Small School Stars: ND/SD

In gyms tucked away across North Dakota and South Dakota, small-school hoopers are putting in the kind of work that rarely makes headlines but always shows up under the lights. These players don't always get the same attention as the big-school standouts, but make no mistake—their talent, grit, and love for the game run just as deep.   From seasoned upperclassmen ready to lead their programs to rising underclassmen poised for breakout seasons, these small-school ballers are primed to shine bright this winter. They're the shooting stars of ND and SD—hard workers, fearless competitors, and playmakers their communities rally behind.   Keep your eyes on this group—they're ready to prove that great basketball isn't just found in the biggest schools.   From Small Schools    Not a star yet, but if Coach Richman and the Bison are correct, he will be this winter. Schoenfeld committed to NDSU in late July. This Dolphin is a long and lanky lefty who runs the floor well. Chance scores inside the arc, finishes above the rim, hits triples, and protects the rim. He will be a BIG problem in Class B.     As a two-time All-Stater, Earl is already a star, but that fame should only increase in his senior season. Rae will stuff the stat sheet this winter and show out as a dynamic playmaker. He will garner a ton of attention and still produce. Will Earl get the Pirates back to the State Tournament? If he is selected as a Mr. Basketball candidate, PHD will not be surprised.     Mr. Hanson is kinda a BIG deal. If you say the name "Sage" around basketball fans, everyone knows who you are talking about. Very few players in North Dakota have that sort of star power. The TGU baller is committed to the Fighting Hawks. Sage will put up crazy numbers this season and go out with a bang. If anyone is getting nominated for Mr. Basketball in Class B, Sage has to be at the top of the list. Get ready for the future UND baller to put on a show in 2025-26.     Wittler is one of South Dakota's most dynamic players and one of PHD's favorite players to watch. A true bucket-getter and complete playmaker, he can hit virtually any shot you can imagine and consistently creates opportunities for his teammates. Wittler is a gamer and clutch performer, with a pull-up jumper that's a work of art and masterful finishing ability at the rim. Simply put—he's got game!     Brooks combines size, athleticism, and relentless effort to make a major impact on both ends of the floor. A Double-Double machine, he scores efficiently, protects the rim, and creates a high volume of turnovers. Jett's energy, skill, and all-around game have earned him high praise, making him a player to watch.     Mr. Moore is a fast, instinctive athlete and a key reason the Eagles made State last season. A scary slasher and creative finisher, he's also a serious three-point threat and unselfish playmaker. On defense, Moore is a ball-hawk, disrupting opponents with quick reactions and smart instincts. Kaden has the talent, athleticism, and playmaking to be an All-State baller this coming season.     Kjerstad was the driving force behind the Eagles' strong season, helping them to 19 wins and a 5th-place finish at State. The numbers speak for themselves—19.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 3.3 steals per game—production that shows his impact on both ends of the floor. A coach's kid with a high basketball IQ, he plays the game the right way: smart, poised, and always in control. Kjerstad is a deep-range shooter who can stretch the floor, a skilled athlete who competes with confidence, and a major playmaker who elevates his teammates. After an impressive offseason that caught the attention of coaches, fans, and evaluators alike, he's set up for another standout campaign.     Weekley is a long, lanky, and skilled lead guard who brings a high IQ and steady presence to the floor. A crafty and clever playmaker, he thrives as an all-around offensive weapon, capable of scoring at all three levels while also creating for teammates. Defensively, Weekley is solid and reliable, using his length and awareness to make an impact. A talented shooter and great teammate, he elevates those around him and helps set the tone for winning basketball. With Weekley at the helm, ORCS looks poised to once again be one of the top teams in Class B.     Has some growing and physical maturing to do yet, but he is already a stud in Class B. As a 9th grader, Bergstrom was named All-Region, All-District, All-Tournament Team at Districts, and All-Tournament Team at the Mandan Holiday tourney. 18.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 6.1 apg, 47.4 FG%. Blake is a Pure PG, floor general, leader, facilitator, QB of the hardwood, table-setter, catalyst, offensive orchestrator, sure-handed passer & dribbler, stat stuffer, creative/skilled scorer, a gym rat, and a winner. I think Bergy and the Jays are a dark horse to get to State.     Walter has already turned heads and he is only a sophomore. David has a high-arcing, soft, and accurate stroke from beyond the arc that defenses can't afford to leave unchecked. He's dangerous in the open court, pushing the pace with speed and thriving in transition where his athleticism really pops. Physically, he's well-built for his age and plays with a confidence that shows he's no stranger to varsity-level success. With a track record of splashy scoring nights already under his belt, Walter is a proven threat who looks primed for even bigger things ahead.     He was a role player for the State Champion Lions last season and he thrived in that role. In 2025-26, PHD expects Izaac to take the next step, be the man for the Lions, and lead the squad in scoring. Strandlien is a big and athletic guard. This young Lions is a sharpshooter who changes the game with his stroke. Izaac can also put it on the floor and slash for profit.     [player_tooltip player_id='2433399' first='Will' last='Aderhold'] is a soph, the real deal, and a projected starter for Castlewood. An explosive athlete who can put defenders on a poster, he changes the game with his energy and highlight plays. Aderhold owns the boards, has become an improved three-point shooter, and consistently impacts winning. A true gym rat with a relentless motor, he's poised for a bright future as a key piece for the Warriors.     I am not sure what type of depth the Knights have and/or if Eichler will play varsity, but he looked dang good at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. Eichler brings a versatile skill set and an impressive all-around game to the floor. Charles has nice length and quick reactions. He is a cash money shooter, a serious slasher, and strong 2-foot finisher. With his combination of skill, toughness, and versatility, [player_tooltip player_id='2836662' first='Charles' last='Eichler'] is a highly impactful player who influences the game in multiple ways.     Demarce is an intriguing youngster. As just a 7th grader, he put up an astounding 18 points per game on varsity—a rare feat that speaks volumes about his advanced skill set, confidence, and natural scoring ability at such a young age. Those kinds of numbers are virtually unheard of for a middle schooler competing at the varsity level. He is a skilled lefty with a scorer's mentality. I am interested to see what Daceton will do this winter.     As a boarding school, you never really know what Flandreau will have from year to year. One thing I do know is that Tiger looked great a couple of weekends ago at the Prep Hoops Freshman Showcase. Jakhi is undoubtedly young, but he is extremely skilled and talented. I will not be surprised if he makes some noise in Class B as a diaper dandy. Tiger is sneaky, quick, smart, and a creator. He will break ankles, drop dimes, score at the cup, steal the ball, and hit triples. Let's see what sort of impact he has on varsity this winter!     He was an impact player and an alpha as an 8th grader. I can't imagine what Barman will do this winter as a 9th grader. Stats from last year as a junior high player on varsity: 20.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 54.1 FG%. All-Region, All-District, and All-Tournament Team at Districts.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg"><img src="https://prephoops.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/08/NDSD.jpg?w=865" alt="" class="wp-image-2950876" /></a></figure>

In gyms tucked away across North Dakota and South Dakota, small-school hoopers are putting in the kind of work that rarely makes headlines but always shows up under the lights. These players don't always get the same attention as the big-school standouts, but make no mistake—their talent, grit, and love for the game run just as deep.