Region 3 Class B: 18 Breakout Players

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The wait is almost over — <strong>Class B basketball</strong> tips off December 1st, and anticipation is high across <strong>Region 3</strong>. With many schools being done with football, the gyms will be buzzing with open gyms in the month of November. The season of optimism is here!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"16px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:16px">This region is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and entertaining in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">Region 3 features a deep mix of returning talent and emerging stars — players ready to seize bigger roles, lead their teams, and put their names on the map. From tough, high-motor guards to versatile wings and skilled bigs, there's no shortage of breakout potential across the board.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px">At <strong>Prep Hoops Dakotas</strong>, we've zeroed in on several players poised to take that next step. Each brings a unique blend of skill, toughness, and confidence — the kind of players who can swing a game and elevate a program.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">These are <strong>Region 3's breakout ballers</strong> — the rising playmakers ready to make noise in the 2025–26 season</span>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3040713,"width":"240px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_8d0ea3.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_8d0ea3.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3040713" style="width:240px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3040718,"width":"238px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_96dc11.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/image_96dc11.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3040718" style="width:238px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Region 3</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2347920"],"_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-6909775ae111a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Had a great football season, guessing he blows up as a football recruit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-You have to love his size/build/length, especially in Class B basketball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Still raw but the rest will come, provides a post presence, stout defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2673258"],"_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-690951d5dc472"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Strong &amp; athletic role player who hoops with good energy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Productive rebounder, does the little things to make the team better</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed in the District Finals that he can hold his own, expectations are high</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2636429"],"_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-690936436b092"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-New to the Jays, came over from Tioga, All-District player as an 8th grader</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Skilled &amp; a legit scorer, should be a playmaker on the wing &amp; backup PG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Runs &amp; jumps well, deep shooting range, high% shooter, deadly runner/floater</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3041019"],"_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-6909885837a3b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-His role will be to score the rock for the Panthers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quality athlete, more than capable shooter, gets to rim &amp; scores w/ strength</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Will be looked at as a leader &amp; playmaker, young guys will look up to Braun</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2770790"],"_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-6909885837ab6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Good size &amp; athleticism, Johnson could surprise people this winter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fresh off a really good football season as QB for the MLS playoff football team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physically matured, if Mavs want to be a legit team, Johnson will need a solid year</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1717045"],"_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-690a00ead45eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-4 year starter for the Sioux, so he will be looked upon heavily this year</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-With Walker Texas Ranger off to college, Tolstad will step up as the go-to guy</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Physical &amp; strong, rebounding machine, Double-Double dawg, tough defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3040876"],"_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-6909775ae11b0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Started at QB this fall, won 7 games, should come into hoops full of confidence</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Lanky/long guard, will be a nice role player for the Tigers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Leader, shoots the ball at a high level, talented from 3, plays solid defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1657450"],"_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-690a00ead46aa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Lions graduated serious talent, it's time for Izaac to be the alpha &amp; take over</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Superior size &amp; athleticism, headache of a matchup for opposing B teams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Major shooting threat, mobile &amp; strong slasher/finisher, microwave scorer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2740480"],"_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-690a00ead470a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-An impressive athlete who should make plenty of noise this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays the game the right way, unselfish baller, three level producer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Reliable defender, the type of player every coach wants, BIG season ahead</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2806703"],"_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-6909775ae11f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Very good last year, but not enough people know about him, so he makes the list</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Stock Riser, serious playmaker in Class B, fast &amp; speedy, crafty &amp; skilled</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sets up others, super creative, excellent in fast breaks &amp; up-tempo </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2386769"],"_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-6909818b73dd1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Played a major role off the bench last season as a frosh, smart decision maker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Athlete who can play multiple positions, competes hard, excels in open court</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Passes extremely well, tough defender, improved perimeter game &amp; attacking ability</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2707750"],"_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-6909775ae1232"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-He had a studly football season at RB/WR/FS, ball hawk, dynamite playmaker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Makes good reads/decisions, improved overall game, could have a huge year</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Nice length, noteworthy athleticism &amp; mobility, difficult to match up with</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237851"],"_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-6909818b73e4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-All-District last year, potential/ability to be one of the top shooters in Region 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like his length, serious shooting threat who spaces the floor &amp; fills it up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Will need to shoulder a heavy load of the scoring for the Crusaders</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2851184"],"_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-6909775ae1270"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Ranchers graduated legit talent, Grubb will have a chance to take on a serious role</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Should start at PG, strong athlete, gets downhill w/ his R-hand</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Super aggressive on D w/ great instincts, could be a solid 2-way baller</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1511062"],"_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-690a00ead485a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Got his feet wet last season, looks ready to take the next step</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Team player, unselfish passer, does the little things, capable shooter, hustler</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good off-season, improved his overall game, time to be a leader for the Sioux</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-690a00ead48dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Did not play varsity hoops in ND last year, so he qualifies for this article</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Elite talent, athletic BIG who can shoot accurately &amp; also handle the rock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Primary scorer &amp; leader, could get over 100 blocks, dramatic effect on D w/ his rim protection </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2863718"],"_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-690936436b124"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-I am intrigued with his length as a frosh lead guard, improved shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Expecting Tygen to start and be an impact player immediately</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Skilled beyond his years, makes positive plays all over the court, versatile scorer </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237843"],"_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-690a00ead497e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-PG, leader, creator, scorer, playmaking guard on the rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Slasher &amp; catalyst, improved a ton in the offseason, sets up others well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-If Aggies want to be good in March, Nickelson will need to be a great creator</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1798934,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><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" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->