16U Watchlist: Upper Midwest Finals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Hoops Circuit rolls back into Minnesota this weekend for the Upper Midwest Finals, and the 16U division should be loaded with competitive games and hungry teams looking to make a run in bracket play. With games spread across the Minneapolis metro, the atmosphere always picks up this time of year as teams battle for championships and players look to separate themselves against strong competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 16U level is packed with intriguing talent right now — skilled guards, athletic wings, versatile forwards, and plenty of young hoopers continuing to make big strides heading into the heart of the summer. Bracket weekends always seem to bring extra intensity, and it's usually a great opportunity for new names to emerge and established players to strengthen their stock.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fans can expect high-energy games, tough matchups, and plenty of noteworthy performances throughout the weekend as some of the top 16U programs in the region hit the floor at the Upper Midwest Finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100"><span style="text-decoration: underline">We've put together a <strong>16U Watchlist</strong> featuring ballers from both <strong>Minnesota and North Dakota</strong> who are worth keeping an eye on. Below, we'll break down each player and give you three reasons why they deserve a look this weekend at the Upper Midwest Finals</span>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3646596,"width":"154px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.0274433235708862","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_b58c40.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_b58c40.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3646596" style="aspect-ratio:1.0274433235708862;width:154px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3646597,"width":"164px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_291293.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_291293.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3646597" style="width:164px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2848335"],"_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-6a0f511c0e98d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Having a strong spring with MN Heat Dedina, garnering plenty of recognition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Very long and he scores it from multiple levels, strokes the 3ball &amp; slashes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Soft touch finisher in traffic, good feet around the basket, clever/patient moves</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2848933"],"_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-6a0fdbaedf6dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Impressed me a few weeks ago on the PH Circuit, skilled lead guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Solid contributor to his 7-1 squad, provides a spark on offense &amp; defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hoops with NRG &amp; juice, forces TO's on defense, creates on offense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2412913"],"_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-6a0f511c0ea53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Started the club season with Pack, is now back home with the Forks </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-BIG guard/wing, nice size, tough matchup for smaller/thinner backcourt players</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He can catch fire &amp; fill it up from 3-point, also does a good job on the O-glass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2573795"],"_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-6a0fdbaedf71b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-If he ends up anything like his older brothers, Darius will be a scorer at South</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has helped NLBA to a 7-1 record to start the season, looking good on O &amp; D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Noteworthy size, creates spaces well, versatile on both ends, opportunistic </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2573801"],"_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-6a0f76692521d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-A long lefty guard, this could be a breakout weekend for Triepke</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loads of potential with his size, skill, shooting range, and shot creation</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Will be 1 of the main dudes for Davies next year, let's see if he looks like it this weekend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2862932"],"_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-6a0f511c0eaa2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Long/lanky, runs &amp; moves well, versatile finisher, but also throws down dunks</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He was very impressive at Stomping Grounds last weekend, did it all</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Productive on the offensive glass, versatile on both offense &amp; defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3514897"],"_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-6a0f511c0eaed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Player to watch this weekend for SSA Grey because he does everything well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shooting the cover off the ball, finishes with both hands at the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Back-to-back games last weekend w/ 6 or 7 trips, always guards best player</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2845355"],"_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-6a0f6e7b0d80c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-6'3" athlete, already been named a Top Performer on the PH Circuit this spring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Bouncy and explosive to the rim, he gets up &amp; throws down hammers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Strong rebounder, rim/paint protector, long arms, exciting upside/potential</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2813694"],"_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-6a0f511c0eb4d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Impressed me last summer and looked good again this spring</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Improved nicely over winter, I like his length, plays bigger than listed height</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fearless finisher, moves well without the rock, works hard on glass, nose for ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2560478"],"_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-6a0f511c0eb9b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-One of the top ballers with [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United'], bright future in hoops</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scores well w/ both hands at the rack, gets to the line often, mobile athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Noteworthy ball skills, a frustrating defender, values the basketball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2573810"],"_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-6a0f766925439"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Up &amp; comer for the Eagles, shoots it very well and it a scrappy defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quick, fast, speedy, you name it, Jaydin an move &amp; make plays</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Tough to keep in front, no problem breaking/shaking the defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2417298"],"_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-6a0f7669254e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Tough kid, works extremely hard, never takes a play off</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Stout defender, smart passer, space-creating defender, fearless</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Improving his perimeter shooting, lets see if he light it up this weekend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2412094"],"_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-6a0f766925573"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has legit three-point shooting range from 30-feet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Also has a nice/soft touch for scoring around the rim, multi-level scorer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Heady ball player, smart about getting open, using fakes &amp; reacting to the D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2412184"],"_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-6a0f511c0ebe8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Looked good at Maple earlier this spring on the Prep Hoops Circuit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shoots triple w/ confidence, shoots it well from 3-pt line, needs to be guarded</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Quick feet, moves well, capable handles &amp; passing, extended shooting range</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2360699"],"_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-6a0f7669255f5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-One of the bright spots from SSA at Battle at the Lakes</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like how he finishes around the rim, aggressive, physical, strong to the hoop</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Effective in the pick-n-roll game, finishes through contact, hits the glass hard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2417304"],"_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-6a0f766925652"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Takes care of the rock, skilled, good with the ball in his hands</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-O-game continues to evolve, interested to hear how he shoots this weekend</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Known as a solid defender, two-way ball player, productive in up-tempo</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3646602,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_9729a1.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_9729a1.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3646602" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->