Week 2 Eye Catchers (ND)
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We only had 2 days of games this week, but there was plenty of quality hoops to be watched. There were some stellar performances with big numbers put up. Some other players might not have put up huge numbers, but…
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Continue ReadingWe only had 2 days of games this week, but there was plenty of quality hoops to be watched. There were some stellar performances with big numbers put up. Some other players might not have put up huge numbers, but they still caught my eye with great hustle, using screens, making the extra pass, boxing out every time, and doing the little things.
Alphabetically, here are the players that caught my eye this week:
Anthony Doppler Anthony Doppler 6'4" | SG Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND (2023) |6-4 G| Bismarck Century – His unselfishness and the way he hits the deep outlet after a rebound impressed me. Anthony sees the floor well and makes athletic plays. He also is a fine shooter from deep who has the range to put them in from beyond NBA depth.
Bridger Hansen (2021) |5-7 G| Wahpeton – His energy and effort are what caught my eye. Bridger is undersized coming in at 5’-7” but plays like he is 6’2”. He pushes in transition, has a fine pull-up, can shoot the 3, and busts it on defense. Overall, he is an exciting player to watch.
Dawson Zuroff (2021) |6-2 G| Beulah – He has nice hops and is a relentless rebounder. He caught my eye because he is the best rebounding guard I have seen this year. Dawson boxes out on every possession and he attacks the basketball off the rim. He high-points the ball like a receiver in football. Dawson also has a fine offensive game and can shoot it from 3. The Miners will need every rebound he can grab next week vs. Rugby and Enderlin.
Ian Ely Ian Ely 5'11" | PG Bismarck Century | 2021 State ND (2021) |6-2 G| Bismarck Century – His 3-point shot is what caught my eye. It looks like he is shooting out of a phone booth, which is textbook. Ian is has great feet, is patient and does not rush his shot, all three are qualities of a great shooter. Check him out next week with the showdown at Jamestown.
Isiah Schafer (2024) |6-1 G| Bismarck Century – A youngster who is already an all-around player. I enjoy watching his off-ball defense. He plays solid help-side D and has quick hands that deflect or steal the rock. Isiah can also put the ball in the hole and cash in the 3’s. Tune in next week and see how the freshman fares against the veteran Blue Jays.
Jaeshaun Shaw Jaeshaun Shaw 5'11" | SG Four Winds | 2021 State ND (2021) |5-10 G| Four Winds/Minnewaukan – What caught my eye was his defense. He has amazingly quick hands and seems to know what the offensive player will be doing before he does. His offensive game reminds me of Jason Williams. Jaeshaun has ridiculous ball skills, and he can also score from in and out. Check his game out next week at Dickinson Trinity, you will assuredly leave the game impressed.
Jeremiah Sem (2024) |6-1 G| Fargo North – He is truly a different type of athlete compared to almost everyone else. Jeremiah plays with a different level of confidence than I have ever seen from a freshman. He has more hangtime compared to other players, his first step is longer, lower, and quicker, and he glides up and down the court without any effort. Jeremiah can also shoot and handle the basketball like a senior. He scored 29 points in an EDC game as a 9th grader.
Joe Hurlburt Joe Hurlburt 6'10" | PF Enderlin | 2022 State #147 Nation MN (2022) |6-10 F| Enderlin – He had what looked like to be an “off” night against a tough Four Winds team. After the game, I saw he ended up with 18 points and 13 rebounds. On an “off” night Joe is still a stud. I enjoy watching how well he handles the basketball and how he moves so freely. There are not many 6-10 basketball players out there that can dribble, shoot, pass, and move like Joe. Make sure you watch Enderlin play next week on their tough road trip out West.
Noah Swenson Noah Swenson 6'5" | PF Oak Grove | 2021 State ND (2021) |6-5 F| Oak Grove – His ability to score from all 3 levels is what caught my eye. He can score on the block with a powerful post-move. He can square up in the mid-post and blow by the D. He can also step out and hit a 15-foot J or beyond the arc and put in a 3. I was most impressed with his ability to get to the free-throw line. He will have the advantage in almost every matchup this season. I am expecting big things for Noah and so are Grover fans.
Ryan Erikson Ryan Erikson 6'10" | C Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND (2023) |6-8 F| Bismarck Century – What caught my eye was his effort on the offensive glass. He is always working to get into position for the rebound. Add the effort to his height and size and you get a great rebounder. His help defense was also impressive. Ryan moves well for a 6-8 sophomore. Patriot fans a looking for a big year from this young post player.
Steven Garza (2021) |6-3 G| Grafton – A natural athlete, it seems like the game is being played on his time. Steven is always in control. I knew he was a great athlete; I finished the game impressed with his skills. He can make the highlight dunk or block. The better part is he has great handles, nice passing ability, unselfishness, a smooth jumper, and a deadly 3-point shot. Make sure you watch Steven play soon rather than later; you never know what you might miss.
Trey Brandt Trey Brandt 6'1" | PG Beulah | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-0 G| Beulah – The scoring of his 1,000 point is what caught my eye. After watching the film, I was reminded of how complete of a guard he is. Trey has all the skills to be a college basketball backcourt player. If you get a chance to see Beulah play, look out for Trey’s runner/floater. He uses it in a variety of ways from different angles, it looks as if stole the shot from Steve Nash. Tune in next week as Beulah has 2 top 10 matchups.
Tyler Tollefson Tyler Tollefson 5'11" | SG Wahpeton | 2021 State ND (2021) |5-10 G| Wahpeton – His five made 3-pointers are what caught my eye, but what surprised me was how little he looked for his shot in the first half. He may very well of had a career night if he would have been looking for triples early in the game. Tyler still had 29 points and a great night. I am impressed with how fearless he takes it to the rim and finishes around the trees.