23 Underrated Class B Stars in 2023

We have twenty-three Class B studs that need your attention! These players had standout seasons, but they seem to be underrated for whatever reason and PHD wants to spotlight these ballers. Let’s give them some much-deserved praise!

BIG shout-out to Central Cass senior, Sam Kobbervig Sam Kobbervig 6'3" | SG Central Cass | 2023 State ND on his State Championship (26-0) and State Tournament Most Valuable Player performance!

Underrated Class B STARS

Atticus Wilkinson Atticus Wilkinson 6'6" | PF Shiloh Christian | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’6 PF| Shiloh Christian

21-5 record, 2nd place at State, All-Tournament Team at State

18 ppg, 10 rpg. He is a monster and a big athlete. When he is on the block, you can not guard Wilkinson with only one defender. If you do, it ends badly for your team. He can make the traditional power post moves but also has the creativity and craftiness to maneuver around defenders. Atticus is a tireless worker that refuses to be boxed out. He is a hard-working defender and an imposing player in front of the rim. Wilkinson is also a great post passer and he will share the ball with perimeter players. Wilkinson is a stud.

Boston Davis Boston Davis 6'4" | SF Dunseith | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’4 SF| Dunseith

13-7 record

26.3 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 apg. If you like players with a smooth mid-range game then you will love Davis. he is too long for guards to handle and too shifty for posts to stay with him. Boston had some big scoring games where he put up points in the 30′ and 40’s. I like how he rises above the defense and how he shoots with a high release. Davis has a soft shot which gives him a shooter’s touch. He can shake a defender or just flat-out hit shots in your grill. Davis is a talented offensive player.

Carson Haerer Carson Haerer 6'0" | PG Bottineau | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’0 G| Bottineau

10-11 record

24.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.5 spg, 41.5 FG%, 515 points on the season with 144 boards. This kid is a cool customer on the court with all the skills that you could ask for. Haerer is a sniper but also a floor general and leader. I have seen him knockdown 3-balls from college and NBA range with ease. His pull-up game is silky smooth and he is a crafty scorer around the rim. Carson is an underrated athlete with a quick first step and he gets up and down the court in a hurry. Carson manipulates the defense by changing speeds, once he is in the paint, look out because something good is going to happen! The kid from Bottineau is the real deal!

Cole Holzer Cole Holzer 6'6" Central Cass | 2024 ND (2024) |6’7 PF| Central Cass

26-0, State Champion, All-Tournament Team at State

14.2 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.2 apg, 44.3 FG%, 38.3 FG%. Much like his teammate on this list, Holzer is a winner and a smart player. He stepped up in big moments and scored or grabbed a rebounded whenever the Squirrels needed it. Without his length/size CC would have had a tough time making the epic run that they did. Cole was great at challenging shots and at cleaning up the glass. Holzer is a tough matchup because he can post, hit 3’s, and slash for buckets. His skills are impressive for that size and he is a top-notch passer. I like how he pushes the ball up the court. Holzer will pick-n-pop, screen-n-roll, hit trail 3’s, score around the bucket, and knockdown mid-range J’s. It was a crazy year for the Squirrels and CC is very happy that they will have the big lefty back again next season.

Dalen Leftbear Dalen Leftbear 6'3" | SF FourWinds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’3 F| Four Winds/Minnewaukan

22-2 record

17 ppg, 7 rpg, 3 spg, 1 bpg. He had a great year for the Indians. Dalen always guarded the opposing team’s best player and he usually held them under their average. This past year he worked hard at improving his shot and it certainly improved this season. His confidence was on a different level this year. Late in the season, Leftbear had an injury and he missed the North Star game. This really hurt Four Winds and made everyone realize how valuable of a player Dalen is. He is a lockdown defender that can take on wings and posts. He is a nice athlete that can finish above the rim with power and/or finesse. I was impressed with his jump shot, his slashing/cutting, and his finishing package. Dalen is also a productive and aggressive rebounder. I look forward to watching 4Winds again next year. Dalen Leftbear Dalen Leftbear 6'3" | SF FourWinds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND and Deng Deng Deng Deng 6'5" | SF Four Winds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND are going to be a scary two-headed monster.

Dane Hagler Dane Hagler 6'4" | SG North Star | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SG| North Star

17-8 record

22.3 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 4.3 apg, 3.9 spg. Hagler is a gifted player and he would be a stud on any Class A team. Dane is a special breed of athlete. He is fast, strong, explosive, and bouncy. At the same time, he is twitchy, flexible, and able to make impromptu plays on the fly. He is a high flyer that WHAMMED all season long. However, I am more impressed with his potential on defense, rebounding production, and willingness to share the ball. He is a superstar in the making but also a team player. I would expect Hagler to get a good amount of college attention this summer. He will easily be one of the top 5 players in Class B next season.

Jacob Nitschke Jacob Nitschke 6'5" | PF Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’5 PF| Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier

13-11 record

17 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 2 apg, 2.4 spg, 48 FG%. Nitschke is a serious BIG that gets the job done on both ends of the floor. He makes you earn everything on the offensive end and he is always giving 100% effort. Nitche is a strong and tough player that will score through contact and grab offensive rebounds like he is taking candy from a baby. Jacob was impressive this year from mid-range and he also hit triples. Opposing coaches bragged about his shot fake and his slashing ability. Write Nitschke’s name down, he will be a fun player to watch next season.

Jake Shobe Jake Shobe 6'1" | SG Dickinson Trinity | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’0 G| Dickinson Trinity

15-9 record

19.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.5 spg. I love his pull-up J and with him being a lefty, it looks that much more special. His feel and understanding of the game always impresses me. Shobe uses screens and changes speed as well as anyone in the state. He is a lefty but Shobe finishes with both hands. He is opportunistic in transition but it is also lethal in the halfcourt. He hits from long range but will also score after contact and get old-school 3-point plays. Shobe forces turnovers with his quick reactions and he will give up his body to take a charge. Lastly, Jake is a team player that creates and facilitates. Look for Shobe to keep improving his game and to be a top guard in the 2023-24 season.

Jack Zimmer Jack Zimmer 6'1" | PG Kenmare/Bowbells | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’0 G| Kenmare-Bowbells

14-10 record

19.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 3.7 apg, 1.8 spg, 40 FG%, 34 3FG%, 82 FT%. Zimmer is a natural scorer with an exquisite jump shot. He is the ultimate competitor that will do whatever it takes to help the Honkers win. Jack is a lead guard with serious handles. Zimmer is the straw that stirs the drink for the Honkers and he is also a major scoring threat. His scoring arsenal is full of moves and Jack produces with layups, FT’s, O-board putbacks, J’s, and any other way that you can think of. Zimmer is one of the most diverse scorers in Class B.

Jase Dickens Jase Dickens 6'4" | SG White Shield | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’4 SG| White Shield

12-6 record

26 ppg, 6 rpg. A walking bucket that had some massive scoring games this season. Jase is a major threat from beyond the arc and he has extended shooting range. He shoots it effectively off the bounce and catch but is most deadly off the dribble. He has a smooth and soft release. Dickens is a tremendous scorer and a quick athlete with length. He keeps the ball high and needs little to no room to score. Dickens posted up for points and was deadly with his fadeaway & stepback game.

Jay Wanzek Jay Wanzek 6'7" | PF Shiloh Christian | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’7 PF| Shiloh Christian

21-5 record, 2nd place at State, All-Tournament Team at State

12 ppg, 10 rpg, 3.5 apg, 59 FG%, 75 FT%. He provided the Skyhawks with a physical post-presence. Wanzek is a big-bodied player with good feet and he can put up points from every level. Much like Wilkinson, Wanzek is a dominant player on the block and he will make you pay if he gets single coverage. Jay is a volume rebounder and he worked well around the paint with Atticus. Those two were great in the high-low game. Wanzek was not just a low post scorer, he had a nice shot from 15-feet out to 3-point range. Jay had a storied career at Shiloh, he picked up many W’s over the years and he played in multiple State Tournaments.

Josh Hetzel Josh Hetzel 6'2" | SG Stanley | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’0 G| Stanley

18-6 record

16.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.6 spg, 40 FG%, 43 FG%, 74 FT%. He and the Blue Jays went to State last year, so Josh has what it takes to perform in big games. I like the way that he carries himself on the court. Josh has masterful ball skills and he makes the game look easy. He is a deadeye from downtown, I have watched him hit multiple 3-pointers from NBA range. Hetzel has a buttery smooth jump shot, with one look, you can tell that he is a pure shooter. He is also a productive slasher that can finish at the cup. He breaks down defenders with a dirty hesitation move and he delivers crisp passes to teammates. Hetzel is a nice player out of Region 8 that does not get enough attention.

Josh Moser Josh Moser 6'1" | SG Medina-Pingree-Buchanan | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’1 G| Medina-Pingree/Buchanan

22-6 record, State Qualifier, All-Tournament at State

16.8 ppg, 7.9 rpb, 53 FG%, 76 FT%. He had two huge games at State, Moser went for 34 and 29 points in the last two games out in Bismarck. Josh has been playing varsity for many years and he has seen every defense imaginable. This kid knows the game well and he is a versatile scorer. Moser is a quality athlete with a solid jump shot. Moser will take what the D gives him and he can produce from every level. For only being 6’1″, Josh is a fantastic rebounder. Congrats on a great season and hats off to your amazing career for the Thunder!

Max Musland Max Musland 6'4" | SG LaMoure-Litchville/Marion | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SG| LaMoure-Litchville/Marion

13-10 record

18.9 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.5 apg, 2.1 spg. He helped the Loboes get to State last season and he will be looking to do that in his senior year. Max came on strong late in the season and was playing like an All-State player. With his height, long arms, and shooting ability, Musland is a difficult matchup. Max looks like he will be a nice 3&D college SG guard if he keeps working on his game. He is a smart player and a multisport athlete. On defense, Musland creates problems by taking away passing lanes and he does good work protecting the rim. He is a major 3pt threat but will also score from 15′ and at the rack. Musland will be a top talent in Class B next season.

Riley Thorpe Riley Thorpe 6'1" | SG Ellendale | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’1 G| Ellendale

14-10 record (only 3 real losses), Region 3 Senior Athlete of the Year

14 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.3 spg, 48 FG%. He is a knockdown shooter with next-to-perfect mechanics, great feet, and impeccable timing. Thorpe moves amazingly well without the ball and he always shoots the ball in-rhythm. Thorpe is a playmaker in the open court and a creative slasher. He is an ingenious passer that always finds the open man. Thorpe had a fantastic career at Ellendale, a ton of success as a shooter, and was a great teammate.

Rylan Olson Rylan Olson 6'5" | SG Des Lacs Burlington | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’5 SG| Des Lacs-Burlington

20-8 record, 4th place at State

13.9 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.1 spg. He was a major reason why the Lakers won Region 6 and Olson shot the ball hot from beyond the arc at State. At 6’5 and very athletic, Rylan was a tough matchup for every team. He is a smooth lefty with a flawless stroke. Olson was fast up the court and a fun player to watch in transition. As a first-class athlete, Olson made splashy plays but he could also lock up on defense. He will be missed at DLB, Olson had a great run with the Lakers!

Rylen Wick Rylen Wick 6'6" | SF Medina-Pingree/Buchanan | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’6 SF| Medina-Pingree/Buchanan

22-6 record, State Qualifier

16.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 68 FT%. He was a crucial player and a big producer for the Region Champions and State Qualifying Thunder. Wick is an intriguing player because of his length and overall skill. He is an excellent shooter and his length allows him to get his shot off with ease. When Wick gets a bigger/slower player on him, they struggle to stay with Rylen because he can stretch the floor and score from every level. Wick has a good basketball sense about him and he makes natural basketball plays. His length alters shots in the paint and he produces on the glass. Wick will be a player to watch next season in Class B.

Sam Kobbervig Sam Kobbervig 6'3" | SG Central Cass | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’2 SG| Central Cass

26-0, State Champion, State Tourney MVP

13 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 4.1 rpg, 48 FG%, 43.9 3FG%. Does it get any better than 26-0, Region Champion, State Campion, State Tournament MVP? Sam played for a balanced team so his stats might not jump off the screen like some of the other players. Make no mistake about it, this kid is a playmaker and big shot maker! We all saw this during the State Tournament. Sam is a big guard that was good at finishing inside the arc last season. He vastly improved his outside shot in the past year and shot a crazy high percentage from deep. Sam is an unselfish player that knows what it takes to win. He has a good understanding of the game and he knows when to move the ball and who to get it too. He was frustrating and smart in the Squirrel zone defense. His size and anticipation created TO’s. Sam was an excellent finisher in transition and he would make the extra pass to set up his teammates. It was a magical year for Mr. Kobbervig and the Squirrels!

Talan Batke Talan Batke 6'2" | SG Hazen | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’0 G| Hazen

16-8 record

24.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3 apg, 2.5 spg, 73 made triples. He was hands down one of the best backcourt players, shooters, and playmakers in the state. Batke performed well against stiff competition. He averaged 35.5 ppg in the two games against Bowman County this season! Talan played with ingenuity, sharp skills, and he could shoot the lights out. He could go off in the blink of an eye and he had the ability to score in the 30’s and 40’s. Batke can hit triples from the cheap seats and he slashes through the defense like a hot knife through butter. I have not heard what his college plans are, but wherever he ends up, Batke is going to make a coach/program very happy!

Tate Grossman Tate Grossman 6'4" | SG Harvey/Wells County | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’4 G| Harvey/Wells County

16-7 record

20.6 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 4.8 apg, 2.4 spg, 1.2 bpg. He might be the most underrated athlete in North Dakota. Tate is a serious leaper that can get up and dunk like few can in the state. Tate scored from every level but also distributed the rock and made others better. At 6’4″ Grossman was a difficult matchup because of his shooting range, downhill slashing, and athleticism around the iron. Tate is a versatile defender that can slow down guards and get physical in the paint with forwards. Tate was a stat stuffer and was always an entertaining player to watch. The Jimmies are lucky to have him and I know that success will follow him to Jamestown.

Trace Beauchamp Trace Beauchamp 6'4" | SG Beulah | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SG| Beulah

22-4 record, 3rd place at State

15.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 55 2FG%, 38 3FG%. This lefty is silky smooth and he makes winning plays. Trace had a nice season for the Miners and they won 20+ games. Beauchamp played particularly good against better teams. Over the course of the season, Trace became a well-rounded player by being able to get to the basket and finish in traffic. He was excellent at utilizing his mid-range and pull-up game. He also shot superbly from beyond the 3pt arc. Trace led the Miners in rebounding even though he is a guard, it is easy to say that Beauchamp has a nose for the ball. Trace has high upside heading into his senior season.

Trevor Schmidt Trevor Schmidt 6'5" | SF South Border | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’4 SF| South Border

14-8 record

20.9 ppg, 10 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.5 spg, 1.3 bpg. He was one of the more unknown players outside of his region, but not for a good reason. Schmidt was a double-double monster and an exceptional player. Schmidt is nimble in the paint but will also drain triples when given the space. He has a long first step that gets him to the basket in a hurry. Trevor is a bucket protector because of his length and timing. I like Trevor’s handles and how hard he plays. Look out for Mr. Schmidt next season, PHD will be sure to remind you multiple times! Trevor will be one of the best in B in 2023-24.

Trey Swanson Trey Swanson 6'5" | C Beach | 2023 State ND (2023) |6’5 C| Beach

14-9 record, Region 7 Athlete of the Year

22 ppg, 14 rpg, 2 apg, 2.5 spg. He was the best rebounder and low-post player in Region 7. Swanson is a blue-collar worker and a rough-and-tumble grinder. If you are afraid of contact, you will not want to go up against this BIG! Trey was a DUDE in football and that translated over to the basketball floor. If you scored in the paint against the Buccaneers, Swanson made you earn it. Trey played hard all the time and he was a game-changer with his size & strength. Good luck next year with your college football career!