#PHStompingGrounds Sunday AM Eye-Catchers
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Sioux Falls, SD – The Pentagon was just as fantastic on Sunday! In this article, we are looking at players that caught my eye for one reason or the other. We have players from 15U, 16U, and 17U. PHD has…
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Continue ReadingSioux Falls, SD – The Pentagon was just as fantastic on Sunday! In this article, we are looking at players that caught my eye for one reason or the other. We have players from 15U, 16U, and 17U. PHD has players from IA, ND, and MN included in this article.
It was a great weekend at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds and the Pentagon was amazing!
See below for 11 players that caught my eye on Sunday morning.
Sunday AM Eye-Catchers
Carson Nickles Carson Nickles 6'1" | CG Sioux Falls Christian | 2026 State SD (2026) |6’1 G| Team Warwick 15U
He shot the ball well from beyond the arc and the FT-line. Nickels is an active baller that spaces the floor and he knows how to get open. Much like everyone on the team, Carson is a sharp/smart cutter. The lefty from SFC has a smooth & fluid shot. He also scored around the rim and he shared the ball. It was a great Sunday showing for Nickles.
Parker Graff Parker Graff 6'0" | CG Wessington Springs | 2026 State SD (2026) |5’11 G| SD Elite 15U
I caught him in the game against Starks Elite, Graff was fantastic in the 66-60 win. Starks Elite is a solid team from the Duluth Area, they have size & athletes. He is known as an exceptional shooter but Graff was doing more penetrating and scoring at the basket. It was great to see that Graff has a diversified game. He look to have a bright future.
Jesse Van Kalsbeek Jesse Van Kalsbeek 6'6" | SF MOC-Floyd Valley | 2024 State IA (2024) |6’4 G/F| Sanford Sports UA 2024
He first caught my eye with a crazy athletic dunk in transition. I knew that Jesse was athletic but that play put him on a different level. Van Kalsbeek also showed off his shooting rage by cashing in a triple. He is a lanky wing with long arms and great bounce. Jesse is a dynamic playmaker.
Joel Nelson Joel Nelson 6'6" | SF Devils Lake | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’5 F| Bears Tail Basketball 16U Swanson
He stood out on Sunday with a high amount of rebounds, especially on the offensive end. Nelson also scored around the rim. Apparently, Joel has taken after his older brother Grant because he blocked a ton of shots on Sunday morning. His anticipation and amazing timing were on full display. I was also impressed with Nelson’s effort.
Parker Brodina (2025) |6’3 G/F| Bears Tail Basketball 16U Swanson
He stood out again with his effort, energy, activity, and high motor that never slows down. Parker is very strong and tough. He is not afraid of contact, he will bump defenders away and finish through contact. Brodina is a 3-point threat but he is great at getting downhill and attacking the rim. I was also impressed with his leadership & communication.
Reign Battle (2025) |6’1 G/F| Bears Tail Basketball 16U Zarazua
He is intense and athletic. Battle is a utility player that can do a bit of everything on the basketball court. He was a scoring machine throughout the two days in Sioux Falls. Reign was instrumental in leading this Bears Tail squad at the Stomping Grounds. Battle never lets up and he is an assertive player.
Brian Zarazua (2025) |6’3 PG| Bears Tail Basketball 16U Zarazua
He is a natural on the hardwood. He is also a long and very skilled lead guard. Brian is a gifted and smart player, he is also a nice athlete. He stretched the floor while knocking down three pointers. BJ also penetrated for baskets, as well as dishing for buckets. Zarazua is a wonderful creator.
James Hamilton James Hamilton 6'4" | SF Fargo South | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’3 G/F| Bears Tail Basketball 17U 3SGB
He helped lead Bears Tail to a comfortable win on Sunday morning. Hamilton is an offensive machine, if the defense takes one play off or is a step slow, he will take advantage of that and produce. He gets downhill in an aggressive manner. James can finish around the rim in a variety of ways. He is also spectacular in the mid to short range with his jump shot. Hamilton has a shooter’s touch and a scorer’s mentality. He is also a horse on the glass.
Deng Deng Deng Deng 6'5" | SF Four Winds/Minnewaukan | 2024 ND (2024) |6’5 F| Bears Tail Basketball 17U 3SGB
He stood out because of his power and explosiveness. Deng is productive and dynamic in transition. When he is running the court, gets the ball, and is 1 vs. 1, there is no stopping him. His skill level continues to improve and his shooting consistency does as well. Deng is tough when he gets going North & South but I saw him change directions and show some shiftiness. Deng is a fun and exciting player with intriguing potential.
Carson Haerer Carson Haerer 6'0" | PG Bottineau | 2024 State ND (2024) |6’0 G| Bears Tail Basketball 17U 3SGB
He stood out a shooter that can hit from every level. Haerer has top-notch handles, controls the tempo, and can make every pass on the court. He is calm and cool with the rock. It is easy to see that Carson knows the game of basketball well. His jump shot is next to perfect and his timing is always spot-on. He is a sneaky defender and an all-around basketball player.
Jackson Schauer Jackson Schauer 6'1" | CG Faith | 2024 State SD (2024) |6’1 G| Sanford Sports 2024 White
The lefty Longhorn put on a shooting display on Sunday morning and lit the nets on fire. Schauer put in seven triples to help SSA White pick up a win. Schauer is a buttery-smooth shooter with range that extended well beyond the high school arc. He catches in-rhythm, and has great feet & mechanics. When this shooter gets a little space, odds are the shot is going in.