Class AA WDA 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>1 - Minot Magicians </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>I am really hoping that Minot can stay healthy this season. One might wonder how have they only won one state title with talents like [player_tooltip player_id='379041' first='Leelee' last='Bell'] and [player_tooltip player_id='245114' first='Maggie' last='Fricke'] being varsity players for five seasons? The short answer is bad luck. Anyone who doesn't coach doesn't truly understand the luck involved in winning a tournament. Players need to stay healthy, matchups and upsets play a factor, game time and location, and the fact that basketball is a beautiful game that any given night either team can win. Minot was flagged with big-time injuries the last two seasons but will be back at the top with the returning of Fricke. Bell just committed to Oklahoma and is one of the top recruits in state history. [player_tooltip player_id='1053416' first='Eve' last='Knutson'] found herself on the All-WDA team last season and is a great complimentary piece. [player_tooltip player_id='760534' first='Kinley' last='Bartsch'] is one of the best shooters in the state. Young prospects [player_tooltip player_id='1053419' first='Everette' last='Deschamp'], [player_tooltip player_id='1152547' first='Mckenzie' last='Bachmeier'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1152503' first='Sisi' last='Stevick'] will ensure that Minot's success continues after this season. Minot has all the pieces to make another run at a state title if they can stay healthy.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 - Century Patriots</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Nate Welstad is easily one of the best coaches in the state. His effort last year leading his squad to a WDA Tournament Title and state championship appearance was incredible. The Patriots graduated a great player in Zoie Austin but return a ton of talent. They also bring in two freshman that have already received two Division 1 scholarship offers in [player_tooltip player_id='1312749' first='Kaylie' last='Welstad'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1312747' first='Kinley' last='Thorton']. [player_tooltip player_id='641207' first='Abby' last='Fosland'] is an All-WDA returning starter. She has college potential and is a really good player. [player_tooltip player_id='1056546' first='Olivia' last='Klimpel'] is another really talented player. The 5'10 forward had impressive numbers and in my opinion was a snub last season on the all-conference team. I expect her to make that list this season. Sprinkle in a couple of great role players like [player_tooltip player_id='1126159' first='Lakyn' last='Johnson'] and you have one really good team. This tough-nosed defensive squad knows how to win in March. It wouldn't be out of the question to see them atop of the WDA.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3 - Legacy Sabers </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Legacy is another team that has become synonymous with state tournament teams the last decade or so. Jim Petrik won the state title back in 2018 which jumpstarted the interest in his program. Each year they have enough pieces to be competitive and hardly ever get blown out in losses. They play an up-tempo game and like to press their opponents. Their trapping zone full-court press creates a ton of turnovers and easy scoring opportunities. They have the number 1 ranked player in the 2027 class in [player_tooltip player_id='892385' first='Marlee' last='Falcon']. She has received a ton of Division 1 offers and will have her pick of schools for when she is ready to make her college decision. Another player I am interested in watching is sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1132728' first='Sadie' last='Hollar']. The 6'3 post has good footwork and is a solid defender and rebounder. Sammie Watson is a junior that found herself in the rotation last season as a sophomore. Look for Legacy to make some noise in 25-26.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4 - [program_tooltip program_id='712656' first='Mandan' last=''] Braves</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mandan is looking forward to their second season in their brand new arena. One coach told me it's the best high school basketball facility he has ever been in. Mandan will also have a new look this season with a new head coach. I am excited to see how he puts his own stamp on the team. He has a talented crew that will be a favorite to make the state tournament this season. [player_tooltip player_id='625624' first='Sarah' last='Helderop'] is an All-WDA returning point guard. She is a savvy guard who makes great decisions with the rock. [player_tooltip player_id='969855' first='AnnaClaire' last='Bugbee'] is a terrific prospect at 6'1. She has received a lot of college attention this previous summer after a great AAU season. [player_tooltip player_id='1094023' first='Alli' last='Reiner'] is a brute at 6' and plays incredibly hard. She is a future All-WDA forward and college player. The frontcourt of the Braves will be difficult to score on. The Braves also have excellent role players in [player_tooltip player_id='625625' first='Mady' last='Schwind'] and [player_tooltip player_id='625626' first='Kimimila' last='McAllister'].</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->