Way-Too-Early Class A Rankings

Fall sports are right around the corner. Assuming there are no hiccups, that means the winter sports season isn’t as far off as it might feel. Here’s a way-too-early look at the top teams in Class A Bismarck Century The Patriots were terrific last season despite losing two all-state players from the year before. [player_tooltip player_id="100419" first="Logan" last="Nissley"] emerged as a freshman and is a legitimate Player-of-the-Year candidate already. Julia Fitterer and [player_tooltip player_id="98658" first="Ashton" last="Kinnebrew"] were both all-league players last year and there’s a really good core of talent throughout the program. Fargo Davies The Eagles won the WDA Tournament championship and advanced to the state semifinals last season. Expectations should be even higher next year, as they are perhaps the most talented team in the state led by [player_tooltip player_id="98718" first="Taylor" last="Fey"] and [player_tooltip player_id="98659" first="Ryleigh" last="Wacha"]. [player_tooltip player_id="14172" first="Ava" last="Wild"] is excellent inside and there is a solid host of underclass talent that could ascend into the rotation. Bismarck The Demons won 16 games last year and were elite on the defensive end of the floor. If the offense can take a step forward, Bismarck’s got a shot to contend in the WDA and for perhaps even more. Jilee Golus is one of the top players in the league and there’s a great core of returners around her with [player_tooltip player_id="98661" first="Mandie" last="Picard"], Peyton Neumiller and Peyton Gerving. Bismarck Legacy The Sabers were one of the three or four best teams in the state last year despite getting upset in the first round in the state tournament. They return two double-figure scorers in Arianna Berryhill and Jaiden Baker. There’s a lot of complementary pieces back as well including Hannah Stymeist and [player_tooltip player_id="98743" first="Alayna" last="Hil"]l. Mandan The Braves reached the state semifinals in what was supposed to be something of a retooling season. They should be strong again next winter as they return a very solid quartet of rotation players led by [player_tooltip player_id="98730" first="Sydney" last="Gustavsson"] on the wing. [player_tooltip player_id="99797" first="Piper" last="Harris"] and Amaya Ramsey should take steps forward as well. West Fargo The Packers won 14 games a year ago relying heavily on freshmen and sophomores - so it stands to reason that they’d ascend into contender status in the EDC this winter. Miriley Simon and Chloe Pfauf were excellent as freshmen and could be all-league players for the next three years. [player_tooltip player_id="98741" first="Brynn" last="Giesen"] is a rock-solid point guard and Ashlyn Diemert was productive up front. The Packers have solid depth and balance. Grand Forks Red River The Roughriders reached the EDC championship game and the Class A state tournament thanks in large part to an elite defense and balance on offense. They return three starters including Jasmine Sondrol and [player_tooltip player_id="98748" first="Alex" last="Page"] on the wings. [player_tooltip player_id="98744" first="Ella" last="Fosse"] is a solid defensive lead guard and Jade Azure is a solid post presence. Devils Lake The Firebirds reached the state championship last year and while they are graduating three starters, there’s enough talent to continue contending in the EDC and racking up wins. [player_tooltip player_id="98722" first="Jailyn" last="Martinson"] emerged as one of the best players in the EDC last year and should be a potential Player-of-the-Year in the league as a senior. [player_tooltip player_id="98715" first="Ramsey" last="Brown"]’s a multi-year starter on the wing and gives the Firebirds another top-notch piece. And there’s plenty of young talent in the mix. West Fargo Sheyenne The Mustangs were competitive in the EDC last year despite returning very little from the previous season. Things should be even better next year as they return a big chunk of their core including all-league junior forward Jadyn Feist. [player_tooltip player_id="99819" first="Alivia" last="Manson"] and [player_tooltip player_id="100433" first="Karson" last="Sanders"] both return as well and should take a step forward. Watford City The Wolves went 8-14 a year ago but should be improved in 2020-21 thanks to another year’s worth of experience gained from a lot of its top players. Watford City returns a very good forward in [player_tooltip player_id="98640" first="Ashley" last="Holen"], who averaged 14 points and nearly seven rebounds per game. [player_tooltip player_id="99799" first="Madison" last="Spacher"], [player_tooltip player_id="14167" first="Emma" last="Mogen"] and Hayley Ogle all return as well.