ND Phenom 16U: Team Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Prep Hoops Dakotas takes a close look at one of the premier groups in the region with our <strong><em>[program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] 16U: Team Preview</em></strong>, and there's plenty of reason for excitement. This squad has all the makings of an elite 16U team in the Dakotas, bringing together a loaded roster with versatility, length, skill, athleticism, depth, and a clear edge on both ends of the floor. Even better, this group will be a consistent presence on the Prep Hoops Circuit, giving plenty of opportunities to track their progress against strong competition throughout the spring and summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">Led by head coach Jordan Maurer—a true basketball junkie who brings energy and passion to the sideline, [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] looks built to compete at a high level right away. The roster features a dynamic mix of playmaking guards who can handle, create, and score, paired with a frontcourt that offers versatility and physicality. What really stands out early, though, is their defensive mindset. This is a group that takes pride in guarding, applying pressure, and controlling the glass, setting the tone with effort and intensity.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200">There's also a strong sense of chemistry and purpose within the team, with players embracing competition and pushing each other to improve. With a focus on communication, execution, and playing hard every possession, expectations are rightfully high. [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] tips off their season this weekend in the Twin Cities, and all signs point to a group ready to make noise immediately.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100"><span style="text-decoration: underline">See below for NDP's roster, schedule, player comments, and a fun Q&amp;A session</span>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3617012,"width":"263px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_78430b.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_78430b.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3617012" style="width:263px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3617013,"width":"264px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.6034402168832382","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_e37998.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_e37998.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3617013" style="aspect-ratio:1.6034402168832382;width:264px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Roster</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3617019,"width":"507px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_abed3f.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_abed3f.png?w=753" alt="" class="wp-image-3617019" style="width:507px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3617021,"width":"513px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.4628871865632582","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_c07803.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_c07803.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3617021" style="aspect-ratio:1.4628871865632582;width:513px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Player Comments via Jordan Maurer</span></strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/ND-Phenom-Preview-1.jpg"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2417308"],"_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-69f2a9fe514f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2417308' first='Andrew' last='Ziemer'] is a dynamic playmaker at the point guard position.&nbsp;He has a rare ability to dramatically impact the game with his passing.&nbsp;Very solid defensively.&nbsp;Finishes well.&nbsp;Just a lot to like about this young point guard.&nbsp;Really impacts winning from a playmaking standpoint.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2415387"],"_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-69f2b0d1dfc9f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2415387' first='Eastyn' last='Schaefer'] is an incredibly physical guard.&nbsp;He is a 3-level scorer.&nbsp;He rebounds at a high clip.&nbsp;His defensive instincts are very impressive overall.&nbsp;He plays with an uncommon physicality.&nbsp;He has the greatest impact on winning with his ability to score and defend.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2606561"],"_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-69f2b0d1dfd06"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2606561' first='Eric' last='Van Berkom'] is a prototypical stretch 4.&nbsp;He can post.&nbsp;He can shoot.&nbsp;He can play off the bounce.&nbsp;He battles defensively.&nbsp;He does a great job on the glass.&nbsp; Eric and his ability to score, spread the floor, and rebound will impact winning for us.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2375716"],"_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-69f2a9fe5157d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2375716' first='Josh' last='Link'] is a big guard who can do a bit of everything.&nbsp;Can score in transition and in the half-court.&nbsp;Good passer and creator.&nbsp;His most impactful winning trait is his ability to be switchable defensively and guard up and down a lineup.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2525625"],"_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-69f2aa7adf1ef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2525625' first='Patrick' last='Shanahan'] is an incredibly dynamic scoring guard.&nbsp;He can play either guard spot.&nbsp;He can score in bunches.&nbsp;Very quick first step and impressive overall speed. His most impactful winning trait is his ability to score and create for others.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2631384"],"_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-69f2b0d1dfd97"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2631384' first='Philip' last='Weidner'] is a 2029 playing up a stage.&nbsp;He won a State Title this high school season.&nbsp;He is probably the best pure rebounder in North Dakota right now.&nbsp;He just has a different level of ability to dominate the glass. He has some ability to score from the perimeter, but his most impactful winning trait is his ability to dominate the glass.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2708519"],"_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-69f2b0d1dfdeb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2708519' first='Reid' last='Schneider'] is a throwback big.&nbsp;Strong.&nbsp;Physical.&nbsp;He runs the floor very well.&nbsp; He can score over both shoulders. He is a great screener.&nbsp;He is constantly improving.&nbsp;I think Reid and his ability to anchor the paint will impact our ability to win games.</em>"<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2375504"],"_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-69f27ffc9c562"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2375504' first='Weston' last='Kraft'] is a pitbull defensively.&nbsp;Can and will pick up full court for an entire game.&nbsp;Does not turn the ball over.&nbsp;Big shot maker.&nbsp;He really stands out in what he does defensively to impact winning.</em>"<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3617505,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_b92931.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_b92931.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3617505" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>With Coach Maurer</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What excites you most about this group?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I love our defensive intensity. I have not had a team that wants to guard like this in a very long time.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are this team's biggest strengths on the court?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We have 5 guards who all can handle it, play make, and score.&nbsp;We have 3 forwards who can do very different things. I think that combination will be fun for us.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What are your goals or expectations for this team this spring/summer?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>I expect to compete every possession.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What will your defense "hang its hat on"?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>Ball pressure and dominating the glass.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: How often will your&nbsp;team meet to practice?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We have practiced for 18 hours thus far.&nbsp;Our focus is all about communication, intensity, and execution.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What style of play can fans expect on both ends of the floor?&nbsp;</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We hope to be the hardest working team on the floor game in and game out.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Who do you think will be your&nbsp;best rebounder?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>[player_tooltip player_id='2631384' first='Philip' last='Weidner'] is the best rebounder with high school eligibility remaining in North Dakota, as shown by his 21 rebound performance in the A State Championship.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: What's a strength of this team that might not get noticed right away?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>They all get along and want each other to do well.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">PHD: Any last comments about the upcoming season?</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"<em>We are very excited to start playing.&nbsp;I feel we have a group of guys who feel that they have something to prove and I am excited to find out where we are at, but even more excited to see where we go.</em>"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"20px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:20px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000">BEST OF LUCK TO NDP THIS SEASON!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3617510,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_447335.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/04/image_447335.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3617510" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"20px","fontStyle":"italic","fontWeight":"1000"}}} --> <p style="font-size:20px;font-style:italic;font-weight:1000"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/ND-Phenom-Preview.jpg"></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->