DaksHoops Film Review

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AAU season is in full swing, with talented players continuing to make noise across the Prep Hoops Circuit and beyond. While much of the attention is focused on what's happening in the gyms this summer, it's also a great time to revisit some film from the high school season and take a closer look at players who caught our attention during the winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Welcome to <strong><a href="https://x.com/DaksHoops" id="https://x.com/DaksHoops">DaksHoops</a> Film Review</strong>, where we slow things down, hit rewind, and break down what stands out on tape. This isn't about box scores or highlight counts; it's about evaluating the details. Footwork, instincts, decision-making, toughness, shot creation, defensive activity, and the little things that help players impact winning all matter when the film starts rolling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this edition, we're highlighting a group of hoopers from North Dakota and South Dakota whose games deserve another look. Some are already established names, while others are continuing to emerge, but all of them showed qualities that translate to success. Take a look below as we break down the film and discuss what makes these players worth watching moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3655721,"width":"278px","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_608a6a.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/image_608a6a.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3655721" style="width:278px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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-6a1a1e6025229"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Impressive length for a PG, top-notch handles &amp; dribble moves</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Double moves are exceptional, beats primary &amp; help defenders</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Excellent runner/floater game, create finisher around the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Advanced passer, sees things happening before they develop</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Enthralled with his inside-out/fake-crossover &amp; hesistation move</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Trustworthy shooter with a potent middy &amp; 3-point pull-up J</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Anticipates well, makes smart reads, quick reactions, closes on ball quickly</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/AndrewZiem3731/status/2049185983133082062","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AndrewZiem3731/status/2049185983133082062 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2544183"],"_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-6a1a1e60252df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-A nice-sized athlete with plenty of versatility </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Effective from 3pt land, cashes in w/ pull-ups, step-backs &amp; off the catch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive &amp; creative scoring on way to rim, floaters, soft touch off glass </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Delivered some pretty passes, good vision &amp; soft touch</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extended shooting range, uses screens well, smart w/ fakes &amp; jabs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scores with both hands around the rim, showed some craftiness </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Seals &amp; scores around hoop, gets shooters touch roll, sharp/effective cutter</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BednarekBraxton/status/2044488832825860510","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BednarekBraxton/status/2044488832825860510 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2416561"],"_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-6a1a1e6025342"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Lead guard, talented with the rock, playmaker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Excellent change of speeds &amp; directions, keeps D off-balance </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Eyes like a hawk when slashing, finds the open man, accurate, soft touch passer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Silky smooth pull-up jumper, knows when to stop in a dime &amp; pull the trigger</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Beats the D w/ double &amp; triple moves, good feet in the paint, creative finisher</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Legit threat from 3point, deep range, finishes w/ both hands, smooth player</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Zips passes into tight windows but also throws perfect lob dimes, SKILLED</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/davidkutey0/status/2046744807817584828","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/davidkutey0/status/2046744807817584828 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2132774"],"_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-6a1a1e602539f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Deadly from the three-point arc, sweet-looking stroke</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-In-rhythm shooter, good feet catching &amp; shooting, moves well w/o ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive how he beats the help D &amp; weaves through congestion</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scores in traffic, must have great concentration &amp; coordination, slashes L &amp; R</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scores after contact for AND1's, produces points from multiple levels</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good-looking footwork, I like his first step, nice step-back move</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Better slasher/finisher than I realized, tough matchup as a longer guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/dawsondavis0/status/2044608301917196308","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/dawsondavis0/status/2044608301917196308 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2415386"],"_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-6a1a1e60253fc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Long &amp; lanky, moves very well for being 6'6"</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like him as a slasher, but he can also hit the 3-ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Flexible, coordinated, bendable, and athletic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Versatile, energetic, opportunistic, catches &amp; finishes well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Covers a ton of ground when going to the rim, puts pressure in the D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Spin-move looks good, elevates nicely to score over the defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive body control finishing, active defender, reacts well to the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/deutschJackson1/status/2049636779267899704","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/deutschJackson1/status/2049636779267899704 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1925132"],"_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-6a1a1e6025454"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Tight handles, nasty crossover, quick-twitch moves to create seperation</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Silky, buttery-smooth shooting release w/ a hair-trigger</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extended deep range, major shooting threat, deadly off catch &amp; pull-up</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a deep offensive bag to beat the defense, highly skilled</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Visually pleasing shooting form, bucket-getter, shot creator</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays with swag &amp; confidence, all-level scorer, makes you pay if you overplay</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Tony Parker-like floater/runner game, plays with great pace &amp; flow, natural feel</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/LorenzKash/status/2049527683835379887","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LorenzKash/status/2049527683835379887 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237726"],"_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-6a1a1e60254b1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-No problem getting his shot off, tough shot-maker</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Equally effective shooting off the catch &amp; dribble, hard to guard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Migraine of a matchup, posts can't guard him out, guards can't handle height</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Unguardable fadeaway jumper and step-back move</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Skilled handles, innovative finisher, opportunistic, all encompassing scorer</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Threw down impressive slam dunks in traffic, 1 &amp; 2 hands, </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed crazy deep shooting range, hit from NBA depth &amp; beyond</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/oakleytrueblood/status/2041342831147589794","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/oakleytrueblood/status/2041342831147589794 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2442680"],"_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-6a1a1e6025507"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">-Has rare size/length, strength, speed, bounce</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Throws dunks dunks/slams with 1 &amp; 2 hands</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Effective slasher, sharp cutter, and runs the floor very well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Capable outside shooter, can stretch the floor &amp; hit the open 3ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great shot-blocker with anticipation &amp; quick reactions</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good hands, I like how he catches, gathers &amp; finishes w/ explosiveness</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Changes the momentum of a game with his power dunks &amp; alley-oop slams</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/kellerghb/status/2041020454895239630","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"x","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kellerghb/status/2041020454895239630 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1272514,"width":"259px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" style="width:259px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->