Kari Gibb/MDN Minot High senior Aric Winczewski (20) led the Magicians with 15 points in the state qualifying game against Mandan on Saturday, March 8, in the 2025 West Region Tournament.

BISMARCK – The Minot High boys basketball team faced a harder path to the 2024-2025 NDHSAA Division AA Boys Basketball Tournament in Fargo this week. The Magicians would need a win in the state qualifying round of play on Saturday, March 8, in Bismarck to advance to the state tournament.

The Mandan faced the Minot High team with the winner moving on and the loser done for the year.

The Braves move on while the Magicians are done with the 77-65 win over Minot High.

Mandan jumped out to a solid 46-31 lead at the half and the Magicians had their hands full with closing the gap and chasing down the Braves. Despite outscoring Mandan 34-31 in the second half, it was not enough to close the gap for the win.

Mandan was led by Hudson Sheldon with 30 points and five rebounds. TJ Brownotter added 17 points and five rebounds as well in the win.

Aric Winczewski scored 15 points for Minot High while Fisher Johnson and Grayson Schaeffer each added 14 points. Schaeffer also added eight rebounds. Payton Schell scored 12 points and six rebounds in the contest.