2K26 Dakotas Watchlist: 16U

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong><em>#PH2K26</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Live Period is here, and the stakes are as high as ever. 2K26 is on deck, and with it being an NCAA Certified event during the Live Period, college coaches will be in the gyms watching closely as players look to boost their stock on the biggest stage of the summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Hoops Dakotas is putting together a watchlist of names to keep an eye on in the 16U division, featuring talent from both North Dakota and South Dakota. These are prospects who have put in the work all spring and summer and are ready to show out in front of evaluators when it matters most. Whether it's continuing to build on a strong stretch of play or using this event to introduce themselves to a wider audience, there is plenty on the line for this group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Let's get into the players to watch from the Dakotas heading into 2K26.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3691088,"width":"154px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/image_cae753.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/image_cae753.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3691088" style="width:154px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>16U Watchlist</strong></span></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-6a5033a8c52de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: West Central United, MN Fury Shepherd, MN Hoop Troop, Uncheckable Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Is he the top true PG in this class? Ziemer has looked like it this club season. First you notice his height as a long lead guard, but it doesn't take long to notice his razor-sharp skills, high IQ, change of speeds, and ability to create separation when slashing. This Squirrel is a high-level passer with anticipation, a wide field of view, and the precision to put the ball into tight windows. PHD is also a big fan of his creative and efficient finishing. We expect Andrew to be one of the best primary guards at the event. How does he shoot from 3-point land this weekend?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2417302"],"_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-6a5061ec224d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: Grassroots Sizzle Garcia, MN Magic Joey, MN Nice Basketball Dwayne, Real Phenom Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson plays with a Minuteman's mentality — always ready, never backing down. This kid refuses to surrender and is always battling on the court. Bricker is a lead guard, but has the versatility to play inside the arc and make positive plays. He is smart, skilled, and hoops super hard. If he can hit perimeter shots consistently, Johnson could be one of the top guards in Class A this winter. Is he banging home triples this weekend?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2443452"],"_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-6a5061ec2256c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Heat Gunderman, MN Select Krona, Hoop Habits Elite White, MN Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Christion's game has grown in the past year and his future looks bright. Caelen is a noteworthy athlete who causes problems for smaller guards. I like his handles and finishing ability with both hands. He sees the floor well and finds cutters/shooter nicely. Christion also seems to be a solid defender. I have not seen him shoot much from the perimeter. Does he hit 3's this weekend and pose to be a real threat from the arc?</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-6a5061ec22618"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Fury Shepherd, West Central United, MN Hoop Troop, Uncheckable</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bower is a lead guard from DL who will be stepping into a major role for the Lakers this coming season. Does he look ready to man the ship for the fast and intense Lakers this winter? He certainly is a talented and skilled slasher who can make all the passes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2442422"],"_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-6a5061ec2269a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Heat Gunderman, MN Select Krona, Hoop Habits Elite White, MN Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He was a Double-Double machine when I watched him live earlier this club season. Plamp is a tenacious rebounder who refuses to be boxed out. He scores a boatload of second-chance points, moves well without the ball, and is a strong finisher. I think he is primed for a big season with Kernels this winter. Does Ethan look like one of the top forwards at 2K26?</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-6a5061ec22714"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Select Buchanan, Empire Elite, MTXE Premier Butler, MN Lace Up Gold Cedric</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I keep hearing good things about the kid out of Jamestown. The expectations are high for this Blue Jay. Griffin is a two-way player who has shot it well with SSA. Does he stay hot this weekend? Expect him to score the rock from multiple levels and be one of the better defenders on the floor. How does he measure up athletically compared to some of the top opponents? </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-6a5061ec2278b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: Grassroots Sizzle Garcia, MN Magic Joey, MN Nice Basketball Dwayne, Real Phenom Lincoln</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samolu is a fleet-footed athlete who moves extremely well on the hardwood. He makes up for being undersized with his speed, quickness, and agility. Jaydin can hit the 3, slash for profit, score at the cup, and drop dimes. Can he hold up defensivly against the bigger guards at 2K26?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2848125"],"_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-6a5061ec22803"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Fury Shepherd, West Central United, MN Hoop Troop, Uncheckable</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Spud is an eye-catching athlete who runs like a deer and he can jump out of the gym. Zimmerman is a momentum-changing playmaker. This kid is bouncy! Expect many dunks, putbacks, alley-oops, and blocks. How does his perimeter jump-shot look? Is he a legit threat from 3-point land under the bright lights at Hopkins?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2706232"],"_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-6a5061ec2287a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Heat Gunderman, MN Select Krona, Hoop Habits Elite White, MN Rise</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Koupal is a hardworking blue-collar player who is not afraid to do the dirty work. He is an undersized frontcourt player, but he is a tough defender, boards extremely hard, and has a knack for taking charges. He is also an unselfish passer. Michael might not score a ton of points, but he is a team player who impacts winning. Can he push the SD squad to a 4-0 record in Pool C?</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-6a5061ec228f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: West Central United, MN Fury Shepherd, MN Hoop Troop, Uncheckable Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smooth and athletic lefty. I knew he could score the rock, but Shanahan is an even better shooter than I imagined. He has had multiple monster shooting games this club season. Expect Pat to cash many 3-balls this weekend. Is he slashing and finishing with his right hand?</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-6a5061ec22967"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: West Central United, MN Fury Shepherd, MN Hoop Troop, Uncheckable Elite</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A low post with length and toughness. Reid has looked very good this club season when playing alongside top-tier guards. Schneider certainly looks to have next-level potential. I like his effort, rebounding, and defense. He shoots a high percentage and is a solid frontcourt player. Does he score outside of the paint? How does he look athletically against the top frontcourt players?</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-6a5061ec229de"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><span style="text-decoration: underline">Opponents</span>: MN Fury Shepherd, West Central United, MN Hoop Troop, Uncheckable</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Eagle is a passionate ball player who works hard on his craft. Deutsch impacts the game as a shooter, slasher, passer, and defender. How does he move his feet on defense against athletic wings? Is he hitting perimeter shots consistently? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3691089,"sizeSlug":"full","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/image_b52cb8.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/07/image_b52cb8.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3691089" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->