State Qualifiers: Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Saturday, March 9th will be a historic day in North Dakota High School Basketball. As you know, ND has 3 Classes/Divisions this season. That means we have State Qualifiers/Challenge games this season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the past, you had to win your Region to make State in Class B. With the new system in place, you can punch your ticket to State by winning the Challenge Game in A &amp; B!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Teams from Region 1 &amp; 2 in Class A &amp; B will play at NDSU's SHAC in Fargo on 3/9/24. If you win, you make State, if you lose, your season is over.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Runner-ups are facing the 3rd place finisher for the opposite Region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"10px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:10px">There are also games going on out west at the New Town Event Center with Region 3 &amp; 4 teams. However, in this article, we are looking at the games/players from Region 1 &amp; 2.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Who is playing</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1:00 Class A - <strong>Grafton</strong> (19-4) vs. <strong>Wahpeton</strong> (16-8) </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3:00 Class A - <strong>Thompson</strong> (13-11) vs. <strong>Valley City</strong> (11-11)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5:00 Class B - <strong>LaMoure-Litchville/Marion</strong> (15-10) vs. <strong>New Rockford-Sheyenne</strong> (13-12)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>7:00 Class - <strong>Edgeley-Kulm-Montpelier</strong> (21-4) vs. <strong>North Border</strong> (16-8)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">See below for PHD's Players to Watch in the Challenge Games/State Qualifiers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1511372,"width":"414px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1511372" style="width:414px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2270551' first='Bennett' last='Meier'] (2025) |6'3 SG/SF| New Rockford-Sheyenne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Having a very nice junior season, has a versatile scoring package around the basket</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shoots it well in the mid-range, makes plays as a slasher &amp; cutter </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will he draw the Musland matchup and can he hit the 3-point shot?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1798696' first='Brayden' last='Steffens'] (2026) |5'10 G| Wahpeton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays his best ball against the top teams, averaging around 15 ppg, 4 rpg, 4 apg, 2 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A mobile athlete, 3-level scorer, crafty &amp; quick, plays hard &amp; fast</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can he slow down Baldwin? He will have to provide a scoring punch if the Huskies want the win</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1168246' first='Braylon' last='Baldwin'] (2024) |5'11 PG| Grafton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fast, quick, super skilled, dynamic playmaker, All-State talent</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A big shot maker who can fill it up from long-range, lethal off the dribble</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can the Huskies contain him? Expect Braylon to be the best guard on the court</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114976' first='Brogan' last='Young'] (2027) |6'0 G| EKM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He has started some this season as a frosh but mainly comes off the bench, I am excited to see him in person</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Nice athleticism for his age, does the little things on D, grabs loose balls, hustles &amp; gets after the glass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can the 9th grader hit some shots and be an X-factor?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2333734' first='Bryson' last='Heck'] (2025) |6'3 G| Valley City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive every time I watch, averaging around 13.3 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 1.1 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Talented &amp; high percentage 3-shooter, crafty &amp; skilled, intense competitor, best VC defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Do the Tommies have anyone that can stay with him, will Heck lead the Hi-Liners to State?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1168165' first='Carson' last='Eggert'] (2024) |6'4 G| Valley City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Super long PG who initiates the VC O, averaging around 13.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 3.7 apg, 2.5 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quality athlete, impressive passer, creator, gets buckets from all levels &amp; angles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who will defend him from Thompson? Eggert is a tough matchup with his length &amp; skill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1705523' first='Drew' last='Overby'] (2024) |6'1 G| Thompson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good-sized guard with a quick trigger and deep shooting range</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Spreads &amp; spaces the floor, helps take pressure off Peterson, major 3pt threat</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will he shoot the Tommies to a victory? Both Thompson &amp; Valley City will get up plenty of triples </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632742' first='Easton' last='Simon'] (2026) |6'0 PG| New Rockford-Sheyenne</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Talented young PG who runs the show for the Rockets, excited to see him under the bright lights at the SHAC</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong athlete and smart player, precision passer with good vision</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How are his handles and how does his perimeter jump shot look?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1859912' first='Gunner' last='Thielges'] (2026) |6'1 G| LLM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong &amp; gifted athlete, fast &amp; explosive, tough-minded kid, plays with great energy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Gets after it on the defensive side, gritty, physical, rebounds well, does the little things</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Will he provide the scoring punch that pushes the Loboes to a victory?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165355' first='Grant' last='Cosley'] (2025) |6'0 G| North Border</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 him going against [player_tooltip player_id='1935092' first='Joseph' last='Kramlich'], both are great athletes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Speedy player, dangerous slasher, creative, standout defender, causes havoc </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How are his ball skills and how does his jump shot look?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1164807' first='Jacob' last='Nitschke'] (2024) |6'5 F| EKM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I have never watched him live, excited to see his athleticism &amp; versatility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A hard worker &amp; stat stuffer, 2-way baller, excellent on the glass, headache of a matchup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Is he the best player on the court? He will have a great chance to get the Rebels to the promised lands </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1184547' first='Jayden' last='King'] (2024) |6'4 F| Wahpeton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Having a breakout season, highly productive, averaging around 15 ppg &amp; 9 rpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Performs well against the best teams, efficient &amp; high percentage shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Can he score on [player_tooltip player_id='1770389' first='Kyler' last='Droog']? Will he control the boards against the Spoilers? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2237765' first='Kaden' last='Moore'] (2027) |5'9 G| North Border</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He has had a hot hand all season, impressive &amp; efficient shooter, deadeye from 3-point land</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quick &amp; shifty guard, talented passer, smart kid, has stepped up all season long</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Is he the best shooter at the SHAC in the late game? He will need to come up big if the Eagles want an upset </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165392' first='Karter' last='Peterson'] (2025) |6'6 PF| Thompson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-BIG, does the dirty work, gritty, runs the floor amazingly well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong post moves, physical finisher, 2-way player, gives full effort all the time</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Does he take care of business against the Hi-Liner BIGs? It will be fun to see him go against [player_tooltip player_id='1418031' first='Jack' last='Dieterle'] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2297686' first='Talon' last='Larson']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1770389' first='Kyler' last='Droog'] (2025) |6'7 PF| Grafton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Large, strong, mobile, tough, having a great season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physical around the hoop, has a sweet baby hook &amp; a soft touch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who wins the battle between Droog and [player_tooltip player_id='1184547' first='Jayden' last='King']? I will not be surprised if he produces a Double-Double</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1145406' first='Max' last='Musland'] (2024) |6'4 SG| LLM</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Having a monster season &amp; putting up major points, extended shooting range</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Averaging around 26 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 2.4 apg, 3 spg, 52.4 eFG%, disruptive defender, easily All-State</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>How will the Rockets defend him, does he get chased? Will Max score hit 30+?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1511372,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1511372" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->