Upgraded, Improved, and Players To Watch

Prep Hoops Dakotas has spent the past few months locked in on the club scene—tracking the Prep Hoops Circuit, spotlighting grassroots stars, and covering all the summer action. But now, it's time to shift gears and bring the focus back to where it all started: the high school hardwood.   Across the state, teams have been grinding—open gyms, early morning workouts, team camps, and scrimmages filling up the summer schedule. While some players shined on the AAU circuit, these hoopers stayed dedicated to their high school programs, sharpening their skills, building chemistry, and leveling up for the season ahead.   These are the gym rats. The grinders. The ones who put in the quiet work when no one's watching, all to make a big splash when the lights come on this winter. The ball players in this article have upgraded their game, improved their skills, and are players to watch!   So, who's been turning heads with their high school squads? Let's take a trip across the state and check in on the ballers ready to break out and make a serious impact this season.   We did a similar article a couple of days ago, <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/07/14-ballers-with-upgraded-talent/">Click Here</a> to read that piece.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_dac60e.png"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/07/image_dac60e.png" alt="" class="wp-image-2916189" style="width:273px;height:auto" /></a></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='2751295' first='Alex' last='Comings'] (2026) |6'5 F| Wahpeton   The Huskies are excited about Alex's game and he looked tough this summer. Comings is another kid who really upgraded and improved his outside shooting. Alex also became significantly stronger because of his hard work in the weight room. This winter Alex will bring length, rebounding, and solid defense to the floor. As his offensive game improves, the Huskies will be more and more scary.   [player_tooltip player_id='2132772' first='Austin' last='Kanenwisher'] (2027) |6'3 G/SF| Stanley   He improved his overall strength by working hard in the weight room. Austin has upgraded his attacking ability, he worked hard all summer. He showed out by being aggressive and scoring in the paint. Kanenwisher will be a valid three-level scorer this winter. Austin's footwork around the basket and rim-attacking are the most impressive aspects of his game. He will be a multi-faceted playmaker for Stanley this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2276696' first='Brooks' last='Crockett'] (2028) |6'0 G| Northern Cass   I watched him in club ball and Crockett looked good, but he also made some great improvements with his high school squad. Brooks is the most improved Jag this summer. Crockett's outside shot is much improved and he is scoring better off the bounce. He will be a serious offensive threat this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2916480' first='Damon' last='Mauch'] (2029) |5'10 G| Hankinson   He is an incoming frosh and is a player to watch in the coming years. He dressed varsity last year and played minutes in the playoffs. Damon will need to handle the rock this season as the backup PG. He has worked on his game a ton this summer, Mauch is a gym rat. Damon handles it very well for a 2029, has worked hard on his shot this summer, and is knocking down more and more shots. The Pirates are excited to see how he performs this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2467376' first='Darian' last='Clark'] (2027) |5'11 G/SF| Fargo North   He plays the game smoothly and had an impressive summer with improvement. Clark showed out as a lockdown defender. He also proved to make great decisions on the offensive end of the floor. Darian always brings high effort and energy. North loves his energy!   [player_tooltip player_id='2846875' first='Cole' last='Fyre'] (2028) |5'10 G| Sargent County   He is a much more confident shooter this summer. Fyre was unsure of his role last season but knows he will need to score for the team this winter. He started some of last season but will be a full-time starter this year. The Bulldogs are excited about this up-n-coming soph.   [player_tooltip player_id='2916229' first='Garnett' last='Anderson'] (2026) |6'3 F| Wahpeton   We have a new Huskie to look at, this is PHD's first time highlighting Anderson. Garnett had a high-quality summer and shot very well. He put in a ton of work on The Gun and it certainly showed in games. Wahp will be tough this upcoming season, Anderson will help space the floor and keep the defense honest.   [player_tooltip player_id='2692311' first='Hans' last='Hanson'] (2029) |5'10 G| Sargent County   Hanson has worked hard on his game and it has shown this summer. His ball handling and confidence have really improved. Hanson has upgraded his decision-making in the paint. He will only be a frosh but will be pushing for a starting spot. Hans has a bright future; he is going to be a good one.   [player_tooltip player_id='1541298' first='Jack' last='Wheeldon'] (2026) |6'9 PF/C| Fargo Davies   He looked very good this summer with the Eagles. Jack is the most improved Eagle this summer, he made a big jump forward. He is a southpaw who scores around the basket, blocks shots, and cleans the glass.   [player_tooltip player_id='2467378' first='Joe' last='Enno'] (2027) |5'10 G| Fargo North   He is another Spartan who made huge strides this summer. Enno is a positive slasher with a super-quick first step. Joe got to the rim on the regular this summer and finished at an unstoppable rate. On top of that, Enno has the biggest motor on the team. When others get tired, Joe never loses a step. He is tenacious on offensive and defense. Expect Eno to serious varsity burn this winter.   [player_tooltip player_id='2335337' first='Mason' last='Mauch'] (2026) |6'1 F| Hankinson   He had a solid summer of basketball. Mason's role will be much bigger this coming season. He will be a main post player and log heavy minutes. Muach's court vision is very good for a post and his coordination is finally catching up with the rest of him. His post moves have improved tremendously. Mason won't be a large scorer by any means but he will be an important player for the Pirates. Mauch will be a tough and PHYSICAL body down low for Hank.   [player_tooltip player_id='2118617' first='Matt' last='Kragness'] (2027) |6'0 SF| Fargo North   He took a big leap forward this summer. Matt has taken on a leadership role and has thrived at it. This junior Spartan is a vocal leader, a gritty ball player, and a guy who always wants to defend the biggest offensive threat from the opposing team. Matt's competitiveness is off the charts! His post moves have improved tremendously.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/NorthDakota.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/02/NorthDakota.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-1126976" /></a></figure>

Prep Hoops Dakotas has spent the past few months locked in on the club scene—tracking the Prep Hoops Circuit, spotlighting grassroots stars, and covering all the summer action. But now, it's time to shift gears and bring the focus back to where it all started: the high school hardwood.