North Star Bearcats Return to State Tournament After Gritty Win Over Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier

FARGO — The North Star Bearcats secured their spot in the 2026 Division B state tournament with a hard-fought 55-48 victory over the Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier (EKM) Rebels on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at the Sanford Health Athletic Complex in Fargo. The win marks a return to the state tournament for North Star after a previous appearance two years prior.

Second-Half Surge Propels North Star

While Hunter Hagler led the Bearcats with 21 points, the team’s scoring was initially paced by a trio of players – Hagler, Kade Mitchell, and Ian Westlind – in the first three quarters. A crucial contribution from Levi Borstad in the fourth quarter, with four key points, helped seal the win. Borstad scored on a fastbreak layup and a putback.

North Star head coach Jesse Vote emphasized the team’s improved performance in the second half. “We played better in the second half, it seemed like, and we got some stops. (Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier) made some 3s in the first half and they didn’t really hit any in the second half. We similarly guarded and we defended and we had a little better execution,” Vote said. He also highlighted the team’s strategy of focusing on getting the ball to Hagler.

Key Moments and Performances

The Bearcats took the lead early in the second half and maintained it for the remaining 16 minutes. Westlind opened the game with a 3-pointer, but it was Hagler’s consistent scoring and the team’s defensive adjustments that proved decisive.

Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier started strong, with Luke Nitschke scoring seven points in the first quarter and Brogan Young contributing two key three-point plays for a total of nine points in the first half. Young hit three 3-pointers in the first half, including two in a quieter second quarter.

A late push from the Rebels in the fourth quarter, led by Drew Nitschke’s back-to-back baskets, brought the score within two points (44-42), but North Star responded with an 11-6 run to close out the game.

Looking Ahead

With this victory, North Star advances to the 2026 NDHSAA Division B Boys Basketball State Tournament, set to be held at the Minot State Dome. Coach Vote expressed his excitement for his players, many of whom were in the shadows during the team’s previous state tournament run. “It’s amazing. These guys were kind of in the shadows the year we went (to state). It’s their turn and I’m so happy for them. To see the smiles on their faces is priceless,” Vote said.