Frontcourt Prospects to Watch This Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Dakotas are loaded with frontcourt talent, and this season should bring plenty of big performances from players in the paint. In this article, we're highlighting a group of ballers we believe are poised for standout seasons and deserve a spot on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is <strong>not a rankings article</strong>. Instead, we're taking a closer look at frontcourt prospects who have the potential to make a big impact this season. Whether it's their size, athleticism, versatility, or ability to control the game inside, these are players we'll be keeping an eye on as the season unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}},"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size" style="font-style:normal;font-weight:100">*<em>Players who have already committed to play at the next level are not included.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">Frontcourt Prospects to Watch This Season</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2128932"],"_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-6abfbb8a796b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He helped the Tigers win the Big Dance last season. With Blake Ellwein gone to college, Anderson's production/numbers could take a big jump this year. He is absolutely a frontcourt prospect to keep an eye on. Porisch is long/athletic, he plays with high energy, and he impacts the game on both ends. I like his activity on the boards; he seems to have great timing and anticipation. Anderson is a versatile defender and a three-level scorer. With his tools, size, and mobility, Anderson makes for an intriguing prospect.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2249344"],"_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-6abfbb8a79720"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Craven could very well be the best rebounder in South Dakota! He dealt with a serious injury this past season, but has worked hard this off-season to get back. The last I heard, Carter will be ready to go this winter. He is a Double-Double machine! Craven is primed for an All-State season and the Warriors will rack up the wins.</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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abfbb8a79773"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mr. Miller is the BIG man down low for Red River, and he's a frontcourt prospect who could make a major impact this season. Dean brings noteworthy length, strength, and athleticism to the hardwood, making him a powerful presence in the paint on both ends. He's an explosive finisher who can throw down powerful dunks, rock the glass, and protect the rim defensively. Dean has the potential to control the paint; he brings a physical presence to the floor. Miller gives the Roughriders an important piece to build around. Red River has the potential to be a scary team this season, and if they find themselves near the top of the EDC standings, Dean will likely be a big reason why. PHD believes that Miller is an X-factor for the Roughriders, he is a frontcourt player to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2958986"],"_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-6abfbb8a7989b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Get Mr. Riley on your radar as a frontcourt prospect to watch this season! The 6'7” Cavalier BIG is a long, lanky PF who showed flashes as a solid role player during his junior season and is ready to take a major step forward as a senior. After putting together a quality offseason with SSA, Riley looks poised to embrace a bigger role and show what he can bring to the hardwood. Easton has admirable footwork around the basket, a soft touch as a finisher, and I really like his ability to score with either hand near the rim. He's also an unselfish passer who shows patience in the post and does a nice job using his length and size to his advantage. On the defensive end, Riley anticipates well, alters shots, protects the rim, and rebounds effectively. The biggest thing with Riley is his upside/potential. He has the length, tools, and emerging skill set to become a difference-maker, and his best basketball is certainly still ahead of him.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2277851"],"_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-6abfbb8a7994b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">PHD is high on Hayden! We are expecting some impressive bucking Bronco numbers out of the Lisbon stud this season. Enger showed his college-level ability while competing with [program_tooltip program_id='2075741' first='ND' last='Phenom'] in club hoops. PHD is excited to see him carry that momentum into his senior season. Hayden has the length and versatility to be a difficult matchup, with the ability to score both inside and out. Enger is a hard worker who puts in the time. When it comes to rebounding, he has a nose for the ball and a knack for finding his way to the glass. Hayden is an all-around player who can do a little bit of everything, making him a valuable piece for the Broncos. I am predicting Enger to lead Region 1 in rebounding while consistently putting up points from all areas of the floor. Do not be surprised if Enger puts together an All-State-caliber season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2548480"],"_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-6abfbb8a7999e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This Arrow is a tireless worker; I have never seen him take a play off! Jack is not afraid to do the dirty work, and his energy/effort are relentless from tip-off to the final whistle. He helped Watertown reach State last season, and I'd expect that same goal to be at the top of his list this year. The Arrows have a shot at making another run, and Mack will be a big part of that effort. One thing that stood out this summer was his improved shooting from beyond the arc, which adds another layer to his game. The long senior is a sure-fire 2way player who can guard multiple positions and has great switchability. Offensively, Mack can score with his back to the basket, catch &amp; finish, slash to the cup, and/or knock down open jumpers. He's willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win, whether that means battling for rebounds or diving on the floor for a loose ball. Get ready for an impressive senior season from Mr. Mack!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2052771"],"_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-6abfbb8a799ed"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When I think rough &amp; tumble toughness, I think of [player_tooltip player_id='2052771' first='Jyles' last='Meier']! This Tornado is an under-the-radar prospect. Jyles scraps it up; he is a blue-collar worker, but also makes pretty touch passes out of the post. I can not come up with a more unselfish post player in the Dakotas. His footwork, size, power, muscle, and efficient finishing are impressive. He will crush on the boards and rack up a Double-Double on a nightly basis. Meier is an enforcer and intimidator on defense. Oakes will be one of the best in Class B. He and [player_tooltip player_id='2052770' first='Beau' last='Thorpe'] will tear through Class B. Thorpe was All-State last season; Meier has a good shot at joining him this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1805088"],"_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-6abfbb8a79a39"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mr. Djibonon is a frontcourt player to watch this season, and the Pats have a big-time talent in their lineup. Noah is a big, strong, powerful, and explosive lefty who brings plenty of athleticism and mobility to the floor. This Patriot is a headache of a matchup because of his ability to score inside, drive to the rim, and use his size/strength to his advantage. He's also capable of stepping out and knocking down the 3-ball, which makes him even tougher to guard. On the glass, Noah brings a strong inside presence and has a knack for tracking down rebounds. One thing I'm looking forward to seeing this season is his continued growth. He's shown more maturity and seems to be trusting his teammate more. With his length, athleticism, and developing all-around game, Djibonon has the potential to be one of the top BIGs in Class A Region 2. The Pats have the pieces to be the real deal this season and Noah is ready to put together a memorable senior year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2950876,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><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" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->