Kari Gibb/MDN Minot High senior Aric Winczewski (20) passes the ball out after driving to collapse the defenders. The Magicians hosted the West Fargo Packers in the opening game of the 2024-2025 basketball season on Friday at Minot High.

The West Fargo Packers had received preseason votes for the top ten rankings of the Class AA basketball classification. They ran into the preseason top ranked Magicians in Minot and were sent back to the drawing boards after suffering the 73-50 loss at Minot High.

The feisty West Fargo boys did not look intimidated by the top ranking bestowed on the Magicians. Being tough and competitive is helpful in basketball, but not as helpful as hitting baskets.

The Magicians played stingy defense with steals and blocked shots. The Packers were in foul trouble long before the teams broke for the half and Minot High spent time at the freethrow line in abundance.

“We defended really well tonight but we still have a long way to go,” said Minot High head coach Dean Winczewski. “We were kinda clunky on offense and [will] need to do a better job of finding people. But it was a good way to start the season.”

The Magicians built a 38-30 lead for the half and had little trouble adding to that lead in the second half, outsourcing the Packers 35-20 down the stretch due to better shooting and that same tough defense shown in the first half.

West Fargo Sheyenne will visit the Magicians today at Minot High for the next test of the schedule for the top ranked Class AA team.