Stars To Keep Your Eyes On: ND & SD
In this article:
We are well underway with the hoops season. Teams are playing in tournaments, classics, and other events over the holiday break. Some teams will be playing league, region, or conference games. Let’s look at which stars from North Dakota and…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe are well underway with the hoops season. Teams are playing in tournaments, classics, and other events over the holiday break. Some teams will be playing league, region, or conference games. Let’s look at which stars from North Dakota and South Dakota we should be watching.
STARS YOU NEED TO WATCH
(alphabetically ordered)
Brett Limke Brett Limke 6'1" | PG West Fargo | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-1 PG| West Fargo
This State Champion has taken off right where he left off. Winning games and running the show for the Packers. WF is 4-0 so far on the season and they have a big matchup tonight with Davies. In Limke’s last game he hit the buzzer-beater-winning shot to take down Fargo North. In that game, his stats looked like this: 23 pts, 6 3-pointers, 7 rbs, 3 ast, and 5 steals. Brett is one of the best PG’s in North Dakota. Make sure you get out to see him this winter.
Caden Hinker Caden Hinker 6'6" | PF Mitchell | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-7 F| Mitchell
He is the #1 ranked prospect in South Dakota and he has committed to Augustana for hoops. Hinker has led the Kernels to a perfect 3-0 start. In his last game, Caden score 17 points and moved into the 3rd All-Time Leading Scorer in Mitchell history. Hinker is a skilled do-it-all player that can create and score in many ways. He also makes others around him better. Get out to the Hoops City Classic and watch this star play at the Corn Palace.
Cael Lundin Cael Lundin 6'3" | SG Tea Area | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-3 SG| Tea Area
He has committed to Northwestern (IA). Tea is led by this All-State Player. The season is young and the Titans have only played one game so far this season, but they are 1-0. In that game, Lundin had 25 pts, 5 reb, 3 ast, 3 triples, and only one TO. This skilled player is a picturesque shooter and a lethal offensive player. Tonight the Titans have a huge game at Dakota Valley. If you like high-quality basketball, I recommend you take this game in!
Deng Deng Deng Deng 6'5" | SF Four Winds/Minnewaukan | 2024 ND (2024) |6-5 SF| Fours Winds-Minnewaukan
This phenomenal sophomore is one of the best players on the 4 Winds squad that is ranked #1 in Class B. Deng was a leader in both wins this year over Top 10 teams in Enderlin and Beulah. Deng dropped 26 and 20 points in those two games. Deng is a ridiculous athlete and a power dunker. If you have not watched him play live yet, you must make it a priority. You will not be disappointed.
Joe Hurlburt Joe Hurlburt 6'10" | PF Enderlin | 2022 State #147 Nation MN (2022) |6-10 PF|
He has committed to Colorado for hoops. Joe was the Gatorade Player of the Year in North Dakota last season, and a First-Team All-State Selection. He will likely become the All-Time Leading Rebounder in ND history this season. So far the Eagles are 1-2 on the year but they have played some great competition. This year, Joe is averaging 26.7 ppg, 12 rpg, 5 apg, and 2.3 bpg. The Eagles have a loaded schedule, there is no excuse to miss watching this stud!
Joe Sayler Joe Sayler 6'4" | SG White River | 2023 State #295 Nation SD (2023) |6-3 SG| White River
He has committed to SDSU for basketball. He is a remarkable athlete that can finish above the rim and slam dunk with this best in the Dakotas. Sayler is also a gifted all-around scorer and a marksman from 3-point range. Joe was an All-State player last season and an All-State Tournament Team Player. Sayler is also a 1,000 point scorer. White River has recently played in the Lakota Nation Invitational in Rapid City. They went 3-1 and lost to Lower Brule in a tight game. During the Invitational Sayler put up 37 points in one game. Up next they have a tough game against Aberdeen Christian at the Hoops City Classic. Sayler is easily one of the most dynamic players in SD!
JT Rock JT Rock 7'1" | C Sioux Falls Lincoln | 2024 #37 Nation SD (2024) |7-0 C| Sioux Falls Lincoln
This big man has had is stock explode like nobody else in the past year. Rock has offers from schools in the Big 10, Big 12, and Big East. JT’s footwork, mobility, and shooting touch are exceptional, especially for a 7-footer. This kid has so much potential. So far this year, Rock has the Patriots perfect with a 2-0 record. In his first two games JT has went for 20 pts, 7 rebs, and 13 pts, 8 rebs. This kid is going Big Time, you will want to see him play! All the college coaches think so!
Kalen Garry Kalen Garry 6'3" | SG De Smet | 2022 State SD (2022) |6-3 SG| De Smet
He has been the Class B MVP Player for the past two years. De Smet is the clear favorite to win the State Championship again this year. Kalen has the Bulldogs off to a hot start. Before Friday night, De Smet was 3-0 on the year. Friday they met up with Dream City Christian (AZ) in the Hoop Hall Classic at the Sanford Pentagon. The Bulldogs lost in a tight one 57-61. However, Garry dropped 35 points against the Nationally ranked team and showed that he is an amazing basketball player. Not just in SD but he can do it on the big stage. If I was you, I would make it a priority to watch Garry this season.
Ian Motschenbacher Ian Motschenbacher 6'1" | PG Fargo Davies | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-1 G| Fargo Davies
This skilled and tough player has committed to Northern State for hoops. Last year, Ian was an All-EDC Player. Motschenbacher has the Eagles off to a 3-1 start with a monster matchup against West Fargo tonight. In his past two games, Ian has put up 20 points and 19 points. Look for Motschenbacher to have a big game tonight against the #2 ranked to in Class A.
Isaac Bruns Isaac Bruns 6'4" | SG Dakota Valley | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-4 SG| Dakota Valley
He is one of the best shooters in South Dakota regardless of class. Bruns has been receiving interest from Mid-Major D1 schools. On Friday night, this sharpshooter went over 1,000 career points. Dakota Valley has one of the best teams in Class A SD. The Panthers are 2-0 and they take on Tea Area tonight at home. #3 Dakota Valley vs #4 Tea Area. Talk about a matchup! This will be must-see basketball.
Mason Klabo Mason Klabo 6'2" | PG Fargo Davies | 2025 State #240 Nation ND (2025) |6-0 G| Fargo Davies
He is the youngest player on the list but you should not overlook him! Klabo was a standout in the EDC last season as an 8th grader and this year it looks like he will be one of the very best players in ND. He is a spectacular athlete that dunks with ease, just last game Mason had a big poster-dunk in transition. In the last two games, Klabo dropped 29 and 22 points. The Eagles have a big EDC showdown tonight against West Fargo. Make sure you check it out!
Michael Nhial Michael Nhial 6'7" | SF West Fargo Sheyenne | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-7 SF|
If you have not seen his highlight dunks this season then you are missing out! Every game Nhial has had 1 or 2 made for TV whams. He is a long lefty but he is bouncy and athletic. Mike is a good 3-pointer shooter and an all-around scorer. He is also crafty and cunning with his mid-range and finishing game. In his last contest, Sheyenne took down a talented Davies team and Nhial had 24 points and 19 rebounds. On Tuesday, Devils Lakes come to Sheyenne. Make sure you watch if you want to see rim-rocking dunks!
Oliver Vincent Oliver Vincent 6'1" | PG Sioux Valley | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-1 G| Sioux Valley
He is one of the most gifted and skilled players in all of South Dakota. Oliver is not just a scorer, he is a creator and facilitator. He also has a ridiculous vertical. He led the Cossacks to the SD Class A State Championship game last season and was selected to the All-Tournament Team. Vincent was also a First Team Class A All-State Player. This kid a DUDE, no way around it. Oli is a gym rat and a student of the gym and his best ball is still ahead of him. They have only played one game so far this season and they are 1-0 with a large margin win. Tomorrow night, Sioux Valley will be hosting Beresford. I am excited to say that I will be there taking in the game. I can not wait to see Vincent and Sioux Valley!
Taylen Ashley Taylen Ashley 5'11" | PG Sf Roosevelt | 2023 State SD (2023) |6-0 PG| Sioux Falls Jefferson
He is about as eclectic of an athlete as there is in South Dakota. Ashley led Sioux Falls Roosevelt to a State Championship in AA last season. Everyone brags about how great of a leader this young PG is. Taylen is also a very intelligent hoops player. In the fall Ashley is an All-State football player. This season he is at Sioux Falls Jefferson at the new school. They are 1-2 on the year, but they are a very young team and will only be improving. Make sure you make time to watch this playmaking point guard.
Trey Brandt Trey Brandt 6'1" | PG Beulah | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-1 PG| Beulah
He is the best point guard in Class B North Dakota. Brandt has committed to Minot State for basketball. Brandt is a gamer and a clutch performer. He has all the tools and he can score from anywhere on the court. His pull-up jumper and floater are some of the best around. Brandt has a high IQ and he makes others around him better. The Miners have only played one game and they lost to #1 Four Winds. In his one game, Trey had 29 pts, 4 reb, 5 last. You have to see him play. Brandt will likely be a Mr. Basketball finalist by the end of the season.
Treysen Eaglestaff Treysen Eaglestaff 6'5" | SF Bismark | 2022 State ND (2022) |6-5 SF| Bismarck
He might be the most skilled and gifted offensive player in all of North Dakota. Eaglestaff has committed to UND for basketball. Last year Trey was an All-WDA and an All-State player. His jump shot is as good as I have seen and his feel for the game is on another level. The Demons are 4-0 and ranked #3 in Class A. So far Trey is averaging 32.5 ppg, 8.5 rpb, 6.5 apg. He is also shooting a ridiculous 42.6% from beyond the arc! If you have not watched him play then you are missing out in a big way!