PHD: Walk me through your off-season. What did you do to improve your basketball game?

“This off-season, I lifted during the week while also doing basketball workouts on my own and with my team. Our baseball team had a great baseball season that ended with a State Championship. On the weekends, I played for Sanford, which definitely helped me improve my game.“

PHD: What’s one specific part of your game you focused on improving this offseason, and where do you feel like you’ve made the most progress?

“I have really been focusing on my defense and being able to create for my teammates. I think I’ve gotten a lot better at being able to not only be able to create my own shot, but also being able to get my teammates open shots.“

PHD: What does your fall look like right now? Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

“My fall is all basketball focused. I’ve been lifting, and doing basketball workouts on my own to prepare for the season.“

PHD: What are your goals for the coming season, both individually and for your team?

“Individually, I want to be a lockdown defender this year. I want to be able to shut down who I’m guarding. As a team, our goal is to make it to State and then go from there.“

PHD: Can you give some insight on an influential coach you have had? What made them memorable?

“An influential coach that I’ve had is Coach Kleis. He is always pushing us to get better both in the season and out of it. He always holds everyone accountable. He has just pushed me to be the best I can be.“

PHD: Time to give a shout to a teammate…Who do we need to know about from your high school team?

“First, I’d say Payton Sorensen Payton Sorensen 5'11" | SG/CG Dakota Valley | 2029 State SD . I played with him this summer. He can really shoot it from anywhere. I would also say Hanson Jacobson Hanson Jacobson 6'5" | C/PF Dakota Valley | 2029 SD . He has improved a lot from last year and he is going to be a big part of our team this year.“

PHD: Who is your favorite player to watch in college or the NBA, and why?

“My favorite player to watch is Steph Curry. I’ve always liked watching him because he is entertaining, but I can always learn a lot from watching how he plays.“

PHD: Where do you feel like your game has grown the most in the past year or two?

“I feel like my game has grown the most in my confidence to consistently make shots, whether they are contested or not. I also feel there is growth in running the offense and being an extension of the coaches while on the floor.“

PHD: Who pushes you the hardest, whether that’s a teammate, a coach, or someone you train with?

“I would say, my teammates. I don’t have a single name in mind. When I see how hard they have been working, it makes me want to work as hard as possible to be the best I can be for the team.“

PHD: Where is your hot spot on the floor or can you tell us about a “go-to” move you like to use?

“I’ve always liked pulling up at the elbows. When I work on my jumper, a lot of my reps are from one of the elbows, so in a game I’m confident taking that shot.“

-Absolute stud athlete, unlimited speed and quickness

-Athleticism allows him to be a strong rebounder for his position

-Body control and strength attacking the basket is great

-Steph curry like with his catch and shoot game, with the range to match

-As nice of a shooting stroke as you will find, every shot looks like it’s going in (on this day most did just that 🔥)

-Made tough contested shots all day

-Sick middy pull up game

-Ridiculously quick crossover makes it look easy, and can go left or right with it

-Nice size and length

-Super quick feet and hands defensively and will 🔐 up his matchup 9 outta 10 times

-Played super hard and tough on defensive end of the floor

-Was on floor for loose balls

-No one out hustled him, took pride in being the hardest worker

-Loved his court vision and awareness, showed and very high IQ

-Dropped off several dimes to teammates for easy baskets

-Always made the extra pass when available, top notch passer

-He certainly lived up to the last name “Bruns”, Aaron was so so good

-Starting to fill out, keeps adding inches, and is gaining muscle

-Complete player, did it all, shot hot, dished assists, rebounded, blocked shots

-His pull-up jump shot is a work of art, perfect balance

-Looked tough scoring after contact, finished with L & R, elite level shooter

-Seems to always play well when I watch, high skill-level, smart, shot-maker

-Interested if he looks much bigger/stronger since I last watched in-person

Is Bruns the best lead guard and shooter at the event? How does is d hold up?

-Coming from DV & having the last name Bruns is enough reason to make this list

-However, Aaron is proving to be a stud, has all the skills, SNIPER, real playmaker

Aaron Bruns Aaron Bruns 6'0" | PG Dakota Valley | 2029 State SD – Bruns is a 2029 five-foot-eleven-inch guard from Dakota Valley in South Dakota that plays for Sanford Sports Academy Black. Bruns is a lead guard who can handle the ball with ability to get downhill with quick movements from the perimeter. Bruns also displayed the ability to shoot from the perimeter hitting a number of long 3-pointers. Against Northstar Titans Strand Bruns scored 17 points while hitting three 3-pointers.

-Smart & accurate pass ahead assist in transition to a teammate for a triple

-Transition score in traffic, soft kiss off the glass for 2 points

-Catch & shoot triple, quick trigger, all net

-Catch & cash 3-ball with a hand in his face, deep range

-Drained a beautiful middy pull-up going to his left, tough shot to stop

-Help-D steal, good anticipation

-Shifty slash & score, lefty finish, used body to protect the ball

-Showed a killer crossover

-Unselfish assist in transition, quick touch pass

-Top of the key three to start the second half, smooth catch & shoot

-Drive & score, beat the primary D, flipped it up off the glass for an inside score

-Has an excellent hesi-move

-Sharp cut & catch, acrobatic AND1 finish, swished the FT for a 3pt play

-Bonus FT’s at the 5:21 mark, 2/2

-Transition assist to Deng for a late bucket

-Secured the victory, drained 2/2 FT’s with 56.9 on the clock

Aaron Bruns Aaron Bruns 6'0" | PG Dakota Valley | 2029 State SD – Bruns is a 2029 five-foot-eleven-inch guard from Dakota Valley in South Dakota that plays for Sanford Sports Academy Black. Bruns is a lead guard who can hanldle the ball with ability to get downhill with quick movements from the perimeter. Bruns also displayed the ability to shoot from the perimeter hitting a number of long 3-pointers. Against Northstar Titans Strand Bruns scored 17 points while hitting three 3-pointers.