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

“I spent lots of time working on my game with my teammates through open gyms and team camps. I also spent a lot of time in the gym by myself working on my shot.“

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’ve been focusing on being a lights-out shooter because I know that is what I need to be to play at the next level. I feel like I have been becoming a lot better passer and have way more trust in my teammates to finish plays that I set them up on.“

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

“This fall I’ve been in the gym after school every day. This is the time when I get ahead of the competition. So I spend my Friday nights working on my game.“

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

“Individually, I want to be a known face in Class A basketball. I know my potential; I just need to go out and prove it now. As a team, our goal is to make it to the State Tournament and give ourselves a chance at bringing home a Championship to our school.“

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

“Coach Card has taught me that things aren’t given to you. I came off the bench this year. I also didn’t play much at all my freshman year. But as the season goes on, I know if I go to work every practice, I can achieve what I wanted to achieve.“

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

“We expect big things from Pierce Thompsen and Gavin Kramer this year. They will be a nightmare for other teams around the rim.“

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

“I love IQ, the way he plays and in my opinion, there is no one better than Chris Paul.“

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

“My game has mentally grown the most. I feel like I am a very situational, smart player, which I think has won us quite a few games down the stretch.“

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

“I think I push myself the hardest because I have expectations for myself that no one else has for me.“

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 is probably the right wing three and my go-to move is definitely a drive left spin to the right floater.“

This Grover has big-time potential. Nice length on the wing, very fast up and down the court, bouncy athlete, impressive dunker. Ryder also spreads the floor and cashes the 3-point shot. He also has exciting upside on defense. Soper will cause problems up and down Region 1 this coming season.

-Impressive athlete, runs like a deer & jumps like a kangaroo

-Looked good in transition, multiple score in uptempo

-Early assist to start one of the games i watched, good find, nice vision

-Showed his shooting range with a left wing triple

-Quick reactions when picking off a pass

-Knocked down another 3ball, more than capable in the catch & shoot game

-Active hands tipped & deflected passes

-Threw down an impressive 2-handed DUNK

-Cut & score, great hands

-Soft touch finishing around the hoop

-Great potential with his length, athleticism, versatility

1st Game: Saturday 9:05 @ Shakopee vs. MN Fury Shepherd

-He will absolutely catch your eye with his athleticism, Soper runs/jumps extremely well, great finisher, space-creating slasher, capable from 3, major upside

-2nd Place in High Jump

Comments: Breakout high school season, named an All-Region 1 Player, high-level athlete, runs like an animal & jumps out of the gym, does it all on the court

Mr. Soper is a player to watch this weekend thanks to his athleticism and versatility. A lanky 6’2″ wing/guard, he brings bounce, speed, and explosiveness that show up all over the floor, especially in transition, where he’s at his best, flying end to end. Soper is a true three-level scorer who can impact the game in multiple ways, and he’s coming off a strong high school season that earned him All-Region honors. He plays with confidence and continues to show upside as his game develops. His combination of athletic tools, scoring ability, and versatility makes him a dynamic threat and a player who can make a big impact throughout the weekend.

-14.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.2 apg, 23 made triples (33 3FG%), 74 made FT’s (73 FT%)

-All-Region 1 Player, the best 6th man in Class AA, rangy, bouncy, athlete

-Accomplished 3-level scorer, long arms, anticipation, & leaping disrupt on D

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-Stuck out with his athleticism

-Impressive & athletic hangtime floater score, not many player could make that play

-Hit a 3-ball in the 4th quarter

-Steal, up-tempo push, eye catching DUNK, wild play