Friday Night Fantastic

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Before we get too far into this article, PHD has to give a SHOUTOUT to [player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='RaeShaun' last='Earl'] from Hankinson. The superstar junior scored his 1,000th career point on Friday (12/13/24) night as he led his team to victory.</strong> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Friday night was action-packed and full of entertaining basketball across the Dakotas. High school hoops is in full swing and Prep Hoops Dakotas is loving it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were a ton of games going on but the two that we focused on were Jamestown at West Fargo and Hankinson at Wyndmere/Lidgerwood. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>See below for player notes and the Friday Night Fantastic!</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">We have comments on 15 ballers...</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">SCORES</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HALF:</strong> Jamestown 27 West Fargo 36</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>FINAL:</strong> Jamestown 67 West Fargo 76</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>HALF:</strong> Hankinson 46 Wyndmere/Lidgerwood 37</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>FINAL: </strong>Hankinson 89 Wyndmere/Lidgerwood 57</span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":2302277,"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/2/2023/12/PlayerNotes.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2023/12/PlayerNotes.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2302277" style="width:257px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"24px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:24px"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline">FRIDAY NIGHT FANTASTIC</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1338493' first='Aiden' last='Samek'] (2026) |5'9 G| West Fargo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-16 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a super-quick 1st step</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-A firecracker on the hardwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Aggressive &amp; skilled</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drive-n-kick to Loria for 3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fast up the court &amp; creative with the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Problematic &amp; pesky on D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Opportunistic steal in the backcourt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Tip-steal, led to breakaway points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Gave up his body and took a charge</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2349038' first='Andrew' last='Jean'] (2025) |6'2 F| Hankinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-24 points, 4/6 FT's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Have not heard how many rebounds, must have been double digits, likely a Double-Double</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Andrew "Blue" Jean &amp; Earl "The Pearl" proved that they are a scary 2-headed monster</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-If Earl is a Batman, Jean is Robin</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He CRUSHED on the offensive glass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-More than half of his buckets must have come from 2nd chance points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed amazing timing &amp; reactions when rebounding</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a nose for the ball, a vacuum rebounder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Opportunistic player</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Numerous AND1 buckets, great at scoring after contact</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Proved that he can score on the left side, transition southpaw finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Will he average a Double-Double this season?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327795' first='Beckett' last='Pfau'] (2026) |6'1 G| West Fargo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Acrobatic slash-n-score early in the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has great/quick feet when moving laterally</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed an ankle-breaking behind-the-back-move</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Intrigued with his change of direction &amp; speed</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great awareness with a backdoor cut to shake his defender</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive assist in the 2nd half to Bergee</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Blaise Frolek (2026) |5'5 G| Wyndmere/Lidgerwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-5 points, 3/6 FT's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Not the biggest player on the court but he plays hard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Did a nice job distributing the rock</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sweet assist in transition</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hit a shot with a nice kiss off the glass from 8-feet</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1167611' first='Bonfas' last='Loria'] (2025) |6'5 G/F| West Fargo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-20 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cashed a triple from the top of the key, in-rhythm</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Offensive rebound, gets to the ball quickly</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-No problem elevating over opponents for the ball</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-O-board, lefty putback score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sharp reactions on D, got his hands up to deflect a backdoor pass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Easy to see that he is a next-level athlete</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Mismatch problem with his size &amp; mobility</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sprinted the court, very fast, transition points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another athletic score at the cup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Missed a FT, followed his shot with hustle, extra possession for the Packers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Lacerated threw the defense, scoop-n-score at the hoop</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Has a ton of potential on defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Brian Quam (2025) 6'4 G/F| Wyndmere/Lidgerwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-20 points, 4/8 FT's, 4 triples</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Versatile player, scores from every level</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good feel for the game, always seems to be in control</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Blocked a shot on D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Love the looks of his shot, high &amp; soft release, does not rush it</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Cashed a 3ball from the top of the key off the dribble</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sweet pass fake to get the D out of position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another triple from the top from the key</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-This kid can shoot it!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like the looks of his game, player to watch in Region 1</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2690712' first='Gunnar' last='Illg'] (2026) |6'1 SF| Hankinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-9 points, 1 triple</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Southpaw</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Nice athlete who moves well</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Did not force shot, looks to be a nice compliment to Earl</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I heard he had a great off-season, interested to see how he plays as the season progresses </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1541295' first='Haakon' last='Seymour'] (2026) |6'2 SF| West Fargo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-16 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Gathered in multiple offensive rebounds</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Penetrated baseline, got to the rim in a hurry, scored at the cup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch-n-shoot 3ball from the left corner</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sprinted the floor, scored at the rim, awesome hustle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Smoked a trey from the top of the key, trailed into the halfcourt set &amp; delivered </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sweet shooting stroke, his shot was on point last night</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-O-board, stick-back bucket, in the right place at the right time</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-BLOB catch, 2-dribble, scored with a nice 1-handed jumper</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drive, drew the help D, selfless pass &amp; assist, eyes like a hawk</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Post up, looked oppostive, backdoor bounce pass to a cutting teammate, extraordinary pass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874946' first='Horatio' last='Willie'] (2025) |6'0 G| West Fargo</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Moved his feet well on D to cut off attackers</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looked good pushing the tempo </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drive &amp; kick to the corner, Seymour drilled the 3, unselfish pass</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed a slick behind-the-back-move</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Forced a TO with a sneaky steal</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Lefty score in uptempo, used body to shield the D</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Eyes are always up when he is leading the break and/or attacking in the halfcourt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-D-rebound, led the break, delivered a dime off the dribble to [player_tooltip player_id='1167611' first='Bonfas' last='Loria']</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Baseline drive, drilled a 15-foot J with the D in his face</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Passed with the outside hand on the perimeter, good ball skills, accurate with R &amp; L </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Hunter Dunn (2025) |5'10 G| Wyndmere/Lidgerwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-20 points, 2/10 FT's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Plays bigger than his listed 5'10 height</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Full-contact baller, no wonder he was All-State in football</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drew a ton of contact, excellent at getting to the charity stripe </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Mid-paint penetration, jump stop, 2-foot finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Uptempo bucket, runs the floor hard</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Aggressive going to the hoop, not afraid of contact</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Transition scored with the D on his hip, nice finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Post up bucket, scored over 2 defenders, impressive </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Jaxon Kolpin (2024) |6'4 F| Jamestown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Nice length </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Picked off a pass on the 1st half, led the break, dropped a nice assist </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Drive, draw help, kick to shooters</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch on score near the basket, awesome assist from Newman</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-AND1 transition bucket, lefty finish, impressive body control </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Matthew Bladow (2025) |5'11 G| Hankinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-11 points, 2 triples</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Better shooter than I realized</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-3-pointer from the left corner, I like his shot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looked confident catching &amp; shooting</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another space-n-shoot 3, this one from the right wing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Hit his 3's back-to-back</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-He will be a key player as Earl will get a ton of attention</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Bladow will have to make teams pay when they double Earl The Pearl</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1559968' first='RaeShaun' last='Earl'] (2026) |6'1 G| Hankinson</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-32 points, 7/7 FT's, 3 triples</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scored his 1,000th point</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Extra athletic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Perfect from the charity stripe</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Sharp handles, ball-on-a-string</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Several athletic slash-n-scores</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Dynamic ballers in the fullcourt &amp; half</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Electric in uptempo situations</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Loved his 115-foot middy, so smooth pulling up when going left</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Calm, cool, and collected </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Multiple scores with his left hand when finishing across the rim</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Caught a pass when in the air &amp; made an accurate pass b4 hitting the ground</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Silky smooth 3-ball from the right wing, extended range</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Steal at halfcourt, went the other way, spin-move in front of the rim, lefty score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Slashed through the D, beat multiple defenders, score at the cup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another drive &amp; score, fooled 3 Warbirds before he finished</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Looks to be ready for another All-State season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Peyton Theis (2025) |6'2 PF| Wyndmere/Lidgerwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-9 points, 1/3 Ft's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Good-size player, I like his NRG &amp; hustle</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Catch-n-score on the block</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another catch-n-score, this time from the backside of the defense</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Used extra effort to grab an O-board</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed his strength with and AND1 finish</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1497589' first='Thomas' last='Newman'] (2026) |6'4 G| Jamestown</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-31 points</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Score the first Blue Jay points of the game</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Impressive length &amp; skill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Super impressed with his L &amp; right-hand finishing</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Shoots left-handed from the FT-line &amp; perimeter but is very good with his right around the basket</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Helped side D, blocked a shot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fancy footwork when finishing in traffic, beat 2 defenders</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-AND1 southpaw score</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Multiple off-balance buckets, he must have excellent concentration</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Showed a sweet runner/floater</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Great at drawing contact &amp; getting to the FT-line</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Slashed, changed directions multiple times, off-balance righty floater, tough shot</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-At he charity stripe again</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Fouled on a deep 3 from right wing, hit 2/3 FT's</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Crafty &amp; skilled at creating space for his shots</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Another slash-score, has a soft shooting touch in the paint</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-I like his hesi-move, used it to get deep penetration &amp; he dished a dime to end it</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Picked off a pass on D, led to an easy score on the other end</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Weave through the D, score at the cup</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>-Scored most of his points attacking downhill</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1606306,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1606306" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->