Tape Study: Dakotas Edition

Now that the dust has settled on another club and AAU season, it's time to hit rewind and take a closer look at the tape. Prep Hoops Dakotas is back in the film room, breaking down performances and getting a fresh perspective on the talent across both North Dakota and South Dakota.   In this article, we're spotlighting a group of hoopers from the Dakotas who left their mark this summer. From big moments at major tournaments to steady growth that may have gone unnoticed, we're studying the film to give these players their due. Some of these names will ring a bell, while others might be new to the conversation, but each one has earned a spot in this breakdown. Get comfortable, because it's time to dig into the tape.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2950876" style="width:291px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   Tape Study: Dakotas Edition    -Showed a nasty crossover, between-the-legs, and change of speeds   -Smooth middy pull-up J, stops on a dime & rises up for the shot   -Quick feet & burst of speed to create separation from the defense   -Crafty & clever, smart with pivots & fakes   -Legitimate threat from 3-point land, cashes in the catch & shoot game   -Creative finisher around the basket, also makes plays in transtion   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/lincanderson11/status/2077796196219789472 </div></figure>     -Impressive length, moves very well for his 6'7" body   -Skilled with the rock & scores from all levels   -Noteworthy timing, reads, and reactions   -Hits 3-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and finishes in the paint   -Outstanding body control, finishes with both hands   -Soft shooting touch, navigates well in traffic, BUCKET   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/PHCircuit/status/2080051160698773610 </div></figure>     -His shooting range runs deep, hits 3's from NBA & college depth   -Makes smart plays w/ fakes & pivots, also saw an impressive back-cut score   -See the floor very well, makes the correct pass & he can threat the needle   -Noteworthy ball skills, impressive touch passes, quality left-handed finishes   -Knows how to get open, use screens & space the floor, good feet/base   -Deadly shooter off the catch & the dribble, SNIPER   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Payton_S10/status/2082605578522636538 </div></figure>     -Left-hander, mobile athlete, puts pressure on the defense, attacks   -Quick first step, fast & speedy baller   -Multi-level scoring threat, knocks down the open 3-ball   -Reacts well, breaks on the ball, sharp, creates TO's & scores in transition   -He is a southpaw but he can finish with the R-hand, elusive to the rim   -Gets to the rim in a hurry, covers a lot of ground, tough to keep in front   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/prestongasca/status/2082479704422916534 </div></figure>     -Lanky, long wingspan, scores inside and out   -His baby-hook looks nice, has a scorers touch   -Good luck stopping his fall-away jump-shot, tough   -Can change the game with his 3pt shot, inside finishing, and rim protecting   -I like his versatility, skill, and creativity when finishing   -Looks like a matchup problem with his height & shooting ability   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/quinnwells52/status/2078994302143799501 </div></figure>     -Effective in the catch & shoot game from the 3-point arc   -Has an easy release on his shot, does not look rushed even when contested   -Spaces & spreads the floor, reads the D & finds the open angle on the arc   -Not a dead 3' he can put it on the floor & hit the pull-up   -Catches ready to fire, does the work b4 he gets the ball, confident shooter   -I like his length, has some potential on the wing as a shooter   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TateSunde/status/2076479140312617130 </div></figure>     -High-octane, energetic, playmaker, fast/quick, aggressive, shot-maker   -Good-looking shooting stroke, elevates well, clean release   -Talented from behind arc, no problem pulling the trigger w/ a hand in his face   -Feathery soft touch scoring w/ his runner/floater & finishing in traffic   -Opportunistic, attack-mode as soon as he gets the ball, takes what D gives him   -Cashes in from all around arc, long-range shooter, shot looks the same from all depths   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/teelankjerstad1/status/2081851682653126912 </div></figure>    <figure class="wp-block-image"><img alt="" /></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><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" /></a></figure>

Now that the dust has settled on another club and AAU season, it's time to hit rewind and take a closer look at the tape. Prep Hoops Dakotas is back in the film room, breaking down performances and getting a fresh perspective on the talent across both North Dakota and South Dakota.