Class A Region 3: Breakout Players

With the 2025–26 hoops season on the horizon, Class A Region 3 enters a new chapter filled with potential and promise. Emerging players are ready to step into larger roles, and new faces are eager to prove they belong among the region's best. As the storylines unfold, one theme is clear — Region 3 basketball continues to deliver competitive and intriguing basketball year after year.   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 3's breakout candidates — ready to rise this season!   See below for baller comments...   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_2dd611.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_2dd611.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3017492" style="width:237px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Region 3<a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/11/BreakoutPlayers-crop-823x540-1675711988-crop-800x526-1676396283.jpg"></a>   Bottineau    Even as a frosh, [player_tooltip player_id='2724543' first='Dawson' last='Guss'] is our pick for the breakout baller of the season for the Bottineau Braves. This “Diaper Dandy” is ready to make an immediate impact, bringing energy, skill, and poise to the floor. A true point guard, Guss is a gifted distributor with precision passing and the ability to run an offense, though he will likely see varsity minutes as a combo guard. He's a lockdown defender, a vocal floor leader, and a competitor who plays with intensity every possession. His mobility, basketball IQ, and overall athleticism will make him a playmaker on both ends of the court. Guss was injured in football but will be back at 100% and ready to go for the start of the hoops season. With his combination of skill, leadership, and competitiveness, Dawson is a freshman to watch closely this winter and could emerge as one of the Braves' most dynamic players.    Des Lacs-Burlington    [player_tooltip player_id='3017520' first='Kyler' last='Fisher'] steps into the new season as PHD's breakout pick for the DLB Lakers — and he's positioned for a big year. One of the few returning players with varsity experience, Fisher will take on a major role as the Lakers' offensive leader. With the green light and the ball in his hands, he'll be expected to set the tone for a young roster. Fisher has built a reputation as a smooth, confident shooter who can stretch the floor and knock down shots from deep. But this offseason, he expanded his game — attacking the rim more often and evolving into a true all-around scorer. That versatility will be key for a DLB team looking for stability and firepower on offense. Expectations are high in Laker Country, and with his skill, experience, and confidence, [player_tooltip player_id='3017520' first='Kyler' last='Fisher'] looks ready to rise to the challenge and become a standout for Coach Brown.    Dunseith    Standing at 6'3", sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='2349627' first='Braxton' last='Azure'] is PHD's pick as the breakout player for the Dunseith Dragons — and he's a name to watch in Region 3. Azure combines length, athleticism, and skill, making him one of the most intriguing young talents. A versatile scorer, Braxton can attack the rim with control and finish through contact, or step out and knock down jumpers with a smooth, confident touch. Defensively, he often takes on the opponent's top assignment, using his size, mobility, and awareness to disrupt plays and set the tone. Coaches and teammates alike praise his attitude, maturity, and work ethic. With another year of experience, Azure is poised to take a significant leap forward. The Dragons are counting on him to be a steady 15-point-per-game scorer and a reliable complement to Nelson DeCoteau. If he embraces that role, [player_tooltip player_id='2349627' first='Braxton' last='Azure'] has all the tools to emerge as a true standout for Dunseith this season.    Nedrose    Sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2632717' first='Jayden' last='Wills'] will enter the new season as PHD's breakout candidate for the Nedrose Cardinals. After putting in work during the offseason, Wills has seen a clear upgrade in his all-around game and looks ready to take the next step. With a year of varsity experience already under his belt, Wills will take the reins as the Cardinals' point guard, tasked with running the offense and setting the tone on both ends. He's creative off the dribble, capable of breaking down defenders and creating scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. His pull-up jumper has become a real weapon, complementing his ability to finish at the rim and knock down mid-range shots. While still young, Wills will be looked to as a leader this season — the one who stirs the drink for Nedrose. If his growth continues, expect him to emerge as one of the key playmakers and tone-setters for the Cardinals throughout the 2025–26 campaign.    Rugby    At 6'4", junior [player_tooltip player_id='2832792' first='Kiefer' last='Fritz'] is PHD's choice as the breakout player for the Rugby Panthers. His length, shooting, and potential make Kiefer an intriguing baller heading into the new season. Fritz comes into hoops after a gridiron season where he quarterbacked the Panthers and led them to a 50-point outing in their final game. That leadership and poise should translate seamlessly onto the hardwood. On the court, Fritz is a smooth left-handed shooter with a natural stroke from deep. He's deadly in catch-and-shoot situations, has a soft touch, and uses his length effectively to create space for his shot. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability gives Rugby a weapon who can stretch the floor and make plays in key moments. With confidence high and his game continuing to improve, Fritz looks poised to make a major leap and emerge as a breakout performer for the Panthers this season.    South Prairie-Max    [player_tooltip player_id='2608318' first='Jaret' last='Eklie'] is PHD's pick as a breakout player for the South Prairie/Max Royals this season. A tall, versatile senior, Eklie combines impressive length with in & out scoring. He is capable of putting points on the board from multiple levels. Eklie is a smart passer who works hard on both ends of the floor, using his plus wingspan to disrupt opponents. Jaret's long arms and impressive timing allow him to block shots, erase attempts around the rim, and take away passing lanes. Offensively, he's a left-handed shooter with range, capable of knocking down high-arcing, soft 3-pointers. With his combination of size, versatility, and defensive presence, [player_tooltip player_id='2608318' first='Jaret' last='Eklie'] has the tools to make a major impact and emerge as a standout for the Royals this season.    Stanley    Junior guard Javon Johnson will enter the season as PHD's breakout candidate for the Stanley Blue Jays — and he's poised to play a major role. A strong and athletic player, Johnson has the physical tools and mindset to take his game to another level. If Stanley wants to stay competitive this season, Johnson will need to deliver in a big way. He's expected to run the show for the Blue Jays, serving as both a floor general and a vocal leader who keeps his teammates connected on the court. His presence in the paint stands out — he finishes through contact, rebounds with purpose, and makes smart, unselfish decisions with the ball. Johnson's offseason work has been impressive, as he's spent time with multiple trainers sharpening his skills and expanding his game. With his combination of strength, athleticism, and commitment, Javon looks ready to emerge as the heartbeat of the Blue Jays and to step up as an impact player.    Turtle Mountain    [player_tooltip player_id='2398642' first='Tayven' last='DeCoteau'], a junior for the Turtle Mountain Braves, is PHD's pick to break out this season. DeCoteau has the skill set and confidence to become a major scoring threat for the Braves. He's smooth with the ball in his hands, capable of creating his own shot and knocking down the three with accuracy. His step-back jumper is a scary weapon, and he plays with the kind of rhythm and poise that makes him tough to guard. On the defensive end, DeCoteau's anticipation and quick hands allow him to force turnovers and spark transition opportunities. With his blend of scoring ability, skill, and two-way impact, Tayven has all the tools to emerge as a key piece and a consistent producer for Turtle Mountain this season.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_626065.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/10/image_626065.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3018030" /></a></figure>

With the 2025–26 hoops season on the horizon, Class A Region 3 enters a new chapter filled with potential and promise. Emerging players are ready to step into larger roles, and new faces are eager to prove they belong among the region's best. As the storylines unfold, one theme is clear — Region 3 basketball continues to deliver competitive and intriguing basketball year after year.