Craftiest Playmakers from MN and ND
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For this article, we will again look at crafty playmakers from North Dakota. However, we will be adding talented players from across the river in Minnesota as well. Being “crafty” is one of my favorite attributes for a basketball player.…
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Continue ReadingFor this article, we will again look at crafty playmakers from North Dakota. However, we will be adding talented players from across the river in Minnesota as well. Being “crafty” is one of my favorite attributes for a basketball player. Read below to see which players are crafty, and what put them in this article.
Alphabetically, here are 10 Crafty Playmakers:
Connor Kerzmann Connor Kerzmann 6'1" | SG Garrison | 2023 State ND (2023) |6-1 G| Garrison – He made this list because he is an inventive and productive scorer. Connor has one of the quickest first steps out West. He is a no-nonsense get downhill-now, type player. His fake-crossover is tremendous and he can pull up on a dime. Kerzman can also get to the rack early and often in games. He has been shooting it well from 3-point land this summer. Connor dropped 10 triples in a game recently.
Daniel Yorke Daniel Yorke 6'1" | SG Fargo Davies | 2024 State ND (2024) |6-0 G| Fargo Davies/ECI – Yorke made this list because he is an athletic playmaker. His first step is long, low, and quick. He does not have any “waste” in his game. He attacks the defense aggressively off the bounce. Yorke can finish over taller defenders with a soft floater and/or with a kiss off the glass. He has nice bounce with the ability to throw it down smoothly. I like his passing ability and his unselfishness as well. He is a blossoming young star for ECI and Davies.
Ethan Morin Ethan Morin 6'2" | SG Dunseith | 2022 State ND |6-3 G/F| Dunseith – He made this list because he is an extra-special, gifted, and crafty scoring machine. Morin can fill it up from all over the court. He can drill triples, hit pull-ups, drain runners, and score around the basket in a variety. Ethan has great handles, which he uses to break down defenders on the perimeter. With him being a big and strong player he can also do work on the block. Ethan will be one of the top scorers in Class B next year.
Kyler Card (2023) |5-11 G| Hawley/ECI – He made this list because he has been improving a ton this summer and he is a great decision-maker. Card has a very nice feel for the game and he has become a lead guard for his ECI squad. Kyler is a very coachable player and a fast learner. He does not force his shot or a pass, he takes what the defense gives him. Card can score in a variety of ways for all levels. Look for him to be a solid player in the HOL next season.
Leighton Strommen Leighton Strommen 6'3" | SG Northern Cass | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-3 G| Northern Cass/ND Attack – He made this list because he is a crafty finisher with both hands around the rim. Strommen is an ambidextrous scorer at the rack. This makes him a much tougher scorer compared to a kid who can only go one way. Leighton has made big strides this summer with his shooting ability. I expect him to be a solid scorer next high school season. He could already score at the basket, now he can consistently his the 15-footer, and make it rain from 3.
Lewis Jones (2024) |5-8 G| Goodridge-Grygla/ECI – He made this list because of his handles and court vision. Jones has the ball on a string at all times and he sees the floor extremely well. He is constantly making his teammates better by taking care of the ball and distributing the rock. Lewis can get downhill and make excellent decisions after he gets two feet in the lane. Jones can also put up points with his smooth mid-range jump shot.
Micah Thompson (2023) |6-5 G| Perham/West Central United – He made this list because he is a crafty point guard that can do it all. Micah is long and athletic, his size gives smaller guards problems. Thompson excels at getting into the lane and elevating for his shot. When penetrating he also drops dimes with no-look passes or he can go all the way and finish at the iron. Micah is problematic for smaller guards because he can put them on the block and score with crafty moves. Thompson is an exciting player that will continue to keep the Yellowjackets as one of the best programs in MN.
Nathan Fenske Nathan Fenske 6'2" | SG Lakeview | 2023 State MN (2023) |6-2 G| Lakeview/SW Minnesota Stars – He made this list because he is a great athlete, gifted scorer, and an impactful player. Fenske is a creative and resourceful finisher. He can finish with power or with elegance. I have witnessed a few impressive reverse layups where he had to twist and turn his body around defenders to finish the bucket. Nathan can also wham it home with super-strength. His jump shot is consistent and true to the mark. He can also make an impact on defense and on the glass. Look out for this Laker.
Sam Fedorchak Sam Fedorchak 6'0" | CG Bismarck St. Mary's | 2024 State ND (2024) |5-10 G| Bismarck St. Mary’s/ECI – He made this list because he is a skilled, creative, and crafty young floor general. He does very well at getting to the rim off the bounce. Sam can also finish with both hands at the cup. He is great at changing speeds in transition and in the half-court. Fedorchak has a knack for finding the open man, and he consistently hits the open jumper.
Timmy Guler (2024) |5-10 G| Pelican Rapids – He made this list because he is a hard-nosed, intense, and smart player. Guler always plays with high NRG. I like the fact that he will dive on the floor for a loose ball or mix it up in the lane rebounding against BIGS. He has a smooth and consistent jump shot for 15-feet out to the 3-point arc. Timmy has solid ball skills and he is a creator. Look out for this Viking next season.
Tyler Birst Tyler Birst 6'0" | PG Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND (2023) |6-0 G| Bismarck Century/ND Phenom – He made this list because he thrives at getting into the paint and creating. Tyler is also an elusive finisher. When he gets two feet in the lane he can set up teammates for shots, or he keeps going for his own bucket. Century will be loaded with talent next season, but Birst will play an important role and be a big contributor to any success that they have.