Sanford Who’s Next Combine

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Thursday, June 18th, 12:00 PM - 04:00 PM<br>Sanford Sports Fargo<br>Fargo, ND</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The gym is set to be buzzing on Thursday afternoon as Sanford's Who's Next Combine brings together some of the top talent from across the region. Ballers from the 2027 class all the way down to the 2030 class will be in the building, giving fans, coaches, and evaluators a wide range of talent to take in over the course of the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There will be no shortage of intriguing storylines. Proven talent with legitimate college interest will be on display, while a number of young ballers will be looking to make a name for themselves and put their game on the radar for the first time. Whether you are a seasoned name in the basketball circles or a player hoping to turn heads for the first time, Thursday presents an opportunity for everyone in the gym.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, we are highlighting some of the top ballers to watch heading into the combine. We will give you a few reasons to keep an eye on each of them, along with a question or two worth monitoring as the event plays out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Best of luck to all the ballers competing on Thursday!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"15px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:15px">"<em>The Who's Next Combine is designed to showcase the advanced talent in our region and provide an opportunity to compete against the best. Led by our Sanford Sports Academy staff, players go through skill development stations, performance measurements and 5-on-5 live play in front of college coaches from the region.</em>" <strong>-Sanford Sports</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3672234,"width":"302px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"2.164947364714995","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/image_a134d8.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/06/image_a134d8.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-3672234" style="aspect-ratio:2.164947364714995;width:302px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3621958,"width":"302px","height":"auto","aspectRatio":"1.601963190184049","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3621958" style="aspect-ratio:1.601963190184049;width:302px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2405944"],"_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-6a31b258be56c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sanchez is a hardworking athlete who is no stranger to making hustle plays. Aidan is known as a very good defender. He will do the little things, but can also score the rock. He scored 45 points in a game this winter! Sanchez also has noteworthy size for a guard/wing. How does his outside shot look, is he consistently hitting 3's?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2983036"],"_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-6a31b258be5e2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Cougar is long, skilled, smooth, versatile, and athletic. Anders handles and passes like a PG but runs, slashes, and dunks like a mobile wing. I have not seen him shoot much from the outside; is he cashing 3's on the regular? Is he getting stops on D in the 1on1 and 3on3 drills?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2052770"],"_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-6a31b258be630"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thorpe had a magnificent and memorable junior season with the Tornadoes. Beau put up gaudy numbers and set school records. He is obviously a shooter/scorer and his length at 6'3" makes him intriguing. I am interested to see how he performs against the A and AA athletes. Does he hold is on on defense? Does he beat guys off the bounce or mainly spot up for triples?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2378095"],"_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-6a31b258be676"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bloms looks good as a shooter; he can knock them down from multiple levels. In the past, I have been impressed with his driving &amp; slashing. He is also opportunistic, plays hard, makes timely plays, and forces TO's. I like him in the catch &amp; shoot game and his range is extended. As an undersized guard, how does he handle the bigger perimeter players? I have seen him finish with his left in the past; does he score in traffic?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3672450"],"_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-6a31af9d47ef6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Erbes is an up-and-coming Squirrel to keep track of. The reports are that his future is radiant. Brooks played some sub-varsity last year as an 8th grader, so he is certainly an advanced player. Erbes has great size, but also has intriguing guard skills. If he takes after his father (David) at all, Brooks will be tougher than nails and a great rebounder. How does the youngster look competing against the older competition?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3045695"],"_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-6a31b258be6dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He is running with the top Sanford squad and looked good this spring. Bower has outstanding ball skills and is a gifted slasher. Has a noteworthy pull-up game and finishes well around the rim. Davian is a more than capable 3-point shooter, but is at his best going downhill. He will be a dude for the Lakers this winter. How does he compare athletically to the other top ballers? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1863060"],"_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-6a31b258be720"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordan has had a great spring/early summer of hoops. Jackson's defense is upgraded/improved and he is becoming a well-rounded two-way player. He has always been a talented shooter, let's see if Jackson can light it up on Thursday. Does he stand out and look like one of the top 3-point snipers in the gym?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237807"],"_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-6a31b258be763"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I have always liked the way Schindler plays the game and I am excited to see him hoop live again. James is excellent with the ball in his hands. I really like his handles, shake, moves, demeanor on the court, and his finishing. Coach Krefting also brags James up as a defender. Is he the top PG at the event? Is he beating his primary defender off the bounce? How is his lateral quickness? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1894872"],"_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-6a31b258be7a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lohnes is looking good on the offensive end early in the summer. Joran is a very talented shooter. I expect him to be one of the top players in his Region next season. There will be many good shooters at the event; is Joran one of the elite? How does he look defensively? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2447417"],"_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-6a31b258be845"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">BIG Rudy has caught my eye in the past with his length/size. He is starting to become more aggressive and his shooting has improved. Rudy does a good job high-pointing rebounds way above the rim. Don't be surprised if you see some freaky athletic finishes. Kermee has real upside. How are his handles and footwork? Does he play hard the entire time? Is Rudy a top BIG at the event?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237722"],"_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-6a31b258be887"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He missed some basketball this spring but appears to be back healthy and playing. Kratcha looked good on film at his last Prep Hoops event. How is he moving on Thursday? Is he making quick and explosive plays? I like Tanner's skill/craftiness. He us smart with fakes and has impressive footwork. He can score via the slash and from the block. He is also tough on the glass. Look for Kratcha to be a top BIG at the event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2840028"],"_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-6a31b258be8ca"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson will be a noteworthy athlete at the event; he has an excellent first step. He will catch your eye with his ability to attack the paint, get to the rim and/or dish assists. Johnson is a playmaker when he attacks downhill. How is Trey's attitude and body language?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2417899' first='Chayce' last='Sage'] (2029) |6'4 G/F| &amp; [player_tooltip player_id='2443106' first='Chayton' last='Sage'] (2029) |6'4 F| Trenton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have only seen them on film/tape, but they certainly pass the eye test, and the reports from coaches have all been positive. They run the floor well, are skilled, and can score the rock. I am interested in seeing the difference in their games and their level of athleticism. How do the Class B ballers compete against the older players and the ballers from the A &amp; AA schools?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3627189,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PHGeneric-3.webp"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/05/PHGeneric-3.webp?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3627189" /></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Prep Hoops</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->