Notable Stock Risers: ND ’27 Ranks
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At the start of the week, Prep Hoops Dakotas updated the North Dakota 2027 Prospect Rankings. We have had numerous articles throughout the week regarding the Rankings on different topics. This is our final article on Stock Riser piece. Take…
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Continue ReadingAt the start of the week, Prep Hoops Dakotas updated the North Dakota 2027 Prospect Rankings. We have had numerous articles throughout the week regarding the Rankings on different topics. This is our final article on Stock Riser piece.
Take a look below at ballers who boosted their stock in the recent update.
We have a nice mix of 11 players from Class AA & B.
James Schindler James Schindler 5'7" | PG Grand Forks Red River | 2027 State ND |5’6 G| Grand Forks Red River
He has played both JV and Varsity this season. Schindler is a major stock riser, he went up 34 spots in the recent update! James is a gritty guard with great handles. Schindler does good work getting the Roughriders into their offense in both JV and Varsity. He is a kid who improves every day and is someone the RR coaches trust at the highest level. James also has a consistent jump shot from the perimeter. Look for James to improve his strength over the offseason. It will be interesting to see what role Mr. Schindler plays in the upcoming playoffs for the Roughriders.
Ethan Howey Ethan Howey 6'4" | C Minot North | 2027 State ND |6’4 C| Minot North
Howey is about 6’4″, has long arms, and likely has a 6’7″ wing span! Ethan has dealt with some illness issues, but when healthy, he is one of the strongest freshmen the Minot North coaches have ever seen. Howey is athletic, he can drop-step and dunk with 2-hands! He also runs the floor well and plays in the low post. Skill-wise, Howey is a bit raw but an exciting player. He is an excellent defender, ferocious rebounder, competes hard, and is super tough!
Trenton Sitzer Trenton Sitzer 5'10" | SG Midway-Minto | 2027 State ND |5’9 G| Midway-Minto
An important player for the 12-7 Mustangs. Sitzer recently hit a buzzer-beating 3-pointer in OT to send the game into double OT. The shot was deep, off the dribble, and clutch! Trenton has proven himself as a knockdown 3-point shooter. He has developed a nice pull-up J and this has increased his game. On the defensive side, Trenton is a good on-the-ball defender. On offense, Sitzer can score at the rim, hit the middy, and drill the triple!
David Ndaruhutse David Ndaruhutse 6'0" | SF North Fargo | 2027 State ND |6’0 F| Fargo North
This young Spartan has a great combination of athleticism, size, and skill. This allows David to be extremely versatile on both ends of the basketball court. David is extremely strong. He does good work getting downhill, attacking off the bounce, and making things happen in the paint. Keep tabs on this up-n-coming Spartan.
Max Zenker Max Zenker 5'7" | PG Sheyenne | 2027 State ND |5’7 G| West Fargo Sheyenne
He is the starting PG for the Freshman A Metro Champions! Sheyenne won the 9th Grade Tournament yesterday in overtime over Davies. Max has exceptional quickness that allows him to be a very disruptive on-ball defender. On the offensive side, Zenker will break down defenders off the bounce and is a frequent flyer in the paint! Good things are ahead for this Mustang.
Blake Engstrom Blake Engstrom 6'1" | SF Horace | 2027 State ND |6’1 F| Horace
Engstrom was a 9A starter and played well for the Hawks from Horace. Blake was a much-improved finisher this season. He looked comfortable & effective playing on the interior and on the perimeter. Engstrom is a very long-armed and intimidating shot blocker! The Hawks have a loaded 2027 Class and Blake is another player to watch.
Jack Gunderson Jack Gunderson 5'10" | SG Cavalier | 2027 State ND |5’10 G| Cavalier
Jack has done a good job when he has played this year. The youngster has been dealing with sickness/illness and has missed games/playing time. Offensively, Jack drives the ball well, moves the rock in the offensive sets, and hits the O-glass hard in hopes of a rebound. Defensively, Gunderson plays aggressively and has been a tough defender on the JV squad. On Varsity, he has not seen a lot of action mainly due to being sick. Jack could see some varsity burn in the playoffs because of his quickness. Over the summer, Cavalier had a made-shots program and Jack made 28,000 baskets, so he is a hard worker with a good attitude!
Baron Burns Baron Burns 5'9" | PG Larimore | 2027 State ND |5’9 G| Larimore
Burns has really grown up & improved from last year. Baron is the floor leader for the Polar Bears even as a freshman. His strength is on the defensive end, Burns is a fireball of energy and creates a lot of steals/turnovers. He also understands situations very well. Once Baron starts developing more of an offensive game, he could be a scary player the next few years. When Burns is catching and shooting in rhythm, he seems to be better than if he’s standing wide open and has to think of his shot. Baron has started trying to score more, but is still a bit timid. Things are going in the right direction for this young Polar Bear, Burns has a bright future on the hardwood.
Westin Enger Westin Enger 5'7" | PG Hatton-Northwood | 2027 State ND |5’7 G| Hatton-Northwood
Westin was named to the Thunder X-mas Classic All-Tourney team earlier in the winter. That is impressive for a freshman PG! Enger has had some big games this season, he is a key cog for the Thunder, and he keeps things rolling for the offense. Westin handles pressure, calms down the tempo, and is often the Thunder’s go-to scorer. He shines on offense but his biggest strength might be his instincts on defense. Westin is excellent at reading passing lanes and at putting pressure on the ball. He is also a talented shooter, is poised with the ball, and his instincts on D are sure to catch your eye. Look for Enger to improve his strength, confidence, and shot creation in the offseason. For an undersized 9th grader, Westin has had an outstanding hoops season. Enger is a talented multi-sport athlete, expect him to be the starting QB this fall on the gridiron.
Kale Nix Kale Nix 6'2" | SG Williston Trinity | 2027 State ND |6’2 G| Williston Trinity
He starts for the 15-3 Crusaders. Nix is a talented & accurate three-point shooter. Kale averages 11.8 ppg, 3 rpg, and 1 apg. He is shooting a smoking hot 51% from the 3-point arc and 59% from the field! Kale started on varsity last season as an 8th-grader for half the season and averaged 6 ppg. At 6’3″ and a deadly shooting stroke, Nix is an intriguing baller to keep track of! I am excited to see what Mr. Nix and Williston Trinity can do in the playoffs. Kai Thomas Kai Thomas 6'6" | SF Williston Trinity | 2024 State ND & Kale Nix Kale Nix 6'2" | SG Williston Trinity | 2027 State ND make a scary combo as lights-out shooters, beware of the Crusaders!
Anthony Touche Anthony Touche 5'10" | CG Warwick | 2027 State ND |5’10 G| Warwick
He is having a nice season, Touche is getting plenty of playing time and using up his 6 quarters on nights the Warriors play. He always gives maximum effort. Touche has stepped up in big moments in key varsity games. He is a spark off the bench and always helps the Warriors when in the game. Anthony’s strength is his nose for the ball. He crashes hard for every single rebound. As of late, Touche has picked up the role as the 6th man on Varsity. He has proven himself to be a reliable & pesky defender. Like every freshman, Touche makes mistakes, but when he does, it’s at 100%! Expect Anthony to get plenty of playing time this weekend and he could even be a difference maker to watch. The biggest improvement for Touche is his confidence and effort. He went from JH last year to JV and Varsity this season.