Oakes, ND (NewsDakota.com) – It’s that time of year again. The weather is rapidly chilling, snow is in the forecast, and fall sports are entering the postseason. The District 5 Tournament begins today and the spots for the Region 3 Tournament are wide open. 7 teams enter only 4 will advance here’s a look at the contenders.

#1 (#9) EKM Rebels (6-0) vs bye

The EKM Rebels got themselves a bye after going undefeated in District 5 play. They only lost 2 sets in District play both to LaMoure-LM on Oct 3rd.

Last District Title: 2007 (As Edgeley-Kulm)

Last Region Title: 2006 (As Edgeley-Kulm)

Best State Finish: 6th (1990 as Edgeley)

Game 1 – #4 Carrington Cardinals (4-2) vs #5 Griggs-Midkota Titans (2-4) – 4:00 PM

The Cardinals found themselves in a 3 way tie with LaMoure-LM, who they beat, and Oakes, who they lost to. Since the Loboes had a better result against Oakes then them they get dropped to the #4 seed. Carrington has also been to a Region Tournament in either Region 3 or 4 since 2008.

The Titans had a tough season winning only 6 sets inside district play beating Ellendale and Barnes County North. With the 2 wins they get the #5 seed and will take on Carrington.

Winner gets to take on EKM in the semifinals. Loser gets a bye on Friday to play on Monday for a spot in the Region 3 Tournament.

Pervious Match-up: Oct 16th Carrington 3-0  GM (25-13, 25-10, 25-21)

Last District Title: Carrington (2021), Griggs-Midkota (Never)

Last Region Title: Carrington (2013-Region 4), Griggs-Midkota (2011 as Midkota-R4)

Best State Finish: Carrington (3rd-2013), Griggs–Midkota (3rd-2011 as Midkota)

Game 2 – #2 LaMoure-LM Loboes (4-2) vs #7 Barnes County North Bison (0-6) – 25 Mins after Game 1

The Loboes are once again a 1 or 2 seed inside of District 5. They have only missed the Region 3 tournament twice since 2002 (2008-09). They are once again set up well for a deep run in either State or the Region.

The Bison have had a tough season. They are 1-22 however they are a gritty bunch. They do not stop battling no matter what and when they were playing Oakes they were one solid run away from forcing set 4. They are not to be overlooked.

The winner will play the winner of Game 3 while whoever loses will play the loser of game 3.

Previous Match-Up: Oct 17th LLM 3-0 BCN (25-11, 25-17, 25-16)

Last District Title: LaMoure-LM (2022), BCN (Never)

Last Region Title: LaMoure-LM (2017), BCN (Never- Best Finish: Quarterfinals-2004, 07, 10, 16, 18)

Best State Finish: LaMoure-LM (3 Time Champs 2015, 16, 17), BCN (N/A)

Game 3 – #3 Oakes Tornadoes (4-2) vs #6 Ellendale Cardinals (1-5) – 25 Mins after Game 2

The Tornadoes were the runner ups last year and have struggled at times this season after losing back to back games in LaMoure and Edgeley. They have been really good and also struggled at times throughout the season. They have the peices to go far though.

The Cardinals are a team who’s District record does not match their actual record in the slightest. 1-5 in District play while 12-15 in Overall play. They had a tough end of season schedule taking on several Top 10 teams to end the season (Linton, Edgeley, and Wyndmere-Lidgerwood). They too are a team not to be overlooked as they played those teams well. They are hungry to make it back to the Region 3 tournament.

The winner will take on the winner of game two while the loser plays the loser of game 2 in an elimination game.

Previous Match-Up: Sept 19th Oakes 3-0 Ellendale (25-15, 26-24, 25-21)

Last District Title: Oakes (2019), Ellendale (2012)

Last Region Title: Oakes (2019), Ellendale (2005)

Best State Finish: Oakes (2nd – 2018, 19), Ellendale (6th- 2005)

Coverage begins each day, Thursday, Friday, and Monday at 3:45 on KDDR The Tornado and 98.3 Thunder Country.