North Dakota Catchup: Region 5
The Postseason is upon us. By the end of the week, the state field in Class B girls basketball will be set. Region 5 feels like the most wide-open in the state as all four teams remaining have solid records…
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Continue ReadingThe Postseason is upon us. By the end of the week, the state field in Class B girls basketball will be set. Region 5 feels like the most wide-open in the state as all four teams remaining have solid records and some semblance of success and failure against each of the other teams. Unlike in many regions where there seems to be a massive gap between the top team or two and the next two teams, this one looks hotly-contested, which means the games determining who goes to state should be compelling all around.
Here’s what you need to know about Region 5
Favorite: Grant County
The Coyotes won the District 9 tournament to earn the top seed in regionals and lean on a solid defense to win them games. With 16 wins on the year, the Coyotes have the experience, talent and style of play that can win a regional tournament. They’ll face Shiloh Christian in the semifinals in what feels like the two more accomplished teams in the region going head-to-head.
Next Up: Shiloh Christian
The Skyhawks had to grind their way to the Regional tournament, beating Standing Rock/Selfridge which set up a tough first round matchup in the regionals against Underwood. Shiloh won that game 36-32 and now gets to face the top-seeded Grant County in hopes of keeping its season alive. Shiloh beat Grant County 53-46 in the regular season, lending credence to the notion that this section feels completely wide open.
In the Mix: Solen, Center/Stanton
Center/Stanton went 16-3 during the regular season and beat Solen in overtime. Otherwise, there isn’t a lot of data on Center/Stanton in relation to some of the other teams in the region because the Wildcats didn’t play many of them. They do have a light’s out defense though, which makes them a viable contender and dangerous against anybody.
Solen went 9-8 in the regular season but has proven to be extremely tough in the postseason. The Sioux beat Shiloh Christian 54-51 in the district 9 semifinals and lost to Grant County by just 10 in the finals. The Sioux have one of the best offenses in the state.