SD Identity 16U: Team Preview

Prep Hoops Dakotas has another Team Preview for you to read. [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] 16U Kahler is talented, skilled, athletic, and they are well-coached. This is a team to watch! They have loads of potential and I am expecting big things from this group. PHD will be watching closely next weekend when [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] is playing on the Prep Hoops Circuit.   PHD is excited to watch this squad at Battle at the Lakes and Stomping Grounds!   See below for [program_tooltip program_id='2145852' first='SD' last='Identity'] 16U's schedule, roster, player comments, and a Q&A session.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/SD-Identity-blue-crop-2632x1729-1713643544.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/SD-Identity-blue-crop-2632x1729-1713643544.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2417929" style="width:229px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/10/TeamPreview.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1634111" style="width:222px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   SCHEDULE   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_0fb227.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_0fb227.png?w=791" alt="" class="wp-image-2429059" /></a></figure>   ROSTER   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_1c537d.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/05/image_1c537d.png?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-2429061" /></a></figure>   Player Comments from Greg Kahler   [player_tooltip player_id='1641209' first='Crayton' last='Jibben'] - 6'2 Guard - Harrisburg   "Crayton is a long and athletic sharpshooting wing. You can't let this kid get loose, or else he'll string a handful of threes on you. He is a high-IQ player. Always gets himself into space, and makes the right reads and decisions when attacking the rim. In our first few practices, I've seen tremendous growth in his finishing at the rim. I think Crayton will establish himself as one of the best players in his class this summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='1559131' first='Trimmier' last='Hanson'] - 5'11 Guard - Dell Rapids St Mary's   "Trimmier possesses an unmatched ability to control the ball under pressure, effortlessly navigating through defenders with his quick crossovers and agile dribbling. He's known for his court vision and precision passing, T has an innate ability to find open teammates with accuracy, setting them up for high-percentage scoring opportunities. Trimmier's keen understanding of the game allows him to exploit defensive weaknesses and create scoring opportunities for his team."   [player_tooltip player_id='1380721' first='Luke' last='Sheppard'] - 6'5 Forward - Flandreau   "Luke utilizes his size and strength to establish deep post position, allowing him to score efficiently in the paint through a combination of powerful finishes and smooth footwork. Luke possesses a decent shooting touch that extends beyond the arc, making him a dual threat on offense. He can knock down mid-range jumpers and three-pointers with consistency. Son of a coach, he knows the game really well. He understands spacing, angles, and timing, which contribute to his overall effectiveness on both ends of the floor."   [player_tooltip player_id='1641563' first='Briggs' last='Knutson'] - 5'11 Guard - Brandon Valley   "Briggs has a natural playmaking instinct that sets him apart. He thrives in facilitating the offense, setting up his teammates for scoring opportunities, and creating open looks through his exceptional passing ability. His unselfishness and court vision make him a very valuable asset. Briggs leads by example with his unwavering work ethic, resilience, and determination. He sets the tone for his team with his physicality on defense and fearlessness in driving to the basket. His ability to elevate his teammates' performance through his toughness and intensity makes him a respected leader on and off the court."   [player_tooltip player_id='1959432' first='Tobin' last='Squires'] - 6'6 Forward - Sioux Valley   "Tobin thrives in pick-and-roll situations, using his mobility and basketball IQ to create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates. Whether setting tough screens or rolling hard to the basket, he has a knack for making the right reads and capitalizing on defensive mismatches. Much like his brother he uses his size, strength, and footwork to establish deep post position and score with ease around the basket."   [player_tooltip player_id='1641207' first='Cole' last='Kooiker'] - 5'11 Guard - Harrisburg   "Cole is a marksman from beyond the arc, possessing a quick release and exceptional shooting touch. His ability to knock down 3s with consistency makes him a constant threat on offense. He is a relentless defender who pressures opposing ball handlers with his active hands, anticipation, and lateral quickness. He thrives on applying pressure on the perimeter to disrupt his opponent. He knows when to attack the basket, when to pull up for a jumper, and when to distribute the ball to open teammates. I think Cole is going to grow a lot this summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='1641478' first='Stellen' last='Larson'] - 6'4 Forward - Harrisburg   "Stellan possesses elite-level athleticism, which he utilizes to relentlessly attack the basket and finish with authority at the rim. His combination of speed and bounce allows him to blow past defenders and score above the rim in traffic. He uses his strength and body control to absorb contact and complete tough finishes through defenders. While Stellan excels as a slasher, he also showcases versatility in his game by scoring in transition, creating mismatches with his strength, and contributing as a secondary scorer in pick-and-roll or off-ball actions."   [player_tooltip player_id='1894285' first='Jace' last='Mohr'] - 5'11 Guard - Wall   "Jace possesses a high basketball IQ, allowing him to read defenses, anticipate plays, and make the right decisions in crucial moments. Whether it's finding the open teammate, taking the smart shot, or orchestrating the offense, he consistently makes the right play. He embodies toughness on both ends of the floor. He's not afraid to mix it up with bigger opponents, fight for loose balls, and take charges on defense. His physicality and grit are qualities that set him apart from most others. Jace is poised for a big summer."   [player_tooltip player_id='1972178' first='Brady' last='Virtue'] - 6'3 Guard - Custer   "Brady has visible athleticism that allows him to excel in driving to the rim and finishing strong in traffic. He possesses explosive leaping ability and quickness, enabling him to get past defenders and elevate above the rim. He uses his strength and body control to convert difficult shots in the paint. Absorbing contact and finishing through defenders, he consistently finds ways to score in the most challenging situations. Brady is a versatile player who can contribute in various aspects of the game. In addition to scoring, he excels in rebounding, defense, and playmaking. He's willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win."   Q&A with Coach Kahler   PHD: Can you tell me a little about your coaching/basketball background?   “I've been coaching AAU for the last 6 years now. And doing skill development training for the last 8. Have coached and trained a lot of players over the years, and it never gets old.”   PHD: Why are you excited to coach this group?   “Our program sets a premium on character. And all of these are full of great character. They want to be pushed. They want to learn the game. And they're willing to buy into our programs' standards, to play tough and selfless basketball. Hard not to be excited when you have a selfless group who is hungry to prove something.”   PHD: What will be the strengths of your team?   “One of the most noticeable aspects of this team is their unselfishness. Everyone is willing to make the extra pass and put the team's success above individual accolades. This selflessness has created a positive team dynamic, allowing us to execute a fast-paced pressure offense that finds open looks with ease. It is essential that we continue to leverage these strengths to our advantage. By remaining unselfish, maintaining our shooting prowess, and continuing to play smart, team-oriented basketball, we can position ourselves for success this summer.”   PHD: What style of basketball will you play?   “We aim for this team to play disciplined and high-IQ basketball. We spend a lot of time teaching these guys how to play efficient offense, with various actions and flow. Can expect a lot of dribble drive, opening up double gaps for our playmakers to get downhill to catch defenders out of position. Playing out of a lot of empty side ball screens, zoom action, and post possessions with split screens.”   PHD: What will your team "hang your hat on"?   “Playing a brand of basketball that spectators and college coaches enjoy watching. We will not be a team that plays “my turn” basketball. High IQ, unselfish basketball is our standard and we plan to meet that standard any chance we get. As well as tough and disciplined pressure defense.”   PHD: Who do you predict will be your top defender?   “[player_tooltip player_id='1894285' first='Jace' last='Mohr'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1641563' first='Briggs' last='Knutson'] have presented themselves as our toughest perimeter defenders. Their grit and determination make them pests defensively, never giving up anything for free.”   PHD: What event/tournament are you looking forward to the most?   “Not to sound cliche but we look forward to every tournament. Every tournament is an opportunity to grow, get better, and gain more exposure for these kids. We are excited to be part of the PH Circuit again.”   PHD: Do you see your team play man, zone, or a mix of both?   “I have strong beliefs in running zone in summer basketball. We will be playing man defense.”   PHD: Will your team get together and practice?   “We have already had a few weekends of practice thus far. In the early stages, we host two a days and structure our practices to get the most gain out of our players. We spend a good portion of time working on skill sets, shooting, small-sided read and react situations. I believe our practice set us apart from others. Our number 1 priority is making these kids better. And you can't do that if you're not providing them with the tools to do so.”   PHD: What are your goals for this AAU/grassroots season?   “Ultimately, for all these guys to improve dramatically both from an individual standpoint and a team standpoint. We prioritize growth and development. I want these guys to return to their high school teams this winter, more than prepared for their junior seasons.”   PHD: Who are some of your top shooters?   “There must be something in the water over in Harrisburg, because [player_tooltip player_id='1641209' first='Crayton' last='Jibben'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1641207' first='Cole' last='Kooiker'] are two elite-level shooters. Both are confident in their shooting ability and never let a miss detail them from shooting another.”   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/SDidentity.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2024/04/SDidentity.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-2417723" /></a></figure>

Prep Hoops Dakotas has another Team Preview for you to read. SD Identity 16U Kahler is talented, skilled, athletic, and they are well-coached. This is a team to watch! They have loads of potential and I am expecting big things from this group. PHD will be watching closely next weekend when SD Identity is playing on the Prep Hoops Circuit.