National Open Championship 16U

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><em>This article is sponsored by VKTRY Performance Insoles - The Official Insole Provider of Prep Hoops.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the biggest events in the Prep Hoops summer is just a few days away from tipping off. It looks like the National Open is loaded and there is a ton of talent to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are the players to watch from the Dakotas? Take a look below, we have suggestions!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2495084,"width":"397px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/image_d81fa1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/image_d81fa1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2495084" style="width:397px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><br>16U Watchlist</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1510889' first='Boston' last='Cranston'] (2026) |6'0 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] Selects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Running with [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] again this weekend, he played well in Chicgoland. Cranston is a great outside shooter off the dribble &amp; catch. He also uses his quickness/speed &amp; shiftiness to finish in a variety of ways at the rack.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>B[player_tooltip player_id='1422852' first='Rylee' last='Bears Tail'] (2026) |6'3 G| Bearstail Basketball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a gym rat that is always working on his game. Brylee gets a ton of shots up and he can fill up the basket. Bearstail will need his scoring this weekend and it will be fun to see what Brylee can do. PHD is expecting him to shoot well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1911436' first='Carson' last='Hoines'] (2026) | 6'3 F| SSA White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He plays the game with a high motor and is full of energy. Carson is extremely active on both sides of the ball and excels on both ends. Hoines is great on the block and has the ability to stretch the floor with his shooting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327797' first='Carter' last='Evanson'] (2026) |6'2 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recently picked up an offer from Jamestown and college coaches will have eyes all over Easy$ this weekend. He is an elite shooter off the bounce &amp; catch with extended range. Carter is also a creator who drops dimes and makes others better. Evanson will also get up and splash the rim. One of the most intriguing players from NoDak. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1418035' first='Chris' last='Benning'] (2026) |5'10 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] Prospects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A lefty flamethrower who can shoot his team to a victory. Benning is a sniper with a quick trigger and a smooth shooting stroke. Give him an inch and he will hit a triple. Can Chris get hot and lead the Prospects to some nice wins at the National Open? He was All-WDA last season and will be one of the top scorers in AA this year, this kid can score the rock!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541562' first='Corbyn' last='Follingstad'] (2026) |6'6 PF| Bearstail Basketball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follingstad is long and he moves well. This Bruin has had a quality off-season! Corbyn has scored and rebounded at a high rate and his stock continues to rise. Expect that impressive play to continue at the National Open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1975416' first='Khaliq' last='Austin'] (2028) |6'3 G| Pack</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is young and playing up two grades but you will still be impressed. The youthful Austin has looked comfortable playing up and is ready for high school ball. Khaliq plays basketball like he has something to prove. He will play well this weekend and PHD is excited to see him hoop with his big bro [player_tooltip player_id='1219802' first='Andre'' last='Austin'] this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1534507' first='Michael' last='Hamilton'] (2026) |6'0 G| Pack</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has played all-in every minute this off-season. Every second Hamilton is on the floor he puts in full effort. Mikey can hit the 3, play solid D, slash for profit, and make the hustle plays. Hamilton will be a 2-way baller for the Bruins this winter. Let's see what he does at the National Open!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='Raeshaun' last='Earl'] (2026) |5'11 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2078372' first='ECI' last=''] Selects</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>All-State last year and has performed well this club season. When you watch "The Pearl" play you will be impressed with his athleticism. His outside shot has been accurate as of late. When those perimeter shots are falling, you can't stop him because Earl is dynamic off the dribble. The Pirate does it all with scoring, rebounding, steals, and assists. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422852' first='Rylee' last='Bears Tail'] (2026) |6'3 G| Bearstail Basketball</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rylee puts in a ton of time and his game continues to expand and evolve. Rylee is skilled, smart, and he can fill the stat sheet. He will also make the little things happen to help the team. PHD is excited to see what he can do at the National Open.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1641163' first='Teegan' last='Musser'] (2026) |6'4 G/F| SSA White</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>WHY?</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is an athletic slasher with impressive length/size. He gets/slashes to the rim consistently. The baller from Lennox is great off the bounce, attacks gaps, and draws extra defenders. He creates for himself &amp; others. Player to watch for sure! <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1902939,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PHCircuitLaunch-crop-475x312-1681138030.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PHCircuitLaunch-crop-475x312-1681138030.jpg?w=474" alt="" class="wp-image-1902939" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->