Class A Region 1 Predictions – Sleeper Squads

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wahpeton Huskies</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Wahpeton Huskies graduated some key pieces last season but return a handful of very talented players. The thing that might be holding the Huskies back this season is their top few players are super young. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1060622' first='Claire' last='Woods'] should be a force down-low this season and has shown consistent improvement the past two years. I expect great things from her this season. Eighth grader [player_tooltip player_id='1177557' first='Piper' last='Nelson'] started last season as a 7th grader and had a great year. She went through some growing pains like most young players do and will be more consistent this year. Head Coach Brian Watson will be looking to fill in roles around these two players. It should create a great competitive environment for his squad. Claire Langenwalter, Cambri Mauch, Skylie Pulskamp, Gracie Falk, and [player_tooltip player_id='1124625' first='Julia' last='Dohman'] should all be battling for minutes this year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oak Grove Grovers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Grovers are going to be very competitive this season and could easily upset some of the top teams in the region. They have the ability to play an up-tempo style with some premier athletes. They might struggle around the glass, so defensive rebounding will be a key for them to win tight games. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1055586' first='Sophie' last='Geiger'] is an All-Region returner who scored a school record 39 points in a single game last season. She will be looking to follow up that impressive junior campaign with another All-Region type of year. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1246814' first='Payton' last='Hanson'] is their other key returner, coming off an impressive 8th grade season. She is very athletic and quick and sees the floor well. She will be critical to Oak Grove's success. Other players to keep an eye on include Aspyn Kjos, [player_tooltip player_id='1055587' first='Rachel' last='Christianson'], Taylor Uecker, and 6'2 [player_tooltip player_id='1055627' first='Carolyn' last='DeJong'].</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Northern Cass Jaguars</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Jaguars will have a new leader on the sideline with the hiring of Kolby Vander Wal. He will be looking to bring in a new-age of Northern Cass basketball without any players named Crockett. They will look a lot different without Jamestown College player Haidyn Crockett, but have a few players returning that will make them competitive. Senior [player_tooltip player_id='1212046' first='Tess' last='Jalbert'] is a pit-bull down low and has a tremendously strong base. I think she could be an All-Region player this season. [player_tooltip player_id='1058843' first='Kadence' last='Husar'] is a high quality prospect and only an 8th grader. She came on the scene last season as a 7th grader and had a lot of nice moments. I look for her to take big steps this season and next. Reese Laaveg and Carly Rider are two other returners who will have to take on bigger roles this season in order for the Jaguars to compete.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->