#NHRState 16U Watchlist

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">The <strong>NHR State Tournament</strong> tips off on Friday and runs through Sunday (May 31-June 2) in the Minneapolis metro. It is shaping up to be an excellent event! This is a bracket-style event, the stakes will be high, more pressure will be on the players, and we will see who the clutch performers are!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Who should you watch, which ballers have the potential to show out? PHD has suggestions!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"200"}}} --> <p style="font-style:normal;font-weight:200"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">We have a quality mix of Minnesota and North Dakota players included in this article</span>. </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>See below for comments on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">18 players</span></strong> and reasons to watch these ballers at Prep Hoops NHR State!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1974487,"width":"257px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NHRState_Flyer-crop-865x568-1685474070.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/05/NHRState_Flyer-crop-865x568-1685474070.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1974487" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1317685,"width":"256px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PlayerWatchlistNDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1317685" style="width:256px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"large"} --> <p class="has-large-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">16U Division</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543338' first='Anthony' last='Brackins'] (2027) |5'8 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='Next' last='Level Basketball Academy']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>AJ has a quick first step and he attacks with a hard right hand. Brackins has learned to play under control and his shot selection has improved. He looks good breaking down the D and is strong in transition. He is not the biggest player but is quick &amp; pesky on defense. This spring, Brackins has been one of the fastest players on the hardwood. He has consistently shown the ability to get to the basket via the dribble and he stands out as a scrappy defender on the other end. He is a fun player to watch, Brackins plays with high energy!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2434314' first='Brendan' last='Behrens'] (2026) |6'4 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brendan generally plays the small forward spot, but can guard 1-5. He has a massive wingspan, a very good vertical, and is a physical presence on the glass &amp; defensively. Behrens has a good-looking shooting stroke from distance and excels at consistently making the right play for his team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2121389' first='Bridger' last='Wilcox'] (2026) |6'1 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridger is a hard-nosed guard. He is a relentless on-ball defender and has great playmaking instincts. Bridger has a very good handle and is extra physical going to the rim. He is a capable 3-point shooter and consistently creates opportunities for teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>B[player_tooltip player_id='1422852' first='Rylee' last='Bears Tail'] (2026) |6'3 G| Bearstail Basketball-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has been the leading scorer for Bearstail all spring and Brylee does it from all three levels. He thrives at creating and producing in all phases of the game. Brylee boards up and is a versatile defender who can lock up positions 1-4.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2382253' first='Colton' last='Miller'] (2026) |6'5 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Martinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He changes the game with his shot! Miller is a deadeye shooter when his feet are set. His offensive game is versatile and his skills continue to grow. Colton is leading this Titans team in scoring this spring. He also has very good hands on the defensive side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560745' first='DJ' last='Westman'] (2026) |5'11 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Kuhl</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a floor general from Forest Lake. Westman pushes pace very well, controls the game, and has developed an excellent midrange game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2121347' first='Drew' last='Evavold'] (2026) |5'11 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2076005' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drew scored his 1,000th point in his sophomore season in school ball. Evavold has been getting to the basket off the bounce and collapsing defenses on the regular. Drew scores at a nice clip and also finds open teammates like a wide-eyed PG. Defensively, he winds up with 2-3 steals a game as well. He is a smooth baller from Underwood. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2434178' first='Drew' last='Gullickson'] (2026) |6'6 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2076003' first='West' last='Central United']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drew is a talented forward with good post-footwork and excellent touch around the rim. He can extend his shooting range out to 3-point distance and is very good from mid-range. Drew is a relentless offensive rebounder and a very tough post defender with great shot-blocking timing and instincts.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Eddie Wotoe (2026) |6'4 F| Bearstail Basketball-2</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He can put up points from all three levels. Eddie has great athletic ability and he makes a ton of positive plays on both ends of the floor. Wotoe plays fast &amp; hard, is aggressive on the glass, and he can jump out of the gym. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1960892' first='Henry' last='Knutson'] (2026) |6'4 G/F| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Kuhl</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The wing from Maple Grove has been the leading scorer, rebounder, and shot blocker this season for the Titans. Knutson can score at all 3 levels and his combination of size and skill create many matchup problems for opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jack Welch (2026) |6'7 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2076005' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Look out for this Viking from Pelican Rapids! Jack has been using his combination of size and speed to get baskets going toward the rim this spring. He is knocking down 3's in impressive fashion. Welch's shot blocking and ability to alter shots have greatly impacted games for the Wildcats.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1560760' first='Kyler' last='Pust'] (2026) |5'11 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2075310' first='Northstar' last='Titans'] Kuhl</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kyler's speed and athleticism set him apart from others. He thrives at getting into the paint at will and is developing as a decision-maker to create opportunities for teammates. Pust has loads of potential! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Marvel Murphy (2026) |6'4 F| [program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='Next' last='Level Basketball Academy']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Spud from Moorhead is an exciting ball player! Murphy has been electric at times this season on both ends of the floor with emphatic dunks as well as chase-from-behind-blocks in transition. He is coming off a career-high 23-point performance in a game last tournament. NLBA is eager to see if he can consistently perform at a high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2447446' first='Mason' last='Bjerken'] (2026) |5'10 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='Next' last='Level Basketball Academy'] </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Rebel from DGF is a talented lead guard. Mason is extremely crafty with the basketball off the bounce with the ability to finish with either hand in the lane offensively. He is a floor general for the NLBA 16U team on both the offensive and defensive ends of the court. Bjerken has shown the ability to be a tough, scrappy perimeter defender which compliments his impressive skills offensively.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1543337' first='Michael' last='Hollcraft'] (2027) |5'11 G| [program_tooltip program_id='2135832' first='Next' last='Level Basketball Academy']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Deacon is a lead guard with strong handles, he likes to get to the rim, and is a capable shooter. Hollcraft has been an impressive combo guard with NLBA this season. He scores off the bounce and has proven himself as a creative passer. Michael executes in the halfcourt &amp; in transition. On the defensive side of the ball, Hollcraft has held up as a solid on-ball defender. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1951559' first='Noah' last='Hippen'] (2026) |6'3 F| Bearstail Basketball-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Tommie has stepped up on both ends of the floor this spring. His outside game/play/shooting is becoming more consistent &amp; productive. Hippen is also an outstanding rebounder. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Reggie Winjum (2026) |6'0 G| - [program_tooltip program_id='2076005' first='West' last='Central Wildcats']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This Crookston Pirate is a very smooth player who can do everything on the basketball court. Reggie is scoring the rock at all three levels and is looking like an explosive athlete/offensive weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1422852' first='Rylee' last='Bears Tail'] (2026) |6'3 G| Bearstail Basketball-1</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rylee has stepped up his game on the offensive side this spring. He continues to handle the ball smoothly, guard/defend 1-4, rebound, and impressively shares the ball with his teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1902939,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PHCircuitLaunch-crop-475x312-1681138030.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/10/PHCircuitLaunch-crop-475x312-1681138030.jpg?w=474" alt="" class="wp-image-1902939" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->