14 Potential Hidden Gems: 2021-2022

A look at a handful of prospects who have not gotten a ton of exposure yet. However, they have the potential to develop into special players. Alphabetically, here are our Potential Hidden Gems: [player_tooltip player_id="1184526" first="Adam" last="Baldwin"] (2023) |6-1 G| Wyndmere/Lidgerwood – He is a young guard that can really shoot the 3-ball. The Warbirds will need his shooting next year when big man [player_tooltip player_id="1138706" first="Bryer" last="Kaczynski"] gets double-teamed. Adam will help space the floor. He has had 3 games on varsity where he made 5 three-pointers. Adam has the ability to change the game from behind the arc. [player_tooltip player_id="1184662" first="Brady" last="Norenberg"] (2023) |6-9 F| Garrison – He is a mountain of a player. Brady has the potential to be a difference-maker. He has great feet, and he has continued to grow. He is immovable in the post. Opposing frontcourt players will not have a chance to back down this monster of a player. His huge size makes him a rim protector. There will not be another player in Region 5 that can match his size and stature. [player_tooltip player_id="1138775" first="Caden" last="Kappes"] (2023) |6-1 G| Wahpeton – He is a solid point guard with a good head on his shoulders. Caden is a quality perimeter defender. He is a stud baseball player and a darn good basketball player. He has the potential to develop into a special hoop’s player. With a ton of scoring and 3-point shooting graduating for the Huskies, Kappes will have the green light for scoring opportunities next season. [player_tooltip player_id="1181160" first="Calahan" last="Burchill"] (2023) |6-3 G| Valley City – AAU squad ECI. He played important minutes for the Highliners last season as a sophomore. Calahan is a freak athlete that can beat people off the dribble, block shots, and he rebounds exceptionally well. Burchill can also knock down open 3’s. [player_tooltip player_id="1161524" first="Daniel" last="Yorke"] (2024) |6-1 G| Fargo Davies – AAU squad ECI. A physical beast who really improved this past season. His leaping and dunking ability provides a ton of entertainment. Yorke’s potential on the defensive end is intriguing. Keep an eye out for this young athletic ballplayer. [player_tooltip player_id="1144580" first="Deng" last="Deng"] (2024) |6-3 G| Four Winds/Minnewaukan – He is an up-and-coming star! As a freshman, he can dunk with ease. If you watched the State Class B Tournament you could see glimpses of his bright future. Deng looks like he will be a great scorer. The question is, how soon will he be an impact player at the varsity level? I am guessing it will be as soon as next season. [player_tooltip player_id="1184547" first="Jayden" last="King"] (2024) |6-2 G| Wahpeton – He is an athletic wing. Jayden has played up a grade for most of his young career. This has really helped in his development as a basketball player by playing against better competition. King is a capable 3-point shooter. This young guard has a bright future with huge upside. The Wahpeton coaches are very excited about this young hoopster. [player_tooltip player_id="1129433" first="Jalen" last="Poitra"] (2022) |6-2 G| Dunseith – Him and [player_tooltip player_id="1046358" first="Ethan" last="Morin"] will be big players and scorers for the Dragons next year. Jalen has the potential to be a dynamic scorer. I like his quickness, vertical, and overall athleticism. He crashes the boards hard. Poitra is electric in transition. He is a skilled passer. Jalen is a fun player to watch. Look out for Dunseith next season. [player_tooltip player_id="1133064" first="Kaleb" last="Larson"] (2022) |6-1 G| West Fargo Sheyenne – AAU squad ECI. He has improved tremendously on his quickness, aggressiveness, and defensive ability. Kaleb will stand out for his ability to shoot from the outside. Look for him to be a top 3-point shooter not only for his team but in the EDC. When you add in his 1 or 2 moves at the hoop, Larson can be another all-conference player for the Mustangs. [player_tooltip player_id="1167651" first="Max" last="Froslie"] (2023) |6-6 F| ECI Selects – AAU squad ECI. His size will be a welcomed addition to the Davies varsity team. The Eagles are stacked and loaded on the perimeter. Max will provide the needed length and size to defend opposing post players. His long arms will help to alter shots and grabbing boards. [caption id="attachment_1137617" align="alignnone" width="240"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/02/Michael_Nhial_Varsity_11.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1137617" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2021/02/Michael_Nhial_Varsity_11-240x300.jpg" alt="" width="240" height="300" /></a> Photo: WF Sheyenne[/caption] [player_tooltip player_id="1046354" first="Michael" last="Nhial"] (2022) |6-7 F| West Fargo Sheyenne – AAU squad Team Sizzle. Michael will be tasked with filling in the holes from a talented group of senior Mustangs. He will be asked to fill a void in the scoring column. Nhial has the potential to be a huge scoring threat because of his size, athleticism, and shooting ability. I am expecting a breakout year for Michael. The lefty could be the premier scoring and playmaker in the EDC next year. He is the real deal! His dunking ability and 3-point shooting are very exciting parts of his game. Expect college coaches to be contacting him all summer and fall. I fully expect Michael to lead the Mustangs back to the State Tournament next year. [player_tooltip player_id="1184440" first="Rylan" last="Olson"] (2023) |6-2 G| Des Lacs Burlington – AAU squad ND Attack. A lefty wingman who moves well. The Lakers will look for him to get out on the wing and fly in transition. Olson will have the opportunity to put up big points in transition and in up-tempo situations. He has the potential to be a solid shooter from the outside. [player_tooltip player_id="1144977" first="Trace" last="Beauchamp"] (2024) |6-1 G| Beulah – He has the potential to start next year as a sophomore on a great Beulah team. The Miners will start the season ranked in the top 10. One of Trace’s top talents is getting into the lane and making plays. He is a lefty, so he is different for opposing players to guard. He will give Beulah another ball-handling option and give [player_tooltip player_id="812226" first="Trey" last="Brandt"] a chance to play off the ball. Trace has a bright future. [player_tooltip player_id="1133224" first="Zander" last="Newton"] (2022) |6-4 F| West Fargo Sheyenne - He played behind some of the best forwards in the state and now it is his turn to take over the paint. He is a two-sport athlete with great hops and a great ability to anticipate where the rebound will be. Look for him and [player_tooltip player_id="812221" first="Dominic" last="Dosmann"] to lead the team in rebounding. He will contribute greatly to this team as they graduate 5 starters.