Rockstar Role Players from the Dakotas

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stars may grab the headlines, but winning basketball is driven by the players who do the dirty work. The ones setting the tone defensively, winning 50/50 balls, making the extra pass, and embracing whatever their team needs on a given night. These players might not always light up the scoreboard, but their fingerprints are all over every successful possession.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In <em>Rockstar Role Players from the Dakotas</em>, Prep Hoops Dakotas highlights competitors from both North Dakota and South Dakota who thrive in those roles. These ballers bring toughness, energy, and unselfishness, and they make everyone around them better. Whether it's defending, rebounding, playmaking, or simply making winning plays, these role players are vital to their teams' success and deserve the spotlight. See below for notes and comments on each standout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3288965,"width":"313px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/image.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/01/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3288965" style="width:313px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3044405"],"_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-69582c3e2c7cd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Glue guy for the Red Raiders</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He fills stat sheets every game, rebounds, assists, steals, a capable scorer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Wagner's vocal leader</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-In the past, he broke the school record for assists in a season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a goal of setting the career assist mark at Wagner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3288982"],"_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-69582c3e2c838"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Does the little things that are asked of him</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Defends PG's all the way up to PF's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays great team basketball on offense &amp; defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Is not afraid to dive after lost balls &amp; never complains when a task is put in front of him</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays both PG &amp; Post for the WiLdKats depending on what the play calls for&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2347914"],"_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-69585a316deac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Starts for the Eagles and also selflessly plays 2 quarters of JV to help keep them competitive at that level</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Plays 1-5 position and knows every spot in the offense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-The Eagles wouldn't function without him</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Great locker room guy who does anything asked without blinking an eye <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3289116"],"_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-69584dd75b2f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-A spark in the first few games for the Raiders as only a 9th grader</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Playing well, fearless, averaging 6 ppg </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Received player of the game at the BSC shootout against Ellendale</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Going up against 6'3" &amp; 6'5" guys, protects the rim &amp; scores</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-In 7 games, he has 42 points, 17 boards, 6 assists, and 8 steals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1551742"],"_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-69582c3e2c888"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-5th start for the 4-0 &amp; #3 ranked Cyclones</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Always one of the most competitive players on the court</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Listed at 5'11", but plays like he is 6'6"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Defends at every level, versatile on D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;-If there is a loose ball, I guarantee he is on the floor for it</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Gives up his body to take charges</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Basketball IQ is extremely high, mainly because he is so competitive</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1418034"],"_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-69582c3e2c8d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Key role player for the #1 Pats</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Not concerned with anything other than winning</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great offensive &amp; defensive rebounder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Guards all five positions on the floor, versatile</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Leads the team in 50/50 ball recovery category&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Never takes a possession off on either end of the floor</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Well respected by his teammates because of his character &amp; work ethic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237765"],"_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-69585a316e008"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-He takes on many roles for star player, scorer, creator, hustler, and playmaker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Stuffs the stats sheets, can put up big points, but also does the little things to help the Eagles</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Recently had 35 points vs. Washburn, along with 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Quinn Aschwege","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77247","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"New Underwood","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69584dd75b4b2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays limited minutes, but makes the most of his time</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Comes off the bench and dives for loose balls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Forces steals/TO's and grabs defensive &amp; offensive boards</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Works hard in every practice</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Coachable player &amp; has a great attitude </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3288458"],"_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-69582ca6bd04a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Important role player for the undefeated Bulldogs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-His role is guarding the best scorer on most nights</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Energy &amp; effort are outstanding and contagious</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Brings his team a huge boost by pure hustle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a knack for knocking the loose from his man, creates TO's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Almost always beats everyone to the loose ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has hit big 3's in clutch situations addition to his relentless D &amp; hustle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2249367"],"_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-69582c3e2c91f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-3-year starter at point guard and a 3-year captain</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Solid all around, gets the Warriors into their stuff</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Directs traffic &amp; helps get the guys to the correct spot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Does not have many stats, but always play hard &amp; defends the other team's best player</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Leader of the Warriors as the senior point guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Thompson Tommies</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is hard to narrow it down to one or two guys for Thompson because the "role player" mindset is something the entire team has embraced. The Tommies have multiple players who take pride in doing the little things: defending at a high level, sprinting the floor, talking on defense, rebounding, making the extra pass, and bringing great energy every day in practice. Their roles may not always show up in the box score, but they show up in so many ways. The Tommies are great teammates because they're selfless, coachable, and invested in the&nbsp;team. They thrive as glue guys because they understand that everyone has a role, and they take ownership of whatever the team needs on any given night. If there is one thing that defines the team, it's that those “rockstar role player” traits are shared across the locker room, and that's something Thompson is really proud of.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2950876,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image -->