Thursday could determine the future of high school basketball in North Dakota.
A focus group that has been meeting for the past four months will present the North Dakota High School Activities Association with a proposal for a third hoops class in the state.
Since August, this group has received almost 75% approval from member schools who want to see a third class.
It will see Kindred, Central Cass, Thompson and Northern Class move from Class B to a newly formed Class A.
Major schools like West Fargo, West Fargo Sheyenne, Fargo Davies and Bismarck Century will be in class 2A.
The proposal also calls for private schools like Oak Grove, Minot Bishop Ryan and Shiloh Christian to leave Class B to join the new Class A.
This idea isn’t new, but in 16 years here, it’s the best proposal I’ve seen. The biggest difference from previous proposals is that small schools are on board.
In the past six years, we have had three repeat Class B champions. Hillsboro-Central Valley, Kindred, and Four Winds-Minnewaukan have won multiple Class B titles. All of these schools would progress under this proposal.
It’s time for North Dakota to think about the future. I know change is hard for this state, but the number of basketball players is going down.
North Dakota led the way by bringing the shot clock to Class B.
It’s time to lead again and move to three classes.
Michael Vosburg/The Forum
