ND AA Watchlist: Class of 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the highest level of high school basketball in North Dakota, it is rare for freshmen to make an impact on varsity. Last winter there were twenty-two (22) freshmen who recorded varsity statistics for what is now Class AA in North Dakota (only two of these freshmen scored 100+ points!). These 22 players from the 2026 Class make up PHD's Sophomore Watch List for ND Class AA Basketball!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">Below we will list the respective team, player(s), last year's stats, and give brief comments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1317685,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1317685"/></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size">*<span style="text-decoration: underline">Stats are listed as totals for last year</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Bismarck</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1418033' first='Grant' last='Bieber']</strong> - 17 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Few teams go as deep as the Demons, which bodes well for Beiber getting varsity minutes in his sophomore campaign. We all know that Bieber can really shoot the rock, but with a solid frame, 6'1” height, and added muscle, Grant has the chance to be a dynamic scoring threat for the Demons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Bismarck Century</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1332144' first='Garrett' last='Nissley']</strong> - 1 point, 2 rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nissley scored just one varsity point last season, as he had one of the best seats in the house to watch a star-studded senior class win 25 games with a State Tournament appearance. While there remains a logjam of strong upperclassmen at Bismarck Century, PHD expects Garrett to have a role like that of [player_tooltip player_id='1194507' first='Drew' last='Kempel'] last season. It is just a matter of time before this playmaking guard demonstrates his skill to the WDA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Bismarck Legacy</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1418038' first='Brody' last='Weigel']</strong> - 2 points, 2 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1531062' first='Jonathan' last='Roubideaux, Jr.'] </strong>- 11 points, 2 rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sabers elevated a couple of freshmen late last season. Roubideaux is PHD's #3 ranked prospect in the ND 2026 Class and will likely be the tallest player on the Bismarck Legacy roster this winter. Jonathan has a chance to carve himself out a significant role if he can rebound and guard. Weigel could be the benefactor of some heavy guard minutes that graduated. We know that Brody will guard, but he needs to prove that he can consistently knock down the triple for coach Horner.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Dickinson</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1510889' first='Boston' last='Cranston']</strong> - 6 points 2 rebounds, 4 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1531066' first='Cameron' last='Wolf']</strong> - 5 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1510890' first='Dylan' last='Glasser']</strong> - 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1709723' first='Kyler' last='Kudrna']</strong> - 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dickinson coaching staff has been watching this 2026 Class closely over the years, and there is no doubt that this class will be relied upon heavily in this upcoming season. While Kudrna recovers from an injury, PHD expects Cranston, Wolf, and Glasser to not only play heavy minutes but to compete for a spot in the Midgets starting lineup. If Cranston continues his run from this summer, he could be the top newcomer in the WDA and a potential All-Conference selection!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Fargo Davies</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1332141' first='Cameron' last='Miller']</strong> - 21 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>While Cam may have been the only freshman to score varsity points last season, the Eagles have a deep and talented 2026 Class with multiple kids that could push for some varsity minutes this winter. Fargo Davies had three (3) All-EDC guards last year, with just one (Ray Brown) graduating. With a rich program like Davies, there is no surprise that they have a guard like Miller ready to compete for backcourt minutes. It will be interesting to see how Cam fits in with [player_tooltip player_id='1169136' first='Mason' last='Klabo'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1161524' first='Daniel' last='Yorke']. My guess is, coach Manson makes it a seamless process and Miller takes to varsity ball like a duck to water. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Fargo South</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632627' first='Abakar' last='Miganoudji']</strong> -2 rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632631' first='Josh' last='Barjolo']</strong> - 2 rebounds, 1 assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1534507' first='Michael' last='Hamilton']</strong> - 1 rebound</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you didn't get a chance to watch the Bruin's JV team play last winter, you missed out on an opportunity to catch some special freshmen do their thing. Barjolo and Hamilton are solid backcourt players that should provide the Bruins with some depth. Abakar was nearly unstoppable this summer and has quickly elevated his stock to the #2 ranked player in PHD's 2026 Class of ND ballers. PHD predicts that Abakar will be one of the top newcomers in the EDC this winter and could be the secret weapon that gets the Bruins to State for the first time since 2011!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Grand Forks Central</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1800672' first='Brayden' last='Delorme']</strong> - 2 rebounds, 1 assist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798694' first='Brooklan' last='Bruce']</strong> - 20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Knights will have one of the top senior classes in the state this upcoming season, but when injuries and foul trouble lurked late last season, they relied on a couple of inexperienced freshman guards who did not play like freshmen! PHD expects Brooklan and Brayden to have increased roles this winter and more importantly, coach Carlson's trust.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Mandan</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327796' first='Brylee' last='Bears Tail']</strong> - 27 points, 19 rebounds, 4 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422852' first='Rylee' last='Bears Tail']</strong> - 33 points, 21 rebounds, 5 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hats off to coach Schafer for implementing a development plan that allowed the Bears Tail twins to get some varsity burn in most of the games last winter. With the Braves losing some big-time contributors due to graduation, Brylee and Rylee will be poised and ready for an increased role this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Shanley</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1481848' first='Jake' last='Kraft']</strong> - 5 rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite making a trip to State last season, the Deacons made just 99 triples. Their 3.7 triples made per game was the lowest in the league. The good news is that there is help on the way! [player_tooltip player_id='1481848' first='Jake' last='Kraft'] can shoot the ball at a high level, and if he can prove to new coach Webber that he can do the other things, expect Jake to produce some big sophomore scoring numbers!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">St. Mary's</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1418035' first='Chris' last='Benning']</strong> - 230 points, 38 rebounds, 22 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Saints won just one of their first twelve contests last season. It was this stretch that created the opportunity for the young Benning to provide a much-needed scoring punch. Chris used this opportunity to lead all Class A freshmen with 230 points and a respectable eFG% of 56.5%. Benning will be the Saints #1 scoring threat out of the gate this season. With the deep range this kid can shoot with, he could challenge [player_tooltip player_id='1111175' first='Isaiah' last='Schafer'] for the most 3FGM in the WDA!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">West Fargo</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327795' first='Beckett' last='Pfau']</strong> - 4 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327800' first='Sam' last='Glandt']</strong> - 5 points, 3 rebounds </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Packers have a loaded 2026 Class. So loaded, that even with Pfau and Glandt playing JV/V, the remaining freshmen won the EDC Freshmen Tournament! Coach AP will have strong upperclassmen numbers this winter, but it will be hard to keep youngsters Pfau and Glandt off the varsity court. In fact, don't be surprised to see one of these kids crack the starting lineup at some point in the season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">West Fargo Horace</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327797' first='Carter' last='Evanson']</strong> - 149 points, 39 rebounds 42 assists</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541297' first='Kaiden' last='Peterson']</strong> - 6 points, 3 rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although the Hawks inaugural varsity season did not go well, the bright spot was the play of freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1327797' first='Carter' last='Evanson']. As a regular starter, Evanson took advantage of his opportunity to lead all EDC 9th graders in scoring. With some added length and weight, PHD projects Easy Money to be one of the top players in the conference this winter. Peterson was promoted to varsity late in the season and with his 6'2” size, will likely be a versatile scoring option for the new-look Hawks.</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 -->