Throughout a week packed with competition, Minot North athletes and competitors tested themselves in every arena imaginable, from rivalry courts to digital battlegrounds to the roar of the ice rink.
On February 10, beneath bright leis and splashes of island color, the girls’ basketball team hosted Century for Luau Night. As music echoed through the gym and students filled the stands, the atmosphere felt electric. Once the ball rose into the air, however, the celebration gave way to intensity. Although the Sentinels fell 64–91, the effort on the floor told a deeper story than the scoreboard revealed.
Stepping into critical minutes without hesitation, young underclassmen Jazzy Sweet and Macy Welstad embraced the moment. Diving headfirst for loose balls, fighting through contact under the rim, and contesting shots with relentless energy, they refused to let the pace slow. With every possession, they emptied the tank. While Century built separation on the scoreboard, Minot North built something equally important: trust, resilience, and proof that they are ready when called upon. In the kind of moments that define growth, they delivered.
The following night, against a physical Century squad, the boys battled through a 54–80 contest. From the opening whistle, the tempo demanded toughness. Anchoring the defensive end, Elijah Thomas pressured ball handlers and challenged shots possession after possession. Absorbing contact in the lane and powering through defenders for tough finishes, he fought for every opportunity. Even as the margin widened, the competitiveness never faded.
Dribbling over to February 14, the rivalry energy intensified against Minot High. In a hard-fought 52–72 matchup, Brady Vigested imposed his will on the boards. Crashing into rebounds, rotating quickly on defense, and matching physicality with physicality, he made his presence known. Throughout the game, his consistency set the tone for those around him.
Later that evening, returning to the court against Minot High, the girls faced another challenge, falling 56–97. Leading not just with words but with action, Kinzy Welstad once again demonstrated what leadership looks like in real time. Sprinting back in transition, communicating through defensive switches, and competing until the final buzzer, she modeled relentless effort. Night after night, she shows up. Play after play, she commits fully. Refusing to complain and refusing to coast, she continues shaping the identity of the program.
Beyond the basketball court, competition expanded into the digital world. Qualifying for state competition, Minot North E-Sports teams advanced in League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, and Marvel Rivals. In Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, the teams of Cloroxwipe with King W and E. Gadd earned their own state qualifications. Preparing strategies, reacting in split seconds, and executing under pressure, these players proved that focus and discipline extend far beyond traditional athletics.
Meanwhile, on February 12, momentum exploded on the ice. After trailing 2–1 late in the first period, Minot United hockey responded with force against the Bismarck High Demons. Surging forward in the second period, they poured in six goals. Continuing the attack in the third, they added four more to secure an 11–2 victory.
Fueling the offensive outburst, Oliver Thompson delivered a dominant multi-goal performance. Joining the scoring charge, Cole Richeson, Easton Bradley, Brady Grosz, Nolan Knowles, Quinn Killmer, and Tate Haugenoe each found the back of the net. Capitalizing on special teams opportunities, Minot United converted four of six power plays. Outshooting Bismarck 42–19 and controlling the pace from blue line to blue line, they dictated every shift.
Across courts, consoles, and sheets of ice, one theme remained constant: relentless heart. Whether diving across the floor, battling along the boards, or locking in behind a screen, the Sentinels competed with pride. And through every test, in every arena, they continued defining what it means to wear Sentinel Blue.
