Jay Ivey, Minot

My circumstances have put me in the position to watch and/or participate in Division 2 basketball at the highest levels consistently since the mid 1990s. This has included observing a variety of teams and conferences throughout the country and I have seen many national championship contenders and winners.

If you haven’t seen for yourself already, please believe when I tell you that the 2023-2024 Minot State Men’s Basketball team is exceptional this year and is having a really nice season so far. As a bonus, Coach Murken and his staff have assembled a roster that should resonate with fans with local 4-year talent, North Dakota and Montana junior college transfers and international talent. They have depth, solid and consistent contributions from the front court and back court, and Coach Murken’s team has developed an identity and brand of energy, discipline and toughness.

The Minot State Dome is a great basketball venue and now that basketball season is really in full swing, I encourage people to get a hold of their schedule and get out to some games! They have 4 home games in January and 4 more in February. This team has potential to go deep in March and winning on the home court in January and February is an important part of making a magical March happen.