17U Watchlist #NHRState

The NHR State Tournament tips off on Friday and runs through Sunday (May 31-June 2) in the Minneapolis area. It is shaping up to be an excellent event!   What players should you plan on watching, which ballers have the potential to show out? PHD has suggestions!   We have a quality mix of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota players included in this article.   See below for comments on 21 players and reasons to watch these ballers at Prep Hoops NHR State!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NHRState_Flyer-crop-865x568-1685474070.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NHRState_Flyer-crop-865x568-1685474070.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1974487" style="width:290px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <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:290px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   17U Division   [player_tooltip player_id='1219802' first='Andre'' last='Austin'] (2024) |6'3 G| Pack/Bismarck   WHY?   Dre has played a couple of tourneys on the Circuit with [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] and he stood out/performed well. Andre' just keeps getting better as a basketball player. His shooting range has increased and production in the weight room continues to elevate. Austin is a solid 6'3”, gets buckets when he wants, and is an unselfish passer. He has shown that he can run any style of offense while always being a top defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='1467166' first='Blake' last='Ellwein'] (2026) |6'8 F| Hoop City/Huron   WHY?   He is playing up an age group but will still be one of the top ballers in the gym. I am excited to see [player_tooltip player_id='1467166' first='Blake' last='Ellwein'] & [player_tooltip player_id='1560781' first='Carter' last='Evanson'] play together, it will be interesting to see what the #1 & #3 ranked prospects in their respective state can do at the NHR Tourney. Ellwein already has multiple offers and is receiving a ton of interest from college programs. This kid is long, smart, skilled, and versatile.   [player_tooltip player_id='2287567' first='Braden' last='Nelson'] (2025) |6'3 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Sorenson/Spectrum   WHY?   Nelson has continued to be an all-around scorer from inside the paint to the 3-point line. Braden opens up the floor and finishes well around the rim. He is also one of the leading rebounders for this Titan squad.   [player_tooltip player_id='1560781' first='Carter' last='Evanson'] (2026) |6'2 G| Hoop City/Horace   WHY?   He is the #3 ranked prospect in ND 2026 class and will be playing up an age group. Easy$ regularly runs with [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] but this kid loves the game and he will show off his talent with Hoop City. Evanson is an unconscious shooter to keep eyes on. He is also a creator & playmaker. Easy is a good-sized guard, smart, can score in the paint, and create TO's on D. PHD is excited to see how the Hawk fits in with the SoDak ballers and if he can light it up from 3-point land.   [player_tooltip player_id='1617696' first='Charlie' last='Pettis'] (2025) |6'3 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Bertsch/Burnsville   WHY?   Pettis is coming off an ACL injury. He is starting to come alive and look good. Charlie is a tough lefty who floats in his finishes, he defends positions 2-4, and shoots it very well. Pettis is absolutely a player to watch!   [player_tooltip player_id='1407000' first='Devin' last='Buehler'] (2025) |5'11 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express']/Hill City   WHY?   I saw him live for the first time at Stomping Grounds and Buehler was impressive. Devin is a gifted athlete, he glides and makes the game look easy. I like his skills, handles, passing, shooting, and hustle. Devin is an opportunistic scorer and a productive rebounder. It will be fun to see what he can do against the tough competition at NHR State.   [player_tooltip player_id='1716899' first='Drake' last='Schlosser'] (2025) |6'2 G| 3ND/Stanley   WHY?   He is a big and athletic guard who gets it done on both ends. Drake is a special athlete, he will likely be a D2 or D1 football player at the next level. Drake plays fast, furious, and with heart. I am interested to see if he can finish in traffic and play off two feet. I also want to see how he shoots it from 3. I know he will do work on defense & board up. Can 3ND make a run in the tourney and pick up a few wins?   [player_tooltip player_id='2422065' first='Drew' last='Kolander'] (2025) |6'6 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Bertsch/Lakeville North   WHY?   Kolander was a huge part of Lakeville North's success last year (23 wins). He missed the Titan's first 5 tourneys. He came back last weekend and averaged 10 ppg, 7 rpb, and 3 bpg. Drew is going to be huge for the Titans down the stretch and a player to watch!   [player_tooltip player_id='1297808' first='Easton' last='Neuendorf'] (2025) |5'11 G| Hoop City/Hamlin   WHY?   It will interesting to see if he is one of the top PG's at the event. Easton is a winner and with this tournament being bracket-style, I am excited to see how deep of a run Hoop City can make. Neuendorf is a fierce competitor who will do anything to win. Easton plays tough D, creates for others, can make all the passes, scores from every level, and executes like a neurosurgeon.   [player_tooltip player_id='2319897' first='Gus' last='Stout'] (2025) |6'2 SF| Black Hill Express/Kadoka   WHY?   It was my first time watching Stout at Stomping Grounds and he did not disappoint! This kid is Kadoka Strong! I was impressed with his toughness, footwork, and versatile scoring package. This Kougar is stout on defense and does not back down from bigger forwards. Gus battles for boards and makes hustle plays all over the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='1481848' first='Jake' last='Kraft'] (2026) |6'1 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='Next' last='Level Basketball Academy']/Shanley   WHY?   He is playing up an age group and it will be fun to see what Mr. Kraft can do. Jake is known as a shooter with a quick trigger and extended range. I like his confidence and he can change the game with his perimeter shooting. I have not watched him play since this winter, I am interested to see if he looks much bigger/taller and if his shots are falling this weekend.   [player_tooltip player_id='1476511' first='Kaden' last='Flavin'] (2025) |5'11 G| 3ND/Minot North   WHY?   He missed some time/games earlier in the spring with an ankle injury but we expect him to be back on the court this weekend. Flavin is a mature player and a great leader. Kaden is excellent in transition, a fluid & accurate 3-shooter, a crafty finisher, a creator, a selfless teammate, and a hard worker. I am expecting Flavin to have a big weekend at NHR State.   [player_tooltip player_id='2408406' first='Isiah' last='Dow-Hilliard'] (2024) |6'3 G| Pack/Redwood Valley   WHY?   He had a great year of high school hoops (22 wins) and is now working to lock in for the next chapter. Isiah is an all-around baller. He can jump out of the gym, has a smooth J-shot, and puts in work on D. This is the 1st tournament back with the Pack but I think Isiah will fit right in with the team and make plenty of positive plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='1497484' first='Luke' last='Warner'] (2025) |6'11 C| [program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='Next' last='Level Basketball Academy']/Shanley   WHY?   Will he be the biggest player in the gym? Warner has imposing size and he plays the game hard. I have not seen him play since school ball and I am interested to see how he moves and if his game has evolved. Will he get the rock on the block and score vs. single coverage? I expect him to clean up the boards and give great effort whenever he is on the court. BIG Luke will also have an impact on the game with his post defense and rim protection.   [player_tooltip player_id='2449409' first='Micah' last='Fuller'] (2025) |6'1 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2076005' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']/Brandon Evansville   WHY?   He averaged an impressive 22.9 ppg for the Chargers in school ball last season. Fuller is having a great spring and has proved that he is a knockdown shooter. Micah constantly makes impressive plays off two feet in the paint. He is a great team defender as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1617794' first='Ryan' last='Beckwith'] (2025) |6'3 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Bertsch/Farmington   WHY?   He started for Farmington this school season and helped the Tigers win 24 games. Beckwith has led the Titans in scoring this spring. Ryan scores the rock from all 3 levels efficiently. He also defends the top opposing players. Beckwith is a winner!   [player_tooltip player_id='2103377' first='Ryan' last='Hirst'] (2025) |6'7 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United'] Select/Fergus Falls   WHY?   I have heard reports about Hirst playing well this spring and I have also witnessed it! Ryan is a super-athletic lefty with a great right hand in the paint. This club season, Ryan has produced from 3, mid-range, and at the rack. Hirst has zero problems getting his shot off but he never forces. Hirst is an elite competitor and a high-level producer. College scouts from around the region need to know the name [player_tooltip player_id='2103377' first='Ryan' last='Hirst']!   Sam Hanson (2025) |5'10 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2076005' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']/West Central Area   WHY?   Hanson was the 6th man this school season for WCA, they won 28 games and went to the State Tournament. Sam is an energetic guy who sets the tone for every game. He has a great touch around the rim and guards the other team's best player every time he steps onto the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='2445581' first='Seth' last='Staloch'] (2025) |6'6 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2076005' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']/Osakis   WHY?   Staloch played his role well for the talented Osakis team who won 23 games. Seth is having a tremendous spring and is controlling the paint on defense. He puts constant pressure on the rim on the offense end, this kid is thriving with the Wildcats.   [player_tooltip player_id='1970554' first='Teigen' last='Wormstadt'] (2025) |6'1 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express']/Sturgis   WHY?   He is a very good defender. Teigen can lock up guards on the perimeter and match up with bigger players when needed because of his athleticism, grit, hustle, and effort. Wormstadt is a playmaker in transition and I admire his pull-up jump shot.   [player_tooltip player_id='2447719' first='Wesley' last='Hoke'] (2025) |6'2 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Sorenson/Eagan   WHY?   Hoke is the most consistent scorer for this Titans squad. Wesley is consistently the leading scorer in each game and shoots extremely well from beyond the arc. He is also a great finisher at the rim while getting a ton of 3-point plays in clutch situations.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NHRState_Flyer-crop-865x568-1685474070.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NHRState_Flyer-crop-865x568-1685474070.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1974487" /></a></figure>

The NHR State Tournament tips off on Friday and runs through Sunday (May 31-June 2) in the Minneapolis area. It is shaping up to be an excellent event!