EDC Preliminary Players To Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Although the season is still a few months away, it's never too early to start thinking about who's going to make some noise in the Eastern Dakota Conference this year. This isn't an official Player Watchlist, rather it's a way to get our basketball minds thinking and engaged as we look ahead to another competitive year in Class AA. The EDC is always stacked with talent from top to bottom, and picking out names this early is as much about starting the conversation as it is about predicting the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">In this article, we're highlighting some names worth keeping an eye on as the season approaches. Some are proven performers looking to build on past success, while others are poised for a breakout year. Either way, this list is meant to spark some early-season buzz and get fans talking about who's going to shine in the EDC this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3486961,"width":"269px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/EDC.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/02/EDC.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3486961" style="width:269px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"25px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:25px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Preliminary Players To Watch</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3363876"],"_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-6a6542ee06580"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I am not sure how many wins the Bruins will collect this winter, but I do know that Cash will be one of their top ballers. Freitag has a quality basketball frame, is a serious athlete, and has a nose for the ball. Cashton moves very well and scores the rock in a variety of ways. I am looking forward to seeing more from Freitag this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2347908"],"_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-6a6542ee065e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Roughriders have the potential to be a tough team in the EDC and we think Miller will be the X-factor. He will provide plenty of size and athleticism. The Riders need him to be productive, consistent, and provide a post presence. Their backcourt will have plenty of firepower with [player_tooltip player_id='2237807' first='James' last='Schindler'], [player_tooltip player_id='1539676' first='Reese' last='Walters'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2413724' first='Theo' last='Paye']. Miller could tie it all together with efficient finishing, fruitful rebounding, and rim protection. Will Red River be a top-tier team in the EDC this winter?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2573820"],"_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-6a6565bf3e59c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Looks to have added another 10-20 .lbs, major athlete, future D1 football player. The Deacons have a new head coach and I have not heard how they have looked this summer. What style of hoops will the Deacons play? With Tommy B gone to Davies, I could see Perkerewicz stepping up as the top playmaker and leading scorer for Shanley. He is no doubt an impressive athlete. Will the Deacons pull off any upsets this winter? Does Jacob get named to the All-EDC team?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2400639"],"_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-6a6565bf3e5ce"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Wavrin had an excellent off-season and showed that he is ready to make noise at the varsity level. Does he step into the starting lineup in game 1? He certainly has the talent and length. The Packers will be very long with Wavrin, [player_tooltip player_id='2417300' first='Stephon' last='Booth'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2412050' first='Wyatt' last='Knudsen']. I am interested to see what style of ball they play and if Wavrin gets burn as a 3/SG when the other BIGs are on the floor. Logan's future looks extremely bright; let's see how he adjusts to playing varsity basketball in the EDC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1651920"],"_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-6a65311295030"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I believe he was the first ND 2027 player to commit. Terras will be heading to Jamestown for hoops after graduation. Little Larry had a great club season with [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom']. He was named to multiple All-Event Teams and was a Top Performer on several occasions. Owen proved himself as a knockdown 3-point shooter and with his size, he makes for a difficult matchup. He is also productive as a cutter and while moving through the paint in transition. PHD believes that Owen will be the go-to guy for the Hawks this season. Horace should be a top 5 team all season. They have loads of athleticism and talent. We fully expect the Hawks to be back at State in March. Terras is on the trajectory to be an All-State player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237764"],"_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-6a6542ee0664c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I believe he has the record at North for made three-pointers in a single game. Will be rebreak his own record? He and [player_tooltip player_id='2132773' first='Crew' last='Rickard'] will put on a shooting display this coming season. Will the Spartans take the next step and be competitive in the EDC? If you like shooters, take some time to watch [player_tooltip player_id='2237764' first='Sam' last='Chase']. He is an outstanding catch-and-shoot player with a quick &amp; smooth release. Chase works hard, is smart about getting open, and his shooting mechanics deserve praise. </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-6a6565bf3e60f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Recently committed to Jamestown, CONGRATS to Tanner on that! Impressed me multiple times this summer. Kratcha is long and versatile. Expect him to be one of the top BIGs in the EDC. Tanner does good work on the block but also hits jumpers and 3-pointers. I like his footwork, craftiness, and his fall-away J. He is also a hustler and hard worker. Look for Kratcha and [player_tooltip player_id='2132777' first='Kyson' last='Keller'] to have the Mustangs as one of the best on the EDC. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2453441"],"_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-6a6542ee0668b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Knights will have big shoes to fill with the graduation of Brayden Delorme and Brooklan Bruce. In steps Scott! The wins will be tough to come by for GFC but Tayshaun will have the chance to showcase his athleticism and playmaking. He got his feet wet this past season, so he should be ready to step up and play free. Scott is a left-hander with great speed and quickness. He scores from all levels, plays with heart/NRG, and creates for others. He also seems to be a pest on defense. Does he value the rock and take care of the ball? Is Scott an All-EDC player this year?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1537905"],"_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-6a653049e34fe"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tommy will be new to Coach Manson's program. It will be interesting to see how he fits in with the Eagles. At 6'5" and athletic, Baumgartner has loads of upside/potential; he is also a matchup problem on the wing. Tommy has plenty of confidence and he should have the green light, will he fill up the scoring column but also make his teammates better? </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":3067070,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/classAA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/11/classAA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-3067070" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->