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…
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Continue ReadingFall 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. Logan Nissley Logan Nissley 6'0" | CG Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND emerged as a freshman and is a legitimate Player-of-the-Year candidate already. Julia Fitterer and Ashton Kinnebrew Ashton Kinnebrew 5'10" | CG Bismarck Century | 2021 State ND 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 Taylor Fey Taylor Fey 6'0" | PF Fargo Davies | 2021 State ND and Ryleigh Wacha Ryleigh Wacha 5'10" | CG Fargo Davies | 2021 State ND . Ava Wild Ava Wild 6'0" | SF Fargo Davies | 2022 State ND 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 Mandie Picard Mandie Picard 5'9" | SG Bismarck | 2021 State ND , 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 Alayna Hill Alayna Hill 5'4" | PG Bismarck Legacy | 2021 State ND 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 Sydney Gustavsson Sydney Gustavsson 5'7" | CG Mandan | 2021 State ND on the wing. Piper Harris Piper Harris 5'4" | PG Mandan | 2022 State ND 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. Brynn Giesen Brynn Giesen 5'7" | PG West Fargo | 2021 State ND 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 Ashley McFadgen Ashley McFadgen 5'7" | SF Barnes County North | 2021 State ND on the wings. Ella Fosse Ella Fosse 5'5" | PG Grand Forks | 2021 State ND 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. Jailyn Martinson Jailyn Martinson 5'9" | SF Devils Lake | 2021 State ND 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. Ramsey Brown Ramsey Brown 5'10" | CG Devils Lake | 2021 State ND ’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. Alivia Manson Alivia Manson 5'7" | SG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2022 State ND and Karson Sanders Karson Sanders 6'0" | SF West Fargo Sheyenne | 2023 State ND 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 Ashley Holen Ashley Holen 5'10" | SF Watford City | 2021 State ND , who averaged 14 points and nearly seven rebounds per game. Madison Spacher Madison Spacher 5'11" | PF Watford City | 2022 State ND , Emma Mogen Emma Mogen 5'8" | CG Watford City | 2021 State ND and Hayley Ogle all return as well.