Class B State Tournament Preview: Day 1 Matchups
The Class B State Tournament starts Thursday in Grand Forks. Here’s what to watch for on Thursday: Game One: No. 2 Grafton/St. Thomas vs. Rugby The first game of the day might be the most intriguing as Grafton/St. Thomas plays…
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Continue ReadingThe Class B State Tournament starts Thursday in Grand Forks. Here’s what to watch for on Thursday:
Game One: No. 2 Grafton/St. Thomas vs. Rugby
The first game of the day might be the most intriguing as Grafton/St. Thomas plays Rugby in a matchup between two teams that can legitimately go into this thing with the expectation of winning multiple games. Rugby probably should’ve been the No. 4 or No. 5 seed given its body of work, but the Panthers will get to face a team that has been one of the three or four best all year. The contrast in style in this one is fascinating, as the Spoilers are one of the best offensive teams in the state, averaging 68 points per game with the preference of getting up and down, spreading the floor and playing fast. Rugby is on the complete other end of the spectrum, allowing just 34 points per game, opting to grind teams into the dust. The Spoilers have a terrific trio in the Sieben sisters and Julia Dusek while Rugby is much more frontcourt-oriented with Sarah Blessum and Mykell Heidlebaugh.
Game Two: No. 3 Trenton vs. Shiloh Christian
Trenton went undefeated, yet was seeded third in the state field. But with the random draw, they drew arguably the most favorable matchup in Shiloh Christian. Both teams were in the state tournament a year ago, though the Tigers have significantly more experience with key players from last year. Kaity Hove is arguably the best player in the tournament and can control the game from the point guard spot for the Tigers. Alyssa and Alexa St. Pierre are excellent wings and an intriguing matchup will be between those two and Shiloh’s Grace Kelly. Another intriguing matchup will be inside between Shiloh’s Jacie Hall and Trenton’s Jacee Turcotte as both are terrific inside on both ends of the floor.
Game Three: No. 1 Langdon/Edmore/Munich vs. Hettinger/Scranton
LEM heads into the state tournament with a golden opportunity. The Cardinals are undefeated and have proven all year that they are one of the two legitimate favorites to win a state title. Then the team that most considered the favorite to win the title was upset in the region tournament. Hettinger/Scranton will have something to say about that. The Night Hawks went to state last year and won a game before losing the next two games by a combined 14 points. They’ve got arguably the best post player in the tournament with Sam Oase. Alyssa Andress has played a ton of games and been highly productive throughout her career. Quinn Meller and Bailee Pierce have both been integral pieces each of the last two years. This team shouldn’t be intimidated or wowed by LEM’s collective length, athleticism and skill. The Cardinals have more talent with Callie Ronningen, Kaitlynn Scherr and Morgan Freije leading the way, but the No. 1 seed could get a better test than some might expect.
Game Four: No. 4 Central Cass vs. No. 5 LaMoure/Litchville-Marion
Two of the state tournament party crashers meet up in the first round. Central Cass shocked the Class B world with its upset over Kindred and that obviously procured seeding favor as the Squirrels were seeded fourth in the field. LLM knocked out two top-10 teams in Kidder County and Carrington on its way to state and the Loboes will hope to keep cooking. Both teams are experienced and battle-tested against quality competition and are simultaneously young and experienced as both rely on a number of underclassmen.