16 Playmakers: ND & SD

<!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">It is a great time of year to be a basketball fan!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are in late January, by now, the PLAYMAKERS from each team are starting to emerge, stand out, and make a name for themselves. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline">Who are they</span>?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"18px","fontStyle":"normal","fontWeight":"100"}}} --> <p style="font-size:18px;font-style:normal;font-weight:100">See below, we have 16 PLAYMAKERS from North Dakota and South Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"small"} --> <p class="has-small-font-size"><strong>Keep eyes on these ballers as the season plays out, they are primed for some splashy basketball! </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1606306,"width":"227px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/09/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1606306" style="width:227px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1399487,"width":"225px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2022/03/SD-1.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1399487" style="width:225px;height:auto" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"style":{"typography":{"fontSize":"30px"}}} --> <p style="font-size:30px"><span style="text-decoration: underline"><strong>PLAYMAKERS</strong></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2114976' first='Brogan' last='Young'] (2027) |6'0 G| Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is a playmaker because of his offensive game. Mr. Young can score in bunches, he recently broke the 3-point record in a game with 7! Brogan has balanced out his shooting along with his drive-n-kick game to add another dimension to his arsenal on offense. Young is second on the team in rebounding and second in assists. If you need someone to play hard defense he can do that also. Brogan is an energy guy like Joe K and they will both continue to improve as the year moves along.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1327798' first='Collin' last='Williams'] (2026) |6'5 F| Fargo Davies</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has my vote for breakout player of the year in the EDC. Collin recently went off against #5 Horace and splashed 31 points and 15 rebounds. [player_tooltip player_id='1327798' first='Collin' last='Williams'] is a player who is able to create his own shot, but he is really good at moving without the ball, catching, and finishing. He has a very unique ability to find the ball and score it. Since January, Collin has averaged 16 points per game. As of late, Williams is crushing the glass, he is a playmaker by controlling the boards and scoring second-chance points. He is on a roll and the Eagles are flying high.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1194507' first='Drew' last='Kempel'] (2025) |6'4 G| Bismarck Century</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11-1 record, 18.8 ppg, 4 rpg, 6.6 apg, 63.7 FG%, 41.7 3FG%. Drew is a willing passer,&nbsp;he has a unique way of getting the ball to his teammates in position to score.&nbsp;Kempel has great court vision, he does a nice job finding guys in transition, as well as creating shots in the half-court playing in ball-screen action.&nbsp;He is also The Pats leading scorer and tough defender. Drew's teammates know that he will get them opportunities if they run the floor hard in transition and play with great spacing on the offensive end. Kempel is balling out like an All-State player. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2311913' first='Emmet' last='Dinger'] (2026) |6'2 G| Wall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has intriguing length and athleticism. Dinger is a dangerous sniper/scorer with amazing vision and awareness.&nbsp;Emmet is becoming very difficult to defend, as he has started finishing with physicality around the rim.&nbsp;Dinger is tearing it up as of late, he is scoring 20 to 30+ points per game over the last 3 contests.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1874332' first='Gabe' last='Sather'] (2025) |6'3 G/F| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>8-1 record and averaging an impressive 18.1 ppg, 8.2 rpg, and 3.3 apg. Those are All-State type numbers! Sather is a multi-level scorer who finishes well at the rim as a downhill slasher. He has a nice middy pull-up J and consistently hits perimeter jump shots. His assist numbers continue to go up as other teams focus on him, Gabe does a nice job of finding his open teammates. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2286030' first='Grant' last='Wilkinson'] (2026) |6'9 C| De Smet</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilkinson is the playmaker for the Bulldogs. Grant is a walking Double-Double who averages 24 ppg and 15 rpg while battling through double teams and defenses designed to collapse on him. He broke the De Smet single-game rebounding record earlier this season with 27 boards! Grant is a rebounding machine with good feet and hands, and he scores the rock with a soft touch. Wilkinson is also becoming a better passer, he moves the ball out of pressure and hits teammates for good luck. This BIG Bulldogs stock continues to rise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2252792' first='Jace' last='Fyre'] (2026) |5'10 G| Sargent County</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has really been a bright spot for the Bulldogs. Jace is gaining confidence this year with his shot. He can shoot the lights out and has a quick trigger. Fyre is a very competent ball handler and a gifted finisher at the rim, this makes him difficult to defend. In the last three games, Fyre has averaged 18.5 ppg after coming back from being sick.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1558248' first='Jamison' last='Keszler'] (2025) |6'0 G| Castlewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> He is having an excellent season for the #1 ranked Warriors. Jamison makes the big shots when needed and he sees the floor really well. Keszler is&nbsp;able to create shots for others because of his demand for attention from opposing defenses. He is an all-around playmaker for Castlewood.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1935092' first='Joseph' last='Kramlich'] (2025) |6'1 G| Edgeley/Kulm/Montpelier</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joe Kromlich's pure athleticism is what makes him a playmaker on the offensive and defensive ends. He is 6'1", brilliantly ambidextrous, and breaks down opposing guards to get to the basket whenever he wants. Joe leads the team in steals on defense and is one of the Rebels top rebounders!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1169136' first='Mason' last='Klabo'] (2025) |6'2 G| Fargo Davies</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mason is a playmaker because he can create his own shot anytime he needs to.&nbsp;He also has the ability to score from all 3 levels at a very high level.&nbsp;He is at a different level! Klabo draws a lot of attention but is still able to create the space to score.&nbsp;He has all the shots in the bag to score the basketball at an impressive pace.&nbsp;Mason is the best player this state has seen in a very long time.&nbsp;He will likely break the AA/A All-Time Career Scoring record in the state this Friday vs Shanley.&nbsp;Klabo is sitting at 2,142 points, he needs 51 more points to break the record.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1632626' first='Mason' last='Palmer'] (2026) |6'1 G| Devils Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11-0 record, the Firebirds are averaging 74 ppg and holding opponents to 42 ppg. This kid is a talented shooter who can put up points in a hurry. Mason is extremely strong and is twitchy quick. He creates his own shot and knocks down the three-pointer from anywhere on the court. Palmer has turned into a top-notch floor leader who handles the ball against any pressure. He is a winner and a competitor. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2475722' first='MJ' last='Diehm'] (2027) |5'11 G| Lyman</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This sophomore is a playmaker for the 7-3 Raiders. Diehm is young but he is skilled and smart. MJ stands out with his ball handling, court vision, top-notch leadership, and overall basketball ability. Diehm is unselfish, a team player, a distributor, and a great creator.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1177143' first='Parker' last='Brodina'] (2025) |6'4 G/F| Devils Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>11-0 record, the Firebirds are averaging 74 ppg and holding opponents to 42 ppg. Parker can create his own shot and is an excellent decision-maker. Parker usually gets double-teamed and is able to handle that no problem. He creates space, handles pressure, and distributes to the open man. He is an impossible matchup as Brodina can score from all levels with strength and skill. He is also a great leader and a tireless worker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2126219' first='Teelan' last='Kjerstad'] (2027) |6'2G| Wall</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This kid is an impressive athlete, a hard worker, and a sniper. Teelan is able to get past his first defender and draw help defense, from there he finds the open man.&nbsp;Kjerstad has great vision, and excellent patience. He is leading the Eagles in scoring and assists through 12 games.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2433394' first='Trevor' last='Everson'] (2028) |5'10 G| Castlewood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em><span style="text-decoration: underline">WHY?</span></em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a 9th grader, he is the 6th man for the mighty Warriors. Trevor has the ability to score at any level but does not always need to because of the players he is surrounded by. Everson is a smart player who knows his role. He provides a spark off the bench by using his athletic ability to dive on loose balls and guards the opposing team's best guard. Trevor is super athletic and has worked his way into the varsity rotation after dominating in JV games.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2276526' first='Troy' last='Jenson'] (2026) |5'11 G| Deuel</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline"><em>WHY?</em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He is having a great start to the season, the Cards are 8-1 and Jenson is averaging 11.2 ppg and leads the team in assists at 4.1 apg. Jenson has shown to be a three-level player as he gets downhill and finishes at the cup. He also makes pull-up mid-range jumpers and knocks down perimeter shots. His assists have increased this season because of all the help-side defense having to step up on Troy's penetration. He sees the floor well and is an accurate/skilled passer, a versatile scorer, and a playmaker.<span style="text-decoration: underline"><em><strong><br></strong></em></span></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1272514,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"media"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/PHD.jpg?w=400" alt="" class="wp-image-1272514" /></a></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->