North Dakota Class A Aces

Ben Strahm, West Fargo

Demitry Zafra, Minot

Nathan Dinga, Bismarck

Colin Hennessy, Grand Forks Red River

Kole Bauer, Bismarck

We're coming down to the final week of the season and it's just as unpredictable as it was when the season started. The teams that are going to make a deep playoff push are the ones with an ACE on the pitching staff. Here's a short list of some of the hurlers that could make some postseason noise in Class A. Demitry Zafra of Minot  has come into his own over his last few starts. He's cut back on his velocity but increased his control. The result has been an outstanding May for the senior. Parker Harm has been one of the best pitchers all season long. Despite Mandan's losing record if Harm's on the mound the Braves have a chance to win. Luke Heruf of Dickinson has a minute 0.76 ERA on his team leading 18 innings pitched this spring. He's one of the reasons Dickinson currently leads the WDA. Kole Bauer and Nathan Dinga have both been strong for Bismarck. Bauer has pitched a no-hitter and Dinga is the ace of the staff. Bismarck should be tough to beat with such good pitching at the top of their rotation.

The best pitchers in the state may be on the east side of the state. Ian Schultz has been outstanding, he gave up his first earned run of the year during a no-hitter against Wahpeton this week. His 0.27 ERA is sparkling and he's K'd 31 in 26 innings so far. Ben Strahm threw a no-hitter in his first varsity start less than a month ago and has been stellar ever since. The West Fargo pitcher could be a difference maker in the post-season. Colin Hennessy of Grand Forks Red River keeps the Rough Riders in the playoff picture. He's also thrown a no-no this year.

 

 

Power Rankings

ND Class A

1. West Fargo

2. Dickinson

3. Fargo North

4. Bismarck

5. Grand Forks Red River

 

ND Class B

1. Watford City

2. Bishop Ryan

3. Kidder County

4. Hazen

5. Thompson

 

ND Softball Class A

1. West Fargo

2. Bishop Ryan

3. Dickinson

4. Century

5. Valley City

 

SD Class A

1. SF Lincoln

2. SF Roosevelt

3. Brandon Valley

4. Pierre

5. Aberdeen

 

SD Class B

1. St. Thomas More

2. Parkston

3. Madison

4. Bon Homme

5. Garretson