A Playoff Preview
The 2026 North Dakota High School Activities Association Class A baseball tournament opens on May 28, gathering the state’s top high school teams for a single‑elimination battle that promises excitement from the first pitch.
The Minot High Magicians arrive as WDA Region champions after edging the Mandan Braves 5‑4 in a tightly contested final, a victory that underscored their resilience and depth.
Their next challenge will be a quarterfinal clash with the West Fargo Sheyenne Mustangs, a matchup that will be played last among the opening‑round games, adding a sense of anticipation for fans gathering at Corbett Field.
The tournament bracket also features the Bismarck High Demons, who closed the regular season with an 18‑8 record, and the Mandan Braves, who entered the WDA Tournament as underdogs with a 13‑14 slate.
Also competing are the Minot North Sentinels, the WDA’s highest‑ranked team, who will face the West Fargo Horace Hawks in their quarterfinal contest, ensuring a full slate of competitive baseball.
With quarterfinal games scheduled for Thursday and the Magicians slated to play their match last, the stage is set for a dramatic progression toward the championship series.