Hall of Fame
The 1997-1998 men’s basketball team, which ultimately advanced to the elite eight in the NAIA national tournament , was memorable not only to Comet fans, but to three conference foes in particular. The Comets thrashed Valley City 100 to 50 in the regular season, beat Minot State by 45 in the conference semi-finals, and crushed Jamestown College by 50 in the conference finals.
The team had an overall record of 23-7 and a conference record of 11-1. Their season included a 17-game win streak. The team was ranked in the national polls throughout most of the season, reaching as high as No. 3 in the nation at one point. They were among the leaders in the nation for defensive points per game at 63. Paul Grove was the head coachand he was assisted by Tim Grove and student coaches Jay Jesperson and Aaron Fearne. The latter were outstanding players who had also played in the national tournament as Comets.
Head Coach Paul Grove was named the NDCAC men’s basketball Coach of the Year. Senior guard Doug Orvik and sophomore guard Aaron Thompson were both named to the NDCAC All-Conference basketball team.
