Class A State Tournament: Team Capsules
The Class A State Tournament field is set. Here’s a look at each squad: Bismarck Legacy Bismarck Legacy beat Bismarck Century for a third time, securing a WDA Tournament Championship. The Sabers are the No. 1 seed from the WDA…
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Continue ReadingThe Class A State Tournament field is set. Here’s a look at each squad:
Bismarck Legacy
Bismarck Legacy beat Bismarck Century for a third time, securing a WDA Tournament Championship. The Sabers are the No. 1 seed from the WDA and the favorite to win the state title. They’ll have a fun first round game facing off with Fargo Shanley. They’ve got size, experience, high-end talent with Alexis Dressler, Jaiden Baker and Arianna Berryhill and they are arguably the best defensive team in the state.
Fargo Davies
The Eagles went on a huge run, beating Devils Lake and Grand Forks Red River to earn a spot in the state tournament. Fargo Davies has shown the capability to play at incredibly high levels this year and while they have some disappointing losses, the Eagles have an elite one-two punch in Ryleigh Wacha and Taylor Fey.
Bismarck Century
The Patriots beat Dickinson and Bismarck before losing to Legacy in the WDA championship game. Bismarck Century has been ranked in the top-three all year and will face Devils Lake in what is undoubtedly the most intriguing first-round matchup in the tournament. The Patriots have terrific depth, excellent balance and the ability to win in multiple ways. Freshman forward Logan Nissley is one of the best freshmen in the state and Julia Fitterer has grown into a rock-solid all-around player.
Grand Forks Red River
The Roughriders reached the EDC championship game, losing to Fargo Davies to earn the No. 2 seed from the EDC in the Class State Tournament. Defense has been this team’s calling card all year as they allow less than 48 points per game. Shelby Frank is one of the top interior players in the state and the Roughriders have solid balance with Claire Leach, Jasmine Sondrol and Alex Page are all capable two-way players.
Devils Lake
The Firebirds lost to Fargo Davies but beat West Fargo Sheyenne to secure a spot in the state tournament. After winning the EDC regular season title, the Firebirds will get to play Bismarck Century in the first round of the state tournament. It’s an experienced group with great length, athleticism and two-way ability. Jes Mertens spearheads the whole thing, averaging 13 points, six rebounds, four assists and more than four steals. Jailyn Martinson’s been a breakout player and Abby Johnson and Ramsey Brown are terrific two-way wings.
Mandan
The Braves blew out Bismarck St. Mary’s then beat Minot to earn another trip to the state tournament. A team that went into the year with a lot of question marks has emerged as one of the best teams in the state over the second half of the season. Lakyn Darras and Sydney Gustavsson form one of the best one-two punches in Class A.
Bismarck St. Mary’s
Bismarck St. Mary’s overcame a rough start to the year and beat Williston and Bismarck to earn a spot in the state tournament. It’s a senior-heavy group with four multi-year starters in Abbi Kopp, Elizabeth Peyerl, Maria Mann and Hallie Schweitzer all average double-figures in scoring and set the tone on both ends of the floor.
Fargo Shanley
The Deacons beat West Fargo to secure a spot in the state tournament and will face No. 1 Bismarck Legacy to kick things off this week. Reile Payne is one of the best players in the tournament and a Player-of-the-Year candidate in the EDC. Morika Hakim busted out in a big way this year and Hadley Huber is one of the top guards to watch.