Skilled Talent

We are talking basketball players with sharp and refined skills.   PHD is highlighting players from both North Dakota and South Dakota.   How do you know a skilled baller when you see them?   A skilled basketball player possesses a combination of technical skills, game intelligence, physical ability, and mental sharpness. Key attributes include: Clean, proper, fluid, and accurate shooting mechanics, precision & timely passing, handling & passing with left & right hands, throwing & completing a variety of passes, combo dribble moves, ball-on-a-string handles, manipulating defenders/tempo/screens, running the offense, post moves, footwork, balance, a versatile finishing package, 3-level scoring, using screens, fakes, pivots, craftiness, changing speeds, creativeness, using counter moves, beating double teams, proper closeouts, shot-blocking, help defense, exploiting mismatches and many others.   Skilled Talent   [player_tooltip player_id='2052770' first='Beau' last='Thorpe'] (2027) |6'1 G| Oakes   He is a big reason why the Tornadoes are 10-3 and ranked #10. This soph looks good on film and is even better in-person, Thorpe is the real deal. Beau has impressive shooting ability from deep, a smooth mid-range J-shot, and craftiness that allows him to get to the rack for points. Thorpe is a must-guard player at all levels. Besides being a 3-point deadeye, Beau is an improved passer this season and has grown physically which has helped him on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='2433229' first='Caden' last='Walters'] (2025) |6'0 G| Douglas   This baller from West River is a very good ball handler with an impressive skill level. Caden's offensive game has really improved & upgraded in the past year. Walters has a nice/quality outside jump shot. He has a shooters touch. Caden also has a noteworthy pull-up game, his middy has been very effective as of late.     [player_tooltip player_id='1510914' first='Camden' last='Kraemer'] (2026) |6'0 G| Bismarck Century   Kraemer's elite ball handling and ability to attack the basket make him a constant threat, while his phenomenal shooting, both mid-range and from three, forces defenses to stay locked on him. He's averaging double figures, proving he can score at all three levels while also running the offense.  His high-energy play, defensive intensity, and smart off-ball movement create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Despite Camden's size, he's also a very good rebounder, using his hustle and instincts to grab key boards. Kraemer's ability to impact the game in so many ways makes him a major difference-maker for the team. Century is 14-1 and ranked #1 in AA, a big reason for that is Camden's effort and skilled play.   [player_tooltip player_id='2076018' first='Connor' last='Mebius'] (2027) West Central   He is not the biggest player on the court but he has the heart of a lion and he competes like a thoroughbred racehorse. Connor is also an artist with the basketball. I admire his footwork, ball-on-a-string handles, and deadly shooting. He is a master at creating space, manipulating defense, attacking angles, and at keeping the defense off balance with is change of speeds. Mebius is one of the elite shooters in South Dakota and an All-State caliber ball player.   [player_tooltip player_id='2047813' first='Eddie' last='Garza'] (2025) |6'3 F| Oakes   He and the Tornadoes are hot, have a 10-3 record, are ranked #10, and are on a 6-game win streak. Garza can do a bit of everything on offense and he is a top forward defender in Region 1. His size, strength, and skill have given opposing teams fits. On offense, Eddie makes plays on the black and on the perimeter. He can stroke the 3-point shot, post up for points, drill the middy, and produce off the bounce. He is a matchup headache with his skill, shooting, and slashing ability.   [player_tooltip player_id='1657448' first='Gibson' last='Kinnebrew'] (2027) |6'4 G| Bismarck Century   Gibby's elite defense, athleticism, and versatility allow him to guard all five positions and take on the toughest matchups. Kinnebrew is a high-flyer, averaging 1.5 dunks per game, and his relentless motor makes him a force on both ends, constantly impacting the game with his energy and effort. On top of being a lockdown defender, he's also a dominant rebounder, using his athleticism and instincts to grab boards over anyone. But he's not just a defender, he's also a high-level scorer, averaging 17 PPG as a sophomore. His improved mid-range game is one of the best in the state, and he's constantly expanding his offensive skill set. Gibby is a highly skilled player with sharp handles, passing, and excellent footwork. Kinnebrew is an amazing finisher, you name it and he can do it. With his ability to contribute in so many ways, the Pats can rely on him in any situation.   [player_tooltip player_id='2288281' first='Isaiah' last='Brewer'] (2026) |6'0 G| Douglas   Brewer is a very skilled player. He has top-notch handles and is the main ball handler/primary guard for the Patriots. Isaiah can shoot three accurately, drive to the basket, shoot pull-ups smoothly, and post up. Brewer can score from many different areas on the floor. He is also very strong which helps him be a good/productive rebounder and on-the-ball defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='2765437' first='Jacob' last='Novak'] (2026) |5'10 G| Alexander   He runs the point for the Comets. Jacob has elite ball-handling skills, allowing him to navigate through defenders with ease. He consistently finds open teammates, delivering accurate passes even in tight spaces. His ability to read the defense helps create scoring opportunities. Novak has become a more consistent shooter as the season has evolved, he has a reliable mid-range jumper and a smooth three-point shot. On defense, Jacob applies strong on-ball pressure, anticipates passing lanes, and never gives up on a defensive play. He has developed as a leader as a PG and one of the few Comets with varsity experience going into this season. Jacob's IQ and awareness help direct teammates on the floor, ensuring the team plays smart and efficiently.   [player_tooltip player_id='2765444' first='Jadon' last='Champion'] (2026) |6'3 F| Alexander   He has developed into a strong leader on the team. Jadon crashes the boards for second-chance points, giving the team extra scoring opportunities. His ability to read the ball's trajectory allows him to beat taller players to the ball. When he does secure a defensive rebound, he quickly looks to push the ball up the court, igniting fast-break opportunities. Champion's footwork is becoming more polished as the season continues, allowing him to create space for shots. He also has solid post moves, making him effective in one-on-one situations. If a center is guarding Jadon, he has a quick first step to beat them off the dribble and to get to the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='1765803' first='Jaxon' last='Reese'] (2026) |6'5 F| Killdeer   Jaxon is a 6'5 Junior forward for the Cowboys with excellent footwork in the post. He utilizes his length to rise up over people in the mid-range. Along with his length, Reese is a great defender who helps to protect the rim with his shot-blocking ability. He has excellent timing, patience, and leaping ability to reject shot attempts. Jaxon has an eye-catching vertical when attacking the rim, he is no stranger to hammering putbacks, fastbreak dunks, and alley-oop finishes. Reese is very smooth and technical on offense, he gets the best look possible by reacting to the defense. Jaxon adds length, athleticism, skill, and playmaking ability to the Cowboys lineup.   [player_tooltip player_id='2406412' first='Jeremy' last='Laducer'] (2025) |6'0 G| Dunseith   This skilled lefty is a returning All-Region baller. Laducer is a productive rebounder for a guard, he has a nose for the ball and a good feel for the game. Jeremy is a fluid passer and scorer. He can fill up the score sheet but also drop dimes. Laducer slices through the defense for good looks and hits triples when the team needs it. This Dragon is a skilled baller.   [player_tooltip player_id='1761812' first='Julius' last='Frog'] (2025) |6'5 F| Rapid City Christian   The Comets are 12-2 and ranked #3 in class A. On a team without a lot of true post size, Julius gives RCC the versatility to of post scoring or 5-out instant offense. Opposing teams have to game plan specifically for him because of his ability to score in so many ways. Frog has a very good mid-range game, especially on the baseline. You don't see many high school players that shoot the mid-range shot as well as he does. Julius has soft touch at the rim and he has excellent footwork, he can spin baseline, step-through, and finish well with either hand. He has a nice jump hook as well as a really solid fade-away jumper, which he can get because of his long arms and high release. Julius can also step out and shoot the 3 and excel at the stretch BIG role. In the pick-and-roll game, he can make it difficult on the defense because of his ability to pop or short roll. This year Frog's defense and rebounding have improved tremendously.   [player_tooltip player_id='1169135' first='Pearce' last='Parks'] (2025) |6'2 G| Grand Forks Red River   He is a leader on the 11-4 squad who looks to be the #2 seed in the EDC. Pearce is averaging 21.9 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 4 apg, 2.2 spg, and 47.4 FG%. Parks has noteworthy and skilled body control when slashing to and finishing at the rim. He does great work of gathering and finishing strong when RR needs a bucket. Parks is a matchup who is big/strong, great off the dribble, and he distributes the ball well.   <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>

We are talking basketball players with sharp and refined skills.