Sweet 16: Top Forwards in the Dakotas
In this article:
We are looking at forwards from both ND and SD in this article. We have 8 from the North and 8 from the South. All of these players are receiving interest from college coaches and they all have the talent…
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Continue ReadingWe are looking at forwards from both ND and SD in this article. We have 8 from the North and 8 from the South. All of these players are receiving interest from college coaches and they all have the talent to play at the next level. In 2021 a forward can mean many things, come in many sizes, and look very different from one another. Let’s have a look at the Sweet 16 from the Dakotas…
**For the purpose of this article "5’s" or "center’s" are considered forwards. "3’s" or "wing’s" are considered guards and are not used in this article.
Alphabetically, the SWEET-16 FORWARDS from ND & SD:
6’7 F Angok Akot || Sioux Falls Washington || Sacred Hoops || 2022
Why? Unbelievably high ceiling, very long and moves extremely well, has handles, quick around the basket, a scary mismatch for most, a very intriguing prospect.
6’7 F Caden Hinker Caden Hinker 6'6" | PF Mitchell | 2022 State SD || Mitchell || SD Attack || 2022
Why? Attracting and receiving major interest from D1 schools and multiple D2 offers, an elite scorer, a winner, an all-around game, a walking mismatch, a never-ending motor, scores from all 3-levels, gets it done on both ends of the court.
6’5 PF Caleb Hiatt Caleb Hiatt 6'5" | PF SF Lincoln | 2022 State SD || Sioux Falls Lincoln || Sacred Hoops || 2022
Why? A student on the game, high bball IQ, great feet on defense, possess excellent go-to and counter moves, patient in the post, precision passer from the block, very effective at attacking the basket off the bounce.
6’8 C Cameron Jackson Cameron Jackson 6'8" | C Lincoln | 2022 State SD || Sioux Falls Lincoln || SD Network || 2022
Why? His jump-hook over either shoulder is lethal, a lefty post that is tricky to guard, top-notch rebounder and rim-protector, can out-muscle players on the block, uses his body well.
6’5 PF Carter Zeller Carter Zeller 6'6" | PF Fargo North | 2024 State ND || Fargo North || ECI || 2024
Why? Stood out as a freshman in the EDC, a man amongst boys when playing in his own age group, tremendously physical and strong, plays fearlessly, dominated in AAU, impressive shot fakes and patience, gets to the FT-line often.
6’7 PF Conner Kraft Conner Kraft 6'5" | PF Shanley | 2023 State ND || Fargo Shanley || Howard Pulley || 2023
Why? Receiving D1 interest from all over the country, long arms, powerful 2-handed dunker, becoming a real threat with his jumper, great first step that covers a ton of ground, gets up and down the floor quickly, outstanding on O-glass.
6’9 PF Gus Hurlburt Gus Hurlburt 6'9" | PF Enderlin | 2022 State ND || Enderlin || D1 Minnesota || 2022
Why? Crushing it all summer long in AAU hoops and HS events, beyond intelligent, team player, can score at all levels, great cutter, unselfish, multitalented finisher, receiving D1 interest.
6’10 PF Joe Hurlburt Joe Hurlburt 6'10" | PF Enderlin | 2022 State #147 Nation MN || Enderlin || D1 Minnesota || 2022
Why? Committed to University of Colorado, ND 2021 Gatorade Player of The Year, soon to be All-Time ND career rebounder, skills like a guard with a body like a BIG, athletic and smart, will be a stretch-4 in PAC-12.
6’11 C JT Rock || Sioux Falls Lincoln || SD Attack || 2024
Why? Has an offer from South Dakota State, a tower of a player, moves well with good feet and hands, ultra-soft touch, improving every day, shooting range continues to improve, alters shots, he has Power 5 potential.
6’5 SF Michael Mors Michael Mors 6'5" | SF Yankton | 2023 State SD || Yankton || 2023
Why? He has a nice stroke from 3 with a high release, long wingspan, active hands on defense that force turnovers, good feet around the basket, ultra-skilled, double-double guy, has basketball in his blood.
6’5 PF Nick Carlson Nick Carlson 6'4" | SF West Fargo | 2022 State ND || West Fargo || ECI || 2022
Why? His long arms make him seem much bigger than 6’5, aggressive rebounder and an active shot blocker, has looked great and improved a ton this spring/summer, ability to hit outside shot with a variety of finishing moves in lane.
6’8 C Ryan Erikson Ryan Erikson 6'10" | C Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND || Bismarck Century || ND Phenom || 2023
Why? A big strong post, old school back to the basket moves, great baby-hook, double-double producer, a stout physical player, receiving NSIC and Mid-Major interest.
6’8 C Sellyck McManus || Chamberlain || 2022
Why? Excellent O-rebounder, large framed big man with extra muscle, screens/pins/seals spectacularly, great feet especially laterally, patient on defense by not jumping for every shot fake, a beast in the paint.
6’5 PF Tash Lunday Tash Lunday 6'5" | PF Flandreau | 2022 State SD || Flandreau || Sacred Hoops || 2022
Why? An expert passer for a big man, efficient finisher through contact, awesome footwork, deadly in the pick-n-roll game with pops or rolls, great leader, extremely coachable, hard-working/accountable, a coach’s dream.
6’5 SF Treysen Eaglestaff Treysen Eaglestaff 6'5" | SF Bismark | 2022 State ND || Bismarck || D1 Minnesota || 2022
Why? University of North Dakota commit, a basketball savant, his jumper is a work of art, gym rat, streetball handles with veteran moves, great eyes, and passing ability, poetry in motion when playing hoops.
6’5 F Zander Albers Zander Albers 6'5" | PF Bismarck Legacy | 2022 State ND || Bismarck Legacy || ND Phenom || 2022
Why? Division 1 level athlete, super bouncy, can go vertical and alter shots without fouling, reliable jump shot, consistent rebounder, above the rim finisher.