-The long and athletic Squirrel impressed me multiple times in the club season, thrilled to see him hoop again

-He is gaining confidence, steam, and is coming on strong, seems to be primed for a big season

-Flush with versatility and plenty of playmaking, is Deutsch one of the elite athletes at the event?

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

“The off-season has been driven by the heartbreak and feelings that I can’t explain of losing in the State Championship. A bunch of teammates and I will go to Athletic Republic in Fargo and play some competitive games of 5 on 5 on 5 or 3 on 3 on 3 to push each other.“

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?

“One specific part of my game I focused on improving was my athleticism and rebounding. We have so many guys that can create offense and space the floor, such as Andrew Ziemer Andrew Ziemer 6'2" | PG Central Cass | 2028 State ND , Kole Buhr Kole Buhr 6'4" | SG Central Cass | 2028 State ND , and Kash Lorenz Kash Lorenz 6'0" | SG Central Cass | 2027 State ND , so I feel like if I can help us out with rebounding and defense, we will be a solid team. I feel like I’ve made the most progress in rebounding. It was something I took pride in during AAU and look forward to continuing to do.“

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

“The fall right now is just working on my game with the boys, focusing on basketball. I’m so blessed to have a group of guys that love the game just as much as I do to push me every day to be better.“

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

“My goals for this year as a team are that we can stick together and be resilient in times that are tough, as we are no longer a young team. My goals for myself this year are to stay levelheaded and mentally strong. I also want to improve drastically on the defensive side and rebounding cause that’s what I think will help this team the most. We have so many guys that can space the floor very well, such as Kole Buhr Kole Buhr 6'4" | SG Central Cass | 2028 State ND and Kash Lorenz Kash Lorenz 6'0" | SG Central Cass | 2027 State ND , that I think if I can be an X factor rebounding the basketball that will help us drastically.“

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

“Mr. Norman is who comes to mind early. He could easily do the bare minimum, not let us in the gym after hours, or anything like that, but he chooses to go above and beyond for us. On the court, he’s a true leader who can read us well. He knows when to get on us; he knows when to calm us down, and he’s very good at it. He’s also just a great guy to be around off the court and as a teacher.“

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

“I could say so many people for this, but I have to go with Jaxson Haug Jaxson Haug 6'0" | SG Central Cass | 2028 State ND . The way he has inspired us by recovering from an ACL injury is truly remarkable. He didn’t say “why me” he just put his head down, did the work to get back and is ready to play the game that he loves. I’ve also grown closer to him off the court this summer and it’s been awesome. He’s a great friend and someone you want in your corner. On the court, look for him to spread the floor at a high-level and play lockdown physical defense. He can also attack very well and finish around the rim with great touch.“

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

“My favorite player to watch in the NBA is Cooper Flagg. I like how he uses his length and quickness to get to his spots while also doing multiple things on a basketball court, not just score.“

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

“The area where I think my game has grown the most is rebounding and defense. I took pride in rebounding during AAU and look forward to keep doing that. It’s also a tough task guarding guys like Andrew Ziemer Andrew Ziemer 6'2" | PG Central Cass | 2028 State ND every day at the gym and it pushes you to be a much better defender.“

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

“I feel like Andrew Ziemer Andrew Ziemer 6'2" | PG Central Cass | 2028 State ND pushes me the most. He’s a true leader who gives 110% effort no matter what. The amount of hours he puts in the gym is ridiculous. He has turned himself into a knockdown shooter in a matter of months. I truly think he is a big reason why we are in the gym a ton. I also think that he has inspired me to work hard and improve in so many ways.“

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

“A go-to move I have is a Barkley dribble. If I can get into the post and get my back to the basket, I feel like that’s where I’m at my best. I can use my length to finish effectively around the rim and also kick out to so many awesome shooters that we have on this team.“

Jackson had a great club season. Deutsch was the most consistent and best slasher to the rim for SSA ND White. His squad finished the season on an impressive 11-1 run in the final 3 tourneys. Deutsch protected the rim and proved to be an active playmaker. Jackson is at his best attacking the basket, but he will also make the defense pay for giving him too much space at the arc. Deutsch is an improved 3-shooter and a player on the rise.

-Strong spring, impressive on multiple occasions & was named a Top Performer

-Improved his play around the rim & his perimeter shooting is more consistent

-Long, lanky, moves well

-Made some impressive step-through moves in 1on1

-Hit a tough turnaround shot in traffic

-Shot looked good from beyond the arc

-His game keeps improving, will be a big problem for Region 1 this winter

-Long & lanky, moves very well for being 6’6″

-I like him as a slasher, but he can also hit the 3-ball

-Flexible, coordinated, bendable, and athletic

-Versatile, energetic, opportunistic, catches & finishes well

-Covers a ton of ground when going to the rim, puts pressure in the D

-Spin-move looks good, elevates nicely to score over the defense

-Impressive body control finishing, active defender, reacts well to the ball

-14 points

-1 triple

-Shot many FT’s, good work being aggressive & drawing fouls

-Long slasher, moves very well, fast/bouncy, rangy, active on both ends

-Catch, rip, attack, mobile score at the cup

-Athletic lay-in over the front of the rim

-Hands looked good, caught the ball with D all over him

-O-board, perfect touch bounce pass to a teammate for a score

-Awesome vision to see the open man as he grabbed the board

-Scrappy O-board, battled for the ball

-Took a very hard foul, stepped up & hit both FT’s

-Monster O-board late with under 5 secs

-Great at ready & reacting to the ball off the rim

-Intriguing potential with his length and the way he moves

-Glue guy for the Squirrels (2nd at State), plug & play guy w/ length & athleticism

-Defends multiple positions effectively, utility guy, can do a bit of everything

-Will be interesting to see if he keeps getting taller; athleticism is compelling

-Scored from multiple levels

-Fast going up & down the court

-Scored in transition, runs the floor well

-I liked his hustle, dove on the floor for loose balls

-Long/lanky

-Hit a 3ball, catch & shoot to start the 4th, Ziemer with the assist

-Sick drive & dish in the 4th

-Keeps adding inches, Deutsch is growing like a bad weed! Can’t teach height

-4.9 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 1.3 apg, 44.8 FG%, 51.7 eFG%

-Noteworthy athlete, runs well, capable from 3pt arc, versatile player w/ upside