#PHStompingGrounds Ballers I Need To See Again
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It was a wonderful weekend in Sioux Falls at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds. The Sanford Pentagon is a marvelous venue and the talent showed up! In this article, we are talking about players who I was impressed with and need…
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Continue ReadingIt was a wonderful weekend in Sioux Falls at Prep Hoops Stomping Grounds. The Sanford Pentagon is a marvelous venue and the talent showed up!
In this article, we are talking about players who I was impressed with and need to see them play again this summer.
PHD will give you a few reasons why I want to watch them again & why they are intriguing players.
Some of these players I have watched multiple times in the past and others I watched live for the first time.
Enough chatter, let’s look at the ballers!
Ballers I Need To See Again
Blake Ellwein Blake Ellwein 6'8" | SF Huron | 2026 State SD (2026) |6’8 F| Hoop City
WHY?
-Playing up in 17U & looking good, getting serious looks/offers from college programs
-Intriguing length & skill, I like how he never seems to get rattled & lets the game come to him
-Expecting a big weekend from Blake at NHR next weekend, he deserves the attention
Braden Bailey Braden Bailey 5'7" | PG Westhope/Newburg | 2025 State ND (2025) |5’7 G| ND Attack
WHY?
-Won the State B Ship this spring & was named MVP of the Tourney
-Looks quick on film, this was my 1st time seeing him live & Braden did not disappoint
-Creator with a good feel, always attacking, pesky & disruptive on defense
Cole Kooiker Cole Kooiker 5'10" | PG Harrisburg | 2026 State SD (2026) |5’11 G| SD Identity
WHY?
-Shot it at a high clip in Sioux Falls, his stock is on the rise
-Had a 4-0 weekend & poured in the 3-pointers
-I had heard greats reports on his game & Cole was exceptional
Connor Mebius Connor Mebius 5'8" | PG West Central | 2027 State SD (2027) |5’8 G| & Jase Unzen Jase Unzen 5'9" | PG Sioux Falls Jefferson | 2027 State SD (2027) |5’9 G| Hoop City
WHY?
-First time seeing them hoop in-person and they exceted expectations
-Both are playmakers, gamers/clutch, disruptors on D & shot-makers, WINNERS
-They will be at NHR State Tourney next weekend in Minneapolis & I expect them to make noise
Devin Buehler Devin Buehler 5'11" | PG Hill City | 2025 State SD (2025) |5’11 G| Black Hills Express
WHY?
-I have always been impressed with him on film, Buehler is the real deal
-Skilled, very athletic, good feel for the game, will hit from every level
-Works his tail off, hustles, boards up, not afraid to get scrappy
Gus Stout Gus Stout 6'2" | SF Kadoka | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’2 SF| Black Hills Express
WHY?
-I had never watched him live, had heard he was tough, Stout is a beast!
-Plays bigger than his 6’2″ height, great feet/moves around the hoop
-He also hit triples & pull-ups, physical & strong, plays hard & with heart
Joel Nelson Joel Nelson 6'6" | SF Devils Lake | 2025 State ND (2025) |6’6 F| ECI Prospects
WHY?
-State Champs this high school season, his game continues to improve & upgrade
-Great length, versatility, athletic ability
–Grant Nelson’s younger brother, intriguing player & the sky is the limit
Kaiden Peterson Kaiden Peterson 6'3" | SG Horace | 2026 State ND (2026) |6’3 G| ECI Selects
WHY?
-He was scalding hot on Saturday night in the win over ECI Prospects
-Filled it up from 3, I like his length & jump shot
-Coach Glasser has his squad playing great bball, PHD needs to watch his team as often as possible
Lucas Johnson Lucas Johnson 6'6" | SF Sioux Falls Washington | 2025 State SD (2025) |6’6 F| JBA Dynasty 2025
WHY?
-Impressive length, had a nice season with WHS, I like his potential
-Strokes it from 3, can also slash, protects the rim, under-the-radar player
-Long & slim, I am interested to see if he adds weight/muscle over the summer
Parker Brodina (2025) |6’4 G/F| ECI Prospects
WHY?
-State Champion this year, playmaker from all levels
-A coaches kid, plays hard & gives 110% effort, gamer
-Thrives at exploiting mismathces, will bang down low but also cash three-ball
Zavion Harildstad Zavion Harildstad 6'3" | PF Bismarck Century | 2026 State ND (2026) |6’3 F| ECI Prospects
WHY?
-Shot it well on Saturday night, did not know he could hit from 3 like that
-Good size & build, strong & athletic
-Impressed with his finishing around the hoop, tough/productive on the boards