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<p>First impressions matter. So do second and third viewings of any prospect. That's why Sunday's Prep Girls Hoops Dakota Expo was so valuable from a scout's perspective. Team 5 is a great example. From our introductory view of a 9<sup>th</sup> grader from North Dakota who made a great first impression to three South Dakota prospects who've improved every time we've watched, we learned a lot.</p>
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<p>North Dakota scout Alan Olsen and I were on hand at the Impact Sport Center evaluating the players. Each of us has published two team evaluations – I had Team 1 and Team 2, Alan did Team 3 and Team 4 – and now we bring you our thoughts on four standouts from Team 5.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Serfoss was one of Sunday's most pleasant surprises. We knew nothing about the 5'8 freshman from Jamestown, ND beforehand, but she quickly caught our attention and kept revealing new dimensions to her game as the day progressed. Early on, Kiera (pictured above) created just enough space to launch a beautiful step-back three – a textbook delivery that splashed through the cylinder as planned. Later, she demonstrated deceptive quickness, lulling defenders into relaxation mode before exploding past them to finish at the rim. Serfoss moves exceptionally well, makes intelligent cuts and possesses the court vision to recognize opportunities as they develop. Her strong athletic frame, impressive elevation and smooth movements reflect her early accomplishments as a track and field athlete. The younger sister of 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1247734' first='Braylee' last='Serfoss'], who also had a nice day at the Expo, Kiera departed having established herself as a prospect with a ton of upside.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Helgeson was everywhere at the Dakotas Expo, playing with the kind of relentless energy that allows a talented player to squeeze every ounce of production from her God-given abilities. The 5'7 guard from Brandon Valley is a dynamic competitor with a strong, athletic build and plenty of bounce. Her catch-and-shoot jumper was particularly impressive, delivered with a smooth, confident stroke. I loved how Brooklyn followed her shot, cashing in by turning second chances into points through sheer effort. Helgeson combines that tremendous motor with an advanced offensive skill set, capable of scoring at all three levels while making intelligent decisions with the basketball. She plays with composure, absorbs contact and competes fiercely defensively. Bottom line: We love the way Brooklyn plays basketball.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">Backes brought her customary combination of toughness, intelligence and relentless energy to Sunday's Expo. The 5'8 guard from Sioux Falls O'Gorman plays with zero fear, attacking the basket with a quick burst of speed while displaying the confidence to pull up and knock down perimeter shots. London is equally effective as the primary ball handler running the offense or playing off the ball. She's a terrific passer who anticipates openings and delivers the basketball precisely when and where teammates need it. Her change of pace, quality handles and composure under pressure make London difficult to contain. Defensively, Backes is equally impressive, applying aggressive pressure while maintaining position and avoiding unnecessary fouls. A proven clutch performer for O'Gorman, she's a natural leader who knows how to compete.</p>
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<p class="text-gray-700">DeJong is a coach's kid, and it shows in the way she approaches the game. The 5'8 Sioux Falls Christian freshman brings an advanced understanding of positioning, spacing and decision-making that allows her to contribute in multiple roles. She possesses a smooth perimeter stroke but is equally capable of attacking the basket, using her strength and improving ballhandling to create scoring opportunities off the bounce. Nora moves intelligently without the basketball, makes purposeful cuts and recognizes when to deliver a pass rather than force a shot. Her physical maturity and lateral mobility also make her a versatile defender who can handle different assignments. Fundamentally sound and increasingly confident, DeJong has the foundation to develop into a strong next-level prospect.</p>
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First impressions matter. So do second and third viewings of any prospect. That's why Sunday's Prep Girls Hoops Dakota Expo was so valuable from a scout's perspective. Team 5 is a great example. From our introductory view of a 9th grader from North Dakota who made a great first impression to three South Dakota prospects who've improved every time we've watched, we learned a lot.
North Dakota scout Alan Olsen and I were on hand at the Impact Sport Center evaluating the players. Each of us has published two team evaluations – I had Team 1 and Team 2, Alan did Team 3 and Team 4 – and now we bring you our thoughts on four standouts from Team 5.
Serfoss was one of Sunday's most pleasant surprises. We knew nothing about the 5'8 freshman from Jamestown, ND beforehand, but she quickly caught our attention and kept revealing new dimensions to her game as the day progressed. Early on, Kiera (pictured above) created just enough space to launch a beautiful step-back three – a textbook delivery that splashed through the cylinder as planned. Later, she demonstrated deceptive quickness, lulling defenders into relaxation mode before exploding past them to finish at the rim. Serfoss moves exceptionally well, makes intelligent cuts and possesses the court vision to recognize opportunities as they develop. Her strong athletic frame, impressive elevation and smooth movements reflect her early accomplishments as a track and field athlete. The younger sister of 2028 Braylee SerfossBrayleeSerfoss
5'10" | PG/SF
Jamestown | 2028 StateND
, who also had a nice day at the Expo, Kiera departed having established herself as a prospect with a ton of upside.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Helgeson was everywhere at the Dakotas Expo, playing with the kind of relentless energy that allows a talented player to squeeze every ounce of production from her God-given abilities. The 5'7 guard from Brandon Valley is a dynamic competitor with a strong, athletic build and plenty of bounce. Her catch-and-shoot jumper was particularly impressive, delivered with a smooth, confident stroke. I loved how Brooklyn followed her shot, cashing in by turning second chances into points through sheer effort. Helgeson combines that tremendous motor with an advanced offensive skill set, capable of scoring at all three levels while making intelligent decisions with the basketball. She plays with composure, absorbs contact and competes fiercely defensively. Bottom line: We love the way Brooklyn plays basketball.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
Backes brought her customary combination of toughness, intelligence and relentless energy to Sunday's Expo. The 5'8 guard from Sioux Falls O'Gorman plays with zero fear, attacking the basket with a quick burst of speed while displaying the confidence to pull up and knock down perimeter shots. London is equally effective as the primary ball handler running the offense or playing off the ball. She's a terrific passer who anticipates openings and delivers the basketball precisely when and where teammates need it. Her change of pace, quality handles and composure under pressure make London difficult to contain. Defensively, Backes is equally impressive, applying aggressive pressure while maintaining position and avoiding unnecessary fouls. A proven clutch performer for O'Gorman, she's a natural leader who knows how to compete.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
DeJong is a coach's kid, and it shows in the way she approaches the game. The 5'8 Sioux Falls Christian freshman brings an advanced understanding of positioning, spacing and decision-making that allows her to contribute in multiple roles. She possesses a smooth perimeter stroke but is equally capable of attacking the basket, using her strength and improving ballhandling to create scoring opportunities off the bounce. Nora moves intelligently without the basketball, makes purposeful cuts and recognizes when to deliver a pass rather than force a shot. Her physical maturity and lateral mobility also make her a versatile defender who can handle different assignments. Fundamentally sound and increasingly confident, DeJong has the foundation to develop into a strong next-level prospect.
Evaluations are normally subscriber-only but when an athlete subscribes, theirs becomes free for all readers.
Subscribing doesn't change who the Scout covers, it changes who gets to see it.
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Braylee
Serfoss
5'10" | PG/SF
Jamestown | 2028
State
ND
, who also had a nice day at the Expo, Kiera departed having established herself as a prospect with a ton of upside.
