Ultimate Team Players: ND & SD
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A “team player”, what does that mean? A “team player” is someone who will sacrifice for others, rebound, box out, dive on the floor, outwork others, make the extra pass, take charges, put in the extra time, communicate, make others…
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Continue ReadingA “team player”, what does that mean? A “team player” is someone who will sacrifice for others, rebound, box out, dive on the floor, outwork others, make the extra pass, take charges, put in the extra time, communicate, make others better, and they have fun!
Every great team has one of these types of players. If you want to be great you need to do the little things that make a difference. Read below to see who makes the list…
Alphabetically here are the Ultimate Team Players from ND and SD:
6’1 F Charlie McCardle Charlie McCardle 6'1" | SF Mitchell | 2023 State SD || Mitchell || Pentagon Schoolers || 2023
Why? Nobody takes more charges than McCardle, he gives up his body for his team, is good for atleast 3 charges a game, a diligent and hard worker.
6’1 G Dalen Leftbear Dalen Leftbear 6'3" | SF FourWinds/Minnewaukan | 2024 State ND || Four Winds/Minnewaukan || 2024
Why? Versatile defender, a very good rebounder, battles against bigger and older players, penetrates to set up others, draws two and kicks, gets his hands on many passes.
6’0 G Elliot Whitney Elliot Whitney 6'0" | CG Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2023 State SD || Sioux Falls Lincoln || Pentagon Schoolers || 2023
Why? Smart and knowledgeable, very coachable, he accepts his role for the betterment of his team, ultra-competitive, team-first player, tireless worker, timely shot maker.
5’10 SG Isaiah Williams Isaiah Williams 5'10" | PG Lutheran | 2024 CO || West Fargo Sheyenne || ECI || 2024
Why? Tough defender, dives on the court, very coachable, executes after timeouts, finds the hot hand, drills open shots, shares the ball.
6’3 G Jaxon Kellogg Jaxon Kellogg 6'3" | PG Bismarck Legacy | 2023 State ND || Bismarck Legacy || ND Phenom || 2023
Why? Makes everyone around him better, creative, lockdown defender, not afraid of contact, physical finisher, excellent cutter, works hard on defense.
6’1 G Nic Gasper || Dell Rapids St. Mary || SD Attack || 2024
Why? He will literally work until he is unable to stand, not afraid to bang down low, everything he does is to the max, does the little things, he can finish above the rim.
6’4 F Nick Carlson Nick Carlson 6'4" | SF West Fargo | 2022 State ND || West Fargo || ECI || 2022
Why? Grinder, guards hard, tough rebounder, hustler, high hand on close-outs, physical inside, puts in the time to improve, rim protector.
5’9 G Owen Bittner Owen Bittner 6'0" | SG Dickinson | 2024 State ND || Dickinson || ND Attack || 2024
Why? Hardworking undersized rebounder, always guards the best player, always gets the ball when he dives for it, has good eyes/finds teammates, he will hit the open 3-ball.
5’11 G Randy Rosenquist Randy Rosenquist 6'0" | PG Dakota Valley | 2023 State SD || Dakota Valley || Pentagon Schoolers || 2023
Why? Facilitator, skilled ball handler, very fast hustling up and down court, great help-side defender, involves every one on offense, team player, big time performer.
6’4 G Reed Rus Reed Rus 6'3" | SG Mt. Vernon/Plankinton | 2023 State SD || Mt. Vernon || SD Attack || 2023
Why? Ultimate glue guy, does the dirty work, grinds, lays out for loose balls, has a motor that never stops, junkyard dog, stat sheet stuffer, flexible defender.
6’0 G Rett Osthus Rett Osthus 6'0" | PG DeSmet | 2022 State SD || De Smet || Pentagon Schoolers || 2022
Why? Takes care of the ball, can lock-up outside on defense, playmaker, creates and sets up his teammates, opportunistic scorer, an extra unselfish player.
6’1 G TJ Syvertson TJ Syvertson 6'1" | SG Garrison | 2023 State ND || Garrison || 2023
Why? He is always the hardest worker on the court, maximizes his talent, works hard in the weight room, backs up his teammates, he has one speed- full go, gym rat.
5’10 G Trey Wall Trey Wall 5'10" | SG Enderlin | 2023 State ND || Enderlin || 2023
Why? Values the basketball, solid fundamentals, tough as nails, goes to war every practice/game, solid ball skills, gamer, plays extremely hard, selfless player.
6’0 G Tyler Birst Tyler Birst 6'0" | PG Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND || Bismarck Century || ND Phenom || 2023
Why? Hard-nosed player, wins the 50/50 balls, makes others better, always makes the extra pass, positive attitude every day, wants to guard the best player every game.
6’1 F Tyler Cruchet Tyler Cruchet 6'1" | SF Central Cass | 2024 ND || Central Cass || Master Basketball Academy || 2024
Why? Super hard worker, holds his own against bigger players, sacrifices his body, battles for loose balls, takes charges, sees floor well, shares ball.