BISMARCK, N.D. – The North Star Athletic Association announced their fourteenth edition of the 2024-25 Men's Basketball Players-of-the-Week Monday. Caden Grinde of Valley City State (N.D.) earned the Defense Player-of-the-Week honor. Brayden Pankonen of Dakota State (S.D.) was named the Offense Player-of-the-Week.

North Star Athletic Association Men's Basketball Player-of-the-Week – Defense
Caden Grinde – Valley City State (N.D.) – 6'4" – Junior – guard – Spring Grove, Minn. – Grinde averaged 6.0 defensive rebounds, 3.5 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game as Valley City State (N.D.) went 1-1 record.  He had six defensive rebounds, stole the ball four times, and added a block in VCSU's 66-65 victory over Bellevue (Neb.).  He followed up with six defensive rebounds, three steals, and a block in Vikings' 66-61 setback to Dakota State (S.D.).  For the week, Grinde totaled 12 defensive rebounds, seven steals, and two blocks.

North Star Athletic Association Men's Basketball Player-of-the-Week – Offense
Brayden Pankonen – Dakota State (S.D.) – 5'9" – Sophomore – guard – Dell Rapids, S.D. – Pankonen averaged 17.0 points and 2.0 assists per game as Dakota State (S.D.) went 2-0 record on the road in the North Star Athletic Association action.  He scored 19 points on his 6-of-11 from the 3-point line and added a free throw in Trojans' 70-67 victory at Mayville State (N.D.).  He also dished out three assists in the game.  He followed up with 15 points in DaSU's 66-61 victory at Valley City State (N.D.).  For the week, Pankonen totaled 34 points on his 12-of-25 field goals (48 percent) and made nine 3-pointers.  He also averaged 4.0 rebounds per game.

Recap from last week's games
The Vikings held off the Bruins by the score of 67-66 on Jan. 31.  The Comets also defeated BU 81-71 on Feb. 1.  Mayville State is 14-9 overall record and 5-5 NSAA conference record.  Bellevue is 12-11 overall record and 4-6 record in the conference, while Valley City State is 11-11 overall record and 2-8 NSAA conference record.

Dickinson State (N.D.) maintained their conference lead in the North Star Athletic Association men's basketball standings after holding off Jamestown (N.D.) 77-69 on Jan. 31 in Jamestown, N.D.  The Blue Hawks lifted their overall record to 14-8 and 9-1 NSAA conference record.  The Jimmies fell to 12-11 overall record and 7-3 NSAA conference record.  It was the lone North Star contest for the week for both teams.

Dakota State (S.D.) went 2-0 record for the weekend in North Dakota.  The Trojans edged Mayville State (N.D.) 70-67 on Jan. 31 and defeated Valley City State (N.D.) 66-61 on Feb. 1.  DaSU improved their overall record to 10-12 and 3-7 record in the North Star contests.

Looking Ahead This Week
The third-round robin of North Star Athletic Association action kicks off Friday evening as Dakota State (S.D.) visits Bellevue (Neb.) in their lone conference contest for the week.
Jamestown (N.D.) travels to Valley City State (N.D.), while Dickinson State (N.D.) heads to Mayville State (N.D.) on Friday night.  UJ and DiSU swap places on Saturday with UJ at MSU and DiSU at VCSU.

            Friday's Games
            Dakota State (S.D.) @ Bellevue (Neb.) – 7:30 p.m.
            Jamestown (N.D.) @ Valley City State (N.D.) – 7:30 p.m.
            Dickinson State (N.D.) @ Mayville State (N.D.) – 7:30 p.m.

               Saturday's Games
            Jamestown (N.D.) @ Mayville State (N.D.) – 5 p.m.
            Dickinson State (N.D.) @ Valley City State (N.D.) – 5 p.m.

NSAA Men's Basketball Conference Standings
 

School	Overall Record	NSAA Record	Games Behind	Streak
Dickinson State (N.D.)	14-8	9-1	----	Won 2
Jamestown (N.D.)	12-11	7-3	2.0	Lost 1
Mayville State (N.D.)	14-9	5-5	4.0	Won 1
Bellevue (Neb.)	12-11	4-6	5.0	Lost 3
Dakota State (S.D.)	10-12	3-7	6.0	Won 2
Valley City State (N.D.)	11-11	2-8	7.0	Lost 1