EDC Breakout Players

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Last season the Eastern Dakota Conference (EDC) was full of breakout players. Four sophomores and one freshman earned All-Conference honors, there was no shortage of young talent! Additionally, seniors like Foday Sheriff (did not play as a junior) and Kaleb Larson (just 58 points as a junior) put the work in during the off-season and made the most of their opportunities in their final season. Fargo North’s terrific twosome of Sem and Zeller emerged late in their freshman season to help guide the Spartans to a State Tournament appearance, but it wasn’t until last year that they changed the landscape of the EDC and made the Spartans a high-end contender. Do not forget about freshman sensation Mason Klabo Mason Klabo 6'1" | PG Fargo Davies | 2025 State ND ! For those of you that had watched Mason play travel ball or AAU along with some flashes as an 8^th grader playing varsity for Coach Manson, this might have been an easy selection a year ago. However, did anyone (outside of Mason himself) believe that a freshman would lead the EDC in scoring? The question is, who is the next Mason Klabo Mason Klabo 6'1" | PG Fargo Davies | 2025 State ND in the EDC? While it is unlikely we will see a player like Klabo emerge this season, we are taking a look at some players that may be flying a little under the radar right now and whom we expect to make significant contributions to their teams this season.

Below we have 25 players that have the potential to be Breakout Players in the EDC this season!

2022-2023 EDC Breakout Players

Aiden Jacobson Aiden Jacobson 6'0" | SG Valley City | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’0 G| Valley City

He is just like Zach Sykora Zach Sykora 6'2" | SG Valley City | 2024 State ND . Jacobson is a coach’s dream player due to his attitude, work ethic, leadership, and willingness to be coached. You will always see both Sykora and Jacobson getting extra shots together after workouts. Jacobson will have the ability to really show his playmaking and shooting ability this season. VC is going to give him the green light to be a special player.

Arie Bratud (2023) |6’4 F| Valley City

He did not get much action last season but this will likely change this year. Bratud has effective post moves, especially his drop step. Once he understands how good he is, Bratud could really do some damage. The only person that is stopping Bratud currently is himself, and when he gets out of his own way…WATCH OUT!

Caleb Duerr Caleb Duerr 6'4" | SG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SG| West Fargo Sheyenne

He was the QB for the Mustangs, so he has the experience of being a leader. Duerr is the most experienced returning Mustang in hoops. Last year, Calen averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg. He is a versatile athlete that will be a stat stuffer. His size and strength will give opposing guards problems. I believe that Duerr will be a stud this season and make the All-EDC team.

Callahan Burchill (2023) |6’3 SG| Valley City

He is a dynamic athlete that just needs constructive coaching to take advantage of his strengths. Burchill is unstoppable at getting to the basket due to his strength, size, and athleticism. Callahan has a nice shot, and will be very instrumental on defense with his diverse ability to guard anyone on the floor. VC will not use him in the post as much unless he has a mismatch, but they plan to put him in a position to really utilize his strengths.

Carson Eggert Carson Eggert 6'3" | PG Valley City | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’10 G| Valley City

He has shown an astonishing ability to see the floor and get the ball to his teammates in scoring opportunities. Carson has been very consistent in knocking down open shots as well. Eggert will make his teammates a lot better by putting them in positions to score easier. Once Carson gets on the same page with coach Terry, watch out! Eggert will be a playmaker and an extension of the coach on the floor.

Carvin Fish Carvin Fish 6'6" | SF West Fargo Horace | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’6 F| West Fargo Horace

He has great inside/outside ability for a man his size. This allows him to stretch the floor and knock down triples. It also allows the Hawk to bang down low against other BIGs. Fish has surprising ball-handling skills and a deceivingly quick first step off the bounce for a guy his size. I will not be surprised if Carvin averages a double-double and is named to the All-EDC team at the end of the year.

Cole Teideman (2023) |6’0 G| West Fargo

He is the most experienced player returning as he had the most varsity minutes last year. Cole is an excellent 3-point shooter out to the NBA line and has a sneaky scoring game once he gets into the lane. As the QB for the football team, I expect Teidman to be a leader for the Packers and a productive new player on the basketball scene in the EDC.

Daniel Yorke Daniel Yorke 6'1" | SG Fargo Davies | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’1 SG| Fargo Davies

He is a dynamic athlete that will help make up the “BIG 3” for Davies. Yorke, Brown, and Klabo are going to be a tough backcourt for everyone to stay with! Yorke will be one of the most entertaining players to watch in the EDC. He is dangerous and creative off the bounce. I really like the looks of Dan’s pull-up game, it seems like he has really developed that part of his game in the past year. Yorke is a pest and thief on defense. He is really fun to watch in the open court. Get ready for a dynamite year from Yorke.

Dean Grant Dean Grant 6'4" | SG Fargo South | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’4 SG| Fargo South

He had a solid junior season, played very well in AAU, and is primed for a breakout season for the Bruins. Last season, Grant averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.5 rpg. Grant shot 38% from beyond the arc. He shoots the ball impressively well from 3-point land, he can also slash to the bucket for baskets. Dean is working hard every day to improve his game.

Isaac Fitz Isaac Fitz 5'10" | PG West Fargo | 2023 ND (2023) |6’1 G| West Fargo

He is able to score from the inside and the outside. Fitz is a smart player, similar to last year’s point guard Brett Limke. He will look to be a leader while filling up the stat sheet for the Packers. Fitz also is a consistent 3-point shooter which will help WF spread the floor.

Isaiah Williams Isaiah Williams 5'11" | PG Horace | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’11 PG| West Fargo Horace

This will be the first year the Hawks playing varsity ball in the EDC. Williams will be the man running the show. He is an extremely smooth ball handler and a nice shooter from the perimeter. Isaiah has the potential to be a good defender in the EDC. The Hawks are hoping he can develop into a lockdown defender. Zay, has a great feel for the game, plays under control, and will do a quality job of leading the Hawks this winter.

Jack Simmers Jack Simmers 6'0" | SG Grand Forks Central | 2024 ND (2024) |6’3 SG| Grand Forks Central

He is coming off a quality football season and he was named to the All-EDC football team. Simmers put up good numbers as a 10th grader with 8.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg, and he hit 21 triples. Jack is known as an excellent defender and a versatile offensive threat. Simmers certainly has the potential to be a breakout player.

Jaxon Beiswenger Jaxon Beiswenger 6'4" | SG Fargo Davies | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SG| Fargo Davies

He could really thrive for the Eagles as a role player and versatile athlete. I watched Jaxon play a handful of times this summer and he always looked good. I like his length and shooting ability. He seems to be a tough and wiry kid. He can play as a SG/Wing/SF. It will be interesting to see how coach Manson uses Mr. Beiswenger. Whatever happens, I think he has the chance to be a breakout player.

John Angau John Angau 6'3" | SG West Fargo Sheyenne | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’2 SG| West Fargo Sheyenne

He showed this summer that he can be a game-changer from beyond the arc. In AAU hoops, John had some MONSTER games from 3-point land. The Mustangs lost a ton of scoring & talent, it just so happens that Angau knows how to score! I like his long arms and his confidence when shooting the ball. John can also slash for buckets. He could easily be a breakout and surprise player in the EDC this season.

Kaden Christmann Kaden Christmann 6'1" | SG Fargo Shanley | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’0 G| Shanley

He had a very good football season and showed that he was one of the best return men in North Dakota. Kaden is an intense player that is always attacking on the basketball court. The Deacons will be talented up front, this should lead to many open looks for Kaden. I like his ability to get into the paint and make things happen. He is also a hard worker that gets the job done on the defensive side of the ball.

Leo Strandell Leo Strandell 6'4" | SF Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SF| Grand Forks Central

He is another Knight that has plenty of potential to have a good year for GFC. Strandell averaged 5.2 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.1 apg, and 1.1 bpg as a sophomore. Leo is a good all-around offensive player. He also has favorable length that makes him a versatile defender.

Matthew Sem Matthew Sem 6'1" | SG Fargo North | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’1 SG| Fargo North

As a freshman, Mathew averaged 4.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg. When he and Jeremiah are on the court, look out. The Sem brothers are dynamic! Matthew saw increased minutes at the end of last season and he showed flashes of his playmaking ability. Sem can break defenders down off the bounce, he will be one of North’s best 3-point shooters, and he is an athletic defender.

Parker Brodina Parker Brodina 6'4" | SG Devils Lake | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’4 PF| Devils Lake

As a freshman, he averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.7 rpg. He will not be a rookie anymore and Brodina should bring it every night. Brodina has good size and he is a strong player. He shoots it well and can spread the floor. Parker will also score when going downhill. Look for DL and Brodina to be an improved squad this season.

Pearce Parks Pearce Parks 6'3" | SG Grand Forks Red River | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’3 SG/SF| Grand Forks Red River

He is fresh off an All-EDC season in football as the QB for RR! The youngster should come into the hoops season beaming with confidence. Parks was a DUDE all AAU season with ECI. He showed the ability to take over games on both ends of the floor. Pearce is a mismatch problem, he will post up smaller guards and slash by slower defenders. Parks is going to have a monster season. He scores from all levels and he should be a tough defender for a soph.

Reis Kessell (2024) |6’6 PF/C| Fargo South

He has sprouted up a couple of inches in the past year and his extra size will help the Bruins inside. Kessell had a great football season and that confidence should carry over into the basketball season. Reis has really improved his overall basketball game in the past year. His 3-point shooting has improved and he is much stronger around the basket.

Ross Wilber Ross Wilber 5'9" | CG Grand Forks Central | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’10 G| Grand Forks Central

He had a nice sophomore season with 9.1 ppg, 3 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg, made 54 three-pointers, and shot 31% from 3pt land. Wilber is a good overall 3pt shooter with a solid all-around offensive game. Ross is a very good defender for his size. I think the Knights will be an improved team this year and Wilber could be ready for a breakout season.

Bonfas Loria Bonfas Loria 6'5" | SF West Fargo | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’5 F/G| West Fargo

He is an explosive athlete who is learning to play the game at the varsity level. In AAU ball, Tony proved that he is a stellar athlete with a ton of potential. Loria is an active and highly productive offensive rebounder. He will be an excellent perimeter defender with great length. The young Packer can also score at the rim and make 3-point shots. Tony will be looking to compete and expand his role with the Packers. He could be a dangerous player come tournament time.

Tony Leal Tony Leal 6'5" | PF West Fargo | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 F| West Fargo

He is an athletic post player who also has solid midrange shot-making ability. Leal is an aggressive defender and rebounder with the ability to score in multiple ways. He will be strong & tough on the court, that is exactly how the Packer coaches like their guys to be. I watched Tony in AAU hoops and I was impressed. I think he will be ready to make some noise across the EDC.

Welcome Muhoza Welcome Muhoza 6'5" | SF Fargo North | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’4 SF| Fargo North

He had a nice summer with ECI and Muhoza showed some impressive footwork and a sweet overall offensive game. He also showed creative scoring around the basket. Welcome is poised to see a big jump in minutes at the varsity level for the Spartans. He will also be a leader for North. Muhoza spent a ton of time in the weight room this offseason and he added a large amount of mass/strength. His footwork is second to none and Muhoza has added the 3-point shot to his offensive arsenal.

Zach Sykora Zach Sykora 6'2" | SG Valley City | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’2 SG| Valley City

He is the cliché of “the first person in the gym and the last to leave”. Sykora actually beats his coach to the gym every time! Zach has put in a lot of work in the offseason despite playing football and baseball. This season he will be put in a position to be successful, and it will give him the confidence to just go play and not be hesitant like last season.