Top Class A Players to Watch Heading into the Postseason: Part 3

This year in Class A boys basketball we have seen a boatload of top tier talent hit the hardwood. From lethal shooters, to high flyers, and dominate post players, there truly have been some exciting prospects to watch in North Dakota. In this article I will be listing more of the top players from the EDC and WDA to watch for as we near the postseason. 

Eastern Dakota Conference (Stats as of February 22nd, Tuesday)

James Hamilton James Hamilton 6'4" | SF Fargo South | 2024 State ND (Fargo South) 20.4ppg 11.3rpg FG Per. 52.3%

As only a sophomore for the Fargo South Bruins James Hamilton James Hamilton 6'4" | SF Fargo South | 2024 State ND has stepped it up big time. Not only is he top 5 in the EDC in scoring, but the forward also leads the entire conference in rebounding. James is just a guy that knows how to put the ball in the hoop efficiently, and he always seems to be in the right spot to snag a board. For Fargo South to have success in the playoffs Hamilton will have to be a key contributor. 

Paine Parks Paine Parks 6'3" | SG Grand Forks Red River | 2022 State ND (Grand Forks Red River) 16.7ppg 7.6rpg 2.4apg 

As a senior and a leader for the Red River RoughRiders, Paine Parks Paine Parks 6'3" | SG Grand Forks Red River | 2022 State ND has been a key factor to their success. The do it all point guard can score in a variety of ways, use his frame to rebound the ball, find open teammates, and he’s a brute force on defense. With his team on a roll as of late I’m sure Paine will step things up another notch as the playoffs begin. 

Carter Zeller Carter Zeller 6'6" | PF Fargo North | 2024 State ND (Fargo North) 15.1ppg 7.9rpg FG Per. 72.1%

When I think of the word efficiency the first player that comes to mind is Carter Zeller Carter Zeller 6'6" | PF Fargo North | 2024 State ND . The Fargo North sophomore has been leading the EDC in field goal percentage all season while scoring at a respectable rate. Positioning, using fundamentals, and being tough on the boards are all apart of Carter’s success, and the Spartans will need it all as the postseason begins. 

Western Dakota Association (Stats as of February 22nd, Tuesday)

Aaron Grubb Aaron Grubb 6'3" | PF Mandan | 2022 State ND (Mandan) 17.5ppg 8.7rpg 

For the Mandan Braves this season senior Aaron Grubb Aaron Grubb 6'3" | PF Mandan | 2022 State ND has produced well. Not only has the forward been a top scorer in the West but he’s been doing it at an efficient clip. Something that impressed me with Aaron was the ability to run the floor with his size and strength, not something you see all too often. He is also a reliable rebounder and someone who isn’t afraid to dive onto the court for a loose ball. When the playoffs roll around the Braves will gladly take Aarons production and hustle, because those two things win you games. 

Anthony Doppler Anthony Doppler 6'4" | SG Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND (Bismarck Century) 17.1ppg 7.7rpg 3.5apg 

Helping lead the Century Patriots to a successful regular season has been junior Anthony Doppler Anthony Doppler 6'4" | SG Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND . This Bismarck guard can do it all on the court. Whether its finishing with both hands, pulling up in the midrange, hitting a shot from deep, making a great pass, or showing off his tight handles, Doppler has a deep bag. With the talent that this kid possess, and the team that Century has got, I believe that they will be successful in the playoffs.