Players You Need To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD knows that it is early in the season, with that said, there is a ton of talent across the state that we have yet to see. Who are some of the players you should make a point to watch? PHD has all those answers for you below. We have a quality mix of 16 North Dakota ballers from AA, A, and B that should make time to watch this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2243528,"width":"403px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/PlayerstoWatch-crop-658x433-1697522828.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/06/PlayerstoWatch-crop-658x433-1697522828.jpg?w=657" alt="" class="wp-image-2243528" style="width:403px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>Players You Need To Watch</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1355919' first='Bennett' last='Larson'] ('26) |6'7| Stanley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is new to the Blue Jays and I have not watched him run with the new squad yet. Larson's motor never seems to slow down and he is a tireless worker. Bennett is a bruiser in the paint that defends hard and he will do anything for a rebound. He gets to the FT-line often and the BIG man shares the rock. I have heard tell that "Big Country" has expanded his shooting range and that he knocked down a triple last game. Stanley is the real deal and I am excited to see how Larson fits in with this intriguing Blue Jay squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2276348' first='Blake' last='Larson'] ('25) |6'5 F| Hettinger-Scranton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a tough player around the basket with good feet and he scores with both hands. Larson can also hit shots from the perimeter. PHD is predicting a big year from Blake. The Knight Hawks lost game one to Belfield by a score of 60-58. However, Larson was impressive. Blake went for 19 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals. Look for Larson to be the focal point of the Night Hawk offense, they will run their O through him and you should expect good things. [player_tooltip player_id='1163446' first='Maddox' last='Pierce'] is another player from Hettinger-Scranton that you will want to keep eyes on this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297693' first='Braylon' last='Fisher'] ('24) |6'2 G| Des Lacs-Burlington</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>DLB is 2-0 and Fisher is beaming! Braylon looks like a dangerous scorer early, he has put up 19 points and 18 points. Fisher has a super-quick first step that gets him to the rim in a hurry. He is an excellent finisher and Braylon thrives in transition. This Laker is long, he creates havoc on defense, and that contributes to offense on the other end. Braylon is shooting it very well from 3-point land through two games. Defenders have to give him a step because he will beat you off the bounce, Fisher has been capitalizing on this space. DLB will has their first tough test of the year tomorrow night at home against Standing Rock. This will be a fun matchup and I am excited to see what Mr Fisher can do!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1734987405894242452","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1734987405894242452 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1194507' first='Drew' last='Kempel'] ('25) |6'3 PG| Bismarck Century</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I watched Kempel play multiple times in the grassroots season but have not had a chance to see him since he took over the duties as the PG for the Patriots. Century is 5-0 on the year and ranked #4 in the State AA Poll, Drew has had a major hand in the 5-0 start. I really admire Kempel's game, he is strong, tough, smart, skilled, and selfless. He is also a great defender. Look above, where fakes the handoff on the BLOB and 2-handed WHAMs on a Blue Jay! Drew can get up! Through 5 games, Kempel is averaging 15 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.4 apg, and 2.4 spg! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1219797' first='Hudsen' last='Sheldon'] ('25) |6'2 G| Mandan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If you have not watched Sheldon up to this point in his career you are missing out! Hudsen is one of the premier multi-sport athletes in North Dakota. The Braves are 2-1 on the young season and Sheldon is putting up some impressive numbers. He is a high-octane athlete, every time he is on the floor, you need to have your eyes peeled for a highlight reel play. Check out these stats from his 3 games this season, Fargo North: 19 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists. Shanley: 26 points, 10/12 FG's, 10 rebounds, 8 assists. Bismarck: 40 points, 11/14 FG's, 6 rebounds, 4 assists. It looks like Sheldon is well on his way to having another All-State season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1146180' first='Jace' last='Jochim'] ('24) |6'2 G| Linton-HMB</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Lions are currently ranked #6 in Class B and 1-0 on the season (W 53-50 over Harvey-Wells County). Jochim poured in 24 points in the season's first contest, played solid defense, and created multiple turnovers. Last season, Jochim averaged 14.1 ppg and 4.5 rpg. After a strong showing in the football season, college coaches have taken notice. That success on the gridiron should carry over to the hardwood and PHD expects a monster year from the smooth shooting Lion. Linton has a tough road game tonight and Garrison, Jochim is absolutely a player to watch in this one! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655188' first='Kia' last='Thomas'] ('24) |6'5 F| Williston Trinity</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This player needs more attention! Thomas was voted All-District 15 and also District 15 All-Tournament Team last season. Kia consistently produces and he makes it look easy! At 6'5", Thomas is long, skilled, and a deadly shooter. He deflects, steals, and blocks shots on the regular. Kia strikes me as a natural scorer and he might be the best player in ND that most people have never heard of! In game 1, Williston Trinity demolished Trenton by a score of 87-49 and Thomas scored 30 points, gobbled up 18 rebounds, dished 5 assists, and blocked 5 shots. Get this kid on your watchlist, he could very well be an All-State player!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297738' first='Levi' last='Swanson'] ('26) |6'0 G| Langdon Area/Edmore/Munich</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cards are 1-0 on the season with a 61-60 win over Warwick. The young Swanson hit a crucial 3-pointer with seven seconds on the clock to help the Cardinals secure the win! Levi is currently in the 6^th man role for Langdon. He brings high energy/effort off the bench. Levi is a spark reserve player who can handle the ball, defend well with good anticipation, finish at the cup, and has extended 3-point shooting range. Levi is a streaky scorer as a sophomore with the ability to score in bunches. With his anticipation and understanding of basketball, the Cards use him to fly around on the defensive side of the ball looking to trap. After 1 game Swanson is averaging 10 ppg , 1 rpg, 1 apg, in 12 mpg. [player_tooltip player_id='1857757' first='Rayce' last='Worley'] will get a ton of attention this year, Swanson should be able to make teams pay for overplaying. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1350687' first='Little' last='Hail Perkins'] ('25) |6'5 SF| Garrison</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Troopers are 1-0 on the season, they started the year with a nice 62-45 win over MPB. Hail poured in a cool 27 points. He is a guy who can make plays inside and out. He is a monster on the boards. At 6'5", Hail is quick and smooth on the court. He has slimmed/leaned up in the offseason and has developed his overall game. Hail sees the floor well, is a good passer, and has a beautiful pull-up jump shot. Hail has long arms and he gets his hands on a lot of balls/passes. The Troopers have a big game tonight against #6 Linton-HMB. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1731797801976131894","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/DaksHoops/status/1731797801976131894 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169148' first='Parker' last='Falcon'] ('25) |6'6 G| Bismarck Legacy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Much like the rest of the guys in this article, Falcon is playing great early in the season. In the past, Falcon struck me as mainly a three-point threat. It looks like Parker is now a complete scoring threat who can get buckets from every level in a variety of ways. The Sabers are 2-1 on the season. Falcon is averaging 23.7 ppg and 5 rpg. The intriguing college prospect has hit 14 triples and is shooting a scalding hot 50 3FG%! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/ParkerJacobson8/status/1734783818152714545","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ParkerJacobson8/status/1734783818152714545 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632628' first='Parker' last='Jacobson'] ('26) |6'1 G| Washburn</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Cardinals are undefeated on the year, W 75-46 over Parshall/NSP and W 90-36 over Strasburg/Zeeland. Parker had a phenomenal frosh season, he is one of the best three-point shooters in ND high school basketball history. Last year, Jacobson hit 101 triples at a wild 50 3FG%. As you can see above, Parker has started right where he left off. Jacobson drained 9 triples and scored 33 points vs. Strasburg/Zeeland!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327800' first='Sam' last='Glandt'] ('26) |6'2 SG| West Fargo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The strong and crafty southpaw is off to a hot start. Glandt has moved into the starting lineup for the Packers and looks like a sniper from beyond the arc. Earlier this season against crosstown rival Sheyenne, Sam lit the nets on fire by going 6/8 from downtown! Since becoming a starter in the Sheyenne game, Glandt is averaging 15.5 ppg, 6.5 rpg 4 apg, and 2 spg. In the last West Fargo game against Jamestown (won 93-88), Sam went for 11 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and was 1/1 from 3-point land. Great things are ahead for the talented Mr. Glandt!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297686' first='Talon' last='Larson'] ('24) |6'6 C| Valley City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I want to see how the Hi-Liners compete in Class A. They have an intriguing 6'6" senior who is as athletic as any BIG in the area. I am not sure how many touches Larson will get, but he sure has potential. Larson showed some impressive plays against Central Cass. VC is only one game into the season but Mr. Larson is a player that you will want to check out at some point this winter. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1497589' first='Thomas' last='Newman'] ('25) |6'4 SF| Jamestown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In general, Jamestown is a team I want to watch because of the coaching change. I am interested to see what style of basketball they are playing and how deep their bench is. They also have some talented ballers with [player_tooltip player_id='1497589' first='Thomas' last='Newman'], [player_tooltip player_id='1161538' first='Dalton' last='Lamp'], [player_tooltip player_id='1169147' first='Noah' last='Meissner'], and [player_tooltip player_id='1617815' first='Ryan' last='Larson']. Newman is putting up legit numbers with 19 ppg, 4.5 rpg, and 3 apg! Let's see if Newman can stay hot and perform well at Mandan tomorrow night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2297724' first='Traydon' last='Bachmeier'] ('26) |6'4 PF| Minot North</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sentinels are not in the WDA yet as a varsity team but they are competing against some varsity squads. Minot North has played Grand Forks Central and Turtle Mountain's varsity teams and Bismarck Legacy's JV team. That is a big jump from playing freshman ball last year. Tray has responded well to the physical play this year. Bachmeier is averaging 11 pph, 11.3 rpg, 1.7 spg, and is shooting 43 percent. Those are some solid numbers, he is a real beast on the glass! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1139583' first='Tyson' last='Wick'] ('24) |6'2 G| Hazen</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Bison are off to a fire start in Class A. They are 2-0 with wins over Watford City and Turtle Mountain. Wick is known as a high IQ baller with sharp skills, and a deadly scoring package. In the two games this season, Tyson went for 33 points and 28 points. Expect those high-scoring games to continue for Mr. Wick!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1949217,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/ImpressivePlayers.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/ImpressivePlayers.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1949217" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->