Defending champs Fargo North back in boys state title game after win over Minot in Division AA semifinals

BISMARCK — The defending state champion Fargo North Spartans now have a shot to go back-to-back as they punched their ticket to the North Dakota Division AA boys state basketball championship with a win over Minot Friday.

The East No. 2 North utilized offensive attacks from both the inside with Carter Zeller and outside with Jeremiah and Matthew Sem to bolster their lead over West No. 1 Minot on their way to the 81-58 semifinal win.

All three finished with more than 20 points with Zeller scoring 26, Jeremiah 22 and Matthew 20.

To North coach Travis Hoeg, the win might be the Spartans’ best game they’ve played in the 2023-24 season to date.

“For our 2023-24 season that is about as perfect as we’ve played a game in both halves,” Hoeg said. “My dudes were so efficient statistically tonight, it’s just unbelievable. Our number one thing was to limit Minot’s offensive rebounds. That’s how they kill teams.

“And we only allowed nine offensive rebounds tonight. That’s a huge part of why we were so successful.”

North went 35 of 60 from the field and eight for 20 on triples while Minot was 22 of 52 on field goals and five of 20 on threes.

In addition to his team-leading 26 points, North’s Zeller was also snagging rebounds finishing with nine, one away from a double-double.

“That’s one of my favorite things to do,” said Zeller of his rebounding. “Points are good and all but I like getting rebounds and setting the screens. I like being the big presence down there.”

As far as a chance to play for another state championship, Zeller is already looking forward to Saturday night’s tip.

“It’s great,” he said. “I’m real excited and we’re ready to go get it tomorrow.”

Like North, Minot also put three players in double figures scoring.

The Magicians’ Logan Conklin had 16, Payton Schell 14 and Aric Winczewski 12.

Minot coach Dean Winczewski felt North finishing early shots, hitting second half baskets and performing on defense were the biggest factors in the loss.

“They finished baskets around the rim early then made shots in the second half and we didn’t,” coach Winczewski said. “You have to give them credit for playing extremely well and shooting as well as they did and defending us. We didn’t take advantage of the chances we had. Unfortunately, that’s the way it goes sometimes.”

As far as one last chance to play together, the Magicians are going to give it their all in the third place game, added Winczewski.

“We get one more chance to be together as a family,” he said. “We just have to take advantage of it.”

North plays the winner of East No. 3 West Fargo Sheyenne and East No. 1 Fargo Davies, who they fell short against last week in the East Region championship game. Minot faces the loser.

“They’re two teams we’re very familiar with,” said Hoeg. “We split with Sheyenne and haven’t found an answer yet for Davies. We’re going to watch their game and get together as a coaching staff.

“It’s going to be a late night coming up with some different schemes. But, we’ll be ready. We’ll have our guys ready.”

And if the Spartans perform like they did Friday night?

“If my guys play like tonight,” said Hoeg. “I don’t know if there’s a team that can beat them if they play like tonight.”

Halftime: Fargo North 36, Minot 26

Fargo North — Zeller 26, J. Sem 22, M. Sem 20, Hannestad 3, Shilling 2, Busanga 2, Opheim 2, DeBoer 2, Haugo 2.

Minot — Conklin 16, Schell 14, Winczewski 12, Nelson 8, Jensen 3, Bedell 2, Schaeffer 2, Deaver 1.