Scariest Ballers

Michael Herrick October 31, 2023 @ 11:05 AM

Scariest Rebounder: ND - Erick Paye Erick Paye 6'5" | PF Grand Forks Central | 2024 ND , a dominant and physical athlete. Paye will be playing football at UND next fall. He is a complete beast on the boards. I will not be surprised if Erick averages 5 or more offensive rebounds a game in his senior season.

SD - Nicholas Hanson Nicholas Hanson 6'8" | PF Viborg-Hurley | 2025 State SD , averaged double-digit rebounds last season and that will not change this year. His numbers will only improve. Hanson was dominant on the glass at the Prep Hoops Expo, he gobbled up O-rebounds like a kid eating candy on Halloween night.

Scariest Stock Riser: ND - Presley Peraza Presley Peraza 6'6" | PF Kindred | 2025 State ND , athleticism continues to improve and his outside shot is becoming more consistent, crazy hops & dunking ability.

SD - Luke Bruns, his game keeps evolving, skills keep sharpening, and he is a walking bucket. Bruns is going to have a Rockstar junior season.

Scariest Depth: Bismarck Demons, coach Wilhelm's teams play a fast-paced game and his bench is super deep. The Demons are an in-your-face team that picks up the pressure, pushes the tempo, force turnovers, score in transition, and shoot a ton of 3-pointers. How do they do that? By having a deep bench and rotating all the talent that the Demons have. No team plays as many ballers as BHS.

Scariest Coach: We are going with younger up-n-coming coaches who have impressed me in the last couple of years.

ND - Justin Folk Garrison, has a bright basketball mind. Coach Folk knows the game inside and out. He watches a ton of film and spends adequate time scouting and preparing for his opponents. The Troopers run great actions and sets. Coach Folk is always educating himself so he can become a better coach.

SD - Ben Short Beresford, has turned the Watchdog program into a class act and they are trending in the right direction. They play in the toughest Region in SD, yet his squad still competes at a high level. Coach Short is dedicated to his profession, puts in the time, and has a deep passion for the game of basketball.

Scariest Assistant Coach: ND - Nate Symens Horace, has Class A coaching experience in the EDC and WDA. A young guy who understands the game like a veteran. He is always learning and spends a ton of time in the gym all year long.

SD - Pat Kraning O'Gorman, a basketball junky that knows the game like the back of his hand. Coach Kraning is a student of the game and he is also a excellent teacher of hoops.

Scariest Venue: The RaiderDome at Maple Valley. Small venue and the benches are right on top of the floor. That place fills up easily and it is super loud. The Raiders always have a home-court advantage. The RaiderDome makes for a fun environment and a ruckus atmosphere!

Scariest Defense: ND - Minot Magicians, Dean Winczewski's defense is also tough and they take a ton of pride in their defense.

Bismarck Demons, Jordan Wilhelm's defense is fast and furious! The Demons pick up full-court, pressure, take chances, turn the ball over, trap from various places on the floor, and play with organized chaos. BHS has a daunting full-court press!

SD - St. Thomas More, Dave Hollenbeck teaches the defensive concepts as well as anyone. The Cavaliers are tough, stingy, and opposing teams have to work hard to get a good look.