Ballers I Need to Watch in February

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"600"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:italic;font-weight:600">In this piece, PHD highlights ballers that deserve a look before March. They have talent, skill, potential, and deserve some recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1511372,"width":"279px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/07/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1511372" style="width:279px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632630' first='Brody' last='Lillemoen'] (2026) |6'7 F| Grafton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Early this month, Lillemoen went off for 41 points. He goes against Thompson tonight in a huge Region 2 matchup. PHD plans on watching that one. I am interested to see how Brody gets his points. Is he floating on the arc and/or attacking the hoop against the lanky Thompson squad?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327796' first='Brylee' last='Bears Tail'] (2026) |6'3 SF| Mandan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Averaging 12.7 ppg and 3.6 apg. Brylee is an intriguing player with his length and skill set. [player_tooltip player_id='1219797' first='Hudsen' last='Sheldon'] runs the show for the Braves but Bears Tail is an important role player. If Mandan wants to make a late-season run, Brylee will be an important player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1970467' first='Dalyn' last='Dschaak'] (2025) |6'3 G| Sturgis</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He will be taking his talent to the Black Hills State football squad next year but Dalyn is worth a watch this hoops season. Dalyn is shooting it well, he is a special athlete, gets it done on defense, is full of energy, and puts forth full effort on every possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1668255' first='Dylon' last='Doren'] (2025) |6'3 G| Spearfish</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spearfish is 10-5 on the season and Doren is the rock of the team. I watched him this past summer and he is a quality baller who needs more attention. Dylon is an impressive athlete, a playmaking slasher, and a dynamic finisher. He can also space the floor and cash in the triple. Do not be surprised if Dylon leads the Spartans to the State Tournament. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2711420' first='Edison' last='Walters'] (2027) |6'0 G| Jamestown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is coming on strong for the Blue Jays and basketball fans all know who his older brother is. The future looks bright for Edison. In the last 4 games, Walters has gone for 10, 5, 17, and 13 points. Keep an eye on this soph.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2369129' first='Gilbert' last='White Jr.'] (2025) |5'11 G| Rapid City Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This West River kid is electric! Gilbert is putting up massive numbers and has proven himself as one of the top scorers in AA.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165392' first='Karter' last='Peterson'] (2025) |6'6 F| Thompson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHD has always appreciated his game and I plan on watching him tonight vs. Grafton. The Tommies are 11-4 on the season and ranked #5 in Class A. Peterson is a star athlete who does the little things but can also fill up the box score and make highlight reel plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1406999' first='Kyle' last='Virtue'] (2025) |6'4 F| Custer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats and Virtue are having an outstanding year, they currently have a 13-3 record and look like one of the top squads in Class A. Kyle is a load to handle on the hardwood, he scores big points and dominates on the boards. Virtue is a force to be reckoned with. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2055924' first='Miken' last='Mattson'] (2026) |6'1 G| Valley City</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is having an impressive season, Mattson looks like an All-Region type of baller. I like his length, shooting, range, middy game, and playmaking in transition. The Hi-Liners have a monster Region 1 matchup tonight vs. Northern Cass, I am intrigued to see what Miken can do against the Jags.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2106993' first='Nelson' last='Decoteau'] (2027) |6'8 F| Dunseith</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is putting up serious numbers, 20.5 ppg, 11 rpg, 3 apg, 2.5 bpg. I have watched him in the summer but have not had a chance to see him this winter. Nelson has the size and skill that college coaches love. This Dragon is full of intrigue. Take a look, you are sure to see a Double-Double.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1272514,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image -->