Players to Watch in the Shiloh Christian Invitational
The new year gets started with a bang this weekend as four of the best teams in Class B North Dakota will be in Bismarck for the Shiloh Christian Invitational. Top-notch teams from all over the state will be in…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThe new year gets started with a bang this weekend as four of the best teams in Class B North Dakota will be in Bismarck for the Shiloh Christian Invitational. Top-notch teams from all over the state will be in for a two-day event featuring Shiloh Christian, Oak Grove, Dickinson Trinity and Dunseith.
Here are some of the top players to watch:
Jaden Mitzel, Shiloh Christian
An all-state forward, Mitzel is off to a terrific start for the undefeated Skyhawks. He’s improved his explosiveness and is putting up better than 20 points per game in a variety of ways. He’s one of the best players in Class B and on a team that is going to win more games in the 50s and 60s, he’s the unquestioned go-to guy.
Noah Swenson, Oak Grove
Swenson is off to a monster start in his junior season, averaging 28 points and nearly 12 rebounds. The 6-foot-6 center has a motor that runs hot, solid footwork and skills in the post and an expanding shooting range. He’s terrific in the low and mid post and can dominate teams on the glass. He’s a potential all-state guy this year and someone the local programs should be keeping an eye on.
Treagan Azure, Dunseith
Azure is under the radar a little bit but he’s one of the best players in Class B. At 6-foot-3, he’s got excellent size for a guard and he can do a lot of things well. He’s a good 3-point shooter, has the burst and quickness to get into the paint and can finish at a high level or create for his teammates. He rebounds, he defends, he does a lot of the little things.
Cole Fitterer, Dickinson Trinity
Fitterer hasn’t scored as well as he’s capable early in the year but the Titans are still a strong team in large part because of defense. And he’s an excellent defender at the point of attack. He’s tough, anticipates well and can put pressure on the ball. If he can get going a little more offensively, this team can take off.
Matthew Stafford, Dickinson Trinity
Stafford is in a similar boat to Fitterer in that he hasn’t gotten going all the way yet offensively. But he’s a stud on the defensive end of the floor and can guard a lot of different guys due to his athleticism and strength. He’s a streaky scorer who has shown in the past that he’s capable of filling it up over the course of a game.
Mayson Bolme, Oak Grove
Bolme is a jack-of-all-trades kind of player for the Grovers. He proves some scoring, can shoot from deep, gets to the rim, creates for his teammates, defends and rebounds. He’s an excellent glue piece.
Trey Brunelle, Shiloh Christian
A returning starter for the Skyhawks, Brunelle does a nice job in a lot of areas. He’s a steady ball-handler and plays a big part in controlling the tempo of the game. His defense on and off the ball is a huge reason why the Skyhawks are among the best defensive teams in th state and he’s a capable complementary shot-maker.
Ethan Morin, Dunseith
Just a sophomore, Morin is a player to keep tabs on going forward. He’s a very good outside shooter with a solid feel on the offensive end. He’s a solid slasher despite not having elite size or explosiveness.
Jake Daniel, Dickinson Trinity
Daniel is a sparkplug for the Titans, excelling as a defender and attacker at the point guard spot. He pushes the pace when he can and does a great job breaking down defenders and getting into the paint. He’s one of the team’s more explosive scorers.
Caleb Poitra, Dunseith
Poitra is an athletic combo guard who does his best when he’s in transition or attacking the paint. He’s a skilled finisher around the rim and can create his own shot off the dribble. He’s got good size and length for a guard and can use that to his advantage on the defensive end of the floor.