Way-Too-Early Class A Team Rankings
With the season over, barring something unforeseen, it’s time to look ahead. With the AAU season on hold, there’s a lot of unknown with regards to individual players developing and who is set up well for next season. Here’s a…
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Continue ReadingWith the season over, barring something unforeseen, it’s time to look ahead.
With the AAU season on hold, there’s a lot of unknown with regards to individual players developing and who is set up well for next season.
Here’s a quick look at the top 10 teams way too far in advance:
Bismarck Century
The Patriots went through an accelerated rebuild after losing their two best players to injury and graduation, being ranked in the top-three all year and getting to the state tournament. Logan Nissley, Julia Fitterer and Ashton Kinnebrew were all-league players and the Patriots have a solid cache of role players set to return.
Fargo Davies
The Eagles reached the state semifinals and won the EDC Tournament Championship and return what should be the best duo in the state in Ryleigh Wacha and Taylor Fey. Ava Wild is a solid interior presence and guards Jenna Leingang and Brooklyn Koenig round out an experienced and deep returning roster.
Bismarck Legacy
The Sabers were ranked in the top-three all season, won the WDA regular season and the WDA Tournament title, and should be strong again next year. Arianna Berryhill is one of the best returners and Jaiden Baker had a lot of good moments as a junior.
West Fargo
The Packers were one of the top teams in the EDC last year despite relying on a lot of underclassmen throughout the year. They lose McKenna Becher, but return their next six top players with Chloe Pfau, Brynn Giesen, Jessica Walsvik, Ashlyn Diemert and Miriley Simon all back.
Bismarck
The Demons were elite on the defensive end of the floor, but offensive struggles held them back at times. Still, it’s a team that returns its leading scorer in Jilee Golus plus seven rotation players including three starters. If the Demons can take a step towards the middle offensivvely, it’ll have a chance to contend in the WDA.
Devils Lake
The Firebirds reached the state title game for the second year in a row and while it loses three starters, the returning duo of Jailyn Martinson and Ramsey Brown is as good a starting point as any. Those two are all-league players who should keep the Firebirds strong and this is something of a bet that there’s talent in the system ready to step into contributing roles.
Mandan
The Braves lose Lakyn Darras but return one of the best players in the state in Sydney Gustavsson along with several key rotation players including Piper Harris, Taylor Leingang and Amaya Ramsey. They should be excellent on both ends of the floor.
Grand Forks Red River
The Roughriders reached the state tournament again this past season thanks to an elite defense and solid balance. They should be strong again next year as Jasmine Sondrol, Alex Page and Ella Fosse all return. Jade Azure gives them an interior presence as well.
Jamestown
Jamestown didn’t consistently play up to its on-paper talent level last year but return a tantalizing duo in Grace Hegerle and Ella Falk. If some of the role players around them can step up and provide complementary play, the Bluejays could be much-improved.
West Fargo Sheyenne
The Mustangs were one of the surprising teams in the EDC last year and return a big chunk of their core including all-league junior forward Jadyn Feist. Alivia Manson and Karson Sanders both return as well and should take a step forward.