3-Division Basketball: Class A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD is taking a look at <strong>25</strong> noteworthy players from Class A for the next high school season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>High school basketball is going to look a little different next winter! There will be three classes in North Dakota, B, A, and AA. It will take some time to become used to calling Killdeer, Thompson, Bottineau, etc, "Class A" teams. However, that will all become commonplace over time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We will not get into a philosophical debate or personal preference on how many classes there should be in ND. Instead, we want to highlight players that will be standing out next season! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"> Scroll to the bottom to see the Class A teams listed by Region. </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 --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800"}},"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:800"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Noteworthy Class A Players</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1372160"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"He helped the Skyhawks win 21 games and finish 2nd at State. An All-Region selection and a double-double machine that averaged 18 ppg, 10 rpg. He is a horse on the boards and monster that finishes everything around the hoop. He passes it well and he never stops working.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1355919"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"He was a key factor in the Miners finishing 3rd at State. Larson is now having a dynamite AAU season. His motor is always running hot, plays physical u0026amp; never backs down, high percentage shooter, aggressive yet smart defender, selfless passer, makes everyone better.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1168246"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"An All-Region 2 player, elite PG with all the skills, eagle-eye vision, and a top-notch passer. Baldwin can also fill it up! He is deadly off the bounce that leads to scores at the rim, soft floaters, and a sweet mid-range J. Braylon is super-effective in PNR situations, is also a hard-nosed on ball defender.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1864023"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"An All-Region 5 player that aided his team in winning 18 games. He is a scoring machine that demands your attention, will be fun to see if Harrison can put up big #'s in Class A. Has it all, length, skill, mobility, never-slow-down attitude. Creates TO's and block shots on D.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["1219808"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"A key member of the Shiloh team that won 21 games and took 2nd at State. He shines in transition and at getting downhill off the dribble. Englund is an aggressive athlete with an immense finishing package. Caden has good eyes and he can makes all the passes. Do not forget, he is a tireless worker on D.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1144577"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"State Champion, perfect 23-0, All-Region 1 player, 12.4 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 2.7 apg. Made big plays all season long, timely/clutch/gamer! Great instincts on O u0026amp; D, smooth shooter from the perimeter, makes plays off the bounce, smart u0026amp; polished overall player.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1144617"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Statewide, he is an underrated player but shouldn't be! Carson was an All-Region player that averaged 24.5 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 4.0 apg, 2.5 spg, 41.5 FG%. 515 points in a single season is impressive! He is a master w/ the rock, shoots the lights out u0026amp; is an opportunistic scorer, a cerebral player.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1144578"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_player_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"23-0 record, State Champion, All-Tournament Team at State, All-Region 1 selection with 14.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 3.2 apg. His size and length gave opponents problems all season. Smooth shooting lefty that scores from every level. Crafty around the hoop and productive on the boards.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1144581"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"An All-Region 4 player that averaged 16 ppg, 6.8 rpg, 2.2 apg, 2.7 spg, 55 FG%, 29 3FG%. He is underrated and much of that comes from Deng being so talented. Dalen is coming back from an injury but will be back better than every. Great defender, intriguing athlete, all-around player.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1144580"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"One of the elite athletes in ND. Deng was All-State and All-Region last season with 22 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.3 apg, 2.9 spg, 55 FG%, 29 3FG%. If you have not watched him DUNK, you are missing out! His 3pt shooting is vastly improving. An electric u0026amp; high-powered player!","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1168320"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"He averaged 11.8 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3 apg, 2.7 spg in the tough WDA last season. Zerr is fleet of foot and an annoying on-ball defender. He pressures and reacts quickly to the ball. Gunner is fast and a good finisher in transition. He is also effective slashing to the cup.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["1144488"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"The BIG man improved a ton in the last 12 months. Brandt was an All-Region 2 performer that averaged 17.7 ppg, 9.9 rpg, 1.5 apg, 49 FG%. Jacob can do it all on the offensive side. Posts w/ crafty moves, hits 15-footers, and drain 3's. He also gets after the boards and protects the rim.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["1144605"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"He was selected to the All-Region 7 Team and averaged 19.4 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2.5 spg. Jake is a heady u0026amp; clever player. His smart u0026amp; aggressive cutting is a work of art. I love his pull-up game and his finishing package is diverse. He is sharp decision maker and a bloodthirsty competitor.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["1145117"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"The skilled shooter was selected to the All-District 16 Team and District 16 All-Tournament Team. Hetzel averaged 16.2 ppg, 4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 2.6 spg, and shot 40 FG%, 42 3FG%! Josh has artisan handles and his shooting range goes to the VB-line. Hetzel will be a top shooter in Class A.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["1169144"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Helped get the Vikings to the Region 1 Championship game, All-Region 1 selection, 15.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg, currently receiving interest from the NSIC u0026amp; Summit, invited to MBCA D1 Showcase, arms that never end, intriguing skill set, tons of versatility.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["1165392"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"An All-Region 2 player that averaged 11.7 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 61 FG%. A back-to-the-basket post, fantastic feet u0026amp; balance, scores w/ power u0026amp; a soft touch, a creature around the hoop. Peterson is special athlete at his size, he qualified for Sate in Tu0026amp;F in the 4x100 u0026amp; 110 hurdles.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_16_player":["1864035"],"_player_evaluations_16_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_16_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_16_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"He helped the Warriors win 18 games and Bradley was an All-Region 5 selection. An energetic PG that makes positive plays happen all over the court, scores in bunches, a creative scorer that is full of confidence,  breaks u0026amp; shakes on-ball D, creates chaos on defense.","_player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_17_player":["1145107"],"_player_evaluations_17_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_17_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_17_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_17_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_17_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_17_evaluation":"All-Region w/ 16.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 4 apg. Nobody works harder, distinguished 3-level scorer, attacks the hoop u0026amp; scores through contact, amazing understanding for the game, gets a ton of attention and still produces, a gym rat that is always working on his craft.","_player_evaluations_17_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_18_player":["1390216"],"_player_evaluations_18_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_18_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_18_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_18_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_18_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_18_evaluation":"He is and up-n-coming forward/post to keep eyes on. Schleppenbach is a BIG u0026amp; strong boy. Killdeer lost a tough senior post and now the lane will be Owen's. He can finish with his back to the basket and with power. He is also a skilled and unselfish passer.","_player_evaluations_18_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_19_player":["1177143"],"_player_evaluations_19_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_19_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_19_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_19_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_19_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_19_evaluation":"Had a fantastic sophomore season and was All-EDC with 17.4 ppg, 9 rpg, 3.6 apg. He plays amazingly hard, that is a difference maker for Brodina! His size, physicality, toughness, communication, and skill also help. Parker is a tortuous matchup because he can do it on all on the hardwood and if you take a play off, you will pay.","_player_evaluations_19_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_20_player":["1169146"],"_player_evaluations_20_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_20_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_20_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_20_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_20_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_20_evaluation":"The sensational athlete helped get his team to the Region Championship. Peraza was an All-Region 1 performer that averaged 15.5 ppg, 6 rpg, 2 apg. Presley will be one of the most explosive u0026amp; strong players in A. He is a rim-rocking dunker, is physical u0026amp; tough, is shooting 50% from 3 in AAU ball.","_player_evaluations_20_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_21_player":["1144977"],"_player_evaluations_21_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_21_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_21_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_21_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_21_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_21_evaluation":"Helped the Miners to a 3rd place finish at State. All-Tournament Team at State and All-Region. 15.6 ppg, 7 rpg, 3.5 apg, 55 2FG%, 38 3FG%. One of my fav Class B players to watch last year. Buttery smooth lefty. He Became an all-encompassing scorer last season.","_player_evaluations_21_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_22_player":["1139583"],"_player_evaluations_22_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_22_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_22_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_22_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_22_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_22_evaluation":"An All-Region 7 player that averaged 16.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg, 5.6 apg. A very quick lead guard that facilitates but can also put up points in a hurry. Wick is fast in transition and he can control the tempo. Tyson also gets to the basket and finishes in a variety of impressive ways.","_player_evaluations_22_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_23_player":["1411320"],"_player_evaluations_23_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_23_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_23_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_23_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_23_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_23_evaluation":"He had a breakout season u0026amp; was an All-EDC player with 20.3 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.5 apg. The Firebirds should be #1 in the Sate heading into the season and Delorme will easily be one of the best in ND. A dynamic athlete with size, bounce, shooting, and playmaking ability.","_player_evaluations_23_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_24_player":["1168300"],"_player_evaluations_24_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_24_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_24_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_24_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_24_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_24_evaluation":"13.9 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 1.2 apg, 35 FG%. He is rehabbing an injury but will be back ready to go early in his senior season. Zach is a physical and strong athlete. Works hard and is always hustling. Sykora can score around the hoop but is also a nice shooter from the perimeter.","_player_evaluations_24_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":25,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-646ee3bd71418"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":1968043,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NoteworthyPlayers-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NoteworthyPlayers-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1968043" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"800"}},"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:800"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Class A Regions</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 1</span>:</strong> Wahpeton, Valley City, Central Cass, Kindred, Lisbon, Northern Cass, Oak Grove</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 2</span>:</strong> Devils Lake, Grafton, Four Winds/Minnewaukn, Hillsboro/Central Valley, Carrington, Thompson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 3</span>:</strong> Turtle Mountain, New Town, Dunseith, Stanley, Des Lacs-Burlington, Bottineau, Rugby, Nedrose</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 4</span>:</strong> Watford City, Standing Rock, Beulah, Heart River, Killdear, Hazen, Shiloh Christian, Dickinson Trinity</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->