Which Role Players are Standing Out in ND?

This is a spin-off article from the Rockstar Role Players and Radiant Role Players articles from South Dakota.

North Dakota has excellent Role Players as well! PHD did not want to leave out the Nodaks! We have a mix of class A & B players in this piece.

These guys need your attention! Role Players are vital to every successful team in basketball. An important role player might be the hardest worker, a great defensive player, a 3-point shooter, a hard-nosed rebounder, a sure-handed PG, a precision passer, a guy that does the little things, a selfless teammate, a top-notch practice player, and many other things depending on the team. Role Players might not get a ton of playing time, but when they are in the game, they make the most of it! With that said, let’s check out the ballers….

Standout Role Players in ND

Caden Amerman Caden Amerman 6'4" | PF Enderlin | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’3 PF| Enderlin

He is the hardest worker on the Eagles. He does not put up a ton of numbers but he does the little things for the team. Amerman is strong, tough, he fights for rebounds, defends hard, and he plays his heart out.

Carter Maasjo Carter Maasjo 6'2" | PF Central Cass | 2024 ND (2024) |6’4 F| Central Cass

15-0, ranked #2. He gives the Squirrels a good physical presence on the block opposite of Cole Holzer Cole Holzer 6'6" Central Cass | 2024 ND . If teams double Holzer hard, Maasjo can make them pay. He loves physical games and is not shy when it comes to getting after 50/50 balls.

Chase Bachmeier Chase Bachmeier 5'11" | PG Central Cass | 2024 ND (2024) |6’0 G| Central Cass

15-0, ranked #2. The Squirrels have many key Role Players, and Bachmeier is a prime example. He give 100% effort all the time. Chase guards the ball very well. Bachmeier comes off the bench, he always has a positive effect on the team, and he always contributes.

Cole Callies Cole Callies 5'11" | SG Fargo Davies | 2023 State ND (2023) |5’11 SG| Fargo Davies

14-2, ranked #4. He averages 7.8 ppg and 1.8 apg. Callies is a serious 3-point shooting threat, he is shooting 37% from deep. Coach Manson describes Cole as “an exceptional 3pt shooter” Callies is also a hard worker and a great defender. He does not put up huge numbers like Klabo, but Callies is a key role player for the Eagles.

Dante Oyugi Dante Oyugi 6'0" | SG Dickinson | 2024 State ND |5’11 G| Dickinson

He has been one of the best all-around players for the Midgets this season. Dante can score the rock from all 3-levels. He is a consistent rebounder on both ends of the floor. Oyugi has been guarding the top players in the WDA and he accepts any role that will help the Midgets get a win.

Drew Kempel Drew Kempel 6'3" | PG Bismarck Century | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’3 PG| Bismarck Century

15-0 record, #1 in State.6.8 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.2 spg. He is a complete STUD! The Patriots are loaded and Kempel has shined as a role player for the best team in North Dakota. Drew is a big/strong PG that makes great decisions. He has a knack for getting guys the ball in a position where they can score. On offense, he can score the ball from all 3 levels. Drew is also a great rebounding guard on both sides of the floor. The future is super bright for Mr. Kempel.

Keyshawn St. Pierre Keyshawn St. Pierre 5'8" | SG Four Winds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND (2024) |5’8 SG| Four Winds/Minnewaukan

13-0, ranked #1. Keyshawn “Bucky” St. Pierre is a great role player. He is the 6th man for the Indians. He comes off the bench and provides defensive pressure right away. He is a great on-ball defender. Against St John, St. Pierre found his shot, he went 4-4 from the 3pt-land and scored 14 points off the bench. When he comes in the game, the 4Winds defense picks up because he is a guard that gets up in the opposing players shorts and is great at reading the passing lane. He would be starting on many other teams but he does not complain. Bucky does what is asked of him and he plays his role perfectly!

Levi Ulvin (2024) |6’4 F| Richland

9-6 record. Because of a Colt injury, he has had to step up and take on a bigger role this season. Ulvin has rebounded well and has grown a post presence around the hoop. He can also spread the floor and hit 3-pointers. Levi is a good teammate that always pushes himself and he wants to make the team better. Ulvin is the ultimate team player.

Nick Wulfekhule (2024) |6’0 G/F| Richland

9-6 record. He is the heart of the Richland team. He is always pushing himself to the brink. Nick plays fast and hard. He might not be the biggest offensive threat on the floor but his effort and determination are unmatched on the court. Wulfekhule’s defensive pressure makes every opponent struggle.

Owen Wiersma (2023) |6’2 F| Central Cass

15-0, ranked #2. He is a great jumper off 2 feet. Owen is a strong kid that rebounds well. He just signed with MSUM for football, so you know that he is an impressive athlete. He will anything and everything to help the Squirrels win.

Tarren Larson Tarren Larson 6'3" | SF Beulah | 2023 State ND (2024) |6’4 F| Beulah

11-1 record, ranked #7. Has become a vocal leader this year. Larson does a great job of communicating when he is on the floor, especially on the defensive end. He brings a ton of energy to the team. Tarren is very unselfish, he does a ton of little things that go unnoticed by most, but not by his teammates and coach. The Miners would not be where they are without Larson. He even played with a broken nose back in December. Everyone loves a player like Larson!

Trey Skoglund Trey Skoglund 6'0" | PG Oakes | 2024 ND |6’0 PG| Oakes

Team captain. He is not going to fill up any one stat with highlight-type numbers but, he’s a 32-minute kid who’s second on the team in scoring. Skoglund leads the team in rebounds, steals, assists, and deflections as a point guard. He guards the opposing team’s top performer whether they play guard or post. On offense, he is the glue for the Tornadoes. Trey can play all 5 spots and will adjust to the opponent and matchups presented in that game. His work ethic on the floor and in practice is intense. He flat-out competes! Skoglund sets the pace for Oakes both in practice and in games. He is a great communicator and leader, the kind of kid every coach needs on a team. His greatest skill set is his basketball IQ. Trey makes the right decisions on the floor and he plays with an unselfish mindset. 

Ty Hughes Ty Hughes 5'11" | SG Des Lacs Burlington | 2024 ND (2024) |6’0 F| Des Lacs-Burlington

11-4 record. He is a great defender on and off the ball. Hughes rebounds well and he scores around the basket. He works extremely hard. Ty is “GRITTY” and he leads the Lakers in charges taken. Lastly, Hughes is a hustler and a top-notch teammate!