Ballers, Shot Callers & Playmakers

This is take number two on PLAYMAKERS from ND & SD. To see the previous piece, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/01/16-playmakers-nd-sd/">CLICK HERE</a>.   We are in late January, by now, the PLAYMAKERS from each team are starting to emerge, stand out, and make a name for themselves.   Who are they?   See below, we have 20 PLAYMAKERS from North Dakota and South Dakota.   Keep eyes on these ballers as the season plays out, they are primed for some splashy basketball!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/image_15f7e6.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/image_15f7e6.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2755461" style="width:219px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/image_99f794.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/image_99f794.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2755462" style="width:219px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Ballers, Shot Callers & Playmakers   [player_tooltip player_id='1563482' first='Aiden' last='Bobzin'] (2025) |6' G| Centerville   WHY?   Bobzin averages 11.9 ppg and 5.3 apg. Aiden is a mobile athlete with a quick first step, he gets to the rim in a hurry, and he is a knockdown shooter from the perimeter. On D, he anticipates well and turns turnovers into points on the other end. Aiden handles the point for Centerville and does a fantastic job balancing his role as distributor and scorer. Bobzin is a high-energy leader and a playmaker for the Tornadoes.   [player_tooltip player_id='1975439' first='Ali' last='Shahid'] (2025) |6'2 G| Fargo South   WHY?   A lefty lead guard who moves well. Aliyu has been forced into a point guard role for the Bruins but has accepted that role and can get to the hoop while finding those around him that need the ball. He is athletic with quality size. Shahid can get to the basket and finish, he is also a capable shooter from the perimeter. 8.8 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 3.2 apg, 41.9 FG%.   [player_tooltip player_id='1355920' first='Braylen' last='Schirado'] (2026) |6'1 G| Beulah   WHY?   He is performing like an All-State baller this season, Schirado has had some massive scoring games, but he also makes everyone around him a better player. Braylen has had an outstanding season scoring the basketball and has hit many clutch shots so far. When he has been doubled he has done a great job of finding teammates. The attention he gets defensively has created opportunities for his teammates and he has been very good at taking advantage of that. Schirado is also a leader who mentors the young Miners. 24.2 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 4.3 apg.   [player_tooltip player_id='1497479' first='Brennan' last='Johnson'] (2025) |6'8 C| Tioga   WHY?   A Double-Double machine, one of the elite BIGs in ND. BJ is averaging an impressive 29.2 ppg, 16.8 rpg, and 4.5 apg. Brennan can score at all three levels, is a post play mismatch with almost any team in the class B ranks. He is an excellent rebounder who really makes an effort to limit each team to one shot per possession. Johnson is an above average ball handler which makes it difficult to press Tioga. He is an underrated passer who can really find the open guys when needed. BJ is an overall coaches dream at the center postion. He reminds me of the Class B version of Shaquille O'neal!   [player_tooltip player_id='2249344' first='Carter' last='Craven'] (2027) |6'6 PF| Winner   WHY?   7-3 record while averaging 23 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 2.5 apg, 3.1 spg, 1.8 bpg, and shooting 46 FG%. Those are impressive stats for a sophomore in class A ball. Craven is having a phenomenal year. He is making plays by getting to the rim and knocking down shots. Craven rebounds very well and anticipates things on the defensive end of the floor.  He has put in more time than anyone and it is paying off, CC is a playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='2625146' first='Cooper' last='Bang'] (2025) |6'3 G| Killdeer   WHY?   15.5 ppg, 3.2 rpg, 2.5 apg, 12- record for the #3 ranked Cowboys. He uses his 6'3 frame to finish tough layups and is able to rise over defenders and hit contested mid-range J's. Bang is a deadeye 3pt shooter and his length/athleticism helps him defend some of the quickest guards in the state, he loves to compete in practice and game settings. Cooper is a natural-born leader who demands perfection from everyone around him and is willing to put the work in to achieve his personal goals along with his team goals.   [player_tooltip player_id='2636429' first='Cooper' last='Hayes'] (2029) |5'9 G| Tioga   WHY?   He is only an 8th grader but he runs the show at PG. Cooper has really burst onto the scene this year averaging 15.8 ppg, 3.9 rpg, and 5 apg. Hayes plays beyond his age level. He is the floor general for the Pirates this season and many years to come. He is cool, calm, and collected. Cooper is always in the right spot, makes the correct plays, and he does it with perfect tiing. Whether that's hitting a shot or getting a teammate the ball for them to score. Cooper is a great teammate, is reliable, he shows up, and shows out game in and game out to compete at a high level.   [player_tooltip player_id='1263160' first='Cruz' last='Klundt'] (2025) |6'0 G| Gregory   WHY?   He is the leader and PG for the 8-2 Gorillas. Cruz has great court vision and court awareness. He is always looking to make the pass to assist his teammates. When Cruz is on the floor, he is another coach. He knows all of the roles of his teammates and is very good at directing traffic. He is also a true leader. All of Klundt's teammates respect him because he does the right thing at the right time. Cruz knows what to say and what to do at the right time. He is a timely playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='1656545' first='Dylan' last='Runestad'] (2026) |6'0 G| Baltic   WHY?   Dylan is a catalyst for the Bulldog offense. He has the ability to create when nothing is there and has shown his ability to create for others as well. Runestad can get to the rim and knock down open threes. He is developing into a strong leader for the Bulldogs and has become a consistent player who the team can count on each and every night.    [player_tooltip player_id='1297808' first='Easton' last='Neuendorf'] (2025) |5'11 G| Hamlin   WHY?   He is the star that stirs the drink for the 10-2 and #2 ranked Chargers. Easton is often referred to as the best passer in South Dakota. He is also leading Hamlin in ppg at 19.4 and putting up a wild 7 apg. He is doing all of that while shooting 48% from three-point and 52% from the field. Easton is tough, a super competitor, and a winner.   [player_tooltip player_id='1414922' first='Evan' last='Stormo'] (2025) |6'3 G| Hamlin   WHY?   He is averaging 14.8 ppg for the 10-2 and #2 ranked Hamlin Chargers. Evan is a nightmare of a matchup because he can score from every level with a sweet shooting stroke and has the ability to play with his back to the basket to exploit mismatches. Stormo executes like a neurosurgeon and he is a gamer. Evan is a 2-way playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='2755793' first='Elshadi' last='Mesfin'] (2025) |6'1 G| Freeman Academy/Marion   WHY?   Mesfin brings a dynamic scoring ability and a powerful presence on the boards. This Bearcats is known for his ability to get hot and make crucial shots when the team needs them most, Elshadi consistently steps up in clutch moments, delivering key baskets to swing momentum in FAM's favor. His athleticism allows him to compete with bigger players on the glass, and his rebounding ensures the squad gets second-chance opportunities while limiting the opposition. Elshadi's scoring ability and tenacity on the boards bring balance to FAM, giving them both offensive firepower and defensive stability. Together, Taylor and Elshadi have been the driving forces behind the Bearcats offense and defense, making them invaluable to the team's success.   [player_tooltip player_id='1545637' first='Jackson' last='Wadsworth'] (2026) |6'2 G| Hamlin   WHY?   He is a big shot-maker for the #2 ranked Chargers who have a 10-2 record. Wadsworth is averaging 12.8 ppg and is shooting a smoking-hot 47% from beyond the three-point arc. Jackson is a GREAT defender who is asked to guard the other team's top perimeter scorer. He gets it done on both ends of the floor, is tough, and is a fierce competitor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1267784' first='Jayger' last='Meschke'] (2025) |5'10 G| Bismarck   WHY?   He is a key playmaking role player for the 11-2 Bismarck Demons. Jayger has developed into one of the best playmakers in the league. He is constantly getting into the paint and creating opportunities for himself and his teammates. Even though he is a smaller guard, he plays much bigger. Super high motor and finds ways to make plays all over the court. Whether it's on the glass, defensively, or off the bounce, he has developed into a high-level high school player. 8 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 1.6 apg, 1.4 spg, 48.7 FG%, 33.3 3FG%, 53.9 eFG%.   [player_tooltip player_id='2625147' first='Kale' last='Hansen'] (2025) |6'1 G| Killdeer   WHY?   He uses his All-State QB vision to thread the needle on passes, he can get to the rim to finish tough layups, and can extend his game to the NBA 3 point line. Kale is an all-around playmaker who makes others around him better, he understands the game, is a coach on the court, and is a rodeo kid who is tough as nails and loves to compete. He is a natural-born leader who steps up for the Cowboys time and time again during the season, his fearless effort and confidence have helped drive the team to a 12-1 start. 11.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 3.8 apg.   [player_tooltip player_id='1534507' first='Michael' last='Hamilton'] (2026) |6'0 G| Fargo South   WHY?   Mikey can shoot the ball! Hamilton is a catch-and-shoot player who can finish in the lane with a floating shot. He is a strong and well-put-together athlete. Hamilton makes others around him better by stretching the floor and being ready to catch it and shoot it. Mikey does a good job of spacing and spreading the floor, he gets hot in a hurry, and can change the game from 3-point land.   [player_tooltip player_id='2632385' first='Miles' last='Eide'] (2025) |6' G| Centerville   WHY?   Eide averages 16.3 ppg, 3.3 spg, and 3 spg. He is an extremely athletic guard with a quick first step and the ability to get to the rim. Miles is also a skilled shooter from the perimeter. On defense, he does a great job of anticipating passes, creating turnovers, and turning those into points on the other end. He brings leadership and energy to the floor. Miles has been creating havoc on the defensive end while also knocking down big shots for the Tornadoes. Eide understands the game well and is a playmaker.   [player_tooltip player_id='2755791' first='Taylor' last='Goodwin'] (2026) |5'10 G| Freeman Academy/Marion   WHY?   He stands out not only for his leadership on the court but also for his ability to change the momentum of a game with his relentless defense. Goodwin's knack for forcing turnovers and pressuring the ball disrupts the opposing offense, creating fast-break opportunities and extra possessions for the team. As a natural leader, Taylor keeps the team focused, energized, and poised in high-pressure situations, making him an essential playmaker for FAM. His defensive instincts and leadership bring a competitive edge to the Bearcats, ensuring the Bearcats stay sharp and aggressive throughout the game.   [player_tooltip player_id='2099379' first='Tamari' last='Carter'] (2025) |6'2 G/F| Minot North   WHY?   Tamari is athletic and has great length. He makes hustle plays and has a nose for the basketball. Tamari gets his team's fast breaks and up-tempo game going. North has made several runs off of his energy, rebounding, and steals. Carter is a high-energy and all-effort type of player. 7.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 2.8 apg, 1.8 spg, 54.3 FG%.   [player_tooltip player_id='2631420' first='Tucker' last='Keller'] (2025) |6'1 G| Beulah   WHY?   He does a great job of mentoring the young Miner roster. Keller is very good at getting into the lane and finishing, pulling up, or dropping off to a teammate when the double is coming. He has been a great passer in transition as well. Tucker is also a lockdown defender, he can make a difference in the game without even touching the ball.   <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>

This is take number two on PLAYMAKERS from ND & SD. To see the previous piece, CLICK HERE.