Holiday Heat Check

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all the players, coaches, families, and fans who make high school basketball across North and South Dakota such a special part of the winter season. With gyms buzzing and the holidays here, now is the perfect time to take stock of the action we have seen so far.</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">In this edition of <strong>Holiday Heat Check</strong>, Prep Hoops Dakotas looks back at the month of December and highlights the ballers who were playing at a high level. From consistent producers to breakout performers and tone setters on winning teams, these players brought energy, skill, and impact to the floor. December gave us a strong snapshot of who is feeling it early, and these performances have set the tone as the season rolls into the heart of winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2950876,"width":"241px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.6019201097205555","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><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" style="aspect-ratio:1.6019201097205555;width:241px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Holiday Heat Check</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2417313"],"_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-694e15c78ec01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has helped the Jays to a 3-1 record &amp; prove they are one of the best in B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Averaging 21 ppg, 6 apg, 4 rpg, 3 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scoring at all 3 levels, leading Jays in points &amp; assists, playing fast but under control, starting to draw chasers on D, looking like the real deal, skilled like a veteran PG</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1951556"],"_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-694e15c78eca8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has helped the Jays to a 3-1 record &amp; prove they are one of the best in B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-15.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2 spg, 57 FG%</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-When he catches &amp; shoots or rips &amp; gets downhill, Brody plays at a high level</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3066704"],"_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-694ded99b5c48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Putting up noteworthy numbers to start the season, player to watch!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Averaging 15 ppg &amp; 8 rpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Senior captain, leading the Beavers in his first year as a starter.&nbsp;<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3066713"],"_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-694ded99b5cdd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Solid start to his senior season, averaging around 10 ppg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Brings a steady &amp; calm presence to the floor, talented shooter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Very effective, especially when he is staying out of foul trouble</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2495320"],"_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-694e0ab44f76e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Jett is thriving in his senior season, Knights are 3-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Does a lot of the dirty work, plays his tail off on both ends of the floor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Super unselfish, great teammate, moves well w/o the rock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Connects the Knights offense, capable from 3pt land</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2414701"],"_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-694e15c78edac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has helped the Jays to a 3-1 record &amp; prove they are one of the best in B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-14.5 ppg, 4 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2.5 spg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Starting to emerge as an elite defender along with his offensive skill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Brings competitiveness&nbsp;and toughness to the Jays</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1632740"],"_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-694e0ab44f7d6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Having a big impact on the game with his defensive ability &amp; effort</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-His leadership has helped the team in all aspects of the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Once his offensive game starts clicking, the Bison will be very scary</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2106993"],"_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-694e183cbf391"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Splashy start to the season with 33 ppg, 10 rpg, 2.2 bpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has added physicality underneath to his game with efficient finishing &amp; smooth shooting</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has stayed down low, is wearing down teams throughout the course of a game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Being a leader, working hard day in &amp; day out, hooping smart, runs the floor well, GREAT finisher</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2126219"],"_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-694e0ab44f82a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Recently has the best of his his high school career</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Went off in the quarterfinals of the LNI vs. Little Wound</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-42 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 5 steals, 6 deflections, only 1 TO</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-12/15 on 2FG's, 37 on 3FG's, 9/9 from FT-line</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1559131"],"_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-694ded99b5d36"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Recently had 28 points in a game against a tough De Smet team</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Floor general, leader, playmaker, primary guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Marvelously skilled, smart/clever/wise, great with the ball </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2442325"],"_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-694e15c78eea6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has helped the Jays to a 3-1 record &amp; prove they are one of the best in B</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-17 ppg, 6 rpg, 3.5 apg, 3 spg, 2 bpg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Playing super efficient basketball, migraine of a matchup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Puts pressure at &amp; above the rim on both offense &amp; defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2288945"],"_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-694ded99b5d86"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-First-year starter for the Cards &amp; playing well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Leading scorer for DRSM on the young season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Recorded two Double-Doubles so far, many more to come</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2836512' first='Loyall' last='Smith Wade'] (2029) |6'2 G| &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2836662' first='Charles' last='Eichler'] (2029) |6'0 G| Aberdeen Christian</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>They are both freshmen and are playing heavy minutes. Loyall is super talented and excels with the ball in his hands. He has really made strides with his on-ball defense since the start of the year. Charles is the always in the right spot kind of player. He can drive, post, hit the 3-ball, and defend multiple positions. For a freshman, he is a complete player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1272514,"width":"241px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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:241px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->