Hatton-Northwood Thunder

To help put a bow on the completed year of high school basketball, Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas (PGHD) is looking back at the season and talking all things Thunder! We are highlighting Hatton-Northwood! This squad had legit talent, a quality head coach, were ranked in the Top10 for much of the season, and they were one game away from going to the State Tournament. The Thunder deserve your attention!   See below for stats and a Q&A session....   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/SeasonReview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1215340" style="width:220px;height:auto" /></figure>   Head Coach: Tony Evenstad   Class: B   District: 4   Region: 2   Record: 19-7   Shout-out to [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'] on being selected 1st team All State!!   STATS   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/image_4cc153.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-1224280" style="width:974px;height:auto" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/image_1a6fc8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-1224282" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></figure>   With Coach Evenstad   PGHD: What can you tell use about your players?   "Our varsity players played well this year and exceeded many expectations. Playing in a tough District and Region we gave ourselves a shot at the end of the year to make the State Tournament. We were led by [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] in points and rebounds throughout the year. They were our go-to players when we needed a basket and or needed a big rebound, we could count on them to do that for us. Our strength was our ability to get the ball inside, whether it was a post-up or dribble drive."     PGHD: How would you sum up the season?   "This season was a very good season for our program. We set many program records throughout and saw some individual records set as well. It was our best season statistically and by finish in over 20 years."   PGHD: Do you have any fun memories you want to share with us?   "Some fun memories were our Minot trip early in the year, the team celebrating my 100th win as a coach, getting to coach a great group of kids."   PGHD: How did your team overcome adversity?   "Our team culture - We got back to what we are about and that is what helped us. They leaned on one another and trusted in each other to put in the hard work to make it happen."   PGHD: What are a few things your team improved on?   "I think our younger players played better and better with more confidence for us throughout the season. We only had 2 girls with varsity experience so that was good to see the experience everyone got and that helped them become more comfortable."   PGHD: Can you talk about your seniors?   "We had 2 seniors in Amy Draxton & [player_tooltip player_id='415426' first='Kennison' last='Azure']. Their leadership on and off the court will be missed. Kennison's overall game will be difficult to replace as she was selected SAOY at the District and Regional level. Amy's attitude and willingness to do what was needed for the team to succeed showed great leadership for the younger players."   PGHD: Who are some up-and-comers to look out for in the future?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1118767' first='Anika' last='Pinke'], Izzy Padilla, Natalie Naastad."   PGHD: Who was your best defensive player?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1118767' first='Anika' last='Pinke'] - She is an athletic player that can guard multiple positions. She is quick and can defend guards, but is also strong and has the size to defend in the post. She anticipated well and was able to get steals and stops. Also Izzy Padilla with her length, she has the ability to defend multiple positions as well. She is a great shot blocker and times it very good."   PGHD: Who was your interior player?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1106230' first='Elizabeth' last='Pinke'] - Her strength and ability to finish either side of the basket. She also has a nose for the ball and rebounded very well for us this year."   PGHD: Any last comments/thoughts on the season?   "It was a fun season for the program and was good to see the team bonding and succeed."   BEST OF LUCK TO THE THUNDER THIS OFFSEASON!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepgirlshoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/03/HNW-Varsity-GBB-crop-3646x2394-1743283592.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1224276" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: HNW GBB</figcaption></figure>

To help put a bow on the completed year of high school basketball, Prep Girls Hoops Dakotas (PGHD) is looking back at the season and talking all things Thunder! We are highlighting Hatton-Northwood! This squad had legit talent, a quality head coach, were ranked in the Top10 for much of the season, and they were one game away from going to the State Tournament. The Thunder deserve your attention!