ND 2026 Rankings Review: New Names

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are the fresh faces that you should be looking at in the freshmen class? We have 10 new names for you to check out. See below, you will want to hear about these players! <a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/04/NE25NewAdditions-crop-721x474-1656513443.jpg"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2026 New Names in the Rankings</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1709723' first='Kyler' last='Kudrna'] |6'3 F| Dickinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was on his way to having a fantastic freshmen season while playing C-team and JV. Unfortunately, a couple of weeks ago, Kyler suffered a season-ending injury. The only good part is, Kudrna is young and a hard worker. Expect him to be back and ready to make an impact as a sophomore. Kyler is a great rebounder on both ends of the court. He is a strong finisher at the rim. Kyler had 6 DUNKS this year. He scores at all 3-phases on O, and he is a good defender. Next season, Kudrna will be a player to watch for the Midgets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1765803' first='Jaxon' last='Reese'] |6'5 F| Killdeer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is one of the keys to success for the Cowboys on varsity. This young gun has impressive size/length for a freshman. Reese looks like a standout athlete that is starting to turn some heads. He is an intriguing/athletic dunker. Just last week, Jaxon had a massive dunk and people had to double-check just to make sure he was a 9th grader! He is a bit raw yet, but that is expected for a frosh. You have to love his length, mobility, athleticism, and above-the-rim finishing. This Cowboy has his saddlebags full of potential! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798694' first='Brooklan' last='Bruce'] |5'10 G| Grand Forks Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He&nbsp;is a good all-around player for the Knights. Brooklan is a guard that shoots it well and can get to the basket. Bruce has had some big games where he has knocked down an abundance of shots. He can defend well and plays hard. Brooklan started the season on the C-team and has worked his way into being a regular&nbsp;on the JV. Bruce has played well at the JV level. He has a bright future ahead of him at GFC!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798695' first='Eli' last='Eaglestaff'] |6'4 SF| Mandan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a long youngster that has some intriguing athleticism. Eaglestaff can shoot the 3-ball. He can put the ball on the floor and make things happen. Eli also scores around the basket. As a 6'4" ninth grader that can score from every level, Eaglestaff has exciting potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1746021' first='Aiden' last='Hanson'] |6'1 SG| Central McLean</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This young Cougar is quick and aggressive. He will pounce on his opponent early in game if they are not ready. I liked his length as a 6'1" guard and his versatile scoring. Hanson will score around the basket and he shoots it well. His jumper is noteworthy. Aiden will finish after contact and he carries himself well on the court. Hanson rebounds hard, you love to see that out of a young player. He works hard and will keep improving. There is no question that Hanson will be a nice player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798696' first='Brayden' last='Steffens'] |5'10 G| Wahpeton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He handles the ball well and Brayden plays confidently.&nbsp;Brayden has advanced fundamentals. His pull-up jumper is one of the best on the Huskie team and he can also get to the rim. He is a good defender for his age.&nbsp;Steffens took it right to Ahneman (Sheyenne) last night and scored with his left hand at the cup.&nbsp;He is a fearless kid that is just going to get better.&nbsp;Steffens is averaging 3.5 ppg, 2 rpg, 1 apg on varsity, and 10 ppg on JV playing in the first half only. No moment is too big for Mr. Steffens. His high IQ allows him to play naturally and is not afraid to run the PG. He will have a HUGE role in the next 3 years for the Huskies.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798697' first='Austin' last='Ohleen'] |6'0 F| Horace</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has had a nice freshmen season. Austin can put the ball in the hole and he rebounds well for a guard. He is always hustling and playing hard. Ohleen is a left-handed player that can shoot the 3-ball. He could be described as a 3&amp;D type of player. Ohleen is a good kid that does what is asked of him. He started the season on the C-team and has earned a varsity jersey through his hard work. Keep track of this young Hawk!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798698' first='Landon' last='Ralph'] |6'2 F| Wahpeton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He shoots the ball pretty well from the 3-point line.&nbsp;Landon still needs to improve his game going to the hoop, knocking down the pull-up jumper, and finishing at the rim. Ralph has a knack for scoring at times and has played the point on the C squad team since Steffens was moved up.&nbsp;Landon averages 8.5 ppg &amp; 4.5 rpg on the C-team.&nbsp;He leads the team in rebounding and assists. In the past, Ralph has played more as a forward/post, it is nice that he has the skill/flexibility to flow right into running the PG. He is a willing rebounder/defender and has gone off for 6 triples in a game this season. He will see large amounts of varsity minutes in the coming years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1717045' first='Hunter' last='Tolstad'] |6'1 F| Westhope/Newburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a key role player for the Sioux on varsity. Tolstad is a hard worker that does his damage around the basket. He finishes well at the iron. He will outwork you on the glass and score with putbacks. He is not very tall but he gives the Sioux a post presence. If he keeps growing, Tolstad will become a serious forward/post for Westhope/Newburg. With [player_tooltip player_id='1169145' first='Walker' last='Braaten'] being a STUD and stat filler, Tolstad will always get single coverage and should be a quality producer for years to come. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1679705' first='Kenneth' last='Eaglestaff'] |6'0 G| Bismarck</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a very good catch-and-shoot player. Eaglestaff has good feel when he has the ball in his hands. Once he matures physically, Kenneth will be a very good player. The Demons love to shoot 3's, and that is one of Eaglestaff's strengths. He will fit right into coach Wilhelm's program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1606306,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1606306" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->