Intros: Aberdeen Central, Alexander, Pine Ridge

Prep Hoops Dakotas (PHD) has THREE Season Introductions for the basketball fans to check out.   PHD has a combo platter with 2 teams from SoDak and 1 squad from NoDak.   We are looking at the Aberdeen Central Golden Eagles, Alexander Comets, and the Pine Ridge Thorpes.   When is the first game?   Aberdeen Central: 12/13/24 home vs. Rapid City Central   Alexander: 12/13/24 @ Watford City vs. Terry (MT)   Pine Ridge: 12/12/24 @ Gillette (WY) vs. Bismarck Century   Introduction: Aberdeen Central   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/ACeagles.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/ACeagles.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2685023" style="width:399px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Program: Aberdeen Central   Mascot: Golden Eagle   Head Coach: Brent Norberg   Class: AA   Player to Watch   [player_tooltip player_id='1623797' first='Brendan' last='Phillips'] 6'4” Senior   Brendan is an athletic wing who can score in many ways. He is a great shooter, can finish at the rim, and can put smaller guards in the post. His length makes him a really good perimeter defender and a good rebounder. Expect a quality season from Mr. Phillips.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_570e31.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_570e31.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2685033" style="width:251px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With Brent Norberg   PHD: How would you sum up last season?   "Last year's team was a hard-working together team that got the most out of their abilities. We lost some close games to quality opponents, if we could have avoided that, we might have had a better finish to the season."   PHD: Does your team have any non-negotiables?   "Play hard & play together"   PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "Togetherness and communication. We have to do whatever is necessary to stop teams collectively instead of individually."   PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler?   "This will be by committee. We have many guys that will be called upon to handle the ball."   PHD: What did the team do in the off-season?   "Open gyms and the weight room."   PHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?   "Hopefully everyone that plays. If I answer this question, I will get three moms wondering why I didn't mention their kid."   PHD: What are your team goals?   "Our goal is the same every year. Play your best basketball of the year at the end, and try to get in the State Tourney."   PHD: Who are the top teams in AA?   "Mitchell, Brandon Valley, Washington, Jefferson, Huron"   PHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "Our success will be based on how hard we play and how willing we are to sacrifice individual wants for team needs."   GOOD LUCK TO THE GOLDEN EAGLES!!   Introduction: Alexander   Program: Alexander   Mascot: Comet   Head Coach: Aaron Allard   Class: B   Region: 3   District: 5   2023-24 Stats   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_e41c7a.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_e41c7a.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2685096" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_5cde8e.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_5cde8e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2685099" style="width:219px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With Aaron Allard   PHD: Does your program/team have any non-negotiables?   "Effort - Players are expected to give 100% effort during games and practices."   "Defense first - Prioritize defense over offense, no excuse for lack of effort on the defensive side of the ball."   "Respect for each other, self, official, and coaches."   PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?   "Hustle, pressure defense to cause turnovers which will lead into a quick and effective offense."   PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler this year?   "Jacob Novak (11th grader) - Great vision of the court, teammates will have to anticipate that they will be getting the pass out of nowhere sometimes."   "[player_tooltip player_id='2633381' first='Porter' last='Soiseth'] (11th grader)- fundamentally sound with his ball handling skills, I'd like to see him attack and shoot the ball more. His confidence has grown throughout his high school career."   PHD: How did the offseason go for your team/program?   "We participated in team camps, scrimmages with surrounding towns, and brought in a skill development person to host an individual camp, not only for high school students, but elementary as well."   PHD: Who are a few of your top players to look out for?   "Jadon Champion - 11th grader, 6'3" - returning starter - great rebounding anticipation, did a great job over the summer working on his mid-game jump shot."   "[player_tooltip player_id='2347920' first='Colt' last='Champion'] - 10th grader, 6'6" - I look for him to be dominate in the post being as tall and broad as he is, he will be a tough match up. He's been working hard on finishing around the rim. He can also step out and hit some 3's if not guarded."   "Jacob Novak - 11th grader, 6' - started games for us last season. The ball will run through him, great lockdown defender, streaky shooter, great passer."   PHD: Who are a couple of up-and-comers to look out for?   "Jullian Gant - 10th grader, 6'3" - Played mostly JV last season but has developed his game immensely over the summer, rebounding, shooting, and a great IQ of the game."   "[player_tooltip player_id='2633384' first='Collin' last='Spell'] - 10th grade, 5'7" - One of the most intense defensive players I've coached. I look for him to guard the other teams best ball handler most games."   PHD: Who do you think will be your best rebounders?   "Jadon Champion - He has great anticipation of where the ball is going to roll off the rim."   PHD: What are your team goals this year?   "We want to make it back to the Regional Tournament, we got a taste of it last year but lost out in the first round, we want to go far in that Tournament. We preach, one game at a time."   PHD: Who are the top teams in your Region?   "In our Region, Westhope, Bishop Ryan, Our Redeemers - those teams represented our Region at State last year, they will surely be tough competition if we get the privilege of making the regional tournament again."   PHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?   "We are done in numbers this year with only 10 high school players. There will not be a JV season as a majority of these 10 are varsity-caliber players. We are excited to start the season and have our effort and determination help guide us to where we want to be."   GOOD LUCK TO THE COMETS!!   Introduction: Pine Ridge   Program: Pine Ridge   Mascot: Thorpe   Head Coach: Casey Means   Class: A   Region: 7   The Thorpes finished last season with a 22-3 record and a 6th Place finish at the State A Tournament. Pine Ridge averaged 81.4 PPG and opponents averaged 60.7.   Players to Watch   [player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard'] lll 6'3 G 11th grade; 23.5 PPG, 4.8 APG, 4.3 RPG, 2.3 SPG   [player_tooltip player_id='1907971' first='Anthony' last='Steele'] 6'2 G 12th grade; 9.2 PPG, 5.3 APG, 4.0 RPG, 3.5 SPG   [player_tooltip player_id='2264304' first='Domonic' last='Ghost Bear'] 6'4 F/G 12th grade; 4.9 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 1.0 APG, .8 SPG.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_eac44b.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/12/image_eac44b.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2686425" style="width:225px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   With Casey Means   PHD: Can you tell us about your top players?   "Our team will be led by the 3 headed monster in [player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard'] lll, [player_tooltip player_id='1907971' first='Anthony' last='Steele'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2264304' first='Domonic' last='Ghost Bear']. Richard is a 6'3 Junior who scores at all 3 levels and is the Jack of All Trades. He is coming off a First Team All-State, State All-Tourney, and Midco POY Finalist as a Sophomore. Steele is a defensive menace who was 2nd in the state in assists and 2nd in steals as well. Natural born leader who is a grinder and a gym rat. He is looking forward to being more involved offensively and will be called upon to be one of our primary scorers this year. Ghost Bear is a natural freak athletically, he should be making the biggest jump of all 3 this year, as his role has been rebounder, defensive stopper, and role player, now he will be looked upon as well to take some pressure off Richard lll. Ghost Bear is being recruited for FB on the Div. l and ll levels."   PHD: Do you have any non-negotiables?   "Our program thrives off the culture, discipline, accountability, grind, and always bringing energy. Got to pay the rent daily!"   PHD: What will you do on defense?   "Full Court pressure man, going to wear teams out."   PHD: Who will be your primary ballhandler?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard'] lll, and [player_tooltip player_id='1907971' first='Anthony' last='Steele'] will handle ball-handling duties."   PHD: How did the off-season go?   "Our off-season went well as we got right back to the grind and weight room at the beginning of April. We got in 30 weeks of speed, agility, and vertical programs in. We also traveled to Den, CO. for 6 weeks to play in the Metro City league for 8 games. In addition to that we went to the Creighton Blue Jays Team Camp and the Golden Crown Team Camp. We got in a total of 20 games against 5A/6A competition which really helped develop our young guys coming up."   PHD: Who are some other players to keep track of?   "Besides the 3 headed monster, I talked about above. I think Alex Bissonnette 6'5 F 11th grade will play big minutes, he is always in the right place, rebounds, and can shoot the 3. Kenny Pulliam 6'1 F/C 12th grade is the true definition of a championship player, does all the little things well such as play defense, rebound, set good screens and moves, has improved his jump shot from the 3 and mid-range. [player_tooltip player_id='1907972' first='Michael' last='Caille'] 5'10 G 12th grade is a super athletic combo guard who has been patient with his development. Improved shooting and excellent defense are what he brings to the table."   PHD: Who are your up-n-comers that we need to know about?   "Caleb Black Feather who is a sniper from 3, will look to compete for Varsity minutes, workouts with [player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard'] in the off-season really sped up his development, as he played JV & C last year as an 8th grader. Rigo Ortiz is a 6'4 Soph., who has lived in the gym the past 4 months, athletic long, big body, who can guard all 5 positions, once he figures out how to move and play offensively, he will be getting valuable minutes on varsity."   PHD: Who will be your top rebounders?   "Rebounding will come from all 5 positions on the floor, we are smaller this year so it will be a team effort."   PHD: What do you have for team goals?   "Win Remax Invitation, defend LNI Title, level up every rep, and every game, get to playing our best ball in March, and there is only one way this ends for us, and that's hanging a banner."   PHD: Who are your hardest workers?   "The whole team grinds their butt off, but [player_tooltip player_id='1384718' first='Marvin' last='Richard'], [player_tooltip player_id='1907971' first='Anthony' last='Steele'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2264304' first='Domonic' last='Ghost Bear'] set the tone."   PHD: Who are the top teams and players in your Region/area?   "Top teams will be Winner, Red Cloud, and Lakota Tech. Top Players from our region not on our team, are Trey Sam, Bray Little, [player_tooltip player_id='1842420' first='Josh' last='Anderson'], Cashus Hunter, Daelen Lebeaux, Mack Wike."   PHD: Any last comments on the season?   "Good luck to all Players and Coaches, and let's get down for the crown!!!!"   GOOD LUCK TO THE THORPES!!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" /></a></figure>

Prep Hoops Dakotas (PHD) has THREE Season Introductions for the basketball fans to check out.