PHD ND Rankings: Top Uncommitted Players
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 of the top uncommitted players in North Dakota
*Note that some commitments aren’t reflected on the site*
No. 6 Blake Berg, West Fargo Sheyenne
With the top five players already committed to play either basketball or football at the next level, the top unsigned player by PHD’s rankings is West Fargo Sheyenne swingman Blake Berg. Berg’s an athletic swingman who can get to the rim. His jumpshot and defense showed signs of improvement over the summer playing with ECI and he’s got interest from most of the NAIA and Division II schools in North Dakota.
No. 9 Talon Hoffer, Fargo Shanley
A multi-sport stud, Hoffer will certainly have choices to make as to whether or not he wants to play basketball or football at the next level. On the hardwood, he’s a terrific combo guard who uses his strength and explosiveness to break people down and get to the rim. He’s a solid playmaker for his teammates and can defend three positions on the perimeter. He’s asked to do a lot for Fargo Shanley and will likely put up huge numbers as a senior.
No. 10 Cam Van Damm, Fargo Davies
One of the biggest stock risers and top two-way players in North Dakota, Van Damm is one of the most intriguing unsigned players left. He’s 6-foot-7 with great mobility and smooth athleticism. He’s skilled handling and passing the ball and has a decent outside shot. His defensive prowess is excellent as he’s got the range to defend on the perimeter and protect the rim. He should be a guy local schools are looking into this winter.
No. 11 Talon Klatt, Dickinson
Klatt is a big-bodied, strong, athletic center prospect who hasn’t quite yet matched production with potential. He’s a strong defender and finisher in the paint and has the strength and mobility to be a terror as a screener and rim-runner. He averaged about 10 points and better than five rebounds last year for Dickinson and had a productive summer, which could be a sign of things to come.
No. 12 Carson Henningsgard, Hillsboro/Central Valley
Arguably the best player in Class B, Henningsgard has drawn interest from most of the schools in the Dakotas and it’s easy to see why. While he isn’t the most athletic guard in the state, he’s an excellent floor-general who makes good decisions, controls the tempo of the game and can knock down shots from anywhere when he gets hot.
No. 13 Jaxon Wiseman, Bismarck St. Mary’s
Wiseman was one of the top scorers in the WDA last season and had a very good summer playing with ND Attack. He’s an explosive athlete who can get by primary defenders; and he’s a skilled finisher in traffic despite lacking great size. He’s a solid off-ball player as well, utilizing understanding of screens and a quick shot to put constant pressure on defenses without the ball. His defense also showed improvement over the summer, as he’s a capable on-ball defender and smart as a help guy.
No. 14 Jaxton Wiest, Mandan
Wiest is one of the best point guards in North Dakota and is coming off a really solid summer playing with ND Attack. He hasn’t proven to be a great deep-range shooter to this point but he’s really good at just about everything else. He’s a strong defender, possessing the size to guard up on the perimeter and the quickness to stay in front of smaller guys. He’s excellent from the mid-range and going to the rim, an instinctual passer and a natural playmaker.
No. 17 Brady Dvorak, Grand Forks Red River
Dvorak is a multi-sport guy who will have options at the next level for football and possibly track and field along with hoops. He’s one of the best two-way guards in the state, providing excellent on and off-ball defense and constant hustle. He’s a capable shooter and has shown improvement in the last year as a playmaker. He’s the type of guy programs want because of his energy and toughness.
No. 18 Jaden Mitzel, Shiloh Christian
Another multi-sport guy, Mitzel has drawn a lot of interest from colleges hoping he’ll play football, basketball and baseball. He could potentially play two sports in college though that is yet to be determined. But on the court, he’s an excellent player. He isn’t the tallest guy, but he’s extremely skilled and capable of scoring from all over the court. His strength makes him an incredibly tough guy to defend at the high school level and his basketball IQ is an asset.
No. 20 Cole Myers, Richland
One of the best players in Class B, Myers averaged better than 18 points and seven rebounds per game for Richland, which finished third last year in the state tournament. He’s a skilled wing who can score from all levels on the court, and has the athleticism to excel at the next level. He’s a rockstar quarterback at the high school level too, so he’ll likely have decisions to make as to which sport he ultimately wants to pursue.