Get To Know ’Em: Dakotas Q/A

We're back with one more Question & Answer featuring some of the talented ballers from across North Dakota and South Dakota. As we continue to make our way through football season, we thought this would be a fun way to take a break from the gridiron and get to know some of the players who will be hitting the hardwood this winter.   Get To Know 'Em: Dakotas Q&A gives us a chance to go beyond the stats and highlights and learn a little more about the players themselves.   With basketball season getting closer by the day, the anticipation is starting to build. The gyms will be filling up soon, and before we know it, the opening tip will be here.   Until then, sit back, enjoy the read, and get to know 'em!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/07/QA.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2508303" style="aspect-ratio:1.6019406770316462;width:314px;height:auto" /></a></figure>    PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?   "My off-season consists of lifting and shooting workouts in the morning with my dad, working on improving getting to the rim and finishing strong."   PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?   "I have worked on finishing getting stronger, I have made the most progress getting stronger."   PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?   "My fall looks like right now, just preparing for the basketball season; it's all basketball focused."   PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?   "My goals as a team are to win EDC and go to State, individually EDC POY and All-State."   PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?   "The most influential coach I have had is my dad; he pushes me so hard and wants me to be the best and believes in me so much."   PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?   "Teammates I shoutout are [player_tooltip player_id='2118617' first='Matt' last='Kragness'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2237764' first='Sam' last='Chase'] both DAWGS. I think they'll both have a big shot at being all EDC. My high school team was inexperienced and young last year. This year we're gonna be so much different and better. Gonna surprise some people."   PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?   "My favorite College player to watch is Jeremiah Sem, looked up to him my whole childhood and he is a big brother to me."   PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?   "My game has grown the most in scoring at all three levels."   PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?   "My dad again trains me the hardest, wanting me to get 1% better every day."   PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?   "My go-to move is jab, get space and three."     PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?   "During the offseason, I played AAU and also did lots of work with my high school team. We did many different team camps and open gyms every week."   PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?   "This offseason, I spent a lot of time driving to the hoop. Just trying to be better at making the defense collapse and then being able to kick it out."   PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?   "Right now I'm playing football, but I'm still trying to get in a couple times a week to shoot around."   PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?   "As a team, I would like to see us make it back to the state tournament. Individually, I would like to be able to score from anywhere on the court."   PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?   "A coach that has been really influential to me is Ryker Kreutzfeldt. He pushes me every practice to be the best version of myself and has supported me through everything I've gone through as a player."   PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?   "[player_tooltip player_id='2442414' first='Memphis' last='Sevareid'], lights-out shooter."   PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?   "My favorite player to watch is Cooper Flagg. I've always liked how he makes everyone around him better."   PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?   "I feel like in the last year or two I have become much better at attacking the hoop."   PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?   "I would say that all of my teammates push me. They all make sure that we are going 100% at practice and also getting extra reps outside of practice."   PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?   "I think that my go-to move is a spin move to a right-handed layup."     PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?   "This summer was filled with a lot to lifting, agility, and basketball workouts."   PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?   "I focused on improving my mid-range shot and extending my range. I've also made progress on being able to score each level."   PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?   "This fall I've been going to open gyms, lifting, and getting up shots to get ready for the upcoming season."   PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?   "My goal for this season is to be a good leader for the underclassmen and to be a competitive team in our region."   PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?   "Scott Majkrzak was my travel basketball coach in 5th, 6th and 7th grade. He taught me lots of lessons about basketball and life that I still carry with me."   PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?   "Zander Compson is a returning starter for us and he uses his length and vertical very well to block and contest shots."   PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?   "My favorite NBA player to watch is Paul George because of his ability to score at every level."   PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?   "I think my 3-point shot has been my biggest improvement from the past two seasons."   PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?   "My teammates are always pushing me in practice or in open gym. We all try to make each other better."   PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?   "My hot spot is mostly in the paint where I can get to a floater or to the rim."   <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"></ol>     PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?   "Got in the gym every day. Worked on ball handling and shooting off the dribble."   PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?   "I focused the most on my guard skills. I will need it for this upcoming season and my overall shot creation was an area I definitely improved upon."   PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?   "I'm playing football right now, so it's harder to find time to get in the gym and feel good, but I've been going in the mornings before school and on the weekends."   PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?   "I hope to lead my team to State and make a run. I need to lead my team both offensively and defensively in order to achieve this and hope to average a double-double."   PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?   "My AAU coach, Quinn Austin, definitely had a huge impact on me this past year. His motivation for me and getting me in the gym even when I didn't feel like it was an important part of my summer and I very much appreciate his help and support. Not to mention his in-game coaching, which is definitely one of the main reasons our AAU team had the success that it did."   PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?   "I gotta shoutout my guy [player_tooltip player_id='2434722' first='Brady' last='Kerzmann']. He got heavy varsity minutes last year as a freshman and is gonna play a key role in our team's success this upcoming season."   PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?   "Giannis Antetokounmpo has always been my favorite player. I look up to his leadership and work ethic and try to model it in my life as much as I can."   PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?   "My game has definitely grown around my ability to play inside and out. I've gotten more comfortable on the perimeter to be able to shoot or drive. My athleticism has also increased and helped me make big plays when it matters most."   PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?   "My AAU teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1975416' first='Khaliq' last='Austin'] definitely pushed me the most this offseason and continues to do so. Getting in the gym and working out with a high-level player like Khaliq is definitely a special opportunity and I appreciate the work he puts in with me to help both of us get better every time we are on the court."   PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?   "The top of the key is probably my favorite spot to get the ball because I can make a three or drive either way and finish at the rim."     PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?   "AAU kept me busy a lot of weekends. But when I was not doing that, I was in the gym working on becoming a better 3-level scorer."   PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?   "I really focused on getting in the weight room to get bigger and stronger."   PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?   "It's all basketball focused. Getting in the gym every day and still lifting 3-4 times a week."   PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?   "For our team, we want to make it back into the State Tournament and make a run for a State Championship. Individually, I want to be an All-Conference Player."   PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?   "This past AAU season playing for Lucas Moorman. He was a great coach and pushed me on both ends of the floor."   PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?   "[player_tooltip player_id='1651918' first='Brett' last='Livingston']. He does all the dirty work for our team and is a big part of our recent success."   PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?   "Devin Booker. He has always been my favorite since he was at Kentucky. I like how smooth his game is and how he can get his own shot off."   PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?   "I've really worked on becoming a complete player. Over the years, I feel like I've definitely become a 3-level scorer."   PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?   "My trainer Korey Lorenz. He has always pushed me to become a better player."   PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?   "I like the top of the key for catch and shoot and my go-to move is getting into my step back anywhere on the court."

We're back with one more Question & Answer featuring some of the talented ballers from across North Dakota and South Dakota. As we continue to make our way through football season, we thought this would be a fun way to take a break from the gridiron and get to know some of the players who will be hitting the hardwood this winter.

Get To Know 'Em: Dakotas Q&A gives us a chance to go beyond the stats and highlights and learn a little more about the players themselves.

With basketball season getting closer by the day, the anticipation is starting to build. The gyms will be filling up soon, and before we know it, the opening tip will be here.

Until then, sit back, enjoy the read, and get to know 'em!

Crew Rickard

ND #10

PG #3

HEIGHT 6'1"

POS PG

CLASS 2027

View Player

Crew Rickard

State: North Dakota

School: Fargo North

Club: Minnesota Comets

PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

"My off-season consists of lifting and shooting workouts in the morning with my dad, working on improving getting to the rim and finishing strong."

PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?

"I have worked on finishing getting stronger, I have made the most progress getting stronger."

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

"My fall looks like right now, just preparing for the basketball season; it's all basketball focused."

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

"My goals as a team are to win EDC and go to State, individually EDC POY and All-State."

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

"The most influential coach I have had is my dad; he pushes me so hard and wants me to be the best and believes in me so much."

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

"Teammates I shoutout are Matt Kragness Matt Kragness 6'1" | SF/CG Fargo North | 2027 State ND and Sam Chase Sam Chase 5'11" | CG Fargo North | 2027 State ND both DAWGS. I think they'll both have a big shot at being all EDC. My high school team was inexperienced and young last year. This year we're gonna be so much different and better. Gonna surprise some people."

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

"My favorite College player to watch is Jeremiah Sem, looked up to him my whole childhood and he is a big brother to me."

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

"My game has grown the most in scoring at all three levels."

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

"My dad again trains me the hardest, wanting me to get 1% better every day."

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?

"My go-to move is jab, get space and three."

Highlights

Ethan Plamp

SD #28

PF/SF #5

HEIGHT 6'5"

POS PF/SF

CLASS 2028

View Player

Ethan Plamp

State: South Dakota

School: Mitchell

Club: Sanford Sports Academy SF

PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

"During the offseason, I played AAU and also did lots of work with my high school team. We did many different team camps and open gyms every week."

PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?

"This offseason, I spent a lot of time driving to the hoop. Just trying to be better at making the defense collapse and then being able to kick it out."

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

"Right now I'm playing football, but I'm still trying to get in a couple times a week to shoot around."

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

"As a team, I would like to see us make it back to the state tournament. Individually, I would like to be able to score from anywhere on the court."

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

"A coach that has been really influential to me is Ryker Kreutzfeldt. He pushes me every practice to be the best version of myself and has supported me through everything I've gone through as a player."

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

" Memphis Sevareid Memphis Sevareid 5'8" | PG Mitchell | 2030 SD , lights-out shooter."

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

"My favorite player to watch is Cooper Flagg. I've always liked how he makes everyone around him better."

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

"I feel like in the last year or two I have become much better at attacking the hoop."

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

"I would say that all of my teammates push me. They all make sure that we are going 100% at practice and also getting extra reps outside of practice."

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?

"I think that my go-to move is a spin move to a right-handed layup."

Highlights

Finn Dockter

ND #41

SG/CG #9

HEIGHT 6'1"

POS SG/CG

CLASS 2027

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Finn Dockter

State: North Dakota

School: Valley City

Club: Sanford Sports Academy ND

PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

"This summer was filled with a lot to lifting, agility, and basketball workouts."

PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?

"I focused on improving my mid-range shot and extending my range. I've also made progress on being able to score each level."

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

"This fall I've been going to open gyms, lifting, and getting up shots to get ready for the upcoming season."

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

"My goal for this season is to be a good leader for the underclassmen and to be a competitive team in our region."

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

"Scott Majkrzak was my travel basketball coach in 5th, 6th and 7th grade. He taught me lots of lessons about basketball and life that I still carry with me."

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

"Zander Compson is a returning starter for us and he uses his length and vertical very well to block and contest shots."

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

"My favorite NBA player to watch is Paul George because of his ability to score at every level."

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

"I think my 3-point shot has been my biggest improvement from the past two seasons."

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that's a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

"My teammates are always pushing me in practice or in open gym. We all try to make each other better."

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a "go-to" move you like to use?

"My hot spot is mostly in the paint where I can get to a floater or to the rim."

Highlights

Keller Hertz Barnett

C/PF

HEIGHT 6'8"

POS C/PF

CLASS 2028

View Player

Keller Hertz Barnett

State: North Dakota

School: Bismarck St. Mary's

Club: Pack Basketball

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Highlights

Ryder Majkrzak

ND #34

CG #7

HEIGHT 6'3"

POS CG

CLASS 2027

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Ryder Majkrzak

State: North Dakota

School: West Fargo Horace

Club: Sanford Sports Academy ND

PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

"AAU kept me busy a lot of weekends. But when I was not doing that, I was in the gym working on becoming a better 3-level scorer."

PHD: What's one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you've made the most progress?

"I really focused on getting in the weight room to get bigger and stronger."

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

"It's all basketball focused. Getting in the gym every day and still lifting 3-4 times a week."

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

"For our team, we want to make it back into the State Tournament and make a run for a State Championship. Individually, I want to be an All-Conference Player."

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

"This past AAU season playing for Lucas Moorman. He was a great coach and pushed me on both ends of the floor."

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

" Brett Livingston Brett Livingston 6'6" | PF West Fargo Horace | 2027 State ND . He does all the dirty work for our team and is a big part of our recent success."