AAU Preview: Sanford ND 16U Black

Emily Dietz is leading this talented squad this AAU season. The team has a nice mix of guard and post play partnered with grit and determination. Their effort alone will lead them to many victories.    The quality Valley City point guard brings a calm demeanor to the court and is one of many excellent ball-handlers on this 16U team. Kinslee is level-headed in her decision making and doesn't force up bad shots. She is a pass-first guard, something that is very valuable on good AAU teams. This doesn't mean that Glandt can't shoot the rock. In fact, she has a very fundamentally sound shooting form. She steps into her shots with rhythm and hands ready on the pass. She gets nice lift and holds her follow-through. She is on the verge of a breakout season in 26-27.     Evalyn is a guard that has potential to shine this AAU season. Coach Dietz describes her as someone who plays bigger than her size. She is a solid 5'8 but can defend bigger opponents due to her impressive strength. She is an excellent rebounding guard and can grab defensive rebounds and start the fastbreak herself. She uses her strength on the offensive side as well. She is fearless going to the basket and attacking smaller defenders for buckets at the rim. She is a patient player and eager to improve as a basketball player.     I have a PSA for NDSU, UND, SDSU, USD, St. Thomas, Montana, and Montana State: take a look at [player_tooltip player_id='1004419' first='Siera' last='Nipstad']. She is certainly a Division 2 guard and these regional Division 1 schools should see if she can fit in with their 2028 recruiting class. She helped lead a young and inexperienced team to the state tournament in 2026. She is an efficient scoring machine, already sitting at 1693 points heading into her junior season. She finished this past season averaging 26.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 6.1 steals per game. She shot 68% from inside the arc, and 35% from deep. Her height, frame, efficiency, shooting ability, and experience as a young leader make her one of the top ranked players in the 2028 class.     Talley is one of Dietz's best shooters and someone she immediately gave the green light to shoot. She is a trusted decision maker with her shot selection and has connected on a bunch of shots early on in the season. Her quick release is a great quality to have as well. Kaelynn is a coachable athlete with great listening skills. Coach Dietz has also noticed how good of a teammate she is. She is a pest defensively due to her quickness and speed. Talley played some varsity minutes this past season and is going to be fighting for more time next season on a talented [program_tooltip program_id='712656' first='Mandan' last=''] team.     Fautsch is one of my favorite post players to watch. Her fundamentals are some of the best in the state. She is excellent at sealing up the lane and has great hands. She catches nearly every pass thrown her way and has a soft touch around the hoop. She is good in the pick-and-roll and can catch and finish on the move. She rebounds the ball well and is capable of a double-double each night. Her experience playing in big playoff environments is another quality college coaches will appreciate.     This should be a team that doesn't turn the ball over very often. Sierra is yet another high caliber point guard who can really handle the ball. She is a smaller guard but has tremendous strength and athleticism. She uses her frame well to keep the ball protected and makes great decisions when she passes. Her quick first step allows her to blow by defenders and get to the basket for scoring opportunities or kicks to open teammates. Sierra is a capable three-point shooter herself, finishing 25-26 shooting just under 31%. She can be a quality college player with continued work on her outside shooting.     Gust is a gritty and hard-nosed player. Her tremendous effort is on full display the second the clock starts. She shines on the defensive end. Her length and athleticism makes it really difficult for opponents to get past her and score. She alters shots and defends without fouling. I like her potential as a rebounder. I think she could become really effective at rebounding and leading the break herself. She has the tools on the offensive end to be really good as well. Addyson could be an All-EDC player and regional college recruit with continued effort in the gym.     Braylee is an intriguing young prospect that only played in 10 games this season for the Jamestown Blue Jays. I anticipate her becoming a big time player in 2026-2027. She is on a good AAU team with a quality coach who is going to push her to improve. Serfoss has the frame of a college guard. She is 5'9 with very long arms. Her strength and definition stands out over other players her age. She can attack downhill with a very quick first step. She rises above opponents near the rim with an impressive vertical. Coach Dietz appreciates Braylee's defense. She utilizes those long arms to be a tough and disruptive defender.

Emily Dietz is leading this talented squad this AAU season. The team has a nice mix of guard and post play partnered with grit and determination. Their effort alone will lead them to many victories.