Final Version: Fresh Faces

This is our last article on fresh faces and new names on varsity. These players are new to varsity, will play an increased role, and/or we think they are up for a big season. Once again, we have players from North Dakota and South Dakota included.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/06/ImpressivePlayers.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2022/06/ImpressivePlayers.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1487735" width="260" height="162"/></a></figure>   FRESH FACES   [player_tooltip player_id='1186854' first='Aidan' last='O'Brien'] (2024) |5'11 SG| Beulah   He missed all of last season with an injury but will likely be one of the top players on this Beulah team. Aidan is an athletic kid who will be the Miner's best defender. He is good off the dribble and he can get to the rim & finish. It may take him a bit to get back to the speed of things after missing last season. However, O'Brien worked hard this summer to help make sure that he is ready.   [player_tooltip player_id='1876892' first='Aiden' last='Barfuss'] (2024) |6'4 G| Winner   He is an energy guy that played hard and defended very well off the bench last year as a sophomore. This year, Barfuss will be asked to take on more of a scoring load by getting to the rim and hitting some outside shots for the Warriors. He will be asked to be more consistent on the offensive and defensive glass as well. Winner is going to win many games this winter and Aiden will play a big part in those W's.   [player_tooltip player_id='1563482' first='Aiden' last='Bobzin'] (2025) |5'9 PG| Centerville   As a freshman, he was the backup 1 & 2 guard. As a 9th grader, Bobzin averaged 4 ppg and 1.5 apg. The Tornadoes lost their PG, so Aiden's growth into that spot will be critical for Centerville this season. Aiden is a skilled player that shoots it well, is a smooth passer, and has nice handles. He will be a high quality player this season for the Tornadoes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1355919' first='Bennett' last='Larson'] (2026) |6'6 PF| Beulah   He played some minutes last season but will play a much bigger role this season as a 9th grader. Bennett will be a force at both ends of the floor. He is a very good defender & rebounder. Larson plays with a very high motor, offensively he is a little raw but as he continues to develop he will only get better and will be tough for teams to handle. I am guessing that some nights the Miner offense will run through him and he will be the anchor on the defensive end for Beulah.   [player_tooltip player_id='1563464' first='Brayden' last='Thomas'] (2025) |6'2 F| Four Winds/Minnewaukan   They won State last season and will be looking for 2 new starters, Thomas will be in the running for a starting spot. He is long, lanky, a lefty, and they are excited about his potential at 4Winds. Look for Thomas to mainly play inside at the 4-spot. I am excited to see Brayden play this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1355920' first='Braylen' last='Schirado'] (2026) |5'10 SG| Beulah   He is another up-and-comer for the Miners. Schirado's role will be as a shooter and a bucket-getter when given space as a 2 or 3 guard. He will be able to play some point for the Miners as well. Physically, it might take him a little time to adjust to the varsity level. But do not let that fool you, Schirado has a very bright future for the Miners.   Carter Schmeichel (2023) |6'1 G| West Central   He has seen off and on varsity minutes the last two seasons, but has battled through injuries and played behind many seniors both years. This season is finally his turn to take the reigns and lead the team! Carter is a very athletic player who will play a lot of PG and 2-guard for the Trojans. He is very good on defense both on and off the ball. On offense, it's like Carter sees things before they happen. He is a very good passer and can attack the basket off the bounce at will.   [player_tooltip player_id='1180870' first='Grayson' last='Ohmann'] (2024) |5'11 G| North Border   He should see a fair amount of court time this year after being the 1st or 2nd guy off the bench most nights last year. Grayson is a high-motor guy with a nice ability to get to the rim offensively. He has a knack for rebounding even though he's not big, and he's a solid defender. Ohmann will have a good chance to fill that 4th or 5th spot in the Eagle starting lineup. North Border is going to be one of the best in Class B and Grayson will be a key piece of the puzzle for the Eagles.   [player_tooltip player_id='1315310' first='Jovi' last='Wolf'] (2024) |5'9 G| Chester Area   He is a two-time All-State football player, and State Track star with many impressive accolades. In hoops, Wolf has been a varsity member since his freshman year and came off the bench both as a freshman and sophomore in a 6th man role in addition to multiple starts to fill in throughout that time. Last year he was heavily involved in the Flyer offense & defense and came off the bench quickly, he would typically log 25+ minutes a game. Last year, Jovi averaged 10.0ppg, 3.7rpg, 1.1apg, and 1.2 spg. He is fast and athletic. Early in his career, Wolf was a slasher with a good mid-range jumper. This past season, he began working on his outside game and developed as a three-point threat as well. Along with 8 seniors, he helped lead the Flyers on a playoff run that ended in the SoDak 16 to eventual Champion De Smet. With those seniors graduating he will take on an even more expanded role and become the primary focus on Chester's offense and defensive schemes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1563465' first='Keyshawn' last='St. Pierre'] (2024) |5'7 G| Four Winds/Minnewaukan   The Indians have two starting spots open, and Keyshawn will have a chance to start for this talented team. He saw some varsity time last season in a limited role. Expect him to rebound off that experience and to come into the season full of confidence. Keyshawn is a pesky and frustrating defender. He will mainly play the 2-spot on offense. He will be flying around all over the court, making plays on defense. He is also an opportunistic scoring threat.   Kylon Keja (2024) |5'10 G| Four Winds/Minnewaukan   They bring back 3 starters and will be looking for 2 new starters, Kylon is a potential starter. He is a very physical basketball player. Keja his a streaky 3-point shooter, he can get rolling and fill it up. He knows the game well, Kylon is a very smart hooper. Keja comes from a basketball family and he will be ready for whatever role he is put into this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1363917' first='Marial' last='Deng'] (2026) |6'2 SG| Four Winds/Minnewaukan   He is an exciting young prospect, if Deng plays well early in the season, he will have a chance to crack the starting lineup. He is an intriguing athlete, that is for sure. Deng shoots the 3-ball well for his age. He is mainly a wing player that will run the 2 & 3 spots. It will be interesting to see how he fits in this season. I expect him to be a fun player to watch in the open court & in transition. We will see what the youngster can bring to the table this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1411283' first='Thane' last='Beheler'] (2024) |6'4 SF| Standing Rock   He transferred across the border from Mobridge-Pollock to Standing Rock. His overall game improved quite a bit in the last year. He plays the game with a good head on his shoulder. Beheler is a nice athlete and a productive rebounder. Standing Rock lost some talented players, Thane should step right in and be an impact player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1144977' first='Trace' last='Beauchamp'] (2024) |6'2 G| Beulah   He started for the Miners most of the last year and he will likely be the top player for Beulah this season. Trace has grown in height this past year and has become physically stronger as well. He had a very good summer and you could see right from the beginning of summer league that he looked to be Beulah's go-to guy. He was much more aggressive offensively, physically he finishes well around the basket and has improved his jump shot off the dribble. I think he will have an outstanding year for the Miners.   [player_tooltip player_id='1185124' first='Wade' last='Nestell'] (2024) |5'10 G| Four Winds/Minnewaukan   He was a key role player last year for the 27-0 State Champions. Wade will have a good chance to start this season for this talented team from 4Winds. He can run the PG spot or play on the wing. Nestell has quick hands and feet which make him an excellent defender. With the seniors graduating and more shots to go around, Wade will likely have a big season. He will certainly get the job done on the defensive side of the ball.

This is our last article on fresh faces and new names on varsity. These players are new to varsity, will play an increased role, and/or we think they are up for a big season. Once again, we have players from North Dakota and South Dakota included.