Ariana had an exceptional season. I was really impressed with her ability to come into a starting role while teammate Maggie Fricke Maggie Fricke 5'8" | PG Minot | 2026 State ND recovered from an injury. What was even more impressive was her ability to adjust to Fricke returning to the lineup and continuing to positively impact winning. Ariana was an outstanding on-ball defender and very difficult to get past. She was a good facilitator and ball-handler and could be counted on to make great decisions with the rock. She finished her senior season averaging 5.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game.

Rood has had to step into a starting point guard role with the absence of Division 1 recruit and teammate Maggie Fricke Maggie Fricke 5'8" | PG Minot | 2026 State ND being unavailable for the first part of this season. Ariana has played really well in her expanded role. She plays extremely hard and is one of the toughest players on the floor, despite her 5’2 frame. She gets into opponents and turns them defensively. She doesn’t force shots and is effective when she does choose to shoot. She is passing the ball exceptionally well this season, currently averaging 5 assists per game.

Ariana was a key reserve on a very good Minot team. She had her role expanded this season due to two teammates suffering season-ending injuries. She is a quick guard who makes great decisions with the ball. She is a tough-nosed competitor and plays great defense. She had a great +/- ranking of +258. She was a reliable reserve and someone Coach Schwartz could always count on.