Boyer and junior Molly Wetzel. Boyer averaged 9.2 points per game, 6.9 rebounds and 72 steals. Boyer has to have a strong year if Grant County wants a chance to defend its title.

Can Thompson stay No. 1 all season? — Thompson is coming off a 22-5 season where they earned a fourth-place finish at the state tournament. The Tommies have an athletic bunch of players with strong team chemistry. The Region 2 squad welcomes back most of their point scorers that includes All-Region players in sophomore Mackenzie Hughes and senior Taylor Zak. Hughes finished the 2017-18 season with 10.1 points per game, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 steals and 2.3 assists. Zak averaged 8.7 points per game, 5.5 rebounds and collected 18 blocks. The Tommies definitely have a target on their back but if everyone can stay healthy — a state title appearance is possible.

Four regions loaded — There are four Regions with three teams ranked in the Preseason Power Poll Top 20. The strongest group looks to be Region 2 with two teams in the Top 10 along with Park River/Fordville-Lankin coming in at No. 18.