Key Players Who Could Shape Their Teams’ Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the high school basketball season around the corner, teams across the Dakotas are preparing for another competitive winter, and several players will be counted on to step into bigger roles. While scoring is always important, being a difference-maker goes far beyond simply putting points on the board. Leadership, toughness, defensive intensity, playmaking, shooting, versatility, and the ability to make winning plays can all have a major impact on a team's success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The players featured below each bring a unique skill set to the floor, but they all have one thing in common: their teams will be relying on them to make an impact this season. Whether it's taking on more responsibility, elevating their production, or simply finding ways to help their teams win, their development and contributions could play a major role in how their respective seasons unfold.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Here's a look at some of the key players who could help shape their teams' seasons this winter.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2950876,"width":"379px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/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:379px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3416047"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b021677a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2277851' first='Hayden' last='Enger'] will be the top Bronc this winter and we think Mr. Haugen will be a very nice complementary player. Haugen is only a 9th grader, but he looks to be ready for varsity action. Blaze impressed PHD at the Freshman Showcase and he has the size/athleticism to compete at the varsity level with older players. I like Haugen's skills, slashing, finishing, physicality, aggressiveness, and the way he handles himself on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1542353"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5adaab26e1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Sabers will be a bit of a new-look team after graduating Big Jon. There should be plenty of scoring opportunities at Legacy and that is where we think Shepherd will step in. Brody is a serious shooting threat with a short memory, a smooth stroke, and deep range. PHD believes that Shepherd could be one of the top-tier 3-point shooters in the WDA this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2414701"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5adaab2783"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mr. Becker is part of the BIG3 for the super-talented Jays. [player_tooltip player_id='2417313' first='Blake' last='Bergstrom'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2442325' first='Ty' last='Barman'] get more attention as they were All-State this past season, but Jace is also a dude. Becker is a matchup problem as a versatile athlete. He is even a 1,000-point scorer, despite having 2 more seasons of ball remaining. Ray will be elite; PHD expects them to make the State B Championship in March. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2467378"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b02167878"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2132773' first='Crew' last='Rickard'] is the top player for the Spartans and [player_tooltip player_id='2237764' first='Sam' last='Chase'] is the deadeye sniper. Another name to know for North is [player_tooltip player_id='2467378' first='Joe' last='Enno']. He is a noteworthy athlete, a glue guy, a high-energy hustler, a tough defender, and a creator off the bounce. If the Spartans want to take the next step in the EDC, they will need Mr. Enno to have a big year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3669686"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5adaab27e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kuehl was impressive a couple of weekends ago at the Soph ID Showcase. After seeing Kuehl in-person, I think he is ready for varsity action. MOPO lost a talented player via transfer, so there is an open spot; Kadin could step right in and contribute. He can do it all on the court, despite being a youngster. Kadin shoots well, is effective on defense, and gets after the boards. I like his cutting, slashing, and passing. Mr. Kuehl looks to have a bright future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2839149"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5adaab2842"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Bulldogs always seem to be good and this coming year should be no different. In fact, PHD belives that De Smet will be a Top5 team in Class B. Coach Gruenhagen's squad has all the pieces of the puzzle. This off-season, [player_tooltip player_id='2839149' first='Larz' last='Tvedt'] transferred in, and now the Bulldogs look to be a complete team. Larz is a thick and strong wing. His calling card is his shooting. Tvedt can fill it up from downtown. He will help space the floor and keep defenses honest. Does De Smet go back to State? PHD believes it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3662542"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b021678ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The big names for the Dragons are [player_tooltip player_id='2106993' first='Nelson' last='Decoteau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2349627' first='Braxton' last='Azure'], but [player_tooltip player_id='3662542' first='Mikah' last='LaRocque'] is another name to know heading into the season. Dunseith made the State Tournament last year and returns a strong group, giving them loads of experience heading into the hoops season. We believe the Dragons have a chance to be one of the elite teams in Class A, and if they make that jump, LaRocque will be counted on to play an important role. Mikah is automatic from 3-point land with a quick trigger and pure release. If he is left alone, LaRocque will hit. He is also an asset on defense. Mikah will often defend the top opposing player. Look for LaRocque to be one of the top shooter in A this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2237756"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b0216792f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Grovers came on strong in the second half of last season. They are an intriguing team coming into the 2026-27 season, as they have talented guards, shooters, and gifted athletes. [player_tooltip player_id='2237763' first='Aidan' last='Saunders'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2411681' first='Ryder' last='Soper'] will be the top playmakers and scorers; Mr. Thomsen will be a key glue guy. Pierce is a long, serious athlete. He runs the floor well and finishes above the rim impressively. He offers up exciting upside on the boards and defense. The Grovers will be a fun team to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2411653"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b02167972"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After coming off a sensational club season with [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'], we expect Staudinger to be an impact player at the varsity level as a sophomore. The Mavs will need his size, toughness, and physical interior play. Look for Sam to make a difference with his aggressiveness. He rebounds with an aggressive, greedy nature, Double-Doubles are the norm when Sam hoops. Let's see if he can make that happen in the WDA. He will cause some matchup problems as he can score in and out. Put Staudinger on your list of breakout players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3360748"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b021679b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2106993' first='Nelson' last='Decoteau'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2349627' first='Braxton' last='Azure'] headline the Dunseith roster, but [player_tooltip player_id='3360748' first='Tank' last='Davis'] is another playmaker who could make a major impact. Dunseith is coming off a State Tourney appearance and returns a talented, experienced group with boatloads of confidence. PHD sees Dunseith as a team with legitimate potential to make a run at the top of Class A, and Davis could be an important piece in helping them get there. Tank is a skilled lead guard who is coming off a tremendous summer of hoops. This kid can score the rock, create for others, and change the game in a positive way for the Dragons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3728040"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa5b021679fa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zac was new to Wyndmere last season and had to play JV, so most basketball fans have not heard of Mr. Monari. He will be playing varsity this season and will be quick to make a name for himself. Zac is very long and a special athlete. He certainly showed out in club ball, I expect him to be an All-Region type of baller this winter in Class B. Monari and [player_tooltip player_id='3269102' first='Sebastian' last='Kackman'] will make a scary frontcourt in Class B.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1272514,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <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> <!-- /wp:image -->