Class A Region 2: Breakout Ballers

A new season ushers in fresh storylines across Class A Region 2 — a time for emerging players to step forward and make their mark. The 2025–26 campaign is full of opportunity as new talent looks to rise and define the next wave of standouts. Who will seize the moment and take the next step? Time will tell, but all signs point to another competitive and compelling season ahead in Region 2.   At Prep Hoops Dakotas, we've singled out one player from each program ready to make the leap — competitors with the skill, work ethic, and upside to elevate their game this winter. Some are emerging scorers, others steadying forces or all-around playmakers, but each has the potential to leave a bigger imprint on the season ahead.   These are Region 2's breakout candidates — ready to rise this season!   See below for baller comments...   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg?w=799" alt="" class="wp-image-1798934" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Region 2   Carrington    [player_tooltip player_id='2237798' first='Taylen' last='Mehring'] is PHD's breakout player pick for the Carrington Cardinals. He showed that he can shoot it last year, but we think his production will leap this winter. With great length and a smooth shooting stroke, Mehring is a legitimate perimeter threat who should have no trouble knocking down multiple triples per game. He's deadly in catch-and-shoot situations and has the confidence to stretch defenses every night. Mehring's impact isn't limited to offense. His size and wingspan allow him to disrupt passing lanes, create turnovers, and board up. On the other end, he's also a skilled passer who can set up teammates for clean looks, adding another dimension to his game. Now another year older and more experienced, the Cardinals are counting on Mehring to take the next step and establish himself as a go-to playmaker. With his combination of length, shooting ability, and all-around skill, [player_tooltip player_id='2237798' first='Taylen' last='Mehring'] is ready to be that guy for Carrington this season.    Devils Lake    [player_tooltip player_id='2114977' first='Will' last='Heilman'] is PHD's pick as Devils Lake's breakout player — a talented and athletic guard ready to make the jump to the varsity spotlight. A proven leader for the JV squad, Heilman led the team in scoring, rebounds, and steals while serving as a reliable defensive stopper. With the Firebirds graduating a large senior class, new opportunities are opening up, and Heilman is poised to take full advantage. Expect him to be a key piece in the rotation — a confident scorer who can knock down open looks, bring steady defense, and set the tone with his leadership. The future looks bright for Heilman and the Firebirds.    Four Winds/Minnewaukan    [player_tooltip player_id='2409449' first='Sonny' last='Alberts'] is our pick as the breakout player for the Four Winds/Minnewaukan Indians — and all signs point to a big year ahead. The sophomore post had a strong offseason, shining with Four Winds and in club ball, where he earned multiple Top Performer nods on the Prep Hoops Circuit. Alberts brings a polished offensive skill set to the floor, blending craftiness, footwork, and legitimate three-point range. He's especially effective from the high post, where he can stretch the defense or make plays for teammates. This season, he's expected to step into a starting role and anchor the frontcourt. If he continues to rebound with urgency and maintain toughness inside, Alberts could emerge as one of Region 2's most exciting young BIGs. Look out for Alberts and the Indians this winter.    Grafton    [player_tooltip player_id='2991153' first='Easton' last='Hansel'] is PHD's pick from Grafton to be a breakout player in Region 2 — and for good reason. The spark in Hansel's game starts with his energy; he plays every possession with intensity and confidence. A skilled ball-handler with a reliable jumper, Easton has the tools to take on an important role for the Spoilers. Grafton is counting on him to step into the point guard spot, control the tempo, and get the ball to key scorers like Rice and Lillemoen. If he can continue to hit open shots and make smart reads, Hansel could quickly become a steady and impactful presence for the Spoilers. The excitement and expectations are high for Mr. Hansel.    Harvey/Wells County    [player_tooltip player_id='2343944' first='Jaxon' last='Feist'] is our pick as the breakout player for Harvey/Wells County — a program making its debut in Class A this season. Feist is a smooth lefty shooter with a clean release and soft touch, capable of heating up quickly from the perimeter. He runs the floor well, finds open spots, and takes advantage of scoring opportunities. Feist's ability to get his feet set and use screens effectively makes him a tough cover for opposing defenses. On the other end, he's an alert defender with quick reactions, often creating turnovers through effort and anticipation. As the Hornets adjust to Class A competition, Feist's shooting and quickness could make him a name to watch this season in Region 2.    Hillsboro/Central Valley    All signs point to Trey emerging as a breakout star for the Burros from HCV this season. After a standout off-season with Sanford Sports, PHD expects Johnson to make a real impact this winter. Johnson is an impressive and strong athlete with a natural feel for the game. Offensively, he thrives as a downhill slasher and creator, consistently finding ways to attack the basket while also making smart plays to set up his teammates. His ability to locate the open man and deliver in transition makes him a dynamic offensive threat. An athletic finisher at the rim, Johnson combines power and agility, making him difficult to stop around the basket. With his blend of skill, athleticism, and basketball IQ, Johnson is poised to be a key playmaker and one of the Burros' most exciting players to watch this season.    May-Port-CG    [player_tooltip player_id='2347916' first='Wyatt' last='Perkins'] is our pick as May-Port-CG's breakout baller — an intriguing talent with the tools to make a significant impact this season. Coach Kunkel has high expectations, and for good reason. Perkins excels as a slasher, doing most of his scoring around the rim with toughness and athleticism. On the defensive end, he's a difference-maker, capable of locking down key matchups and setting the tone with his intensity. If the Patriots hope to compete in Class A, Perkins will need to be that defensive anchor — the kind of player who makes winning plays on both ends of the floor.    Thompson    With the departure of key contributors in scoring and rebounding, the spotlight is on [player_tooltip player_id='1951559' first='Noah' last='Hippen'] to step up for the Tommies this season. Hippen is a strong, mobile athlete with the tools to make an immediate impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he excels as a slasher and finisher, while also possessing the skill and physicality to be effective on the block. Defensively, Hippen's athleticism and toughness should make him a formidable presence, capable of challenging opponents and protecting the paint. In addition to scoring and defense, Hippen is expected to be a key contributor on the boards, cleaning up missed shots and creating extra possessions for the Tommies. With his combination of athleticism, versatility, and playmaking ability, [player_tooltip player_id='1951559' first='Noah' last='Hippen'] is primed to be the breakout player that the team needs this season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_ec2635.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_ec2635.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2991407" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="" /></figure>

A new season ushers in fresh storylines across Class A Region 2 — a time for emerging players to step forward and make their mark. The 2025–26 campaign is full of opportunity as new talent looks to rise and define the next wave of standouts. Who will seize the moment and take the next step? Time will tell, but all signs point to another competitive and compelling season ahead in Region 2.