SD B: Players to Watch
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It has been an interesting start to the season for high school basketball in the Dakotas. Some teams have only played one game so far. Let’s hope everyone has a great Christmas and the weather cooperates when everyone is back…
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Continue ReadingIt has been an interesting start to the season for high school basketball in the Dakotas. Some teams have only played one game so far. Let’s hope everyone has a great Christmas and the weather cooperates when everyone is back from the break. In this article, we are checking out Class B players that I want to watch after the holiday break. We will give a short explanation of why we want to watch them and why you should check these players out when you get a chance.
Players to Watch
*Listed in no particular order
WHY? He was been All-State multiple years in a row and everyone expects that to happen again this season. I have watched plenty of Mitchell’s film in the past years and I saw him live this fall at the EXPO. He is as good as advertised, longer than he looks on film, and is a very special athlete. The Gorillas have only played 1 game this season because of the weather. Gregory beat a Nebraska team by 14 points. Daniel scored 15 points and he did a good job of sharing the ball. If you have not watched Mitchell yet, you are missing out. He is a dynamic player with length, skills, and next-level athleticism.
WHY? Nic has been crushing it this year with impressive numbers and overall excellent play. White River is #1 in the state and they have a 4-1 record. On opening night, Marshall went off for 24 points. Nic is not just a scorer, he is super skilled with the ball and he creates for others. He is a cool customer on the court. He also plays with Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6’4″ | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD , so that is another good reason to watch the Tigers.
WHY? He is a strong athlete, you will not find many like him in Class B. The Hawks are 2-0 on the year and Tage has been looking good. To start the season, Ortman dropped 27 points and in game number two he went for 14 points. I have seen him play AAU hoops and I need to watch him play with the Hawks very soon. I am guessing that Tage is one of the top defenders in Class B. Coming up, Canistota plays Waubay-Summit at the Corn Palace. I hope we get to see an Ortman vs. Opdahl mathcup.
WHY? His size alone is intriguing. I have watched a little bit of film on him and Jake certainly stands out with his length. Kuhl is regarded as a great communicator and an excellent paint protector. The Eagles have started the year slow but you should definitely take a look at Kuhl.
WHY? He is the #2 ranked prospect in his class. His size, skill, and high ceiling are all great reason to watch. The Warriors are 2-0 on the year and ranked #5 in SD Class B. Laue gets doubled all the time but still finds a way to score. He has started the year with a high level of play. Bryon is averaging 14 ppg and 11 rpg through 2 games. This is a long ways down the road, but on Jan 23, Castlewood plays De Smet. Laue vs. Wilkinson, that will be must watch basketball!
WHY? He is the best backcourt player on the #2 ranked team in Class B. Fast has a fitting last name, he makes plays all over the court and he is not afraid of contact. You should expect 20+ ppg from Fast this season. My big question is, who will Kadyn guard in the Sioux Valley game at the Entringer Classic? Fast vs. Vincent, that sounds like an intriguing matchup…
WHY? #2 ranked team in SD and the best low post in the class, good enough reason? The Bulldogs are 2-0 and they have two comfortable wins. Damon will look like a man amongst boys on most nights. When should you watch him play? December 31st at the Entringer Classic vs. #2 ranked Sioux Valley from Class A. Alec Squires vs. Damon Wilkinson Damon Wilkinson 6’10” | C De Smet | 2023 State SD ! That will be a site to be seen!
WHY? He is new to the Raiders this year. Cooper had and All-State football season, so it is no surprise that basketball is going well for him. Lyman is 1-0 on the year and Long had 20+ points and the game winning free-throws in his debut with Lyman. Not a bad way to start the season! Cooper has All-State type talent.
WHY? He is a Jamestown commit, it is always fun to see the college commits produce during their senior year. The Knights are currently ranked #3 and they are 3-0. Malek is a sharp shooter and he is a precision passer. Wieker is averaging 17.7 ppg, 4 rpg, 6 aog, and 3 spg. His game high on the young season is 23. Malek and the Knights are must watch!
WHY? He does not look like a typical Class B player. Russell is very long, athletic, and he is skilled like a guard. Ethan is an inside-out player that will score and produce from every level. I have not heard a ton about his college recruitment, so that alone is very interesting. I watched Ethan late in the summer at MSUM-Moorhead and he went head-to-head with all of the top prospects. Russell is a stud and the Knights are very very good.
WHY? I watched him play this fall at the Expo, and this kid is the real deal. I want to see him with the Warriors and how dominant he is in B basketball. The Warriors are 2-0 on the year and those games were both comfortable wins. Lane is averaging 16 ppg and 6 apg. So far, it has looked like Tvedt can score or get a great look anytime that he chooses. Lane is a complete baller and the Warriors are currently ranked #5 in Class B.
WHY? Gregory is an intriguing team and they are receiving but not ranked as of now. I have never watched Klundt play, but everyone that I talked to has great things to say. Cruz is very skilled for his age, a quick athlete, sees the floor well and had potential to be a great defender. The Gorillas are 1-0 on the year and Klundt was in foul trouble, this resulted in him missing a good chunk of the game. Cruz showed that he can control the tempo and distribute the ball. He might be young, but Cruz plays like a mature backcourt player and he knows how to control the pace. I am excited to see Klundt and the Gorillas play.