Beavers rally past Brandon in Watford City, connect with local youth
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The Minot State University women's basketball team overcame a slow shooting start and an early 15-point deficit to defeat Brandon University 78-70 last Saturday at the Rough Rider Center in Watford City, North Dakota.
After trailing by 15 points early in the second quarter, the Beavers found their rhythm and outscored the Brandon Bobcats by 23 points the rest of the way to secure the eight-point victory. Lara Dobbins led Minot State with 20 points, while Taryn Hamling added 17 points to help power the comeback.
While the win on the court was a highlight, the trip to Watford City offered the Beavers an opportunity to make a lasting impact off the court as well. The women's basketball team visited two Watford City elementary schools and the local middle school, engaging with students throughout the region and sharing their love of basketball.
Head coach Ryan Clark said the experience was meaningful for the entire team, both on and off the court.
"It was an awesome experience for our team to travel to Watford City! Our team really enjoyed visiting the elementary and middle schools and spending time with the kids. The basketball game was fun and exciting, with great energy from everyone in attendance. I want to thank the Rough Rider Center and the Watford City community for welcoming our teams and making us feel at home. We truly appreciate the hospitality and hope we can do it again soon!" Clark said.
For Beaver student-athlete Skotti Beck, the school visits were a particularly memorable part of the trip. The opportunity to connect with young students reinforced the influence college athletes can have beyond their own communities.
"Getting to play in Watford City and visit with the kids in the schools was such an amazing experience. It was awesome to see the support from all ages and be reminded that we have the opportunity to make an impact in communities beyond just our own hometown," Beck said.
The positive response extended beyond the team, with Rough Rider Center staff noting the value of the players' involvement with local youth.
Joshua Nollmeyer, assistant director of the Rough Rider Center, thanked Minot State for choosing Watford City as the host community for the weekend.
"I wanted to send a big thank you for choosing to call Watford City home this past weekend! Your entire group was incredible to work with, and it was an absolute pleasure having you all here at the Rough Rider Center," Nollmeyer said.
Nollmeyer emphasized that the team's time in local schools made a meaningful impression on students and families.
"It means a lot to us that you and your team took the time to invest in our youth and help inspire the next generation. I’ve already had a couple of conversations with parents who shared how much they appreciated your team’s involvement. Those are the things that make events like this so special," Nollmeyer said.
The Watford City trip is part of Minot State University Athletics' ongoing commitment to building relationships with communities throughout North Dakota. The MSU Athletic Department values opportunities like these because they provide student-athletes with experiences that extend beyond competition while strengthening connections between the university and the region it serves.
Last year, the Minot State men's basketball team played Montana State University Billings at Four Bears Casino in New Town, bringing college basketball to another regional community. The Beavers will return to New Town on November 27 at 3 p.m. to face Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College.
These regional competitions offer benefits for both the university and the communities that host them. Student-athletes gain opportunities to engage with young people, serve as positive role models, and experience the impact of representing Minot State beyond campus. At the same time, local communities have the chance to welcome college athletics, connect with university programs, and inspire the next generation of student-athletes.
For Minot State, these experiences are win-win opportunities. They provide meaningful experiences for student-athletes while helping strengthen the university's relationships with communities across the region.
The weekend in Watford City demonstrated that impact firsthand. The Beavers overcame a 15-point deficit to earn a 78-70 victory over Brandon University, but the relationships built with students, families, and community members made the trip about much more than the final score.
From the classroom to the basketball court, Minot State's visit highlighted the value of bringing college athletics into communities throughout North Dakota and the lasting connections that can grow from those experiences.