Who’s Heating Up?

Clearly, it's football season, but the fall always flies by, and basketball is on our mind! As we think about the winter season, some players are bringing more than just sweat to the hardwood—they're bringing the heat. From emerging stars to unsung role players, these athletes have put in the work over the summer and are ready to make their mark. Whether they're scoring in bunches, locking down on defense, or doing the gritty little things that don't always make the highlight reel, each one has the potential to change the course of a game—and maybe even a season. Below, we break down why these players are truly Heating Up!   Prep Hoops Dakotas features players from North Dakota and South Dakota, as listed below...   Who's Heating Up?    WHY?   He was good to extremely good at times this summer. I think Wolf is going to take the WDA by storm. Cameron is tough and full of versatility. He scores from 3 levels and is an excellent paint protector. Will Dickinson turn the Wolf loose? Will Cam step up to be the alpha? Put this Mav on your watchlist!     WHY?   His length and size alone as a 2028 could get him on this list. Chaz did not play club ball, but he put in a ton of time working on his game. PHD expects his play to be elevated. On defense, Vietor takes away passing angles and protects the rim. On offense, the LONG soph will score from all three levels.     WHY?   The Loboes have a coaching change, so it remains to be seen what style and tempo LLM will play with. Either way, I like Colby's game and I think he will be a high-quality player in Class B. He is a gifted and talented shooter from the 3-point arc. Expect Thielges to fill it up from deep. He is also a PG who runs the show, directs traffic, and sets up others. Colby is a heady player and an all-around impressive athlete.     WHY?   Reinke has always been a hard worker, grinder, hustler, long/versatile player, and an unselfish teammate. He also busts his tail for rebounds. Colton's calling card is his defense, but I think his offensive game is going to flourish this coming winter. Davies will be tough in 2025-26, if Reinke takes the next step, they will be terrifying.     WHY?   Kittleson has taken over as the leader of the Aggies. This summer, he stepped up his scoring to replace the departing seniors. Kittletson also has an impressive defensive motor. Cooper is a Class B player to watch in the winter months.     WHY?   He played well in both club ball (JVT) and summer hoops with the Tigers. Kale has the ball in his hands a ton, is a good decision maker, and is a great leader. Knudsen has a more consistent pull-up middy and is upgraded as a 3-shooter. His strength is also elevated. Knudson and the Tigers should have a nice hoops season. Kale will have his eyes on the prize, stripes will be in motion!     WHY?   He is flying under the radar. Seyer is super athletic with long arms and gets his hands on everything. Karsen shoots a high percentage from 3-point land and looked good this summer. Breakout potential for sure!     WHY?   Selzler is a southpaw. He is medically cleared and the comeback is impressive! Luke has gotten much bigger/stronger and he is an unreal athlete. At 6'3" 230, this kid is going to create a ton of space on the hardwood. The Aggies missed him dearly last season. Take a look this winter, you will be impressed with Selzler's mobility.     WHY?   Kraft has gotten bigger, stronger, and faster over the spring and summer months. Expect him to step up on defense and fill the role that Schepp played last season. Mason oozes versatility. He effectively guards positions 1 through 5. He looked good this summer and the expectations are in Aggie Country.     WHY?   Every Dragon was once a hatchling; that is no longer the case with Nelson. We are expecting him to ride the flames to greatness this season. DeCoteau is a throwback BIG on the inside, but is skilled and a valid threat from the perimeter. He will be one of the top scorers and rebounders in A this season. Nelson is grabbing serious attention from both basketball and football college programs.     WHY?   Oak lives and breathes basketball. He spends a ton of time working on his craft. Trueblood is already marvelously skilled and his game just keeps getting sharper and sharper. Oakley had an impressive club season and was named to the All-Dakotas 16U Team, he also picked up a D2 offer from Jamestown. Minot will be a "new look" squad this winter; they have a new head coach and a fresh starting 5. Look for Oak to lead the squad in point production and to be an All-WDA baller. Who knows, he could even put up All-State type numbers. I think Trueblood will blossom under coach Brandt's reign.     WHY?   Preston was impressive this summer. The southpaw from Rapid Central is poised for a breakout season. Expect him to have the ball in his hands all game, orchestrating the offense and making plays at every turn. He can light up the scoreboard, blow by defenders off the dribble, and set up his teammates with ease.     WHY?   This kid is going to surprise some people. Reese is a long and lanky athlete. He hoops with impressive stamina, is a fierce competitor, and never wants to come out of the game. Steffen is ready for a breakout senior season with the underrated Aggies.     WHY?   A true marksman for the Tigers, Shooter showed flashes of brilliance last year that have only grown stronger. With added length, he's a tough matchup and showed off his defensive chops this summer. As the team's quarterback in football, he's developing into a natural leader. Keep your eyes on Shooter—he's exactly what his name says he is… a shooter!     WHY?   Started last year as a frosh but had an excellent summer and will be making a name for himself this winter. As a combo-guard, Martin is an affluent shooter, a smart defender, and he always seems to make the "right" play. He feeds the post, has solid fundamentals, and a high IQ for the game. PHD expects Tatum to be a double-digit scorer, and an impact player for the Broncs as a soph.     WHY?   This crafty lefty has shot up in height and looks destined to hit 6'0" soon. Wes has evolved into a shifty, attacking slasher and put in serious work this offseason. Now stepping into the point guard role, he's not only creating scoring opportunities for himself but setting the table for his teammates, too. If he continues to develop his ball security, Wes is poised for a breakout junior season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2950876" /></a></figure>

Clearly, it's football season, but the fall always flies by, and basketball is on our mind! As we think about the winter season, some players are bringing more than just sweat to the hardwood—they're bringing the heat. From emerging stars to unsung role players, these athletes have put in the work over the summer and are ready to make their mark. Whether they're scoring in bunches, locking down on defense, or doing the gritty little things that don't always make the highlight reel, each one has the potential to change the course of a game—and maybe even a season. Below, we break down why these players are truly Heating Up!