Hoopster/Dan Brown Classic Forwards to Watch
In what has become arguably the best weekend of the year in Class B North Dakota, top-shelf teams from all across the state will descend upon Minot for the Hoopster and Dan Brown Classics Friday and Saturday. With ranked matchups…
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Continue ReadingIn what has become arguably the best weekend of the year in Class B North Dakota, top-shelf teams from all across the state will descend upon Minot for the Hoopster and Dan Brown Classics Friday and Saturday. With ranked matchups taking place all throughout each of the two days, there won’t be a shortage of good basketball going on this weekend.
Here are some of the top guards to watch over the two day event:
Jaden Mitzel, Shiloh Christian
One of the best all-around players in Class B, Mitzel was an all-stater a year ago, helping lead Shiloh Christian to the state title game. The 6-foot-3 forward can do it all on the offensive end, using his strength and physicality to get to the paint and score against length and his skill to create offense from the perimeter. He’s a terrific rebounder and versatile defender as well.
Jaden Hamilton, Rugby
One of the best faceup forwards in Class B, Hamilton is one of the toughest guys to defend in the state. At 6-foot-6, Hamilton is a near dead-eye shooter from deep, but also has the ball-handling and creating ability to get to the paint and finish. He’s smart on both ends of the floor and produces consistently in a lot of areas.
Jonah Larson, Beulah
One of the toughest big men in Class B, Larson averaged a double-double as a junior while helping the Miners get to state. The 6-foot-5, 250-pound senior brings a physicality that few opponents can match while possessing the post moves and touch to produce consistent points.
Chance Danner, Thompson
Thompson is going to have to win a lot different than it did a year ago, and Danner is going to be a big key to their success. The 6-foot-4 senior big man is excellent on the defensive end and on the glass, but also has the shooting touch and finishing ability to put up solid offensive numbers.
Seth Herner, Dickinson Trinity
Herner isn’t going to fill it up with his scoring ability, but he’s effective as a finisher around the rim. But where he makes his mark is on the defensive end of the floor. Herner is the anchor for one of the best defensive teams in Class B and has the ability to guard multiple positions, possessing the size and strength to hold up against big men but also the athleticism to check perimeter opponents.
Rhett Hanson, Stanley
Hanson is pretty much good for a double-double every time he takes the floor. The 6-foot-5 senior big man is strong, athletic and has a motor that runs hot. He’s a terrific finisher in the paint and has shown the ability to space the floor on trail 3-pointers or in pop situations.
Levi Weekley, Our Redeemers
Weekley is a tough guy to defend, creating mismatches with his size and skill. The 6-foot-5 junior can fill it up in a hurry, either by knocking down shots from deep, or using his length to get to the rim and finish.
Bronson Walter, Four Winds/Minnewaukan
An interior force that few teams can match, Walter averaged 13 points and eight rebounds as a sophomore for the Indians. The 6-foot-10 junior has great size and strength along with solid footwork, hands and finishing ability around the rim.
Carter Tandeski, Benson County
Tandeski is one of the toughest players to match up with in the area, as he’s got the size and strength to bully smaller defenders, but also the athleticism and skill to abuse bigger, slower guys. The 6-foot-4 senior averaged 14 points, nine rebounds and five assists for a solid Benson County team a year ago.
Dante Gunville, Des Lacs Burlington
Gunville is one of the best pure scorers and known for being one of the elite shooters in North Dakota. Gunville is much more than just a sniper though, as he’s got the size and strength to get to the rim and finish in the paint. He’s a solid area rebounder and can defend multiple positions.