Black Hills Express 16U and 17U: Previews

In this Preview Article, PHD is looking at [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'], one of the newer club teams in the Dakotas. The best part is, they are on the Prep Hoops Circuit this year!   [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'] is led by Ethan Dschaak, a great basketball mind. Keep reading to see comments from Dschaak.   West River players never get enough attention, make sure you take the time to check these guys out & give them some love!   We are looking at [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'] 17U & 16U in this article.   See below for the Express schedule, rosters, player comments, and a fun Q&A session with Coach Dschaak.   [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'] has played in one event this season, they hooped at PH Rocky Mountain Mayhem and had a nice showing. We will see them at two more Prep Hoops Events (Stomping Grounds & NHR State Tournament).   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BHExpressHoops/status/1782176161893638333 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_cf186a.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_cf186a.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2432243" style="width:277px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1634111" style="width:276px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'] Schedule   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_21cba7.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_21cba7.png?w=611" alt="" class="wp-image-2432241" /></a></figure>   17U Roster   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_b57163.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_b57163.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2432244" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_4e8f32.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_4e8f32.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2432245" /></a></figure>   16U Roster   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_d017ef.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_d017ef.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2432246" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_638ffe.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_638ffe.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2432247" /></a></figure>   17U Player Comments from Coach Dschaak   [player_tooltip player_id='1972182' first='Alex' last='Stoeckmann'] - "Alex is another product of the Hill City Rangers and played for Laramie Harvey.  He is a very good shooter, puts the ball on the floor well, and is capable of filling it up. He is also a good defender that can create chaos in the full court."   [player_tooltip player_id='1972181' first='Carter' last='Williams'] -  "Carter is a lanky 6'4" post player from Sturgis, SD. He creates problems defensively for opposing bigs with his long arms. He is a terrific rebounder who is capable of stepping outside and hitting the 3 point shot. Carter grew both physically and mentally this last year and I expect big things from him this summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='1972183' first='Max' last='Vliem'] - "Max just keeps growing and growing and growing! I anticipate Max to be 6'6" by the end of the summer. He is a good shooter who spends a lot of time in the gym. If he can become more physical he will grow into a very good player. I am excited to watch Max play this summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='2319897' first='Gus' last='Stout'] - "Gus is a product of the Kadoka Kougars basketball team and Coach Mark Ryman. He was their leading scorer at around 17 points per game and is an athletic multi-sport athlete. He's a hardworking "banger" who isn't afraid of contact. He is just a really solid basketball player who will help the Express achieve their team goals."   [player_tooltip player_id='1970467' first='Dalyn' last='Dschaak'] - "Dalyn is another athletic multi-sport athlete. Unfortunately, Dalyn suffered a knee injury (posterior cruciate sprain) in game seven of the boy's season last year and was forced to shut down. He's a good shooter, physical athletic guy who can play anywhere from the 3 to the 5 position. I anticipate Dalyn continuing to improve his game over the summer months and will not only be a good player for the Express but also for the Scoopers."   [player_tooltip player_id='2376259' first='Noah' last='Schaefers'] - "Noah is an intriguing player due to his 6'9" big-bodied frame. He has the size and athletic ability to alter games, especially on the defensive end. A summer of basketball will be good for Noah's development. In addition to his size, he has great work ethic and is a top-notch kid!"   [player_tooltip player_id='1668255' first='Dylon' last='Doren'] - "Dylon was an All-Conference performer for the Spearfish Spartans last season. He has been a member of the Express since its inception and is a great example of what Express basketball can do in terms of player development. Dylon is a ridiculous athlete who can run the floor extremely well and can finish with dunks. His upside is tremendous and it will be fun to continue to watch him grow as a player."   [player_tooltip player_id='1407000' first='Devin' last='Buehler'] - "Devin is a recent 1,000 point score for the Hill City Rangers. What's so impressive about this is he still has another year of eligibility! He's another original member of the Express and a terrific player! In addition to his ability to score and handle the ball as well as anyone on the AAU circuit, he's also a top-notch student, class leader, and a member of the band. He does it all!"   [player_tooltip player_id='1970554' first='Teigen' last='Wormstadt'] - "Teigen is a blue-collar player who has strong motivation to play basketball at the next level. Because of this, he is a gym rat! Teigen is a terrific defender, handles the ball as well as any point guard, and has the size to be a combo guard. His greatest strength offensively is his mid-range jumper who excels at pulling up from 12-15 feet off the bounce. Teigen is a young man who will succeed as a basketball player due to his high character. I fully expect Teigen to do great things beyond high school and AAU basketball."   [player_tooltip player_id='1407001' first='Aidyn' last='Janis'] - "Aidyn is a Hot Springs STUD! He has played on multiple successful teams including a State Tournament team during the 22-23 season. He is a big-bodied young man with TERRIFIC feet! He can score, rebound, and is athletic enough to defend on the perimeter."   [player_tooltip player_id='1263160' first='Cruz' last='Klundt'] - "Cruz is a point guard out of Gregory, SD. He had a terrific junior season for the Gorillas and is coming off a fabulous summer season last summer with the Express. He is a highly respected and loved teammate who enjoys making those around him better. He can score, distribute the basketball, and defend exceptionally well."   16U Player Comments from Coach Dschaak   [player_tooltip player_id='2387872' first='Gage' last='West'] - "Sturgis Brown High School: Gage is a versatile player at 6'2" and can play as a big or as a guard. He puts the ball on the floor well and his aggressive style of play allows him to to get to the rim on a consistent basis. As his jump shot improves so will his overall game. He did get some PT at the varsity level last year and Gage certainly has a bright future in both the Scooper program and as a [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'] player."   [player_tooltip player_id='2338062' first='Hayden' last='Rock'] - "Hayden was a part-time starter for his school team (Sturgis) and will do well as both a leader, ball handler and shooter for the BH Express. He has a very good jump shot and is athletic enough to get to the rim on a consistent basis. Hayden will be fun to watch as he continues to grow and mature."   [player_tooltip player_id='2058166' first='Jerek' last='Dufner'] - "Jerek was a rotation player for the Sturgis Scoopers and should be a terrific asset to the BH Express Basketball Team. Another high-motor player, Jerek will fit into the Express' up-and-down style of play. He's a consistent scorer and plus defender."   [player_tooltip player_id='2387862' first='Jack' last='Jolley'] - "Jack is one of the youngest BH Express players as a 15-year-old. He has good length for a guard and is athletic to the degree that he can play multiple positions and guard multiple types of players. Jack has a great work ethic and I anticipate he will continue to improve based on his desire to get better."   [player_tooltip player_id='2301374' first='Zane' last='Messick'] - "Zane was a solid point guard for the Hill City Rangers and is new to the BH Express basketball program. He is athletic, smart, and has a high basketball IQ. Zane comes from a basketball family and does everything well. He is a great pick-up for the Express basketball program."   [player_tooltip player_id='2140013' first='Jaxon' last='Cano'] - "Jaxon is a DAWG in terms of EFFORT. He won't be outworked and has a nose for the basketball and will always be in the mix. He is a good shooter, a fudamental rebounder and doesn't turn the ball over. I am excited to watch Jaxon grow this summer!"   [player_tooltip player_id='2387843' first='Greir' last='Simon'] - "Greir was the MOST IMPROVED basketball player in the Sturgis Basketball program this winter. BH Express is notorious for getting hard-working, team-oriented players and Greir fits this philosophy to a tee! Greir has tremendous upside and he will be fun to watch this summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='2250563' first='Henry' last='Koppmann'] - "Henry is a product of the highly successful Rapid City Christian basketball program. He is a solid 6'5" stretch-4 who can both shoot it and bang inside. He's a complete player with a high basketball IQ."   [player_tooltip player_id='2370747' first='Colt' last='Keiser'] - "Colt is another big-bodied kid who just knows how to play. Colt jumps well, is extremely athletic off the bounce, and will be hard to defend. In addition, his long arms make him a plus defender. I expect big things from Colt this summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='2387867' first='Peyton' last='Glenn'] - "Peyton is your consummate coaches kid. Extremely high IQ and can shoot the eyeballs out of it! He can play anywhere from the 1 to the 3 position and does it well. I anticipate Peyton to have a successful season. He is another young 16U player as he is just 15 years old. His savvy and knowledge will make up for his youth and he is capable of doing things that are difficult to teach."   Q&A with Ethan Dschaak   PHD: Can you tell me a little about your coaching/basketball background?   "I was the Head Boys Basketball Coach in Belle Fourche from 2000-2004 and the Head Boys Coach in Sturgis from 2006-2010. I took two teams from Sturgis to State Tournaments in 2008 and 2009. I'm just a guy who loves basketball."   PHD: Why are you excited to coach this group?   "Because they are awesome kids! Everybody enjoys working with motivated hard workers and this group of 16 & 17's are definitely hard workers."   PHD: What will be the strengths of your team?   "Both teams will be able to press and run the floor. Our 16s have nice length but they are young with a number of 15-year-olds on it. Our 17's are a seasoned group who have been together for the past three summers. Again.... we will press and get up and down. It will be fun basketball!"   PHD: What style of basketball will you play?   "Up and down and a lot of pressing!"   PHD: What will your team "hang your hat on"?   "Defensive intensity and the ability to share the basketball."   PHD: Who do you predict will be your top defender?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1263160' first='Cruz' last='Klundt'], [player_tooltip player_id='1407000' first='Devin' last='Buehler'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2301374' first='Zane' last='Messick']. All three are hard workers and plus defenders."   PHD: What event/tournament are you looking forward to the most?   "We are really looking forward to the Rocky Mountain Mayhem tournament in April."   PHD: Do you see your team play man, zone, or a mix of both?   "We are a man-to-man, run-and-jump team. It's fun basketball and it's easy to buy into it!"   PHD: Will your team get together and practice?   "We have a good pre-season practice schedule. We practice less as the summer progresses just because of other family activities. I believe it is important to be respectful for families to spend time together. But... we will get together and keep everything fresh throughout the summer."   PHD: What are your goals for this AAU/grassroots season?   "To get a little bit better every day out."   PHD: Who are some of your top shooters?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1407000' first='Devin' last='Buehler'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1263160' first='Cruz' last='Klundt'] are terrific shooters at the 17U level. I have been impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='2387867' first='Peyton' last='Glenn']'s shooting at the 16U level. There are others who can really fill it up too and will be fun to watch."   Best of luck to [program_tooltip program_id='2131095' first='Black' last='Hills Express'] this spring/summer, see you on the circuit!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_3c55d6.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_3c55d6.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2432237" /></a></figure>

In this Preview Article, PHD is looking at Black Hills Express , one of the newer club teams in the Dakotas. The best part is, they are on the Prep Hoops Circuit this year!