Breakout Potential: WDA

A new season means new opportunities — a chance for rising stars to shine brighter and proven players to elevate their game. The Western Dakota Association (WDA) has long been a breeding ground for talent, and the 2025-26 season promises to continue that tradition.   At Prep Hoops Dakotas, we've zeroed in on one player from each program who's trending upward — hoopers with the skill, drive, and opportunity to take the next step. Whether they're ready to take over as go-to scorers, spark their teams as leaders, or impact the game in every facet, these are the names to know heading into the winter.   These are the WDA breakout candidates — the ones ready to rise when the lights come on.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/WDA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/WDA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2258606" style="width:284px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Breakout Potential   Bismarck    [player_tooltip player_id='1657449' first='Weston' last='Scott'] is PHD's pick to break out for the Demons this season. After an injury limited his playing time last year — and caused him to miss much of the summer — Scott is ready to make a big return. As a freshman, he showed flashes of his potential, playing in 27 games, averaging 7 points per game, posting a 1.6 assist-to-turnover ratio, and finishing third on the team in rebounding. Now fully healthy, the “Great Scott” is primed to tear it up in the WDA. A marvelously skilled player with the ability to impact every facet of the game, he has the tools to stuff the stat sheet night after night. His smooth offensive game, court vision, all-around presence, and playmaking instincts make him one of the most complete talents in the WDA. Scott certainly has the ability to earn All-WDA and even All-State honors. Demon fans should get ready — a monster season is on the way.    Bismarck Century    Century enters the preseason as PHD's No. 1 team in AA, loaded with talent across the board. But one name to watch as a breakout player is Zavion “Z” Harildstad. After a strong off-season, all signs point to Harildstad shining for the Patriots this winter. Z's impact will come through his energy and versatility. He's a hustler who defends, rebounds, and makes plays for teammates. On some nights, he'll step up as a scorer by getting to the rim, while in others he'll create offense by attacking the paint and setting up teammates. With his improved game and relentless motor, Harildstad is ready to carve out a key role on a stacked roster. Breakout player? Absolutely.    Bismarck Legacy    A big season could be loading for [player_tooltip player_id='1545212' first='Jack' last='Julson']. With the graduation of Parker Falcon ('25), Julson is set to take on a major scoring role for the Sabers. This athletic guard uses his quickness and explosiveness to attack the rim and finish through traffic. He should thrive in transition, where his speed and size allow him to get buckets at the rack. While capable from beyond the arc, most of Julson's scoring comes from putting pressure on the defense by driving to the basket. His combination of athleticism, strength, and confidence makes him a tough cover. Will Julson be the man to step up and lead the Sabers this season? All signs point to yes.    Bismarck St. Mary's    St. Mary's sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2548370' first='Trason' last='Terry'] is PHD's pick as the Breakout Player for the Saints—and it's easy to see why. Basketball runs deep in Terry's blood, and his natural feel for the game shines every time he steps on the floor. Though just a soph, Terry has the talent and confidence to legitimately lead the Saints in scoring this season. A smooth left-handed shooter with extended range, he can light it up from beyond the arc and stretch defenses with his consistency from three-point land. But he's far from one-dimensional—Terry is a mobile, athletic scorer who attacks the rim with control and touch. After a standout summer filled with growth and development, Terry looks poised to take the next step and establish himself as one of the top young players in the WDA. The future is bright for this rising star in a Saints uniform.    Dickinson    Dickinson's [player_tooltip player_id='1531066' first='Cameron' last='Wolf'] has been chosen as PHD's Maverick to break out this season, and the buzz around him is well deserved. “The Wolf” put together a standout club season with Sanford Sports, consistently making an impact in multiple ways and earning Top Performer honors multiple times on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Cam plays with a blend of toughness and skill that every coach loves. He's a versatile, all-encompassing scorer who can hurt defenses from the inside and the perimeter. On the other end, he'll be counted on to protect the paint and bring physicality to the Mavericks' lineup. Wolf's combination of motor, mindset, and confidence makes him a problem for opponents—and we predict Cam will be a dude in the WDA this season.    Jamestown    PHD's breakout pick for Jamestown is sophomore Erik Van Berkom—and for good reason. Despite his youth, Erik is loaded with talent and made a big impression this summer with North Dakota Phenom. He's a skilled, crafty playmaker with length, versatility, and a smooth shooting touch. Van Berkom is an elite shot blocker and a natural playmaker, ready to battle upperclassmen in the WDA. Expect him to be a force inside and out, leading the Blue Jays in both scoring and rebounding this season. The future is bright for Mr. Van Berkom.    Mandan    [player_tooltip player_id='2237808' first='Daniel' last='Wentz'] could be primed for a breakout season on the hardwood. He is currently a standout on the football campaign, where he showcases his athleticism, strong hands, ball-hawking instincts, and big-play ability. Wentz is expected to bring that same confidence and edge to the basketball court. Arguably the most athletic Brave, Wentz will impact games with his versatility. He'll attack the glass with energy, defend multiple positions, and contribute as an opportunistic scorer. His competitiveness and athletic tools should make him a difference-maker on both ends of the floor. If Wentz carries his football momentum into hoops season, Mandan fans could be watching a dynamic breakout player.    Minot    [player_tooltip player_id='2237726' first='Oakley' last='Trueblood'] looks primed to thrive under the new-look Magicians and respected head coach Jeremy Brandt. The long, skilled wing is a natural scorer with a deep offensive bag — blending deadly three-point range, a smooth pull-up jumper, and an almost unstoppable fadeaway. Trueblood has no trouble rising over defenders and finishing above the rim. He impacts the game on both ends, cleaning the glass and protecting the rim with his length and timing. With his blend of size, confidence, and versatile scoring ability, Trueblood has the tools to be an All-WDA and All-State performer this season.    Minot North    Minot North's [player_tooltip player_id='1510892' first='Brayden' last='Blikre'] has earned the nod as the Sentinel's Breakout Player for the upcoming season. A quality athlete with the ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, Blikre brings a blend of skill, strength, and competitive fire that sets him apart. Brayden had an impressive summer—he focused on getting stronger, improving his game, and attending a variety of camps to elevate his skill set. The hard work has paid off, as he's returning to the court more confident and polished than ever. Known as a knockdown shooter, Blikre also thrives as a fearless competitor who embraces big moments. His willingness to take risks and make plays gives the Sentinels an edge on both offense and defense. Expect Blikre to emerge as one of the top players in the WDA this season as he steps into a larger role for Minot North.    Williston    [player_tooltip player_id='2684887' first='Solomon' last='Harris'] is electric. The Coyotes' breakout pick brings double-digit scoring and elite athleticism to the floor. He's fast, explosive, and finishes athletically at the rim. On defense, he's a disruptor who forces turnovers; on offense, he's got the green light and the confidence to go with it. Harris will draw top defenders all season—and still find ways to shine. No matter Williston's record, Solomon will be hard to miss.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_dd0270.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_dd0270.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2985191" /></a></figure>

A new season means new opportunities — a chance for rising stars to shine brighter and proven players to elevate their game. The Western Dakota Association (WDA) has long been a breeding ground for talent, and the 2025-26 season promises to continue that tradition.