Noteworthy Players: ND & SD

In this article, we are looking at players in the Dakotas that have stood out so far this season. These players deserve recognition and we advise you to get in the gym and check these guys out this season! <h3>Noteworthy Players</h3> <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/16-Alex-Dvorak-crop-2500x1642-1633285104.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1299773" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/16-Alex-Dvorak-crop-2500x1642-1633285104-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1050249" first="Alex" last="Dvorak"] (2023) |6-0 G| Dickinson He is one of the quickest and most creative guards in North Dakota. Dvorak is a better athlete than people give him credit for. His vertical is very impressive. Alex is excellent at creating his own shot and for others. His stats on the year are 21.2 ppg, 3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 5.3 spg. Dvorak is shooting a ridiculous 46.2% from 3-point land and he has knocked down 18 on the year! You will definitely want to watch this dynamic player this season! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/5-Brayden-Pankonen-crop-2500x1642-1633359858.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1300372" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/5-Brayden-Pankonen-crop-2500x1642-1633359858-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="963773" first="Brayden" last="Pankonen"] (2023) |5-9 G| Dell Rapids This quick lefty is putting up impressive numbers: 24 ppg 4 rpg 3 apg 3 spg. In the past he has mainly been a 3-point shooter, this year Pankonen is attacking the defense and getting to the rim early and often. Brayden is one of the best 3-point shooters in SD and now with him attacking off the bounce, he is a very hard guard. When teams have to worry about his shooting and slashing Pankonen can take what the defense gives him. Brayden is ultra-quick and he is an exciting player to watch. I highly recommend you watch this electric lefty play this winter! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1354889" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/12/carsonBB-crop-600x394-1640665252-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="1050248" first="Carson" last="Bartholomay"] (2023) |6-6 F| Enderlin He has been a standout this season. Carson is consistently producing with impressive numbers: 18.5 ppg. 5 rpg, 1.8 apg. Bartholomay is a tough matchup with his size, skill, and athleticism. He is playing inspired basketball and shooting the rock well. On defense, Carson is getting into passing lanes and forcing turnovers which produces offense on the other end. He is a matchup nightmare. When teams zone the Eagles, Carson can spread the floor and be a zone buster. Look out for this under-the-radar player, Bartholomay is a very nice player! [player_tooltip player_id="968217" first="Chase" last="LeBrun"] (2022) |6-6 G/F| Flandreau The Fliers are 3-1 on the season and they have 3 W’s in a row. A huge part of that is because of the Flier dynamic duo in Lunday and LeBrun. Chase has been impressive and he is averaging 15.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, and 3 apg. LeBrun is a high percentage shooter and he is an athletic player that will go up and slam dunk with 2 hands and authority. The Fliers are a scary team and a big part of that is because of LeBrun. <img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/13DarikDissette-300x200.jpg" /> [player_tooltip player_id="1050246" first="Darik" last="Dissette"] (2023) |6-4 G/F| Minot He was an All-State player as a sophomore and it looks like he is producing and impressing again this season. Darik has the Magicians off to a fine start to the season (4-1). Dissette is averaging 18.2 ppg, 8.2 rpg, and 1.8 spg. He is a gifted athlete that is great off the bounce, an elite cutter, and a physical finisher. Look for Dissette and the Magicians to be battling for one of the top spots in the WDA later this season. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/8-Elliot-Whitney-crop-2500x1642-1632856090.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1295215" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/8-Elliot-Whitney-crop-2500x1642-1632856090-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="963749" first="Elliot" last="Whitney"] (2023) |5-11 G| 2023 He has burst onto the varsity scene for the Patriots. Elliot has jumped right into varsity and he is thriving on the young season. On the year, Whitney is averaging 14.75 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, and 2 three-pointers a game. Elliot starts as the 2-guard and he has been creating and making plays for others. He dropped 10 assists in the first game of the season! Whitney has been the best guard and the go-to guy for the Patriots. They played a thrilling game last week against Jefferson and came up 2 points short. I expect Whitney to keep improving in every game as this is his first season playing varsity ball. The future is bright for Elliot. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/66-Ethan-Russell-crop-2500x1642-1634790262.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1312316" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/66-Ethan-Russell-crop-2500x1642-1634790262-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="963765" first="Ethan" last="Russell"] (2023) |6-6 F| Aberdeen Christian He and the Knights are off to a perfect 4-0 on the season. Aberdeen Christian has a huge game tonight against White River in the Hoops City Classic at the Corn Palace. After tonight we will have a better idea of how good the Knights really are. On the season, Ethan is averaging 15.5 ppg, 8.75 rpg, .8 apg, and 1.3 spg. Russell is a mismatch problem because of his height and his ability to score from all over the court. Make sure you tune in tonight to watch Ethan and the Knights. [player_tooltip player_id="1046359" first="Evan" last="Gross"] (2022) |6-3 G| Bismarck St. Mary’s He is having a great start to his senior season. Gross is averaging 18.3 ppg, 10 rpg, and 4.3 apg. Those are impressive numbers for a 6’3 guard to be averaging a double-double. Evan does the majority of his damage in the lane. Gross is excellent at getting downhill and slashing into the paint. Because of this, Gross gets to the line often. He is averaging 5.5 ft’s a game. Evan’s game-high for points this season is 24, which he had against Mandan. Gross has the Saints looking like one of the best teams in the WDA this season. [player_tooltip player_id="1138808" first="Houston" last="Davis"] (2023) |6-4 SF| Turtle Mountain Earlier this season Davis had a game for the ages. Houston dropped 40 points, 16 rebounds, 4 assists, 12/18 FG’s, 3/6 3FG’s, and 13/13 FT’s. On the year he is averaging 19 ppg, 10 rpg, 2.8 apg, and Davis is shooting an outstanding 42.4% from beyond the arc. Houston is a versatile player that can do work inside and out. He has old-school and crafty moves around the basket and he is a good athlete. Davis can stretch the floor when he gets a BIG on him and he can score around the basket if he gets a guard on him. This kid does nothing but produce on a nightly basis! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1354877" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/03/jaceflasher-crop-750x493-1640664282-300x197.png" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="1133050" first="Jace" last="Friesz"] (2022) |6-3 F| Flasher He was an All-State player last season and he is putting up big numbers again this year. The Bulldogs are undefeated on the year and ranked #8 in Class B. Friesz had 22 points yesterday in the opening round of the Mandan Holiday Tournament. Before yesterday’s game, Friesz was averaging 21.8 ppg, 12.5 rpg, and 5.3 apg. Jace has been in "attack-mode" all season and good things happen for the Bulldogs when they play through Friesz. Look out for the Bulldogs! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/54-Jaysen-Meeter-crop-2500x1642-1636690082.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1326485" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/54-Jaysen-Meeter-crop-2500x1642-1636690082-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1292992" first="Jaysen" last="Meeter"] (2022) |6-3 SG| Crazy Horse The Chiefs are off to a great start on the season and Jaysen is a big reason. Crazy Horse played their first 4 games of the season in the Lakota Nation Invitational and they made it to the Championship but came up a bit short. Meeter averaged 24 ppg in the LNI and he was named to the All-Tournament Team. So far on the year this talented, skilled, and crafty player is averaging 22 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 3 spg, and is shooting 50% FG and 40% 3FG. Make sure you take time to watch Jaysen, he is a gifted baller with great basketball sense. Good luck to Meeter and Crazy Horse! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/10-Malek-Wieker-crop-2500x1642-1633358306.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1300360" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/09/10-Malek-Wieker-crop-2500x1642-1633358306-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="963783" first="Malek" last="Wieker"] (2023) |6-0 PG| Aberdeen Christian He is one of the best guards in South Dakota. This lefty is also one of the top 3-point and pull-up shooters. Malek is averaging 18.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, and 5.5 apg. Wieker has refined skills and he is a playmaker. Malek and the Knights have a monster matchup tonight against White River at the Mitchell Corn Palace. All eyes from across South Dakota will be watching this heavy-weight matchup. This will be a great chance for Wieker to show off his game to a huge crowd. Make sure you are watching tonight! [caption id="attachment_1173626" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/klabo.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1173626" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/04/klabo-300x198.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="198" /></a> Photo: Kristi Ulrich Kristi Ulrich Photography[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="1169136" first="Mason" last="Klabo"] (2025) |6-0 G| Fargo Davies He is hands down the best freshman in North Dakota. Klabo was a standout last year as an 8th grader, this year he is looking like an All-State player. This youngster is putting up gaudy numbers in the EDC so far this season: 23.2 ppg, 5 rpg, 4 apg, 3.6 spg. Mason is not just skilled, he is athletic. Klabo has had impressive dunks this year that show off his hops and strength. Do not forget, Klabo can do much more than score. He creates for others, boards up, and forces turnovers. Klabo has a complete game and he is only in 9th grade! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/ryanlarsondunk-crop-856x562-1634478174.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1309785" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/10/ryanlarsondunk-crop-856x562-1634478174-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="1144483" first="Ryan" last="Larson"] (2024) |6-3 SF| Jamestown He is one of the best sophomores in North Dakota. Larson is a phenomenal athlete that is a fearless and powerful dunker. The youngster is the leading scorer for the Blue Jays. Ryan is averaging 12.6 ppg, 5.2 rpg, and 1.2 apg. He is also killing it from beyond the arc. Larson has ten made 3-pointers and he is shooting an insane 52.6% so far this year. Larson is a player you will want to see and I expect him to improve by leaps and bounds as the year progresses. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Tash-Lunday.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1241269" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/Tash-Lunday-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="812206" first="Tash" last="Lunday"] (2022) |6-5 F| Flandreau He and LeBrun are a dynamic duo for the Fliers. Lunday was an All-State player last season and if things keep going the way they are, Lunday will be All-State again this season. What he and the Fliers really want is to get into the State Tournament. This year Tash is putting up some crazy numbers. He is averaging 28 ppg, 12 rpg, 6.3 apg, and 2 spg. Lunday is a beast inside the arc but this year he has been handling the ball a ton and running the point at times. He really is a do-it-all player. Lunday is a must-watch player! <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/43TristanNielsen.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1077286" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2020/10/43TristanNielsen-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a> [player_tooltip player_id="968158" first="Tristan" last="Nielsen"] (2022) |6-1 G| Castlewood He is a sure-handed guard that does a nice job of valuing the basketball. On the year, Tristan is averaging 13.7 ppg, 5 rpg, 3 apg, 1.3 spg, and he is shooting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc. He is nailing four 3-pointers a game. He is a skilled player and Nielsen is also a leader on and off the court for the Warriors. Castlewood took a couple of tough early losses and Tristan has been great at keeping everyone’s head up and staying positive. Keep track of Nielsen, I expect his numbers to keep rising and for the Warriors to get things rolling after the Christmas break. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1354879" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/07/tysonE-crop-1125x739-1640664378-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="1050257" first="Tyson" last="Enget"] (2023) |5-11 PG| Powers Lake This star junior is putting on a clinic this year. Tyson is averaging 23.5 ppg 5.8 apg 9.8 rpg and 5.8 spg. Those types of rebounding numbers for a 5’11 PG are beyond impressive. Enget looks to be the most talented player in Region-8 and a top guard in Class B. Tyson and the Ranchers are Ranked #10 in the PHD Power Rankings. It seems like all they do is win. I expect Enget to keep doing his thing and to put on a show in every contest. Keep tabs on Tyson and the Ranchers!