<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>January continues to fly by, and while the temperatures stay frigid outside, the competition inside the gyms keeps heating up as the season hits its stride. Best of luck to all the players, coaches, and fans as the grind of the winter schedule rolls on.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Earlier this week, Prep Hoops Dakotas (PHD) released an updated look at the <strong>North Dakota Class of 2029 Prospect Rankings</strong>, and one thing is clear—the freshmen are for real. Today, we highlight <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">10 ballers</span></strong> who made notable jumps in the latest update and are trending in the right direction as their confidence, roles, and impact continue to grow.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>Check out the player breakdowns and comments below.</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2878108,"width":"304px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/StockRisersdak.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/06/StockRisersdak.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2878108" style="width:304px;height:auto" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2399728"],"_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-697acadc7271c"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Has the Cranston playmaking gene, talented w/ the ball in his hands, 2-way baller</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Super solid defender, handles & shoots well, hot from 3 lately, cerebral baller</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2411138"],"_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-697acadc72798"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Left-handed sniper & deadeye shooter, fills it up from 3 in a hurry, microwave</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Spends a lot of time on his game, smart w/ a good feel, opportunistic gamer</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2411164"],"_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-697acadc7282a"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Playing well, Hawk coaching staff likes his game, blue-collar, tireless defender</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-At his best when cutting & slashing to basket, strong finisher, hard-nosed on D</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2721972"],"_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-697acadc72880"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Having a nice year at sub-varsity level, effective 1st step, sharp skills/feel, smart</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Does good work pressuring ball, quick trigger, streaky shooter, improved slasher</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2856694"],"_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-697acadc728c8"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Left-hander/southpaw, he stands out as a shooter & scorer/offensive threat</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Multi-threat scorer, spreads floor & hits 3's, bright future in the Pats program</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2858491"],"_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-697acadc72910"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Has well-rounded game, comes from a bball family & he knows the game well</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Does it all on the offensive end, his ball skills are sharp & will keep improving</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2961267"],"_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-697acadc72958"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-His 3point shooting is upgraded, becoming more comfortable at the varsity level</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Hoops with high intensity all of the time, his motor never quits, solid in the post</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2724432"],"_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-697acadc729a0"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Talented CG, will only get better, heady/smart lead G, tough kid & a real gamer</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Developing into elite shooter, natural leadership skills, almost like he is a coach on the floor</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2399865"],"_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-697acadc729e8"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Key role player for the tough Miners, solid on defense, finishes, good skills</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Hard worker, gets after the boards, effective screener, game is still developing</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2962630"],"_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-697acadc72a54"} -->
<!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} -->
<p class="text-gray-700">-Hurst has added a couple of inches of height, quality athleticism & mobility</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- wp:paragraph -->
<p>-Exciting potential, good ball skills & feel, quick & fast, great stamina, tough kid</p>
<!-- /wp:paragraph -->
<!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->
<!-- wp:image {"id":2834437,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} -->
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/ranksUPDATE_e5675c.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/ranksUPDATE_e5675c.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2834437" /></a></figure>
<!-- /wp:image -->
January continues to fly by, and while the temperatures stay frigid outside, the competition inside the gyms keeps heating up as the season hits its stride. Best of luck to all the players, coaches, and fans as the grind of the winter schedule rolls on.
Earlier this week, Prep Hoops Dakotas (PHD) released an updated look at the North Dakota Class of 2029 Prospect Rankings, and one thing is clear—the freshmen are for real. Today, we highlight 10 ballers who made notable jumps in the latest update and are trending in the right direction as their confidence, roles, and impact continue to grow.
Check out the player breakdowns and comments below.
-Has the Cranston playmaking gene, talented w/ the ball in his hands, 2-way baller -Super solid defender, handles & shoots well, hot from 3 lately, cerebral baller
-Left-handed sniper & deadeye shooter, fills it up from 3 in a hurry, microwave
-Spends a lot of time on his game, smart w/ a good feel, opportunistic gamer
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
-Playing well, Hawk coaching staff likes his game, blue-collar, tireless defender -At his best when cutting & slashing to basket, strong finisher, hard-nosed on D
-Having a nice year at sub-varsity level, effective 1st step, sharp skills/feel, smart -Does good work pressuring ball, quick trigger, streaky shooter, improved slasher
-Left-hander/southpaw, he stands out as a shooter & scorer/offensive threat
-Multi-threat scorer, spreads floor & hits 3's, bright future in the Pats program
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
-Has well-rounded game, comes from a bball family & he knows the game well -Does it all on the offensive end, his ball skills are sharp & will keep improving
-His 3point shooting is upgraded, becoming more comfortable at the varsity level -Hoops with high intensity all of the time, his motor never quits, solid in the post
-Talented CG, will only get better, heady/smart lead G, tough kid & a real gamer -Developing into elite shooter, natural leadership skills, almost like he is a coach on the floor
-Key role player for the tough Miners, solid on defense, finishes, good skills -Hard worker, gets after the boards, effective screener, game is still developing
-Hurst has added a couple of inches of height, quality athleticism & mobility -Exciting potential, good ball skills & feel, quick & fast, great stamina, tough kid
