Here is my list of top players in Region 1. I think it is a stronger group than last seasons. I have included 6 that just missed my top 15. I could make an argument that any of those 6 could be placed at 14 or 15 on my list. I would struggle making a case for any of them higher than that. Please take a look at my list and let me known where you think I am wrong. I'll let you know why I went a certain way, or you may change me mind.
1. Jake Hanson (sr) MNS- 1000+ points and didn’t play varsity as a freshman. Not only top athlete in the region but hardest competitor. Best pg in the state.
2. Logan Nelson (sr) NC- Superior shooter, great length for a guard (6’3” and still growing), and possesses skills that are very uncommon for a player over six foot tall. May have most college potential among all Class B players in the state, including Carr.
3. Cody Mauch (sr) Hankinson- Best big in the state, not region. Athletically he is incredibly gifted and skilled as well. If he loved basketball and put the time in that Hanson, Nelson, or Lindgren did, he would be #1 in the region.
4. Peter Lindgren (sr) Enderlin- at about 6’4” he is a standout physically alone. But, he has put in the time and can do everything from playing the point (well, not just getting by) to posting up against quality post defenders. He may score 30+ ppg this year.
5. Brock Benson (sr) Kindred- Brock is the best player on one of the not only best coached but best teams in the region. The confidence that Brock should have after a standout senior season of football should really carry over to the hardwood.
6. Nick Nelson (sr) NC- Nick plays a back seat roll to Logan, but he is one of the top players in the region. He is unselfish, top notch defender, makes good decisions with the ball, and is a clutch player regardless of sport.
7. Bryce Bakkegard(sr) OG- Very good shooter with size and experience. I think he settles for 3’s to often. If he put it on the floor and drove more often, he would be much harder to defend.
8. Nick Mauch (sr) Hankinson- Very good ball handler and defender. If he would shoot the ball more, he would be among the best guards in the state.
9. Michael Ueland (sr) CC- Smooth post player with a soft touch. Very light feet for a player his size. I think he will put up BIG numbers as I feel his team will slow the pace and look to the post more than in recent seasons, as they will not have as strong of a backcourt as in the recent past.
10. Ethan Lingen (sr) Kindred- I put Ethan here because of his athleticism, length, and confidence. Ethan had a wonderful FB season leading Kindred to the title game as their qb. Above average shooter.
11. Jimmy Slagle (sr) OG- strong dependable ball handler, decision maker, and defender for one of the top teams in the region. Jimmy runs things well, but steps up when things are tight, in whatever capacity the team needs.
12. Alex Wisnewski (sr) WL- I am very curious to see what Alex’s role will be this season. He has played a lot of point for them in the past. I think he is their best ball handler, offensive post player, and passer. He isn’t super quick and doesn’t have great size (around six foot), but I think he is clearly the best player on a team that should finish in the top half of the region.
13. Garrett Prante (sr) CC- He plays good defense, works harder than most and has been efficient offensively, although his offensive role has been a bit limited due to past returners. I think people will take notice and see just how nice of a player Garrett is this season.
14. Hunter Smith (jr) MV- Hunter is not just a good athlete, he is put together pretty well. Last year I felt he was a little up and down on the offensive end, but that was really seemed to be the case with his team as a whole (and he was just a sophomore). This summer I saw improvements in his game in both skill and physically.
15. Andrew Christianson (jr) OG- Shot well from 3 last season and was 0.2 points a game away from leading the Grover’s in scoring last year. Should improve quite a bit from sophomore season physically and mentally as a player.
Just missing my top 15, in no particular order….
Brant Bohmert (sr) NC, Marcus Jensen (jr) NC, Drew Asche (sr) MNS, Adam Sacry (sr) MNS, Devon Foster (sr) OG, Micah Christensen (so) Tri Co.
****Edit**** I need to also add Cooper Lingen (sr) Richland into the "just missing my top 15 list.