Dickinson High coach Jay Schobinger doesn't like telling teams no when they ask to be a part of the Dickinson High Invitational, the Midgets' annual volleyball tournament.
"It seems like every year, we have to turn teams away," Schobinger said.
The action starts on Friday in the new 32-team format, cut down from 36 teams.
"Last year, we played it at four (facilities). It's tough to manage," Schobinger said. "We're playing it now at three facilities."
Teams from Fargo to Rapid City, S.D., to Billings, Mont., are expected to participate.
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"Those are the corners," Schobinger said. "It's a good draw. There's a three-game guarantee on Friday, They're going to play a third set, regardless and they're all to 25 so you know you're going to get some playing time.
"On Saturday, teams are broken down into three tournaments and they'll all get to play evenly matched teams."
The Midgets are coming off a tough 3-2 road loss to Bismarck High, Class A's state runner-up a year ago. Dickinson made some mistakes in the fifth game on Tuesday and lost 15-13 after holding a 2-1 game lead.
"We were disappointed because we had the opportunity to get a big conference win," Schobinger said. "This group plays hard. We need to take care of a few, little fundamental things, but we're a pretty good volleyball team."
Class A showdown this weekend
The top two-ranked teams in Class A football will battle on Friday.
Top-ranked Watford City travels to Hazen for a game in which the winner could have a leg up in the race for the Region 4 title and top seed.
"Whoever wins this one is probably in the driver's seat as far as the region crown (goes)," Hazen coach Rick Philion said.
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Hazen has cruised to a 4-0 record, allowing just two touchdowns in four games -- both to Heart River. The Bison are fresh off a 35-0 victory over New Salem-Glen Ullin, their second straight shutout.
"The defense is playing really well. We've shut three opponents out," Philion said.
Watford City, the defending AA champion, doesn't know what giving up a touchdown is like; the Wolves have only allowed a Killdeer field goal the entire season, shutting out their last three opponents. They've outscored their opponents 175-3.
"Their defense looks very physical," Philion said. "Their offense looks good, but right now, their defense looks amazing."
Watford City has the tough task of trying to stop Hazen's dynamic duo. Seniors Brent Sorensen (QB) and Baylee Carr (HB) have piled on the yardage and TDs this season. Carr has eight TDs while Sorensen has scored six in the four games they've played.
"We're fortunate those two guys do happen to make a lot of plays," Philion said. "We're going to hope for some very good blocking on our part and that our guys can make some plays."
