Dakotas Top 250 Session I: Spencer’s Standouts

Session I at the Prep Hoops Dakotas Top 250 consisted of only four total teams, so it was easier to get a closer look at the prospects in attendance. Here, we look at the top prospects in terms of them being sought-after recruits and those that performed well, but may not be highly-touted recruits. There are some stock-risers below, a #1 2026 prospect showing dominance, and a 6'8” prospect that deserves serious attention from college coaches. Also, a 6'7” lefty that put on a scoring clinic.   I'll also carefully project some of the prospects to their level of best fit. These are my own thoughts from seeing the prospects live, without any information from outside sources.   Let's see who stood out in Sioux Falls at Session I.   [player_tooltip player_id='1466940' first='Colton' last='Smith'] — A regular on the site, the #1 2026 prospect put on a show and was on another level. Especially in the early goings. He was scoring at will, taking it at the defensive and scoring through contact. He was not shy one bit. Had some highlight-reel dunks in transition. He knew he had an advantage on the court and was playing with that mindset. Smith showed an improved jump-shot that will be crucial in his recruitment. He could step on a D2 court as a high schooler in my opinion. He's that athletically gifted and mature for his age. D1 college programs should be monitoring his growth physically and him as a ball-handler and outside shooter. At his 6'5” size, I have him as a wing that can play with the bigs and get physical with them. This year for Mitchell will be paramount for him, as well as the upcoming offseason with Martin Brothers.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5646.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5646.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232583" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2230304' first='Kade' last='Schimke'] — If I remember one thing from the session I, it is Kade. I believe attending this event was a very good decision for him, as he did a lot for his stock and getting noticed. He is super long at 6'8” and has some bounce and athleticism to him. He could step out and shoot the three as well as board the ball and protect the paint. Has a very advanced handle for his length and was bringing the ball up. He was a difference-maker and showed a ton of versatility. If there was a stock-riser and one that put himself on notice the most, Kade was that guy. He's easily an NAIA prospect and at 6'8”, higher level programs need to take notice to the small town North Dakota kid. You can see his noticeable length and lengthy arms below.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5381-rotated.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5381-rotated.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232592" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1949563' first='Sam' last='De Groot'] — Sam showed a very long frame as a 6'5” 2026 guard. He's lanky and long from the 2-guard spot. He showed that he cannot be left open, by knocking down threes consistently. A fluid and consistent release. I was a little skeptical on the 6'5” listing, but he looks to be that height by the eye test. Has D2 length.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5648.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5648.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2232608" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1632619' first='Reggie' last='Rice'] — Rice possesses a long and solid build at 6'5”. Showed a really nice offensive game, popping threes, pull-up midrange, and finishing at the hoop. Has a next-level body and skill combo. Was aggressive offensively trying to get to his spots to score. He shot the three at a really high level. His catch-and-shoot three was almost automatic. What stood out was how he could take one dribble move and get to the hoop off of one step from the perimeter. It's hard to believe he's only going to be a Sophomore with his developed frame. Looks and plays more like a seasoned and experienced Senior. Smart player. By my eye, I think he rounds out to easily become a high-level sought-after D2 prospect. Elite offensive threat that can score in multiple ways. Not a guy you want to defend because he can expose weaknesses.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5647.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5647.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2232596" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1843051' first='Turner' last='Thompson'] — Turner's offensive game and jumper really turned heads. He had a dominant showing scoring the ball as a long lefty. Saw him go on quite an impressive scoring spree, hitting mid-range extended shots. Thought he rose his stock in a big way. Not a twitchy athlete, but his handle on the ball was pretty quite surprising at his 6'7” length. Though, not a point guard, he was bringing up the ball from that position. He was hitting threes off the dribble at the event. Got to the hoop and was finishing as well. Defenders were struggling with how to guard him because of his three-level scoring ability. I think he projects as a long wing at the next level, with the valuable skill of being a shot-maker. Showed he can get up and dunk the ball. Could surprise and be a breakout scorer for St. Thomas More. One of the top stock-risers from both sessions.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5649.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5649.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232609" style="width:332px;height:442px" width="332" height="442" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1952117' first='Preston' last='McFayden'] — Preston has a solid build at his 6'1” frame. I like his play style, with him being a playmaker and lets the game come to him. He didn't force much and was hitting his open threes in rhythm. He played strong with the ball and getting into the lane he protected the ball with his strong frame. Made plays when he got into the teeth of the defense as a dime-off passer and scorer. An intelligent passer and made the easy play. NAIA's in the region need to give him consideration.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5651.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5651.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2232633" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1327797' first='Carter' last='Evanson'] — Carter is a small guard, but he's as smooth and skilled as they come. He's advanced skill-wise as a 2026 prospect. The game comes easy to him. Only a 2026, he has some room for physical growth and to get taller. He looks to be around 5'11”, but is a kid that can play against size because he's so crafty, skilled, and “Easy Money” from three-point land. Highly advanced court vision, decision-making, and skill passing the ball. Him being a North Dakota prospect, I don't have intel on his recruitment, but I wouldn't be surprised if a D2 program took a chance on the small, but significantly talented prospect.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5650.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5650.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232610" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1770389' first='Kyler' last='Droog'] — Droog is as physical as they come. Relentless on the court, especially on the boards and was getting offensive put-backs like it was his job. 6'6” and a consistent motor is a recipe for success and will get him noticed. He was posting hard and getting very deep, nearly under the hoop, for easy finishes off the glass. Moves well side-to-side defensively and is able to stay in front of guards away from the hoop.   [player_tooltip player_id='1421531' first='Hayden' last='Sprik'] — Sprik is an electric and energetic offensive prospect. Plays with a ton of speed and acceleration with the ball. Launches deep from three and is able to pour them in from that range. He was getting his shot up and hitting. Quick release and needs to be guarded closely because he can score in bunches if not given heavy defensive attention. Has a skilled handle where he can create his own shot as well. He brings that same energy and anticipation defensively, as well. He will get down in a stance and apply heavy pressure on the ball, and he'll go for deflections and steals. Flies around on D. A fun guard to watch that plays with quickness, speed, acceleration, energy, and a trigger from deep.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5652.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5652.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232773" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1406999' first='Kyle' last='Virtue'] — Virtue was highly active and made himself noticeable. He was fighting for the ball and rebounds on both ends. One of the top overall rebounders at Session I. Numerous offensive rebounds, that eventually ended up him being sent to the free throw line by him going up through and drawing contact. An effective finisher near the hoop, that would give a pump-fake and finish off of two feet for two points. He was inviting tough defensive matchups, matching up with Smith and Thompson, and he was the best guy for the job. At 6'4” he was able to handle size and is a good athlete that was sitting in a stance, ready for the drive. He has some bounce, so he was able to get up and contest at the release point at the hoop. He was tough to get by and would box out and move his opponent. May have been the most versatile defender at the event, being able to lockdown and defend multiple positions and the toughest playmakers. Going into the event, I thought he was a little longer, but he impressed with his play, motor, and toughness. He knew he belonged and wasn't backing down from the best. If there was a toughness award, give it to [player_tooltip player_id='1406999' first='Kyle' last='Virtue']. He battled and he's ready for a breakout Junior season out West.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5653.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5653.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232858" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1510889' first='Boston' last='Cranston'] —The 2026 southpaw is a smooth and controlled point guard that can create for others and is also an effective shot-maker. Another guard that shot the three well and was money when left open. Did a good job finishing at the hoop and did well against contact, with floaters off the glass on the left side of the hoop with his dominant hand. Excellent body control and slows himself down for max efficiency when putting the ball up to score. Composed with the ball in his possession. A heady prospect that can play at the next level if he continues to progress in an upward direction.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5654.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5654.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232859" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1972178' first='Brady' last='Virtue'] — After going back and watching on BallerTV, Virtue was quietly really good and impressive. Brady rose is stock in the South Dakota 2026 class from this event. He didn't dominate the ball by possessing it a ton, but he was active on the court, moved well without the ball, and made plays when he did have the ball in his hands. Supreme fluidity and that's what stood out most about Virtue. A really good defender with his movement ability and is in a ready position to help teammates that get beat off the drive. A quick first-step offensively, where he'll go in a straight line to make a play on his own, or quickly drive and make a quick pass to an open teammate. Did well when he got past his defender and was able to find a way to score at the hoop. Had a nice up and under, starting from the left side of the hoop to finish on opposite (right) side of the hoop. A pure slasher and playmaking guard at 6'1”. He might not be a major talking point after the event, but he really impressed. If I'm a college coach that wants a prospect that plays the game the right way and is effective and doesn't make mistakes, while being an elite mover, look no further than for this West River kid. I think he'll be make a significant leap up the rankings board in the next update.   [player_tooltip player_id='1510892' first='Brayden' last='Blikre'] — Brayden is another guard scoring guard from the event. Was aggressive and can create his own opportunities or off the catch. A physical kid that can get up and board-and-go, turning it into a transition opportunity. Has some bounce to him and he uses it well to score in the paint.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5655.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5655.jpeg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-2232970" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2230314' first='Braylen' last='Yellow Bird'] — Yellow Bird is a prospect I hadn't seen prior to the event. He was a pleasant surprise as a playmaking point guard that had a nice offensive skill-set and he showed it as a 2026 prospect versus top talent in the Dakotas. Projects as a point guard with a handle, middle-game, three-point game, floater-game, and is deadly in transition. Did an excellent job keeping his dribble and probing until something opened up for him or his teammates. Good things were happening when Yellow Bird had the ball in his hands.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5656.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5656.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2232995" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1497484' first='Luke' last='Warner'] — Warner was the biggest overall prospect at the event. By the eye, he's around 6'8”-6'9” and is a brute with a big and strong build. Plays a little stiff and could power through contact more, given his size. He's a solid finisher at the hoop when he gets a clean look at the hoop, using the glass effectively. He was scoring and has a nice touch in the lane. I'm not sure how well he'd fair against similar size, but he's a recruitable big because he moves well enough and can finish at the hoop. A one dribble drop-step type of player. I think NAIA's/JUCOS will target him.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5657.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5657.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2233011" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1386801' first='Noah' last='Kippley'] — Noah is a long, athletic, bouncy, and versatile prospect. Plays hard and gets his nose in the action. Attacks the ball in all areas of the court. Runs the floor hard and will contest everything at the rim. A slasher that moves without the ball and will make hard, quick cuts at the hoop. A good finisher at the hoop with his length and jumping ability. Earns a lot scoring opportunities by running the floor and being active and crashing the glass. Gets up high and attacks defensive rebounds. A winning, hardworking player that Leola-Frederick will be counting on to carry a heavy load.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5658.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5658.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2233047" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1189404' first='Brady' last='Westphal'] — I didn't do any counting stats or chart shots, but Brady may have shot the best percentage from three at the event. They were deep threes as well. The lefty doesn't have an impressive build or frame, but his court vision, awareness, passing, and shot-making and range are highly impressive. A pure basketball player at its finest. Supreme basketball IQ and seemed like a leader on the court, which can be rare in showcases like this. His teammates knew to get him the rock because he was routinely making dime passes for assists or burying threes. Hard not to like this kid and his skillful game.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5659.jpeg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/10/IMG_5659.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2233068" /></a></figure>

Session I at the Prep Hoops Dakotas Top 250 consisted of only four total teams, so it was easier to get a closer look at the prospects in attendance. Here, we look at the top prospects in terms of them being sought-after recruits and those that performed well, but may not be highly-touted recruits. There are some stock-risers below, a #1 2026 prospect showing dominance, and a 6'8” prospect that deserves serious attention from college coaches. Also, a 6'7” lefty that put on a scoring clinic.