Hatton-Northwood, MPCG, Wyndmere-Lidgerwood

Before we get too deep into this season, PGHD wanted to congratulate the MPCG Patriots on their State Championship last season!   However, the season is off and rolling, so we have to focus on the 2024-25 season.   Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas (PGHD) has THREE Season Introductions for basketball fans to check out. We are going heavy on Class B ND hoops!   We are focusing on the Thunder, Patriots, and Warbirds.   Hatton-Northwood is currently receiving votes in the State Polls and they have a perfect 3-0 record. The Thunder have wins over Bishop Ryan, Velva, and Cavalier.   May-Port-CG has a 1-1 record. They lost to a tough Kenmare-Bowbells squad 38-50 and they blew out Westhope-Newburg 66-34.   Wyndmere/Lidgerwood is 1-1 on the year. The Warbirds walloped Ellendale 61-41 and lost to LLM by a score of 54-30.   See below for more info on the Thunder, Patriots, and Warbirds.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-889728" style="width:230px;height:auto" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/ClassBBasketball.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1098609" style="width:231px;height:auto" /></figure>   Introduction: Hatton-Northwood   Head Coach: Tony Evenstad   Class: B   Region: 2   District: 4   Players to Watch   [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'] (2025) |5'11 G/F| - 14 GP, 18.1 ppg, 6.1 rpg, .9 apg, 45.4 FG%   [player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] (2026) |6' PF/C| -22 GP, 13.3 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 1.1 apg, 55 FG%   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1057756" style="width:348px;height:auto" /></figure>   With Tony Evenstad   PGHD: What can you tell us about last season?   "Last season was new for many with the district tournament. We had an experienced team having 5 seniors. Overall we played well, but needed to win a few more games to get a better spot in districts. We struggled against opponents that had good team speed to keep up with them. On the defensive end we could have played better 1 on 1 defense by anticipating earlier against our opponents. Offensively we tried to utilize our size and get the ball inside and play an inside-out game. We had 2-3 girls that we could put in the post that were pretty consistent scores for us down low. We ended up 4th in Districts, making the Regional tournament, then lost in the 1st round to Langdon."   PGHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "One is to always have a “get to” attitude while making sure our players in our program understand that they get to do everything in life. Whether that is playing basketball, helping a neighbor, anything - you get to."   PGHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "We have an extremely young, athletic team this year. We are going to hang our hat on ball pressure and effort throughout the defensive possessions every time."   PGHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "We will have this done by committee as we graduated our 2 guards from last season's team. Our primary ball handlers will be [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'], Abby Padilla, Izzy Padilla and Jenna Groven. Azure is a returning All-State player and can bring the ball up when needed. She has the height to help her see over defenders and the skills to do it under control. Abby, Izzy and Jenna all are different types of ball handlers but will all be leaned on during the season to help bring the ball down."   PGHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?   "Our girls did a great job of attending team camps and open gyms throughout the summer. We got a lot of games in, seeing good competition throughout the summer. We need to work on playing together as many of them have not played many varsity minutes at all. Team chemistry and being able to compete at a varsity level will be key."   PGHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?   "[player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'] - She is a returning All-Stater, 1,000+ point scorer, been playing HS basketball since 7th grade. She can shoot from outside and play inside."   "[player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] - Returning All-District & All-District Tournament team. Post player that is very strong, good moves under that basket and can finish either hand. Good rebounder as well."   PGHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?   "Anika Pinke, Izzy Padilla, Abby Padilla, Natalie Naastad, Jenna Groven."   PGHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounder?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] & [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure']. They are our post players and have the most experience on our team. They have played at the varsity level and were 2 of our main rebounders last season."   PGHD: What are your team goals this year?   "Win games at Regional Tournament, play great defense, create a high energy, locked-in environment each and every day, team GPA of 3.8 or higher."   PGHD: Who will be your hardest worker?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] & [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure']. They have to be for our team to be successful, they need to continue to be leaders for our younger players and show them what level of effort is needed to be successful."   PGHD: Who are some of the top teams & players in your Region?   "Teams - Benson County, Langdon, North Prairie, PRFL, MPCG."   "Players - [player_tooltip player_id='469472' first='Aubrey' last='Kenner'], Benson County. [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'], HN, [player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] HN, Rosinski North Prairie."   BEST OF LUCK TO THE THUNDER!!   Introduction: May-Port CG   Head Coach: Keenan Konschak   Class: B   Region: 2   District: 4   2024-25 Patriot Roster   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_41d561.png?w=711" alt="" class="wp-image-1105873" style="width:424px;height:auto" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/11/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1057756" style="width:286px;height:auto" /></figure>   With Keenan Konschak   PGHD: What can you tell us about last season?   "Last season was a "dream" season as we were able to win the Championship in the brand new class B division. We had all girls focus on their goal to win it all and would do anything to make it happen."   PGHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "No Drama, Play Hard, Have Fun, and winning is more fun than losing."   PGHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "No easy baskets."   PGHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1105984' first='Kiaza' last='Carlson'], she is our floor general."   PGHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?   "Two team camps, record of 0-6, some individual camps, and one AAU team."   PGHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1105984' first='Kiaza' last='Carlson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1105980' first='Jordyn' last='Carpenter'], Hudson Zerface, Paetyn Strand, Carissa Mueller."   PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1105981' first='Kylie' last='Kroeplin'], Zoey Mehus, Ella Flaten."   PHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounders?   "Paetyn Strand and Carissa Mueller."   PGHD: What are your team goals this year?   "Win the District..."   PGHD: Who will be your hardest worker?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1105980' first='Jordyn' last='Carpenter'], her dad is a coach."   PGHD: Who are some of the top teams & players in your Region?   "Benson County, Langdon Area, Hatton/Northwood, Park River - [player_tooltip player_id='469472' first='Aubrey' last='Kenner'], [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'], [player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'], Meredith Romfo, [player_tooltip player_id='457921' first='Jenna' last='Rosinski'], [player_tooltip player_id='1105984' first='Kiaza' last='Carlson'], [player_tooltip player_id='1105980' first='Jordyn' last='Carpenter']."   PGHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "Our biggest weakness is the lack of experience but may be a strength as not too many teams will do the work to see what we are. We feel we will be overlooked. Thank You!!"   BEST OF LUCK TO THE PATRIOTS!!   Introduction: Wyndmere-Lidgerwood   , Head Coach: Rylan Gutzmer   Class: B   Region: 1   District: 1   [player_tooltip player_id='359056' first='Emerson' last='Johnson'] is absolutely a player to watch for the Warbirds. Johnson has had a great career, will likely be a 1K scorer, and is primed for a huge senior season!   2024-25 Roster   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/12/image_9ef719.png?w=988" alt="" class="wp-image-1106000" style="width:499px;height:auto" /></figure>   With Rylan Gutzmer   PGHD: What can you tell us about last season?   "The Warbirds Girls Basketball team finished the 2023-2024 season with an overall record of 12-11. Our season ended in the first round of the Region Tournament with a loss to the eventual State Runner-Up, the Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier Rebels. Of our 11 losses, six were against State Tournament Qualifiers (Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier, Sargent County, and Maple River). Despite these challenges, the team consistently showcased resilience and earned a reputation for being "a tale of two halves." Many of our losses stemmed from early deficits, requiring us to battle back in the second half."   PGHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "Effort and hustle are essential—always give maximum effort with a no-plays-off mentality. Team success comes first, prioritizing collective achievements over individual recognition while supporting your teammates. Discipline is key; stay focused, control what you can, and let go of small frustrations. Be coachable by remaining open to feedback, willing to adapt, and committed to continuous improvement. Accountability is non-negotiable; hold yourself and your teammates to high standards in every aspect. Finally, respect is vital—always represent the program with pride and integrity both on and off the court."   PGHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "No matter the night, our focus will always be on defense. Shots may not always fall, but strong defense will keep us competitive. We'll adapt our approach and throw different looks depending on the matchup."   PGHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "We're aiming to have a few different players handle the ball, giving us the flexibility to present various looks and create diverse opportunities on the court."   "[player_tooltip player_id='359056' first='Emerson' last='Johnson'] will likely take on the primary ball-handling role. She possesses a high basketball IQ, exceptional quickness and agility, the ability to use both hands effectively, strong court vision, and the skills to initiate and run our offense."   PGHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?   "The Warbirds held a weekly open gym instead of participating in a weekly summer league. This approach allowed us to focus on developing skills and addressing weaknesses, rather than just playing games. Meanwhile, the varsity program took a multi-day trip to the Northern State Team Camp, where they played five games over two days. This experience gave us valuable insights into the upcoming season and provided an opportunity for the players to strengthen their team chemistry while staying engaged with the game."   PGHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for and why?   [player_tooltip player_id='359056' first='Emerson' last='Johnson'], Senior Guard - "A 1st Team All-District player last year, Emerson averaged 17 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals per game. She will be a cornerstone of our offense, not only as a scorer but also as a leader in orchestrating our plays. With her high basketball IQ, we are confident Emerson will have another standout season."   Valerie Mendoza, Junior Guard - "A 2nd Team All-District selection last season, Valerie contributed 9 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals per game. Known for her exceptional defense, she is one of the region's top defenders, with quick hands and excellent court awareness. While she sets the tone defensively, we're excited to see her step into a larger offensive role this year."   Summer Steinhaus, Senior Forward - "Summer averaged 5.5 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals per game last season. A versatile player, she can battle in the post or defend on the perimeter. She has a solid shooting touch but will need to work on reducing fouls to maximize her impact on the court. With that adjustment, Summer is poised for a significant senior season."   PGHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?   "Freshmen Paislee Erbes and Reese Hosford have the potential to contribute at the varsity level as the season progresses. Their ability to adapt, understand their roles, and build chemistry with the older players will be key factors. We're excited to see them excel during the JV season and look forward to the possibility of them strengthening our bench by year's end."   PGHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounders?   "Depending on the matchup, we could have three excellent rebounders on the floor simultaneously. Seniors Sam Dotzenrod, Maria Jerdee, and Summer Steinhaus will lead the Warbirds on the boards. Their size, physicality, and aggressiveness will be critical on game days. Summer Steinhaus, who led the team in rebounds last season, will look to anchor our efforts again this year. Controlling the glass will be key to giving the Warbirds a competitive edge."   PGHD: What are your team goals this year?   "1. Achieve 15 wins. 2. Finish in the top 2 of the district. 3. Maintain a positive rebounding margin in every game. 4. Limit turnovers to 12–14 per game. 5. Achieve a free-throw shooting percentage of 70% or higher."   PGHD: Who will be your hardest worker?   "We may not have just one "hardest worker," but our goal is to get everyone to compete and give their best effort every day. That's what we want and expect from them."   PGHD: Who are some of the top teams & players in your Region?   "Maple River, Lamoure-L-M, EKM"   "[player_tooltip player_id='889645' first='Karleigh' last='Kadoun']-SC"   "[player_tooltip player_id='1048745' first='Violet' last='Richman']-Maple River"   "[player_tooltip player_id='316310' first='Alayna' last='Schmitt']-Richland"   "[player_tooltip player_id='359056' first='Emerson' last='Johnson']-Wyndmere-Lidgerwood"   PGHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "The Warbirds are gearing up for an exciting season, fueled by a strong returning core and the potential for key players to step into new roles that can take the team to the next level. Success this year will depend on building a well-rounded inside-outside game, staying healthy, and finding offensive balance while maintaining a commitment to solid team defense."   BEST OF LUCK TO THE WARBIRDS!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2024/04/PrepGirlsHoops-crop-2265x1487-1720721061.png?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-943269" /></figure>

Before we get too deep into this season, PGHD wanted to congratulate the MPCG Patriots on their State Championship last season!