Some players would argue that receiving a first-round bye isn't always a good thing, but Dickinson Trinity senior Jordan Selinger feels it benefits the Titans.
"In the postseason, it's important for you to play as few as games as possible," Selinger said. "You want to play as few as possible so you have fresh legs, instead of having to come off Friday and play right away Saturday."
The District 14 boys basketball tournament starts at 6 tonight at the Knights of Columbus Activities Center and most of the Titans will probably spend the evening in the stands. Fifth-ranked Trinity (17-2) earned a bye in the quarterfinals by capturing the No. 1 seed. Second-seeded Hazen (13-6) also receives a bye.
"All six teams (in the district) ... are able to put together some good games," Selinger said. "We're not going to take anything for granted. Just to get out of it (and into regionals) is going to be tough."
The tournament starts fourth-seeded Richardton-Taylor taking on Killdeer (5-14), which picked up the No. 5 seed. Beulah (No. 3) and Glen Ullin-Hebron (No. 6) play the late game, scheduled to start around 7:30 p.m.
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Richardton-Taylor coach Dan Glasser said his team hopes to make up for what they feel was a disappointing regular season.
"I would say if you ask any of these seniors, (they would say) this season has been a disappointment," Glasser said. "Because of the expectations they had for themselves ... they're looking for a chance (at) redemption."
The Raiders have played close games with teams like top-ranked and unbeaten Linton, but carry an 11-8 record into the district tournament.
"There have been a lot of bumps in the road to say the least," Glasser said.
Glasser said he believes a tough schedule that included games against Bowman County, Dickinson Trinity (twice) and Shiloh Christian can only help them.
"Our record might be a little (deceiving)," Glasser said. "They say playing tougher teams helps you get ready for the postseason. We're hoping that will show as the postseason starts."
The first step is getting completely healthy and Glasser said the Raiders are almost there. Seniors Jadon Messer and Dylan Messer both battled ankle injuries, but "should be 100 percent."
Though the Raiders may be eager to avenge losses to Trinity and Hazen, Glasser said getting past Killdeer could prove to be a tough task in itself.
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"We have not taken one look at Trinity this whole week ... we're worried about Killdeer," Glasser said. "We're going to do everything we can not to overlook them. They have a lot of athletes."
District 14 Tournament
At Knights of Columbus Activities Center
Games today
Quarterfinals
1) No. 4 Richardton-Taylor vs. No. 5 Killdeer, 6 p.m.
2) No. 3 Beulah vs. No. 6 Glen Ullin-Hebron, 7:30 p.m.
Games Saturday
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Semifinals
3) No. 1 Dickinson Trinity vs. Game 1 winner, 6 p.m.
4) No. 2 Hazen vs. Game 2 winner, 7:30 p.m.
Games Monday
Regional qualifier: Game 1 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 4:30 p.m.
Regional qualifier: Game 2 loser vs. Game 3 loser, 6 p.m.
Championship: Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner, 7:30 p.m.
