Minot North student-athletes faced a challenging slate of contests this week, taking on strong opponents across basketball and hockey. While several games ended in losses, individual performances and consistent effort highlighted the determination and leadership present throughout Sentinel athletics.
The Minot North girls’ basketball team fell to Mandan by a score of 60–82, but the game featured an amazing performance from Brynn Francis, who was recognized with the Isaac Award following the contest. Brynn has been a steady presence for the Sentinels all season, known for her relentless effort and physical play. She continues to compete at a high level, contributing on both ends of the floor and setting an example through her work ethic and composure.
On the February 10th girls’ basketball matchup against St. Mary’s, Minot North dropped a 73–85 loss in a hard-fought game. Senior leader Kinzy Welstad led the way for the Sentinels, earning the Isaac Award, which is an award given to the “star player” of each game. After scoring 23 points throughout the game, she provided consistent scoring while also directing her teammates and maintaining energy on the court. Her leadership remains a key component for Minot North as the team prepares for its next home matchup against Century on Tuesday.
The boys’ basketball team also saw action on the road in Mandan, where the Sentinels battled through a competitive game before falling 75–83. Jayce Wendt earned The Sentinel recognition after providing important minutes late in the game. He says, “We started off the game struggling and playing one on one basketball instead of team play. That made us struggle throughout the game making us down by 20 at half time. We came out in the second half strong and started playing more team basketball. This helped us cut the lead to only 8 points. I personally thought I played pretty decent team basketball, although I did not score, I had plenty of assists to my teammates and locked up defenders on defense. We did end up losing this game but me and my coaches are proud of us for getting better and finding the open teammate for the open shot.”
Wendt’s resilience and defensive effort helped keep Minot North within reach down the stretch, reflecting the depth and perseverance of the roster. The Sentinels will look to regroup as they return home to face St. Mary’s on Friday.
On February 3rd against Mandan, Minot North recorded a 62–74 loss, but TJ Hjelmstad was recognized with The Sentinel award for his performance. Hjelmstad’s hustle and efficient shooting stood out, providing a spark for the team and reinforcing the value of effort and execution regardless of the final score.
Outside of basketball, Minot United Hockey delivered a dominant performance against Mandan, earning an 8–1 victory. The team controlled the pace of play throughout the game, combining strong offensive pressure with disciplined defense to secure the decisive win.
Across all programs, Minot North athletes continue to demonstrate commitment, toughness, and pride while representing their school in a competitive winter season. With several upcoming home games on the schedule, the Sentinels will look to build on these performances as they move forward.
