Class AA EDC Predictions – Top 4

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em><strong><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/2026-rankings/">2026 Rankings - Click me!</a></strong></em></span> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/2027-rankings/"> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>2027 Rankings - Click me!</em></span></strong></a> <a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/2028-rankings/"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>2028 Rankings - Click me!</em></span></strong> </a> <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em><a href="https://prepgirlshoops.com/dakotas/rankings/north-dakota-rankings/2029-rankings/">2029 Rankings - Click me!</a></em></span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 - <em>Grand Forks Red River Rough Riders</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Rough Riders have been a consistent state tournament team for over a decade. Kent Ripplinger has done a great job of creating a winning culture and has had some really talented players throughout his tenure as head coach. Some key players throughout the years include current NDSU guard Jocie Schiller and University of Minnesota thrower Shelby Frank. Multiple college players have been developed through his program, which shows his ability to develop talent. The Rough Riders have a couple of key pieces back in 2025-2026 including All-EDC selection [player_tooltip player_id='1212045' first='Reese' last='Remz']. Remz was at the top of the leaderboard for multiple statistical categories last season. She is a menace defensively and deflects many passes in their patented 2-2-1 full-court zone press. Anchoring the press is fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='379035' first='Ella' last='Speidel']. Ella has been starting varsity since her 8th grade year and I think she will find herself on the All-EDC team this season. Red River's up-tempo style and press-game make them incredibly difficult to prepare for. They play with tremendous effort and enthusiasm. Look for them to make another appearance at the state tournament this season. </li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3 - Shanley Deacons</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Shanley might be the most talented team in the eastern part of the state. The key for them will be to find the right spots and rotations for all of those talented player while also keeping high school athletes happy with their role. This is a very challenging problem but a problem most coaches would prefer over having less talented players. I am confident Coach Maher will find the rotation as they did towards the end of last year, making a late state tournament run. Shanley has a lot of bigs including Division 1 recruits [player_tooltip player_id='641200' first='Megan' last='Dietz'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1004420' first='Rylee' last='Seavert']. They have a solid back-up post in [player_tooltip player_id='641199' first='Peace' last='Hakim']. Opponents will have a tough time getting to the basket with a front-court of that size and caliber. Eighth grade superstar [player_tooltip player_id='1126138' first='Jaya' last='Taylor'] makes her anticipated varsity return this season. She is a big-time player and big-time recruit and should be a lock for the All-EDC team this year. She should have a shot at landing a spot on an All-State team as well if the media does their job. [player_tooltip player_id='1048389' first='Addyson' last='Gust'] is another quality returning starter and a solid college prospect. No one will be able to look past the Deacons on their schedule this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 - Davies Eagles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Eagles are one of the best coached teams in the entire state. Matt Veit has done a great job of establishing his identity within his program. Pair that up with two of the best players in the state and you have a squad that will be tough to beat. [player_tooltip player_id='461314' first='Fallon' last='Passanante'] is an All-State caliber player and committed to Minnesota State University-Duluth, a premier D2 school. [player_tooltip player_id='629942' first='Quinn' last='Skari'] is the <em>Robin</em> to Fallon's <em>Batman</em> and is also a player I can see competing at the D2 level. Fallon is a true competitor and can score from anywhere. Skari is another great scoring option for the Eagles and is a tremendous defender. [player_tooltip player_id='1050540' first='Sierra' last='Reinke'] is a talented sophomore who is ready to take the next step. She is a super athletic player and is a future All-EDC player. [player_tooltip player_id='629944' first='Carter' last='Ford'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1130885' first='Brynn' last='Braaflat'] are two nice complimentary pieces to a talented squad. Davies weakness will be their depth. If they can stay healthy, look for them to make a run at the EDC regular season championship.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 - Horace Hawks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The defending state champions are my favorite to once again win the EDC. Brent Hintz has his squad in great shape for a repeat season where he guided his team to a 26-1 record, a regular season title, an EDC tournament title, and a state title in 2024-2025. Leading the way is all-star talent [player_tooltip player_id='555488' first='Lakyn' last='Donnelly']. The All-State player is a Division 1 recruit and will have her choice of schools that will give her a full-ride scholarship. Another D1 player is junior [player_tooltip player_id='555487' first='Jordan' last='Christofferson']. She is an outstanding player who is super athletic and powerful. She can be a mismatch nightmare at the next level. [player_tooltip player_id='1248245' first='Avery' last='Thomas'] is a 6'1 post who has been waiting her turn to play. She is a capable defender and rebounder and a valuable piece to her team. Junior sniper [player_tooltip player_id='1055443' first='Ava' last='Larson'] and sophomore point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1266589' first='Ali' last='Klooster'] are two more additional players to watch this season. The Hawks also have a handful of very talented underclassmen in their program. Horace is going to be tough for a very long time.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->