Early Impact Players from ND/SD

High school basketball in the Dakotas is already delivering, and a wave of players is quickly establishing itself as difference makers. Early Impact Players takes a look at the athletes who have jumped out of the gate and are influencing games right away. These standouts are not just putting up numbers; they are setting standards for effort, execution, and competitiveness while helping their teams stack early wins and confidence. From shot makers and playmakers to tone setters and leaders, this group has brought real substance to the opening stretch of the season. Their early production has turned heads, and it feels like there is plenty more coming as the winter unfolds.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" style="width:120px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Early Impact Players    [player_tooltip player_id='1632632' first='Artie' last='Carlow'] has come out firing to start his senior season, and it is a big reason Bismarck sits undefeated and ranked No. 2 in the state. Carlow is putting on an offensive clinic night after night, showing just how polished and advanced his game has become. He is beyond skilled, plays with poise, and has a smooth confidence that makes the game look effortless. A true walking bucket, Carlow can score it from anywhere on the floor and consistently delivers as a high-level shot maker. The numbers back it up in a big way. He is averaging 26 points per game while shooting an eye-opening 56.5 percent from the field and 63 percent from three-point range, with 17 made triples already. His efficiency jumps off the page with a 70.2 effective field goal percentage, and he is not just scoring. Carlow adds value across the board with rebounds, assists, and an impressive five steals per game, showing his impact on both ends of the floor. If this level of play continues, [player_tooltip player_id='1632632' first='Artie' last='Carlow'] is firmly on track for All-State honors and has positioned himself as a legitimate Mr. Basketball candidate.     [player_tooltip player_id='1510889' first='Boston' last='Cranston'] has come out of the gates on white hot, and the talented lefty has Dickinson rolling early in the season. The Mavericks are quickly establishing themselves as one of the top teams in Class AA, and Cranston is at the center of it all for Coach Glasser's squad. He has been a constant problem for opposing defenses, showing the ability to take over games as both a scorer and a playmaker. Cranston's offensive versatility has been especially impressive. His deep-range shooting has been elite; he is relentless and elusive when attacking the rim, and he finishes plays with confidence through traffic. The production has been eye-popping as well, as he is averaging 30.4 points per game to go along with 4.2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3.2 steals. He is doing it with outstanding efficiency, shooting 58.7 percent from the field and 54.3 percent from three with 19 made triples, while posting a 69 percent effective field goal rate. If Cranston maintains this pace, an All-State nod will be no doubt, and his name will deserve to be mentioned in the Mr. Basketball conversation as one of the most unstoppable players in the state right now.     [player_tooltip player_id='1798696' first='Brayden' last='Steffens'] is playing excellent basketball for Wahpeton. Early on, he looks like one of the top-tier guards in Class A. The Huskies PG is averaging a splashy 27.5 points per game while continuing to build on a scoring package that has always started with his ability to get downhill and finish at the rim. What has really turned heads early, though, is his perimeter efficiency, as Steffens is knocking down 50 percent of his looks from three through the first two games. Steffens does far more than fill up the scoring column. He runs the show for the Huskies, consistently creating quality opportunities for teammates and elevating the offense with his vision and decision-making. His impact shows up on the glass as well, as he is leading the team in rebounds early in the season. With Wahpeton undefeated and Steffens producing at an elite level, all signs point toward a special year. If this pace holds, an All-State season is well within reach, and the Huskies are a team opponents need to be ready for.     Already making his presence felt early in the season, [player_tooltip player_id='2726169' first='Chaz' last='Vietor'] is emerging as a standout with a skill set and super length that immediately catches your attention. The 6'9 sophomore brings impressive size and natural defensive instincts, giving him an immediate impact on the floor. He is averaging 2 blocks per game through two contests, consistently protecting the rim and altering shots in the paint. On the offensive end, Vietor has been productive as well, putting up 14.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. His size makes him a big target around the basket, and while there is still more growth ahead as he settles into his role, the upside is obvious. Vietor is flush with intrigue, and his combination of length, defensive presence, and developing offensive game suggests his best basketball is still well in front of him.     [player_tooltip player_id='1563151' first='Emmerson' last='Larson'] has been one of the driving forces behind the Cyclones' undefeated start and is a major reason they are one of the most intimidating teams in Class A. Larson is a true difference maker, leading the team in scoring at 19 points per game while doing it with remarkable efficiency, shooting an eye-popping 70 percent from the field. What separates Larson from most scorers is his impact on both ends of the floor. He embraces the challenge of guarding the opposing team's top player and brings a nonstop motor that sets the tone defensively. Offensively, he is a dangerous threat who picks his spots, finishes plays, and punishes defenses that give him any daylight. Larson's two-way presence and ubiquitous energy make him a cornerstone for the Cyclones and a player opponents must account for every single possession.     [player_tooltip player_id='3267557' first='Graham' last='Fosness'] is a new name popping up on the Prep Hoops Dakotas radar, and he has made a strong early impression for the Braves. The 6'1 junior forward has been productive across the board, averaging 8.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2 steals per game while impacting the game in a variety of ways. Fosness plays with a high level of feel and basketball IQ. He is a smart, heady competitor who understands spacing, makes timely reads, and uses his strong frame effectively. Whether it is carving out space on the glass, moving the ball, or creating extra possessions with his activity, he finds ways to contribute to winning. As his consistency continues to develop, Fosness looks like a player whose role and production will only continue to grow as the season moves along.     [player_tooltip player_id='2339217' first='Jack' last='Gilbertson'] is regarded as one of the top sophs in North Dakota, is off to a strong start, and has helped the Huskies to a perfect record. Jack is a big guard for a 10th grader and an advanced athlete. Gilby scores efficiently at the rim, has been confident from the perimeter, and continues to expand his offensive impact with each outing. Gilby also brings a strong defensive presence on the wing. He has embraced the challenge of guarding quality perimeter scorers and takes pride in being reliable on that end of the floor. With his size, athleticism, and growing skill set, Gilby has become an important piece early in the season, and his trajectory suggests there is plenty more to come.     [player_tooltip player_id='2459199' first='Luke' last='Swanson'] has been a steady playmaker for Aberdeen Central and continues to show why he is trusted with the ball in his hands. He handles pressure defenses with confidence and poise, consistently getting the Golden Eagles into their offense even when opponents try to speed things up. Swanson has no problem adapting to the flow of the game and understands what each possession calls for on the offensive end. He creates scoring opportunities for himself. Swanson is effective at attacking the basket, finishing through contact, and has added a reliable one or two-dribble pull-up that he can execute whenever the defense gives him space. Just as important, he plays unselfishly and keeps teammates involved, making the right pass at the right time. His leadership, composure, and ability to make plays under pressure make him a key piece for Aberdeen Central.     [player_tooltip player_id='3269102' first='Sebastian' last='Kackman'] is a name that has quickly landed on the Prep Hoops Dakotas radar, and this Warbird has wasted no time making an impression. The 6'5 soph center is off to a standout start, helping anchor the interior while showing flashes of a high ceiling. Coach Hosford and the Warbirds have serious expectations for Kackman, and early returns suggest those expectations are well-founded. Through the first two games, Kackman is averaging 17.5 points, 8 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1.5 steals while shooting an efficient percentage from the field. He has controlled the paint on both ends, using his size and length to protect the rim and finish around the basket. As he continues to learn how to use his body to seal defenders, he has created a steady diet of high percentage looks. There is still another level coming, too. Once Kackman grows more assertive and hunts his own offense with confidence, his production could climb even higher. He is an intriguing young post player whose impact is already being felt.     Prep Hoops Dakotas has seen Will Richter do his thing before, so it comes as no surprise that the senior point guard is making his presence felt early in the season. The 6'0 floor general is playing the game the right way and looks every bit like a seasoned leader, averaging 13 points, 6.5 assists, 4 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per contest. Richter brings a steady hand to the offense, consistently making the right reads and putting teammates in position to succeed. He may not be chasing shots, but his feel, decision-making, and unselfish approach are exactly what you want from a senior point guard. On the defensive end, he sets the tone with his effort and awareness, proving to be a reliable on-ball defender who takes pride in that side of the floor. Richter's leadership stands out, and his impact goes well beyond the stat sheet as he continues to guide his team with poise and purpose.    <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>

High school basketball in the Dakotas is already delivering, and a wave of players is quickly establishing itself as difference makers. Early Impact Players takes a look at the athletes who have jumped out of the gate and are influencing games right away. These standouts are not just putting up numbers; they are setting standards for effort, execution, and competitiveness while helping their teams stack early wins and confidence. From shot makers and playmakers to tone setters and leaders, this group has brought real substance to the opening stretch of the season. Their early production has turned heads, and it feels like there is plenty more coming as the winter unfolds.