Rockstar Role Players: ND/SD

Every great team has its stars, but championship-level basketball is built on the backs of players who embrace their role and thrive in it. The ones diving on the floor, guarding the other team's best scorer, making the extra pass, and doing the thankless work that helps winning happen. They may not always headline the box score, but their impact is felt in every win.   In Rockstar Role Players, Prep Hoops Dakotas shines a spotlight on ballers from North Dakota and South Dakota who excel at the little things. These are the players who buy in, play with heart, bring energy, and make their teammates better. Whether it's defense, rebounding, toughness, or unselfish play, these role players are essential pieces to their teams, and it's time they get a little more attention. See below for notes and comments on each standout.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/rockstarroleplayers.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/rockstarroleplayers.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2714467" style="width:255px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    [player_tooltip player_id='2751295' first='Alex' last='Comings'] is a vital piece for a Wahpeton squad currently ranked No. 5 in Class A, and his impact goes far beyond the box score. The 6'5” senior anchors the paint for Coach Ralph's group, using his length to protect the rim, alter shots, and control space defensively. That length has been especially important for the Huskies, allowing them to stay solid inside and clean up possessions on both ends of the floor. Comings is relentless on the glass, particularly on the offensive boards, where his motor and physicality create extra chances. He's willing to do the dirty work, diving for loose balls, sacrificing his body to take charges, and bringing a physical edge that lifts everyone around him. While his scoring numbers hover around five points per game, his presence, energy, and willingness to embrace his role make a consistently positive impact whenever he's on the floor.     [player_tooltip player_id='3287826' first='Camden' last='Stahl'] is an undersized big man, but he plays bigger and tougher than his height suggests. He uses his basketball IQ to carve out space on the block, whether it's for crashing the boards or creating scoring opportunities. Camden doesn't need to score to affect the game; his vision and passing ability allow him to consistently make the right play and keep the offense flowing. Beyond the stats, Camden has been a calming presence and a leader for the Titans to start the season, setting the tone with his effort, poise, and unselfish play. His combination of toughness, intelligence, and team-first mentality makes him a true rockstar role player.     [player_tooltip player_id='2275483' first='Dawson' last='Handcock'] fills a role every great team needs, and he does it with toughness, purpose, and versatility. For Wall, one of the top B teams in SoDak, Handcock is the matchup piece, the tone setter, and a constant presence on the floor. He is often tasked with guarding the opposing team's best scorer and takes pride in making life difficult on that end of the floor. An elite athlete, Handcock impacts the game in multiple ways beyond defense. He crashes the glass with a Dennis Rodman mentality, plays with relentless effort, and does the dirty work that helps winning basketball thrive. Wall expects to be back at the State Tournament, and Handcock remains a vital piece of the puzzle for a team with Championship aspirations.     [player_tooltip player_id='3102556' first='Derrick' last='Fletcher'] is doing everything the MVP Titans ask of him this season, excelling on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he distributes the basketball efficiently, creating opportunities for teammates without turning it over. On defense, he has developed into a reliable, disciplined stopper who consistently makes life difficult for opponents. Derrick doesn't need to score to make an impact, he focuses on doing his job and doing it exceptionally well. His unselfish play, defensive commitment, and steady presence make him a true rockstar role player and a vital contributor to the Titans' success.     Wall continues to prove it belongs among the top Class B programs in South Dakota, and [player_tooltip player_id='1894285' first='Jace' last='Mohr'] is a big reason why. A true rockstar role player, Mohr sets the tone at the point guard spot with his poise, unselfishness, and leadership. He takes pride in getting the Eagles organized, making sure teammates are in the right spots, and keeping the offense flowing. Mohr is a pass-first guard who consistently looks to create quality opportunities for others, but he's far from passive. When defenses overplay or lanes open up, he finishes efficiently around the rim and makes teams pay. His ability to balance control, decision-making, and timely scoring is a key ingredient in Wall's success. He may not always be the headline name, but his impact is felt every time he's on the floor, the definition of a role player every winning team needs.     Zuehlke has carved out his role by doing the work that fuels the Braves. A prolific defender, rebounder, and shot blocker, he impacts the game on every possession without needing touches or points to matter. He thrives in the dirty areas, contesting shots, cleaning the glass, and making life tough for opponents while using his athleticism to erase mistakes on the back end. Zuehlke leads by example with effort and toughness, and his willingness to sacrifice for the team makes him a glue guy every quality program needs.     [player_tooltip player_id='2627884' first='Kaeden' last='Kjonaas'] has embraced his senior season with a team-first mindset, making the most of his ability and contributing wherever the Knights need him. Capable of playing multiple positions seamlessly on both offense and defense, Kaeden brings versatility and a high basketball IQ to the floor. A tough competitor, he dives for loose balls, takes charges, and consistently makes the plays that don't always show up in the box score. Beyond his effort, Kaeden's positive attitude and unselfish play lift the entire team, making him a true rockstar role player for GFC.     [player_tooltip player_id='2544075' first='Mason' last='Southern'] has emerged as one of the Spartans' most impactful role players during their perfect 4‑0 start. The point guard is a dynamic creator and facilitator, running the offense with precision and controlling the pace of the game. His ball-handling is impressive, ambidextrous, and allows him to see the floor and set up teammates for high-quality looks. While Mason can score when needed, his true value comes from directing the action, dishing to open shooters, and making winning plays under pressure. His ability to rack up assists and make the right play at the right time keeps the Spartans humming on offense and makes him an indispensable part of the team's early-season success.     [player_tooltip player_id='3288119' first='Owen' last='Woodrow'] is making an impact as a sophomore role player for the Imperials. At 6'5", his length gives him a major advantage, especially in Class B, allowing him to work the boards/glass and protect the paint. Offensively, Owen is effective posting up and has the vision to find open shooters, creating opportunities for his teammates. Even as a sophomore, his rebounding, court awareness, and unselfish play make him a key contributor and a true rockstar role player for the Imperials.     [player_tooltip player_id='3287777' first='Rylan' last='Flack'] brings a high-energy, physical presence that consistently shows up for the Huskies. His effort on the defensive end and on the glass helps set the tone, and he plays with a toughness that doesn't shy away from contact. Offensively, Flack is a capable shooter when his number is called, but his unselfish approach stands out even more. He's comfortable moving the ball, making the extra pass, and prioritizing the best shot for the team over his own. That combination of energy, physicality, and team-first play makes him a valuable piece and a spark that lifts everyone on the floor.     Steyn DuPreez has quickly made a name for himself as a freshman rockstar role player for the Imperials. On the defensive end, he plays with relentless energy, diving after loose balls and pressuring opponents with aggressive play. Beyond his effort, Steyn has shown leadership qualities that his teammates already respect, setting the tone with his work ethic and attitude. Despite being just a 9th grader, his ability to make positive plays, contribute in the little things, and lead by example has made him an integral part of the Imperials' lineup early in the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='2711405' first='Tyson' last='Vanyo'] has emerged as a positive role player for the GFC Knights with his relentless work ethic and team-first mentality. He accepts coaching and applies it immediately, constantly improving his game while making an impact on those around him. Tyson celebrates his teammates' successes as much as his own and brings consistent effort on both ends of the floor. A true “coachable baller,” Vanyo does the little things that help his team. His dedication, attitude, and unselfish play make him a rockstar role player and an essential part of the Knights squad.    <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>

Every great team has its stars, but championship-level basketball is built on the backs of players who embrace their role and thrive in it. The ones diving on the floor, guarding the other team's best scorer, making the extra pass, and doing the thankless work that helps winning happen. They may not always headline the box score, but their impact is felt in every win.