PHD ND Rankings: Class B Players to Watch
Player rankings are subjective and an inexact science with a greater likelihood of misses than hits. But who doesn’t love them anyway?
Rankings have been updated at PHD ahead of the high school season and there is a lot to unpack. Full rankings are found here: https://prephoops.com/dakotas/rankings/nd-prospect-rankings/2020-rankings/
Here are some players from Class B I’m intrigued by this winter:
No. 30 Bradley Defender, St. John
St. John should be one of the more improved teams in Class B this upcoming year and Defender is a guy who drives winning. The 6-foot guard can shoot, get to the rim, defend, rebound and playmake. If St. John is going to make an extended run this year, he’s going to have his fingerprints all over it.
No. 36 Jacob Svihovek, Bowman County
Svihovek is a nightmare to defend as he’s got the shooting ability, skill and athleticism to dominate the opposition. He’s a solid rebounder and improved as a defender. Bowman County could be a darkhorse team in Region 7 and Svihovek is a big reason why.
No. 62 Gavin Reiland, Richland
Richland has state title aspirations this winter and Reiland is a big part of the Colts’ success. The 5-foot-11 combo guard is a menace on the defensive end, using his quickness and tenacity to force turnovers and make opposing ball handlers uncomfortable. He’s an athletic kid who can score from all three levels on the floor too.
No. 72 Rhett Hanson, Stanley
Stanley will be in the mix in Region 8 and Hanson is a big reason why. The 6-foot-5 senior forward is a hoss inside, using his athleticism and strength to control the paint. Hanson’s got skill though too, as he’s an effective pick-and-pop or trail 3-point shooter. He’ll have a chance to put up huge numbers this winter.
No. 90 Hunter Thompson, New Rockford-Sheyenne
Thompson averaged better than 12 points and six rebounds last year, helping the Rockets reach the state tournament. He’ll join Bo Belquist to form one of the best duos in Class B this winter and he’ll have an opportunity to play more on the perimeter this winter as Evan Ulrich will take over the center position.
No. 96 Matthew Stafford, Dickinson Trinity
Dickinson Trinity should be one of the best teams in Class B this winter and Stafford is one of the team’s go-to offensive players. One of the top two-way wings in the state, Stafford has the size and athleticism to match up with just about any top wing in North Dakota. If he can shoot the ball with more consistency, he’ll have a chance to earn all-state honors.