MDN Photo Bishop Ryan senior Ramsey Waltz (42) in action as a junior during the 2023-2024 season signed with MSU this week to play basketball.

“I chose Minot State because I grew up going to Minot State games, and I like being close to my family,” said Bishop Ryan standout basketball player Ramsey Walt of his decision to join the Beavers. “[it’s] just having that hometown pride behind me is so special and means a lot to me. I have also had a great relationship with the coaches, and I have appreciated how much they have been there for me in my recruiting journey.”

Off to the best start in program history, the Minot State University (MSU) men’s basketball team is also looking to ensure future success as Beavers head coach Matt Murken is pleased to introduce a trio of high school seniors who have committed to play at MSU.

Signing an athletic aid agreement to begin their collegiate career as freshmen during the 2024-25 school year are guards Parker Falcon from Legacy High School and Drew Kempel from Century High School in Bismarck, North Dakota, along with forward Ramsey Walz from Bishop Ryan Catholic School here in Minot.

Walz is a 6-7 forward who also plays football and golf for the Lions and who was named to the All-State 2nd Team for basketball as a junior when he averaged 19.1 points and 10 rebounds per game and added 68 blocked shots. He also was named to the All-State Tournament Team and the All-Region 4 Tournament Team as a junior, eclipsed the 1,000-point mark in his career, and is a 2-time All-Region and All-District performer.

Academically, he has earned Highest Honors for every quarter in High School and maintains a 3.86 GPA. He plans to earn a double major at Minot State, studying Accounting and Finance.

Falcon is a 6-foot-6 guard for the Sabers who averaged 21 points and 6.3 rebounds per game as a junior. He plans to major in Business Management at MSU.

Falcon chose Minot State because of “the great coaching staff, great relationships, and they have my degree.”

Kempel is a 6-4 guard for the Patriots who was named to the Class AA All-WDA Team and the Class AA All-State Tournament Team as a junior when he averaged 13 points, 4 assists, and 6.3 rebounds per game. Academically he was named to the B Honor Roll and Sports Honor Roll, and he plans to major in Business at MSU.

Kempel chose MSU because he wants “to play basketball with previous teammates.” He adds “the coaches make the college feel special; I like Minot’s style of play and it’s close to home.”