The First Five: South Dakota Attack
South Dakota Attack has earned the right to be called the top 16U squad in the PHD area so far. So what prospects do they have? Our “First Five” look runs through it.
The Prep Hoops thoughts on five of the South Dakota players as prospects.
Noah Freidel (6-4 wing from Tea Area). First off, Noah is a definite division two scholarship talent. He’s the type of scorer at the 16U level that had one of the best teams in the Midwest game planning for him and he still found a way to score 24 points with defenders all over him. The thing that stands out about Noah initially isn’t just his shooting touch but he has a unique ability to hit contested shots with range. Feet set or using a dribble to get into space and lift on balance Noah is able to get a clean look at the rim even when you don’t think he can. Good frame, great skill, Noah is able to handle the ball often too and teams have to guard him with a bigger player because you need length in his face. The next question is can he play at the division one level? I think he is worth the look and in time that question will be answered.
Sawyer Schultz (6-3 point guard from Bridgewater-Emery). Sawyer is a proven winner. He is the PG on the best high school team in South Dakota last year (Class B)and he’s the PG on the best 16U AAU team in South Dakota (also proving to be one of the best in the Midwest). What makes Sawyer this type of player? In my viewings I first love the competitive mentality he takes to the floor. This is a guy with heart who simply loves to fight and has the confidence to compete with just about anyone. Last weekend in Iowa he took over a competitive game with his transition push and his ability to beat the initial defender off a quick first step. Sawyer also did a great job attacking off a reversal, getting deep, and then zipping to a cutter or kicking to the corner. His ability to see plays develop is unique and it allows him to be a player that others love to compete with. Sawyer is taller than I thought but thin. When he adds some core strength and can stay on balance against more physical players he will be even better. D2 level point guard? Yes.
Drew Cole (6-5 power forward from Brookings). Drew has a good frame and length at the four position, he plays with activity. Defensively he’s agile enough to play the way schools want a four man to play: moves his feet well laterally to get out in front of guards on screens and he uses his feel to do a great job sliding over in help getting into position to cut off attacks. Very good off the ball player getting putbacks, running the floor to complete plays, and he does a really good job of cutting off the ball to catch and complete creations from guards/wings. What level of player can he be? All depends on the skills that he develops the next 24 months.
Mitchell Goodbary (6-4 power forward from Sioux Falls Christian). At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds with a well built frame Mitchell competes with a physical approach. Good tight end and linebacker on the football field Goodbary has the lateral ability and the physical size to be a good player at this level. He rebounds really well because he can knock opponents off the ball and then go collect on the glass. When the ball comes off the rim he can out fight just about anyone at the 16U level. Kingdoom Hoops had a good 6-foot-6 prospect but Goodbary out-battled him regularly. What is Mitchell’s future as a hooper? Tough to know. Depends on the skill development if that is something he is working towards. Really good football player too.
Camden Bialas (6-7 center from Parker High). With Camden it’s all about potential. He is a long 6-foot-7 and has the look of a guy that could grow even more. As a lefty he is even more interesting because guys aren’t prepared to defend players in that way. Bialas has a lot of size to add and needs to keep developing with back the basket and facing up, but the potential is there. Few guys have his physical gifts and when he turns the corner on the development many schools that give scholarships will come calling. Led his team to state, was an all state honored player at Class B level, put up solid numbers all year long, and will consistently have a chance to play and develop at Parker. Future looks bright.