The Wahpeton Huskies basketball team is ranked No. 5 in the first North Dakota Associated Press Sportswriters and Sportscasters Association Division “A” poll of the season. The results, released Wednesday, are voted on by members of the NDAPSSA.
Kindred claimed the top spot, followed by Beaulah, Devils Lake, Four Winds-Minnewaukan and Wahpeton. Other teams receiving votes included Grafton, Central Cass, Shiloh Christian, Dickinson Trinity and Bottineau.
Wahpeton is led by the returning all-region backcourt of Brayden Steffens (Sr.) and Jack Gilbertson (So.). Gilbertson was seen on social media throwing down a two-hand dunk in a recent scrimmage vs. border rival Breckenridge. He’s coming off an all-conference football season at the quarterback position. Steffens resumes his role as the team’s leading scorer after leading the Huskies to state last season.
The Hankinson Pirates received the No. 4 ranking in the Division “B” poll. Our Redeemers took top honors, followed in the top five by North Border, Central McLean, Hankinson and Ray. Other teams receiving votes included New Rockford-Sheyenne, Oakes, Linton-HMB, Bishop Ryan and Midway-Minto.
Hankinson is led by returning senior RaeShaun Earl, who may compete for a Mr. Basketball nomination after averaging 20-plus points last season. He helped lead the Pirates to a state tournament appearance as dual-threat quarterback in football.
