15 Players to Watch in Club Hoops

This year's “15 Players to Watch in Club Hoops” list brings together talent from across both North Dakota and South Dakota, highlighting athletes from a variety of programs and backgrounds. That mix creates something special—different tempos, different systems, and a wide range of abilities all coming together in one competitive setting. It's a strong reminder of just how deep the talent pool runs across the region.   Club basketball has always been a proving ground. It's where players test themselves against high-level competition, build their names, and show they can perform when the spotlight gets brighter. It goes beyond the box score—this is about presence, toughness, and the ability to impact the game in ways that translate to winning basketball.   This season is shaping up to deliver plenty of big-time moments. Breakout performances, head-to-head battles, and players stepping into the spotlight—it's all on the horizon. In this feature, we take a closer look at 15 players who are ready to make noise. Some have already built a reputation, while others are just getting started—but all of them are prepared to compete and leave their mark.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Top-Performers.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2020/09/Top-Performers.jpg?w=864" alt="" class="wp-image-1047556" style="width:306px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    Richter is a standout sophomore who looks poised for a breakout next winter. An All-District selection this past season, he's already shown he can perform at a high level. Richter brings impressive athleticism, highlighted by his bounce and jumping ability. What really stands out is his all-around game—you can tell he's logged plenty of time on the court. Brody plays with a strong feel, contributes in multiple areas, and continues to develop his skill set. It'll be especially interesting to see how he translates that success into the club circuit, where he'll be tested against bigger, more physical athletes.     [player_tooltip player_id='2255042' first='Brooks' last='Jett'] put together an outstanding season, nearly averaging a double-double with 13.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, along with 1.3 assists and 1.9 blocks. His production stands out, but it's how he gets it done that makes him so effective—he's efficient, consistent, tough, and plays with a physical, aggressive edge. Jett is a quality athlete who can finish above the rim with power, and he combines that with good feet and strong fundamentals. He impacts the game in multiple ways, whether it's rebounding, protecting the rim, or doing the little things that help teams win. An All-State performer who helped lead his team to the State Tournament, he's proven he can contribute to winning basketball. He plays hard every possession and embraces the hustle side of the game. Heading into the club season, there's a lot to like about his trajectory, and he's a player college scouts will want to take a serious look at as a clear next-level prospect.     [player_tooltip player_id='2406045' first='Carter' last='Sapp'] is a name that should attract plenty of attention from college scouts. He brings a strong combination of footwork, hands, and natural instincts, especially around the paint where he plays with toughness and physicality. Sapp runs the floor well and is a solid athlete, but what really separates him is his work on the offensive glass and his ability to finish efficiently. He's also shown growth as a slasher, becoming more comfortable attacking from the wing. When he puts the ball on the floor and gets downhill, he's a real problem for defenders.     [player_tooltip player_id='2489407' first='Cole' last='Martin'] got his first real taste of varsity basketball at the Class AA level this past season, and it didn't take long to see why he's considered the #3 ranked prospect. He's the real deal and already showing signs of being a high-level player with a very bright future. A lights-out shooter, Martin proved he can step up in big moments, knocking down clutch shots during the high school season. Beyond his shooting ability, he's dedicated to his craft and continues to put in the work to elevate his game. For such a young player, his confidence and skill set stand out, making him a name college scouts should start tracking now. As he heads into the club season, expect Martin to take another step forward and solidify himself as one of the top players to watch moving ahead.     [player_tooltip player_id='2366466' first='Cooper' last='Strande'] is a player who consistently passes the eye test every time you see him live. He played a role this past high school season on a loaded SFC Charger squad that won 22 games and finished as State runner-up, gaining valuable experience in a winning environment. A hardworking athlete, Strande brings a strong mix of slashing ability and court vision, making him an effective playmaker with the ball in his hands. Cooper has the tools to develop into one of the elite SD guards. He competes, makes winning plays, and understands his role, all while showing flashes of more. As the club season picks up steam, keep eyes on Strande.     KHB is a player who checks just about every box when you evaluate his game. Long and strong with a continually evolving skill set, he brings a rare combination of athleticism and versatility. He's a high-level athlete with agility, power, body control, and a natural feel for tracking the ball, which shows up all over the floor. Offensively, he finishes with authority and is an awe-inspiring dunker, capable of making momentum-shifting plays above the rim. At times, he's almost unselfish to a fault, always looking to make the right play for his team. Defensively, his length and mobility give him real upside, and as he continues to develop, he projects as a consistent double-double type of player. [player_tooltip player_id='2442680' first='Keller' last='Hertz Barnett'] is one of the top young BIGs in North Dakota, and he's a prospect college coaches should be paying very close attention to.     [player_tooltip player_id='2132777' first='Kyson' last='Keller'] is a high-level talent who is trending upward after a solid season where he averaged 15.6 points per game on 41.6% shooting, along with 7.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists, while knocking down 42 threes. An NDHSCA All-State and All-EDC selection, Keller has already established himself as one of the top players in the region. Long and extremely athletic, he moves like a true Division I prospect, showing fluidity and explosiveness that immediately stand out. His ability to stretch the floor, combined with his length, activity inside the arc, and smooth pull-up game makes him a tough matchup. College programs are already taking serious notice, and that list is only going to grow. Now joining [program_tooltip program_id='2228190' first='TEAM' last='Warwick'], it will be interesting to see how he meshes with a talented roster, but all signs point to him making a major impact. Keller is a big-time player to watch this club season and has the tools to make serious waves.     Wavrin may only be a 9th grader, but he already shows tremendous upside. With his combination of length, mobility, and skill, he has the potential to develop into an impact player at the Class AA level as early as his sophomore season. For now, the club circuit will be his stage—and he's primed to make a name for himself. Wavrin's physical tools immediately stand out. He moves well for his size and uses his length effectively on both ends of the floor, which naturally draws attention. Offensively, he brings more than just potential—he has solid ball skills, can handle it, and shows the ability to knock down the three. He also plays with a good feel for the game, making smart decisions and understanding how to impact possessions. Defensively is where he can really change a game. He protects the paint, blocks and alters shots, takes away passing lanes, and runs the floor well in transition. As he continues to grow into his frame and refine his game, his ceiling is extremely high. [player_tooltip player_id='2400639' first='Logan' last='Wavrin'] is a name college coaches will want to remember early—and a player you'll want to make sure you catch in action.     Luas Peskey might be one of the more underrated players in SD, but his game speaks loudly. After putting together a strong season with the Sharks—averaging 19.2 points per game on 44.7% shooting, along with 5.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists while knocking down 51 threes at a 31% clip—he's proven he can produce at a high level. Like any good shark, he plays with a natural instinct to attack, always on the hunt and ready to strike when opportunities open up. Peskey is a dynamic offensive threat with a smooth, confident stroke and a quick trigger on his J. He pairs that with a sharp first step and strong lateral quickness, allowing him to create space and break down defenders. His handle is tight—ball on a string—and he's comfortable getting to his spots, whether it's pulling up for a three, knocking down a mid-range jumper, or hitting defenders with a tough step-back. What really stands out is his aggressive mindset and creativity as a scorer. He's a shot-maker, a slasher, and a finisher who isn't afraid to attack and make plays in traffic. Peskey brings energy, skill, and a scorer's mentality every time he steps on the floor, and he's a player who deserves a lot more attention moving forward.     [player_tooltip player_id='2442386' first='Mitch' last='Grant'] is a name you need to know. A multi-sport standout in both basketball and football, he brings true Division 1 level athleticism to the court, and it shows every time he plays. Watching him, it's easy to see why he's such a special talent. Mitch is a big guard with a strong blend of skill, IQ, and playmaking ability, making him a true do-it-all player who impacts the game in a variety of ways. He thrives in transition, where his athleticism and instincts take over, turning him into a certified playmaker in the open floor. Defensively, he has the tools and potential to become a lockdown presence, using his size, quickness, and competitiveness to disrupt opponents. With his combination of physical tools and feel for the game, Mitch stands out as a player with a very high ceiling. “General Grant” is a must-see this spring and summer on the club circuit with Team Warwick. He's the type of player who draws attention quickly—and keeps it.     [player_tooltip player_id='2475722' first='MJ' last='Diehm'] is a fun player to watch, bringing a smooth, skilled game and natural playmaking ability to the floor. He played a key role in leading the Raiders to the State Tournament, putting together an impressive season with 19 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists per game while also racking up 60 steals. A 2nd Team All-State selection, Diehm proved he can impact the game in multiple ways. He's an excellent shooter with a clean, confident stroke, and he complements that with the ability to slash and finish effectively. His skill set, toughness, and scrappy style make him a constant problem for defenses. Now joining a new-look [program_tooltip program_id='2075302' first='Sacred' last='Hoops'] squad, Diehm is definitely a player to keep an eye on. The next step will be seeing how he translates from being a standout in Class B to making his mark in the club ball, and all signs point to him being ready for that challenge.     [player_tooltip player_id='2389905' first='Quinn' last='Wells'] is a young prospect who brings a ton of intrigue with his combination of length and skill. He played a key role in helping the Mustangs cap off an undefeated EDC season, finishing as freshmen Champions. Even at this stage, his impact is noticeable on both ends of the floor. Wells has the ability to stretch the floor with deep range, confidently knocking down shots from beyond the arc, and he's just as comfortable operating within the offense. He's effective in the pick-and-roll game, shows touch around the basket, and can score in a variety of ways—whether it's finishing through contact, using a soft baby hook in the post, or converting second-chance opportunities. His ability to finish with both hands and adjust around defenders makes him a tough cover. What really makes Wells stand out is his versatility. He moves well, thrives in catch-and-shoot situations, and presents matchup problems as a long, three-level scorer. Defensively, he uses that same length to protect the rim, block shots, and disrupt plays. With his all-around skill set and natural instincts, [player_tooltip player_id='2389905' first='Quinn' last='Wells'] is a name to keep an eye on as he continues to develop.     A young prospect to keep an eye on with [program_tooltip program_id='2075723' first='ND' last='Attack'], he looks like a strong candidate to rise in the next rankings update. He's a super shifty guard with quickness and burst, playing the game with a fast, free-flowing style. Creative with the ball in his hands, he has the ability to make plays and keep defenders off balance, while also showing he can knock down shots from the outside. It'll be interesting to see how he continues to develop, as the up-and-coming Class B guard looks to take the next step and make his mark in the club hoops     Krush is a young player to keep an eye on as he continues to develop for the Miners. A lefty with a natural shooting touch, he can really space the floor, and as his right hand continues to improve, it only adds to his offensive versatility. He plays with a level of confidence that stands out for such a young player, and it shows in the way he approaches the game. Strong for his size, he rebounds well and showed noticeable growth on the defensive end as the season progressed. Krush is set to run with [program_tooltip program_id='2075723' first='ND' last='Attack'] in club ball, and it will be exciting to see how his game translates against higher-level competition. While he's still developing aspects like his handle and passing, those are areas expected to improve as he continues to put in the work. With his skill set, toughness, confidence, and dedication, Krush is definitely a name to watch moving forward.     Knudsen brings a physical, no-nonsense presence every time he steps on the floor. Strong, tough, and willing to do whatever it takes for his team, he was a key role player for the Packers squad that finished third at the Class AA State Tournament. Knudsen put together an efficient season, averaging 11.2 points per game on 65% shooting, along with 6.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists, showing his ability to produce while playing within his role. He thrives in the paint, where he creates space, holds position, and seals defenders effectively. Knudsen does all the little things that help teams win, whether it's battling on the glass, setting the tone physically, or making tough plays inside. While he's capable of impacting the game without scoring, he still finds ways to put up solid numbers through effort and efficiency. Heading into the club season with SSA, Knudsen is expected to be an enforcer-type presence down low, and all signs point to him having a strong showing as he continues to build on his game.    <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>

This year's “15 Players to Watch in Club Hoops” list brings together talent from across both North Dakota and South Dakota, highlighting athletes from a variety of programs and backgrounds. That mix creates something special—different tempos, different systems, and a wide range of abilities all coming together in one competitive setting. It's a strong reminder of just how deep the talent pool runs across the region.