Class A Region 2 Predictions – Top 3

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1 - Thompson Tommies</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This Thompson team is loaded with talented guards. I have always been of the mindset that you win with great guard play. One area that will be a clear challenge for this team is rebounding. Their tallest returning letter-winner is 5'9 [player_tooltip player_id='1050950' first='Abigail' last='Olson']. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1050943' first='Jocelyn' last='Oster'] is another 5'8 returner who will be asked to increase their rebounding. All-State player [player_tooltip player_id='550491' first='Kya' last='Hurst'] is only 5'6 but averaged 8.4 rebounds per game last season. The Tommies need everyone to rebound like her. [player_tooltip player_id='342171' first='Addison' last='Sage'] is another All-State returning player and a D2 recruit. She is one of the best three-point shooters in the state. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id='1050947' first='Claire' last='Kolling'] rounds out the talented guard group. Staying healthy, playing with pace, and rebounding by committee will be keys for Thompson to win the region.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 - Devils Lake Firebirds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Devils Lake has done an excellent job the last few years after moving from AA to A. For many years they were at the top of the AA, but dropped off the last couple of seasons at that level. After a bit of a rebuild, the Firebirds are right back at the top. They play an intimidating full-court press defense. This style of play has been head coach Justin Klein's signature type of play for the past 13 seasons. They pressure the ball and try to force opponents into tough positions on the floor. This often creates deflections and steals that lead to easy scoring opportunities. The Firebirds have one of the best juniors in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='933650' first='Tylie' last='Brodina']. The All-State guard had a terrific offseason and is ready to continue dominating the Region. [player_tooltip player_id='469471' first='Presley' last='Brown'] is another All-Region returner and a reliable second scoring option. [player_tooltip player_id='469470' first='Mia' last='Elsperger'], Jenae Martinson, and [player_tooltip player_id='1220772' first='Ava' last='Beck'] are key players who will have expanded roles this season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3 - May-Port-C-G</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>I think the Patriots are as talented a group as Region 1 has to offer and it wouldn't surprise me if they are able to make it to the state tournament. Coach Konschak is entering his 4th season and will have one of his best teams yet. They could have three All-Region selections this year. [player_tooltip player_id='1105984' first='Kiaza' last='Carlson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1105980' first='Jordyn' last='Carpenter'] should be locks to make the All-Region team. [player_tooltip player_id='1217393' first='Hudson' last='Zerface'] is the third player that I think can make the team. Carlson and Carpenter are scoring machines who are also very active defensively. Zerface is a terrific third option and can score double figures any given night. Junior [player_tooltip player_id='1251654' first='Paetyn' last='Strand'] is a true 6'1 and excellent screener and rebound. Kyle Kroeplin, Zoey Mehus, and Ella Flaten are excellent role player and round out this talented roster.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->