Fresh Faces on Varsity: Part 3

This is our 3rd and final article for fresh faces on varsity. These players will be getting varsity minutes for the first time and/or they will see an upgrade in their role on varsity this season. We have a heavy list of ND players and 1 SD player included. Look below for information on 16 players ranging from 8th grade to 12 grade.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/08/PHD.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" width="149" height="149"/></a></figure>   FRESH FACES   [player_tooltip player_id='1484338' first='Brooks' last='Bakko'] (2027) |6'0 PG| Kindred   If you want to see a young up-and-coming player in ND, check out the Vikings this winter. Bakko is one of the best in the 2027 class from across the Dakotas. He is obviously young, but Bakko is skilled like a mature varsity player. He has great handles and he passes with precision. Brooks can also score it from all levels. He has good size and his athleticism will allow him to compete at the varsity level. I will not be surprised if he starts at some point this season for Kindred.   Cager Davis (2024) |5'11 CG| Williston   He is a true combo-guard that does good work as a PG and as an off-guard. Cager is super-shifty and he sees the floor incredibly well. Davis handles the ball very well and he is an elite passer. Cager finishes well at the rim with either hand. He is also a legit scoring threat from 3-point land.   [player_tooltip player_id='1273709' first='Carter' last='Maasjo'] (2024) |6'3 F| Central Cass   He is a forward with the athleticism to drift out to the perimeter. He can make plays at multiple levels on the offensive end. On defense, Carter enjoys the challenge of protecting the basket while using his strength & physicality. Expect his minutes to increase this season and for Maasjo to be in the main rotation for CC. He and the Squirrels are going to be tough!   [player_tooltip player_id='1176211' first='Chase' last='Bachmeier'] (2024) |5'10 G| Central Cass   He is a scrappy guard that brings a special kind of intensity to the CC practices. Chase has done a great job improving his skills during the offseason. This kid is always in his driveway with a basketball! Expect his minutes with the Squirrels to increase this season and for CC to compete for a Region 1 Championship.   Cole Simon (2023) |5'10 G| Groton Area   He was a varsity player for the State qualifying Tigers last season. Expect Cole's role and impact to be increased this year. Simon is a do-it-all type of player. He handles the ball well, shoots it with consistency, and can get the job done on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1547230' first='Hudson' last='Rietschel'] (2027) |5'9 G| Northern Cass   He had a huge summer for the Jags and I expect to see him on the court at the varsity level this upcoming season. He showed his big scoring ability this summer. Hudson is an absolute knock-down shooter but also has some great play-making skills. He is an above-average passer with nice handles. Rietschel understands the game and has a calm demeanor, he is a young name to watch out for in Region 1!   [player_tooltip player_id='1547222' first='Isaac' last='Johnson'] (2023) |6'3 PF| Northern Cass   He has played off and on over the past two years for the Jaguars. This season, Northern Cass is expecting a huge year from Johnson. Isaac is very athletic, he plays physical, and is a hard worker. He also does a nice job on the glass. Johnson improved his shooting range over the summer months. If he can consistently finish around the basket and stay out of foul trouble, I would expect him to be a double/double machine this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1559503' first='Jayden' last='Smith'] (2024) |6'5 SF| Williston   He is a wing/forward that can do damage on the inside & outside. Smith is an elite athlete with skills for scoring around the basket and with outside jumpers. Jayden has one of the most consistent shots in the Coyote program. He stands out with his impressive & aggressive above-the-rim play. Last year, he logged some minutes late in the season on varsity. Smith has a chance to be a major factor in the WDA this year.   Jon Asche (2023) |6'2 G| Oak Grove   He played some significant minutes last year for the Grovers, but his role will increase quite a bit this season. Ashe is a super-smart player that can score when asked to. His defense and rebounding will be needed and much appreciated by OG. Jon will be a captain this year and the Grovers will need his leadership on and off the floor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1551198' first='Josh' last='Wittich'] (2024) |6'5 F| Sargent County   You are going to see an expanded role for Wittich this season. Last season was his first year starting and seeing any major varsity time. He is going to be leaned on quite a bit this year by the Bulldogs. Josh has expanded his game and he can stretch the floor with his shooting. He is a confident ball-handler and has become more aggressive over the summer. Expect a big year from Wittich!   [player_tooltip player_id='1207499' first='Kaden' last='Christmann'] (2024) |6'1 G| Shanley   He logged some varsity minutes last year, but Kaden has a chance to be an impact player this season for the Deacons. Christmann takes a lot of pride on the defensive end of the floor. With so many talented offensive players in the EDC, he will play an important role for Shanley in reaching their goals. Kaden is versatile and he can guard different positions due to his strength, quickness, and desire to excel. Offensively the Deacons will try to get out and run. This is perfect for Christman as he is very good in the open floor with the ball. Kaden plays very hard and his teammates respect him because of his consistent approach to the game!   [player_tooltip player_id='1169144' first='Karson' last='Ouse'] (2025) |6'6 SF| Kindred   He is going to be one of the best in Region 1 this season. Karson is fresh off a magnificent AAU season with ND Phenom. His confidence level should come in at a high level. Opposing teams will have a hard time matching up with Karson. He is very long, skilled, and knows the game well. He scores from all levels and has a good head on his shoulders. Ouse is the #2 ranked prospect in ND. I fully expect him to be an All-Region player this season and for Kindred to compete for another Region 1 crown.   [player_tooltip player_id='1145108' first='Luke' last='Martinson'] (2024) |6'4 F| Sargent County   He has played varsity for a couple of years now, look for Martinson to take the next step and be a dude this year. Luke can play inside and outside and the Bulldogs trust him to handle the ball on the perimeter. Martinson had a very nice AAU season with ND Attack and he will be ready to make some noise in Region 1 this upcoming year. The Bulldogs will rely heavily on Martinson this winter.   Owen Wiersma (2023) |6'0 F| Central Cass   He is a great football player and overall athlete. CC expects his football successes and impressive motor to lead to vital minutes on the basketball court. Owen is always willing to sacrifice for the team, he is nearly a lock to come up with a 50/50 ball. If you pay attention to CC sports, you will be hearing his name all fall, winter, and spring.   [player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='Raeshaun' last='Earl'] (2026) |5'9 G| Hankinson   He had a nice season on JV last season as an 8th grader. I will not be surprised at all if Earl starts on varsity this year. He is a quick athlete with enticing mobility. Raeshaun is good off the bounce and he shoots it well for his young age. When you pair him with [player_tooltip player_id='1138685' first='Cruz' last='Hernandez'], the Pirates are going to have an athletic backcourt!   Spencer Schumacher (2023) |6'1 G| Oak Grove   He will bring a ton of energy and defensive effort to the Grovers. Spencer is a player who will do many little things on the court that often go unnoticed. Schumacher had a great year on JV last year and Oak Grove will need his presence on the hardwood this season to be successful. The Grovers are excited about Schumacher!

This is our 3rd and final article for fresh faces on varsity. These players will be getting varsity minutes for the first time and/or they will see an upgrade in their role on varsity this season. We have a heavy list of ND players and 1 SD player included. Look below for information on 16 players ranging from 8th grade to 12 grade.