PHD: Walk me through your summer. What did your schedule look like between AAU, camps, and individual work?

“I played in tournaments for ND Phenom 2027 Symens, we played in 7 tournaments from May to July. As a team for Dunseith High School, we went to team camps all summer. I did a lot of work in the gym and weight room, working on my strength and shooting.“

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 worked a lot on attacking and finishing at the rim and hitting off-the-dribble jump shots. The weight room has helped me become a better finisher.“

PHD: Take us back to your commitment. What ultimately made Valley City the right fit for you?

“The coaches. They made me feel really comfortable.“

PHD: What are you most looking forward to about playing at the next level, on the court and off?

“The physical style and fast pace. Off the court, working hard on a degree.“

PHD: What does your fall look like right now?

“I’m playing football. I am a four winner letter in football. Lifting and continuing to define my craft.“

PHD: Are you playing another sport, or is it all basketball focused?

“I play football and run and throw for track.“

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

“To make State and improve on our team placing. Individually to do better than I did last season and improve on what I did.“

PHD: Now that you’re committed, does the pressure feel different heading into this season, or does it feel like a weight off your shoulders?

“No it doesn’t, because you should always strive to be better. But my focus is getting back to that State Tournament and making it further than we did last year.“

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

“My Dad and Josh Poitra because that is where is all started. They helped me with little things on my game and showed me how to play the game, and how to focus on the little things.“

PHD: What is the best part of your game?

“My footwork and my knowledge of the game.“

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

“ Blaze Davis Blaze Davis 5'9" | SG/PG ND and Kaylor Gladue.“

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

“LeBron James, he has been a favorite of mine since I was little.“

“Nelson is a physical throwback big. He will bring intensity to every possession on both ends of the floor. He screens, he boxes out, he sprints, he crashes, and he does what is asked to impact winning. Nelson is committed to Valley City State University.“

The future Viking is one of the best BIGs in the state. Nelson did not shoot the 3-ball very often in club basketball with ND Phenom , but he can certainly knock them down. I watched Decoteau fill it up from behind the arc at the BHS Team Camp and I know he was capable from beyond the arc last season. Nelson does his best work in the paint/around the basket but has no problem hitting the open 15-footer, and knocking down the occasional triple.

The big man for the Dragons is one of the top power forwards in ND regardless of class. He helped the Dragons get to State, was named All-State, and put together a nice season of club hoops. Dunseith will come into the season ranked in the top 5. DeCoteau is poised to put up splashy numbers and push for First Team All-State honors, and we expect the Dragons to be right back in the mix at State.

-4 pts, 2 reb, 1 ast, 1 stl

-Walled up in front of the rim, blocked a shot w/o fouling

-Pick & roll, catch & finish, smooth, Great Scott with the dime

-Used his length & timing to alter shots & force misses

-Easy assist to Oak for a 3-ball

-Transition score, caught high & finished high, ran the floor well

-Loose ball steal

-Set effective screen, executed sets

2025-26 Stats: 23.5 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.5 rpg, 62 FG%

-Nelson made a name for himself this winter, named All-State & got the Dragons to a long-awaited State Tourney. DeCoteau has the length that college coaches covet & is receiving serious interest. Get ready for an incredible senior season.

-Knocked down more triples on day 2

-Blocked shot, great anticipation, but also very patient & does not jump too early

-Another transition bucket, opportunistic on Saturday AM

-Shooting stroke looked good from the charity stripe

-Quality post move, went one direction, spun back the opposite, sweet baby-hook, wish he would get more post touches

-Noteworthy transition score, ran the floor like a long-legged moose (they can run up to 35 mph)

-Had a splashy game

-Did not see much of the first half, but whenever I looked over, Nelson was scoring at the hoop or snagging a rebound

-Grabbed multiple O-boards for extra possessions

-Multiple easy scores abound the ring, efficient finisher

-Post entry catch, turn & score, used his length wisely

-Shared the ball, fun to see even after an All-State season, did not hog the ball

-Coast to coast push, attacked, got to the elbow & cashed the jumper

-Extremely hot from 3-point land in the 2nd half

-Drained 4 or 5 triples in the second half

-Better 3-shooter than I realized

-Free flowing shot, doesn’t rush, relaxed shooter

-Extended the lead, helped the Dragons build a comfortable lead

-Super impactful in the game I watched