13 Game-Changers: Nationals

<!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"12px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:12px"><strong>#PHNationals powered by VKTRY</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px">Prep Hoops Dakotas (PHD) is looking back at an unforgettable weekend at the Prep Hoops National Open Championship, where high-level talent from across multiple states took center stage in Indiana. We're spotlighting the true <strong>Game-Changers</strong>—the players who elevated their teams and left a lasting impression on the big stage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px">So, what earns you a spot on this list? It's about being the ultimate difference-maker—whether it's unselfish play, clutch buckets, relentless defense, crashing the boards, diving for loose balls, locking down key stops, or hitting momentum-shifting triples. These are the hoopers who did the little things <em>and</em> the big things to stand out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px">Check out our notes below on the players who made the biggest impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2909668,"width":"331px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_541425.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_541425.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2909668" style="width:331px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Game-Changers</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2416222"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f13cd10a35"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He hooped with All Wisconsin 16U Simpson. Radtke hit clutch three-pointers down the stretch, he proved himself late in games. He also snagged rebounds, dove on the floor, and defended the opposing team's top player. Alexander did a bit of everything and he did it well!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2526354"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f0cd47cd6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White changed the game through effort and IQ on the floor. Bladen brought energy and leadership by helping defense with hurriedly sprinting back and keeping teammates locked in.  He was always in the right place, making plays that gave his team the momentum. White was a true Game-Changer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1332142"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94a7e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Reinke always plays hard and tough defense, this past weekend was no exception. Colton caught my eye with many offensive rebounds, extra-athletic putbacks, and strength for AND1's. When attacking, Reinke impressed me with some of his double-moves and crafty buckets. He showed some extra skill and bucket-getting ability. Colton is always improving and this weekend was no different. Expect that upward trend to continue for Colton.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2400233"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f13cd10b6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Frelich was the "Glue Guy" for All-Wisconsin, every good team needs one of those. He did the little things but Evan also shined as a scorer. He banged home shots when they mattered most. Frelich was All-Wisconsin's top scorer on the weekend and even recorded a 32-point game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2869976"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f0cd47cdf3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He runs with BBT Elite. Polk made all the difference with the little things that make a great player. He talked his game on defense, boxed out and held them, dove for loose balls. Ezekiel never stops on defense and hustles on every possession. He made winning plays when it mattered most. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2625235"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94ad6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ladd changed the game with his athleticism and bounce. He ran with Indiana Basketball Club and the team looked ridiculous on Saturday afternoon. JaShawn is a Next-Level athlete. I think he threw down double-digit dunks against NDP, who has two D1 players and a couple of D2 guys. Ladd dunked with 1 and 2 hands, he also did it from multiple angles while finishing with power and finesse. I can't imagine what Ladd's highlight reel will look like at the end of the club season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1890447"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94b20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I did not see an entire game of his but he caught my eye with his offensive game. Becker is intriguing because of his size, strength, athletic ability, jump shot, and shooting range. I love how he rose over the defense and knocked down shots without an inch of doubt. When Logan pulled the trigger, he knew it was going in!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2883309"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f13cd10c94"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mahliek “MJ” Ward - Mahliek did everything for NCP this weekend. He found himself in a shooting slump this weekend, but still managed to get within two points of his average, finishing the weekend right under 18 ppg, where he typically averages 20+. The big difference in Ward's play was that he leaned into helping others shine and taking on defensive challenges. Through his offensive struggle, MJ managed to always answer the call when the team needed a bucket or stop. Ward continued to prioritize delivering a win despite the stage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2055924"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94b66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Hi-Liner looked good in the abbreviated game that I watched. However, Mattson made this article because of an explosive offensive game. Miken put up a 28-point burger and was efficient while doing it. He cashed 5 triples, 3/4 from the charity stripe, and was 5/7 from inside the arc. Mattson was a splashy performer and a Game-Changer!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2828718"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94bab"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">PHD writes about Sage often, so we will not ramble on. Hanson's play on Sunday AM got him into this article. Sage seemed to be in "attack mode" and he was more aggressive than he was earlier in the tourney. Maybe it was the fact that it was his last club bball game or because NDSU had two scouts in the stands. Either way, Sage had multiple offensive rebound tip-ins. His timing was exceptional and his coordination made it look easy. Sage was a Game-Changer because of his O-rebounding, tip-ins, and second chance points.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2906207"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f13cd10d7c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Trey was the most consistent player for NCP through the whole event. Not only hitting his typical marks of rebounding and scoring the ball. Trey embraced having to play out of position this weekend with a teammate (post) out. Trey dominated every matchup from an offensive, defensive, and hustle standpoint. If there was a loose ball he was on the floor. If there was a matchup causing us problems, he wanted it. Rhodes is a newer player on his team. In the Open Nationals, he stepped up and showed why he's the best prospect on the NCP roster.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1560767"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94bee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nyberg is a skilled and cool customer on the hardwood. However, the reason he made this article is because of his 3-point shooting. He directly impacts the game with his stroke from downtown. He fills it up in a hurry and needs little room. I have not seen Nyberg miss many, but when he does, it never affects his next shot. Every time Ty shoots, he thinks it is going in, and most of the time it does!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2379564"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-687f055c94c34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">PHD does not get to watch ballers from Cali very often and Vinny caught my eye on Saturday afternoon. I like his length, feel for the game, and the way that he moves on the floor. Girish is a confident shooter but not a ball hog. He scored in and out, hustled his tail off on both ends, blocked shots, and boarded up. Vinny was also respectable and well-spoken after the game, that is always nice to come across. Best of luck to Vinny in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2909671,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_4bcfb0.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_4bcfb0.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2909671" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->