24 Standout AAU Players
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This is the 4th and final take on our “Noteworthy AAU Players” article. These twenty-four players have either been tearing it up all AAU season or they have been coming on hot as of late. Look below for comments/info/details on…
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Continue ReadingThis is the 4th and final take on our “Noteworthy AAU Players” article. These twenty-four players have either been tearing it up all AAU season or they have been coming on hot as of late. Look below for comments/info/details on the ballers.
STANDOUTS in AAU
Alex Wheelock Alex Wheelock 5'11" | PG Fargo Shanley | 2023 State ND |5’11 PG| Next Level Basketball Academy 17U
He has recently stepped up his point and assist production. The smooth PG from Shanley has been playing on a different level lately. Alex led NLBA to an undefeated 5-0 record and a tournament championship last weekend in Sioux Falls. Wheelock is a quick and hardworking lead guard. Alex can knock them down from beyond the arc. I will be checking out his 9:10 game on Friday night at the PH Hard Work Region Finals. Wheelock and NLBA will be fighting for an opening-round win in a stacked bracket. Get ready for a big Friday night from the Shanley PG.
Bennett Larson Bennett Larson 6'7" | C Stanley | 2026 State ND |6’6 PF| Impact Basketball 14U
I saw him play at the NHR State Tournament and Larson is a complete DUDE. He was playing up an age group and he was still the most physical and aggressive player on the court. His ball screen D was noteworthy and very impressive for his youth and size. Larson plays with a high motor and he scores with a soft touch around the rim. I love the way he sprints the floor and how he draws contact to get to the line. When it comes to rebounding, this kid will go through a wall to get his hands on the ball! If he works hard in the weight room and develops his skill, Larson will be a dominant force for Beulah. North Dakota basketball fans should get used to the name Bennett Larson Bennett Larson 6'7" | C Stanley | 2026 State ND !
Boston Cranston Boston Cranston 6'0" | PG Dickinson | 2026 State ND |5’8 G| ND Attack 14U West
He has great handles and is extremely quick with the ball in his hands. Boston is a lefty and he attacks both ways with ease. Cranston plays with a high IQ and he is creative with how he gets to the hoop. Boston sees the floor well with great court vision. He has a knack for finding the open man in a timely manner. He can also play sticky on-ball defense. Cranston has a bright-looking future at Dickinson.
Braxten Ruff Braxten Ruff 5'8" | SG Bismarck Legacy | 2026 State ND |5’5 G| Impact Basketball 14U
He is a very skilled point guard for Impact. Ruff has a high basketball IQ for his young age and knows the game inside and out. He thrives at setting up his teammates for good looks. He also does his fair share of scoring the rock. Braxten is excellent at running the offense and he is a vocal leader.
Brayden Blikre Brayden Blikre 5'11" | SF Minot North | 2026 State ND |5’10 SF| ND Attack 14U West
The Minot kid has unlimited potential when it comes to hoops. At times, it seems like Brayden does not realize how gifted he is as an athlete. On defense, he can match up with anyone and he gets the job done. Blikre’s offensive game has really improved this year and he can play any position 2-5. His versatility is a coach’s dream and it makes him a tough matchup for opposing teams. Brayden is a playmaker for ND Attack.
Braylen Schirado Braylen Schirado 6'0" | CG Beulah | 2026 State ND |5’10 G| Impact Basketball 14U
He has a very high IQ with a sweet stroke from beyond the arc. Braylen put up points from every level. Like every other player at his age, Schirado needs to put work in with the weights and keep honing his craft. The table is set and he has all the tools to be a special player. Schirado and Larson are going to be a scary 2-headed monster for the Miners in no time! Coach Brandt must be licking his chops when he watches these two young studs.
Camden Kraemer Camden Kraemer 5'10" | CG Bismarck Century | 2026 State ND |5’6 G| Impact Basketball 14U
He has actually missed the entire AAU season due to an injury but we still wanted to get this young player some love. When healthy, he is likely one of the most skilled players in the state for his age group. Camden scores and creates space from all three levels. He is also a great leader. Before the injury, Camden was hitting his stride in traveling basketball and in school hoops. As he gets bigger and hits his growth spurt, Kraemer is going to be a force in high school ball.
Carson Quam Carson Quam 6'0" | SF Shiloh Christian | 2026 State ND |5’10 G/F| Impact Basketball 14U
He is one of the hardest workers on the Impact team. Quam lives in the weight room and he always gives 100% effort on the hardwood. Carson is the best and most consistent defender on Impact. It does not matter the score of the game, he is going to try and outwork his matchup. He has been doing a nice job on offense with scoring the ball. Quam is consistently scoring 10-15 points per game.
Carter Rahn Carter Rahn 6'3" | PF West Fargo | 2025 State ND |6’3 F| Next Level Basketball Academy 15U
Lately, Carter has had a great post presence on the defensive side of the ball. He has done a solid job rebounding offensively and Carter has shown that he can finish around the rim. Rahn is physical around the basket with seals/pins and he catches well. He seems to have good hands and he finishes with a nice jump hook.
Damon Opdahl Damon Opdahl 6'0" | PG Waubay/Summit | 2023 State SD |6’0 G| Sacred Hoops 17U Branco
He is a super smooth and patient guard that is efficient with everything that he does. Damon takes his time finding open spots on dribble drives and he is smart with how he reacts to the defense. Opdahl is a willing passer with a great ability at finding the open man. He has a nice stroke from the outside. Waubay is going to be tough this winter with Opdahl leading the charge.
Dean Grant Dean Grant 6'4" | SG Fargo South | 2023 State ND |6’4 SF| ECI 17U Selects Sorby
He is a serious three-point shooter with size and athleticism. Grant played well this past weekend in Kansas City. Dean shot it hot from deep and he put up points in transition. While in KC, Grant was also productive rebounding on both ends of the floor. Dean offers intriguing flexibility as a 3&D wing and a small-ball 4 at the next level.
DJ Smith |6’3 G| Next Level Basketball Academy 16U
He had a game last tournament where he hit a season-high SEVEN 3-pointers. The Moorhead Spud was smoking HOT from deep. At 6’3”, strong, and skilled, Smith is a tough matchup for opposing guards. DJ has a sweet pull-up and a soft touch. I love how he penetrates into the paint and uses his strength/size to create separation. When he gets enough space, DJ pulls up for a short jumper or finishes with creativity at the rim. Get ready for a big weekend from Smith at the Finals in Minneapolis.
Dylan Glasser Dylan Glasser 6'0" | SG Dickinson | 2026 State ND |5’10 G| ND Attack 14U West
He steps up when his team needs him in big moments. Glasser is a clutch player. He has a good outside shot, can handle the ball, and is a long defender that is able to disrupt the opponent’s shots and passes. Dylan is a well-put-together combo-guard that gets it done on both sides of the ball. With him being a coach’s kid, Glasser is around hoops constantly and he is a natural baller.
Gabe Allmaras Gabe Allmaras 6'4" | PF Harvey/Wells County | 2023 State ND |6’4 F| ECI 17U Selects Sorby
He has been playing well as of late. With every tournament, Gabe becomes more and more comfortable. This is his first year playing AAU hoops but things are going well for Mr. Allmaras. He has been a killer on the offensive glass and he cleans up on the defensive side of the boards. Allmaras plays with a high motor and can play both in and out. He offers flexibility as a 4-man or a small-ball 5 at the next level.
Isaac Beauchamp Isaac Beauchamp 6'1" | PG Shanley | 2025 State ND |5’10 PG| Next Level Basketball Academy 15U
He recently lead his team to a perfect 5-0 record and a tournament championship last weekend in South Dakota! He has been a true catalyst on both ends of the court this season for his NLBA. Isaac impressed me earlier this summer on the Prep Hoops Circuit. He strikes me as a serious shooting threat and a natural scorer. He plays with PG instincts and he is a facilitator. Beauchamp is set to play at the PH Finals this weekend and I am sure he will be performing at the top of his game.
Jay Wanzek Jay Wanzek 6'7" | PF Shiloh Christian | 2023 State ND |6’6 PF| ECI 17U Selects Sorby
The BIG from Shiloh Christian recently had an excellent showing at the Great Plains Alliance in St. Cloud. Wanzek was doing a ton of damage in the paint. This resulted in him constantly being double and triple-teamed. When Wanzek draws that much attention it creates opportunities for his teammates. Jay is not just an interior player. He can also shoot the lights out from the perimeter. In June, I watched Wanzek and he was shooting unconsciously from beyond the arc. Wanzek is going to be an absolute beast this winter for Shiloh.
Kolby FastHorse Kolby FastHorse 6'3" | PF Dickinson | 2026 State ND |6’2 PF| ND Attack 14U West
He is athletic and has good footwork around the basket. Kolby handles the ball well for a post player and is a good passer out of the post. Everyone loves playing with a post that passes! Kolby has shot-blocking ability and quick hands. Fast Horse provides a physical post presence for ND Attack. He is relentless on the glass and he patrols the paint on defense.
Levi Rossman Levi Rossman 5'10" | SG West Fargo | 2023 ND |5’10 G| Next Level Basketball Academy 17U
The WF Packer has proved himself as one of the most reliable & potent catch-n-shoot players on the NLBA roster. Levi has been a knockdown shooter all AAU season. Rossman man has drilled some monster three-pointers in crucial moments this summer. NLBA will need Levi’s shooting this weekend. I am excited to watch Rossman cash in the triples on Friday night!
Owen Hoyme Owen Hoyme 6'1" | SG Kindred | 2024 ND |6’0 SG| Next Level Basketball Academy 16U
The Viking has really become a reliable perimeter defender for NLBA. Hoyme plays scrappy and he communicates amazingly well on the defensive end. On the offensive end, Owen finishes well in transition and he can knock down 3-balls. I have witnessed Hoyme shoot it very well from beyond the arc he can be an impact player from deep. Throughout the AAU season, Hoyme has been impressive creating for himself and for his teammates.
Rocklin Beaudrie Rocklin Beaudrie 5'10" | CG Westshope/Newburg | 2026 State ND |5’8 G| ND Attack 14U West
He is a defensive spark plug and a thorn in the side of ball handlers. Rocklin is quick/speedy, he slides well and keeps his man in front of him. Beaudrie has a high basketball IQ and is not afraid to sacrifice his body. He is a team player that took many charges throughout the AAU season. Keep track of Rocklin and the Westhope/Newburg Sioux!
Tate Grossman Tate Grossman 6'4" | SG Harvey/Wells County | 2023 State ND |6’4 SG| North Dakota Phenom 17U
He has started to find his way with ND Phenom. This season Grossman was new to the squad but he quickly gelled with his talented teammates. Grossman has started to use his big body/frame effectively. He has been finishing at the rim and is knocking down triples at a nice clip. Tate’s assertiveness has been impacting games. His size and athleticism allow him to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. He standouts as an athlete. When I have watched this AAU season, Tate does the little things to help his team and he looked good shooting from beyond the arc.
Will Voglewede Will Voglewede 5'7" | SG Bismarck Century | 2026 State ND |5’7 G| Impact Basketball 14U
He is a high-motor athlete that gives 100% all game/every game. Will is a thief on defense, he has been averaging almost 2 steals per game. He is very coachable and will do whatever is asked of him. Voglewede is a team-first player. He has a bright future and great potential to be a serious high school player.
William Ware William Ware 6'7" | SF Bismarck Century | 2023 State ND |6’7 SF| North Dakota Phenom 17U
He has come on as of late. William has steadily improved over the summer. Just like on his high school team, Ware takes on the toughest defensive assignment. William’s athleticism allows him to guard 1-4. On offense, Ware has contributed with timely slash & scores. His offensive rebounding is always appreciated. Ware is the definition of solid. He guards, rebounds, hits shots, and he does the little things that contribute to wins.
Xander Hanson Xander Hanson 5'11" | SG Bismarck Century | 2026 State ND |5’10 G| Impact Basketball 14U
He is one of the most athletic players in the North Dakota class of 2026. Hanson is skilled defensively and he has the potential to be a lockdown defender. He gets buckets from every level and has an always improving skills package. Xander is an intriguing prospect with loads of exciting potential.