Hoop Chat: Stars from the Dakotas
In this article:
Want to talk hoops? That is what we are doing in this article. PHD caught up with Jacoby Mehrman Jacoby Mehrman 6'4" | PG Harrisburg | 2024 State SD , Jaxson Wingert, and Walker Braaten Walker Braaten 6'4" | CG…
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Continue ReadingWant to talk hoops? That is what we are doing in this article. PHD caught up with Jacoby Mehrman Jacoby Mehrman 6'4" | PG Harrisburg | 2024 State SD , Jaxson Wingert, and Walker Braaten Walker Braaten 6'4" | CG Westhope/Newburg | 2025 State #278 Nation ND to chat about the game that we all love.
Jacoby Mehrman Jacoby Mehrman 6'4" | PG Harrisburg | 2024 State SD just recently committed to the University of Sioux Falls (USF). Huge congrats to Mr. Mehrman! He and the Tigers are primed for a huge season. Harrisburg should be one of the best AA teams and Jacoby will be the man running the show.
Jaxson Wingert is fresh off back-to-back State Championships and his Panthers will head into the season on a 53-game win steak. Tish has also received a large amount of interest from college coaches, he has multiple scholarship offers. Make sure you pay close attention to Wingert and the Panthers this winter.
Walker Braaten Walker Braaten 6'4" | CG Westhope/Newburg | 2025 State #278 Nation ND is only a junior but he already has an NSIC offer (Minot State). Braaten has scored 1,540 career points and he will have a good shot at being a 3,00 career scorer! He is not just a scorer, Walker is a complete playmaker and a gifted athlete.
See below for our Hoop Chat with three Stars from the Dakotas…
Q&A w/ Harrisburg’s Jacoby Mehrman Jacoby Mehrman 6'4" | PG Harrisburg | 2024 State SD
PHD: How did the grassroots season go for you and what are a couple of highlights?
“The season went very well and was a lot of fun. We had a great group of guys with a great coach and every one of us can play college basketball if we want to. We played a tough schedule and won a lot of games. One highlight was getting to play in Arizona, South Carolina, and Georgia. Another highlight was winning the Great Plains Alliance tournament in St. Cloud.”
PHD: How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep improving as an athlete & basketball player?
“I know there is always something for me to improve on and there are parts of my game that I need to constantly be working on to stay sharp. One of my biggest motivators is winning a State Championship. I have one more chance, so I’m trying to do whatever I can do in the gym and weight room to make that dream come true.“
PHD: You have had plenty of success in the past years of basketball, how are you going to reach a new level this year?
“I think just continuing to put in the work in the gym and in the weight room will help take my game to another level this year. Being a senior, I think a big step for me this year is being the best vocal leader I can be and making sure everyone is ready to go for every practice and every game.“
PHD: When you are not playing a sport, what do you do for fun?
“I golf a lot with my friends and spend a ton of time with my family.“
PHD: What can you tell us about your college recruitment?
“Last week I decided to commit to USF. My recruitment started my sophomore year, but really picked up after my junior year. During my recruitment I talked with and visited a lot of really good NAIA and D2 programs, along with a few D1 schools. I ultimately chose USF because I loved the coaching staff and the facilities. Staying home also means my parents and family will be able to make it to a lot of games, which means a lot to me.“
PHD: Outside of basketball, what sports/activities are you involved in?
“I golf a lot but I’m not on the golf team.“
PHD: Do you have any unique traditions or superstitions you go through before a basketball game?
“I wouldn’t say I have any unique traditions or superstitions for games. I usually eat the same food, listen to the same music, and do the same warm up before every game, but I feel like that is pretty common stuff.“
PHD: Who is the best basketball player in South Dakota right now and why?
“There are a lot of great players in South Dakota right now, it’s hard to choose one.
Porter Ihnen
Porter
Ihnen
6’5″ | CG
Lennox | 2024
State
#318
Nation
SD
is definitely one of them. He is a relentless scorer and great athlete.
Alec Squires
Alec
Squires
6’10” | C
Sioux Valley | 2024
State
#280
Nation
SD
is another one of the best players in the state. He uses his size super well on the boards and scoring in the paint. Lastly, I have to throw in another Harrisburg guy in
Braeden VanBockern
Braeden
VanBockern
6’3″ | SG
Harrisburg | 2024
State
SD
. He’s arguably the best shooter in the state.“
PHD: Any idea what you want to major in at college or what type of career you are interested in?
“I’m leaning towards business right now but it may change. I’m not quite sure what I want to do after college yet.“
PHD: What is the best part of your basketball game?
“I think the best part of my game is my ability to score from all three levels and my ability to see the floor and put my teammates in good positions to score.“
Q&A w/ Dakota Valley’s Jaxson Wingert
PHD: How did the grassroots season go for you and what are a couple of highlights?rn“It was a great experience being able to play against the some of the top players in the country. From a personal standpoint, it helped me gauge where I was at and helped identify what I needed to work on.”
PHD: How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep improving as an athlete & basketball player?rn“I hate losing which helps. Also comes from within… my goal is always to be the best player I am capable of being not only for myself but for my teammates.”
PHD: You have had plenty of success in the past years of basketball, how are you going to reach a new level this year?rn“This is going to be a different year with a different look. I know my role is going to be much larger this year. I’ll prepare by working hard every day, trusting my teammates, and being a great leader.”
PHD: When you are not playing a sport, what do you do for fun?rn“Hanging with friends, fish, lift weights. Basically, anything to stay active.”
PHD: What can you tell us about your college recruitment?rn“I’m enjoying the process and have enjoyed getting to know several coaches and learn about each individual program. I’ve had a number of visits this summer and plan to do more this fall.”
PHD: Outside of basketball, what sports/activities are you involved in?rn“None.”
PHD: Do you have any unique traditions or superstitions you go through before a basketball game?rn“Wearing a headband.”
PHD: Who is the best basketball player in South Dakota right now and why? rn“There are a lot of great players that come to mind that could potentially be the best player in the state. One guy who I think has greatly improved and has made huge strides in his game is my Sanford teammate Alec Squires Alec Squires 6’10” | C Sioux Valley | 2024 State #280 Nation SD but let’s not forget about the versatility of Porter Ihnen Porter Ihnen 6’5″ | CG Lennox | 2024 State #318 Nation SD and also Jacoby Mehrman Jacoby Mehrman 6’4″ | PG Harrisburg | 2024 State SD who is one of the best floor generals in our state. They all bring something different and of value. It would be hard to pick just one.”
PHD: Any idea what you want to major in at college or what type of career you are interested in?rn“Sports management. I’m not sure what career.”
PHD: What is the best part of your basketball game?rn“My back to the basket game using the footwork I’ve developed over the years and being able to stretch the floor.”
Highlights
Q&A w/ Westhope/Newburg’s Walker Braaten Walker Braaten 6'4" | CG Westhope/Newburg | 2025 State #278 Nation ND
PHD: How did the grassroots season go for you and what are a couple of highlights?
“Our season went well. We won the Great Plains Alliance. The best part is no one is selfish and everyone gets along well off the court.“
PHD: How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep improving as an athlete & basketball player?
“I have not played in a State Tournament or won a State Title. That should be enough motivation for anyone.“
PHD: You have had plenty of success in the past years of basketball, how are you going to reach a new level this year?
“By trying to expand my game, improving my hall handling, and basic skills.“
PHD: When you are not playing a sport, what do you do for fun?
“I go to the lake or play Xbox.“
PHD: What can you tell us about your college recruitment?
“I have been offered by Minot State University and am talking to a few schools in the Northern Sun and Summit League.“
PHD: Outside of basketball, what sports/activities are you involved in?
“Football, Golf, baseball, and hunting.“
PHD: Do you have any unique traditions or superstitions you go through before a basketball game?
“Just listening to music in the locker room.“
PHD: Who is the best basketball player in North Dakota right now and why?
“I feel I am the best player in North Dakota right now because I have yet to go toe-to-toe with someone and felt that I could not guard them and they could guard me.“
PHD: Any idea what you want to major in at college or what type of career you are interested in?
“I’m interested in some type of business degree as of now, but that may change.“
PHD: What is the best part of your basketball game?
“I think my scoring stands out to people, but I feel I rebound at a high level and contribute to winning.“