’25s Watchlist: Dakotas Spring Exposure

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Prep Hoops is coming to Fargo!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, March 30th, Prep Hoops is running the <strong>Dakotas Spring Exposure</strong> event at The <span style="text-decoration: underline">Empire Sports Complex</span> in Fargo. The Empire is a great venue and this will be an awesome event!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">In this article, <span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD has TEN 2025 Players on our Watchlist</span>. We will give you a couple of reasons to watch them and ask one question about each player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>At the event, you will see a mix of seniors, juniors, sophomores, and freshmen. There is no shortage of talent!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Date:</strong>&nbsp;March 30th</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Time:</strong>&nbsp;11:00-4:00</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Where:</strong> The Empire Sports Complex</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2391737,"width":"194px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/AAAAAAA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/AAAAAAA.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2391737" style="width:194px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1317685,"width":"194px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1317685" style="width:194px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">2025's</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1511202' first='Andy' last='Koffa'] |5'7 G| Moorhead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He will not be the biggest player on the court but Koffa plays hard and gives full effort. Andy is coming off a football injury that resulted in him missing the high school hoops season. It will be fun to see him back on the court at the Empire! Koffa is known as a pest on defense and he does good work breaking down the D and creating for others. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">How does he hang in there on defense against bigger players?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1263162' first='Ben' last='Brooks'] |6'9 G/F| Madison</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooks does it all on the hardwood. He can defend every position, block shots at the rim, move his feet laterally to cut off attackers, fly down the floor in transition, SLAM in impressive fashion, hit the triple, create for others, drop dimes, and score going downhill to the rack. Ben is absolutely a next-level athlete and he is sure to put on a show at this event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">He has the potential to be one of the elite in Fargo, how does Brooks perform?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1585947' first='Brian' last='Zarazua Jr'] |6'3 PG| Moorhead</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>BJ had a very good season for the Spuds in Minnesota. PHD has watched Zarazua a good amount in the past and I really like his length, skills, and calm demeanor. He can make all the passes, has eyes like a hawk, and he is unselfish. BJ does a bit of everything on the court. He averaged Double-Digit points this season in AAAA basketball, BJ also led the Spuds in rebounds, assists, and charges taken! Whoever ends up on his team at this event should considered lucky.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">This kid is the real deal, is BJ the top PG at the event?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2239760' first='Camden' last='Neilan'] |6'1 G| Waubay-Summit</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 strong athlete who scores from all levels. I watched some Mustang film this season and Camden was knocking down the 3-ball at a nice clip. He showed good instincts on defense which resulted in picking off passes and loose ball steals. Neilan looks to be a versatile defender who can take guys on the wing and use his muscle on the interior against bigger opponents. I am interested to see his handles, lateral quickness, and overall defensive abilities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">How does he shoot from 3 and does he score off the bounce?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2047813' first='Eddie' last='Garza'] |6'4 F| Oakes</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD has never watched him play live, so we are looking forward to seeing Garza play in-person. He looks like a BIG forward on the court. He takes up space in the paint and battles for rebounds. Eddie looks to score with a soft shooting touch and he does not shy from contact. It will be fun seeing him get after it against the big BIGs at this event. I want to see his post moves, shooting range, and athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">He appears to be a big/strong forward, how does he hold up against the top talent?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2044300' first='Kaleb' last='Horstman'] |6'3 F| Sioux Falls Roosevelt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have not heard how is school season went, so it will be fun to see him in action tomorrow. Hortsman can play inside and out. He is known as a tough kid with versatility and a good feel for the game. I want to see his athleticism, defensive abilities, and scoring package. Kaleb should see plenty of tough matchups and have a great chance to prove himself as a quality 2025 player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Is he more of and interior or perimeter player, how are his skills and jump shot?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1390216' first='Owen' last='Schleppenbach'] |6'4 PF| Kildeer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have not watched him live and in-person but Schleppenbach is a large and strong player. Owen and the Cowboys had a fun run in the playoffs, they made it to the State Tournament in Class A. I want to see Owen's footwork and post moves on the block. I am also interested in seeing him handle &amp; pass the ball. Owen should be one of the better low posts at this event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Is he strictly an interior player, how does he shoot it outside?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1342103' first='Ryan' last='Heinert'] |6'3 G| Sturgis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do not be surprised if he is the best 3-point shooter at the Empire. Heinert was All-Conference this season and averaged 19.6 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 2.1 apg. At 6'3" and a smooth shot, Ryan should have no trouble getting his shot off. I am intriguied to see if he puts on a shooting display. PHD is also interested to see if Heinert only looks for his perimeter shot and/or if he attacks the basket. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Is he the best shooter in the gym, how is he on defense, and will he finish at the rim?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970554' first='Teigen' last='Wormstadt'] |6'1 G| Sturgis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He will be one of the better athletes in the gym. Wormstadt is known as a hardworking and stingy defender. He is a well-rounded athlete with intriguing potential. Teigen was Honorable-Mention this season, averaging 7.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 1 apg, and shot 46 FG% in Class AA South Dakota. Look for Wormstadt to stick out as a playmaking slasher and a stifling on-ball defender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Is he the best athlete at the event and how does his jump shot look?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2232597' first='Traveion' last='Neilan'] |6'3 G/F| Waubay-Summit</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He did a some good things this fall at the Expo in Sioux Falls. Traveion looks to be a 2-way player who creates turnovers on defense and is an opportunistic scorer on the other end. He is aggressive and productive on the offensive glass. He also shares the ball and scores in traffic. I am interested to see if he has grown, has added muscle, and how his game has evolved since I watched him last. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">I liked his game at the Fall Expo, will he impress again, can he score from beyond the arc?</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2391737,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/AAAAAAA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/03/AAAAAAA.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2391737" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->