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

“In the off-season, I was on a basketball court as much as I could. Getting in game speed reps constantly gave me a better feel on the court. Which helped my ability to make the right read faster.“

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 that I was focused on was my on-ball defense and my communication and really working on my post work. I think my defense has definitely made the most progress throughout this offseason.“

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

“My fall is currently filled with football.“

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

“My goals for the coming season as a team are for us to win the Region Championship. My individual goals are to make All-State. These are all goals that are going to take hard work to achieve, but I believe they are very attainable.“

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

“An inspirational coach I’ve had is Roko Dominović, He was a former overseas college basketball player for NSU, After that, he was my 8th-10th grade AAU coach. Roko taught me the game at a high level every practice and came to practice with passion and determination to push us to better ourselves every day.“

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

“A shout-out to give to a teammate is Beau Thorpe Beau Thorpe 6'3" | CG Oakes | 2027 State ND . Beau is a great teammate, hard worker and an even better human. He’s a leader and a good role model on and off the court.“

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

“My favorite NBA player to watch is Anthony Edwards. His bring it mentality, competitiveness, and passion really show and make him really fun to watch.“

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

“I feel my post-game awareness and defensive awareness have improved the most within the last few years.“

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

“A teammate who pushes me the most is David Bakke David Bakke 5'11" | CG Oakes | 2027 State ND .“

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

“My hotspot on the floor is the block, and my go-to move when I’m there is definitely my baby hook.“

When I think rough & tumble toughness, I think of Jyles Meier Jyles Meier 6'6" | C Oakes | 2027 State ND ! This Tornado is an under-the-radar prospect. Jyles scraps it up; he is a blue-collar worker, but also makes pretty touch passes out of the post. I can not come up with a more unselfish post player in the Dakotas. His footwork, size, power, muscle, and efficient finishing are impressive. He will crush on the boards and rack up a Double-Double on a nightly basis. Meier is an enforcer and intimidator on defense. Oakes will be one of the best in Class B. He and Beau Thorpe Beau Thorpe 6'3" | CG Oakes | 2027 State ND will tear through Class B. Thorpe was All-State last season; Meier has a good shot at joining him this year.

-BIG man, tough on the block, finishes through contact

-Footwork looks good, sets up the D & counters

-Protects the rim, natural instincts and timing

-Has a soft finishing touch for a big strong low-post

-Seals well, embraces contact, has a sweet baby-hook

-Talented passer w/ a soft touch, sees the floor well, unselfish

Meier is the best BIG in Class B, in my opinion. Jyles is a strong, physical old-school low-post player. He creates a ton of space, plays stout defense, and is a feet/low post moves continue to improve. I am a big fan of his passing and unselfishness. He is a next-level ball player. This Tornado will cause damage all across Region 1. Will he and Beau Thorpe Beau Thorpe 6'3" | CG Oakes | 2027 State ND lead the orange and black to State?

Pool: G

Opponents: Basketball Paradise, MN Lightning Dahl, UTC Fire National, Minneapolis Central

Comments: Jyles “Big Country” Meir was an All-Region baller this past season. I could easily see him being All-State his senior season. We fully expect him to be a Double-Double guy and to be one of the elite low-posts in B. You will be hard-pressed to find a tougher player at 2K26. Jyles is a monster on the glass with a nose for the ball. He has no problem with contact and regularly scores 2nd chance points. Meier is tough in the paint, has noteworthy footwork, and is a selfless passer. I hope he gets plenty of attention from college coaches this weekend.

-Threw down impressive dunks in the 1on1 action

-Did not know he could jump & finish above the rim like that

-Recorded an impressive 103 reach height

-Impressive timing when blocking shots

-Transition catch, strong 2-foot finish

-Quality passes, multiple impressive assists

-Hands looked good catching in traffic

-I heard positive feedback from the Sanford guys, he was tough all afternoon

-BIG man down low who demands attention & creates space, soft touch finisher

-Passes very well for a low post, sees the floor & shares the ball, beast on the boards

-One of the elite BIG’s in the class, I like his upside as his overall game evolves

-Checks all the boxes w/ toughness, physicality, strength, grit & space creating

-Old-school low post, but he passes & shares the ball like a new-age ballers

-Could really blossom at the next level if he gets in the right program

1st Game: Saturday 12:20 @ Shakopee vs. MN Lightning Dahl

-Every time I watch “The Mountain” in-person I leave impressed, a beast on the boards, carves out space, physical & strong, selfless passer, efficient finisher

Mr. Meier was a playmaker on the glass. Jyles was a beast on the boards. He gobbled up O-boards and second-chance opportunities all weekend long. Jyles is one tough bugger who plays with heart and muscle. He is big but moves well and has a nose for the ball. Meier is also an unselfish passer and a solid screener.