Defending state champion Bismarck Century garnered eight of 10 first-place votes and earned the No. 1 spot in the West Region preseason coaches’ poll released on Thursday, Aug. 28. The Patriots are coming off their 10 state title and 11th consecutive West Region tournament championship.

Bismarck High and Bismarck Century received a first-place vote each and were No. 2 and No. 3 in the poll, respectively. Dickinson and Jamestown rounded out the top five.

Minot High, which is coming off one of its best seasons since 2007, came in at No. 6, followed by Minot North, which is coming off its inaugural season at the varsity level. Mandan, Bismarck St. Mary’s and Williston rounded out the poll.

The West Region has shrunk from 12 teams to 10 teams with Turtle Mountain and Watford City moving down to Class A this season, meaning that every team will play each other twice and there will be no double-counters.